Relaxing of digital TV copy restrictions to be delayed

The introduction of a new Dubbing 10 rule, which would increase the number of permissible reproductions of digital TV programs to devices such as DVDs to 10 from the current one, is expected to be delayed past its scheduled start date of June 2, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.

The Dubbing 10 start date will be put back because of objections by electronic appliance manufacturers that they will have to pay fees to copyright holders as compensation for the relaxation of restrictions.

A solution likely will be sought before the August start of the Beijing Olympics, an event expected to trigger an increase in programs being recorded.

Unlike analog broadcasts, the picture and sound quality of digital broadcasts does not deteriorate no matter how many copies are made. The current limit of one reproduction was put in place to protect copyrights.

But pressure from dissatisfied consumers prompted the Information and Communications Council--an advisory body to the internal affairs and communications minister--to ease restrictions last summer to allow copying up to 10 times.