"Major Variola \(ret\)" <mv@cdc.gov> wrote :

TV makers may face mandate on digital receivers Wed Jul 31, 9:17 AM ET

In an effort to jump-start the languid rollout of digital TV, federal regulators next week are expected to require all new TV sets to include digital receivers by 2006, say people familiar with the matter.

TV makers say the mandate would boost the price of a TV by about $200, dampening sales. Broadcasters, who have pushed for such a rule, dispute the figure. <snip> http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=711&ncid=738&e=8&u=/usatoday/2002> 0731/tc_usatoday/4320647

Lets see... they think they can require crap in TVs, in teleco equiptment... anyone still doubt they will try a power grab on the motherboard?

I have no doubt that they will try to screw the motherboard ( they are, after all, motherfuckers ) but I suspect it will turn out to be more difficult than they think to completely eradicate noncompliant devices. That is unless the new protocols that the administration wants require hw id fields and authentication before packets can be carried. Now that I think about it it could easily be like getting service to a cell phone only more so. Interestingly, wireless equipment could be used to make networks that are not part of the controlled net. Then of course those can be outlawed. It looks pretty grim.