HD Freeview viewing restricted to certain set-tops

UK communications regulator Ofcom has agreed to a BBC proposal that allows it to restrict the electronic programme guide information for its programming to certain set-top boxes.

The UK public broadcaster wants to hold back EPG information from high-definition set-tops that do not have the content management technology that it claims allow it to prevent the unauthorised copying of programmes and their retransmission over the internet.

Ofcom said the BBC can restrict the EPG data it makes available on the conditions that the license that equipment manufacturers need is provided free of charge and that EPG information is withheld only to protect against unauthorised copying and for no other reason.