HD Satellite Television

   Copy Protection | DISH Network

We have made changes to our content protection policies that may impact your access to move some HBO and Cinemax events to your PocketDISH.  Once these events are moved to your PocketDISH, they will no longer be available to view from your hard drive on your receiver. If these policies apply to the content you wish to copy, you will be advised by a pop-up at the time of download.

What is Copy Protection?

Copy Protection, HDCP, is an industry standard that allows program providers the ability to prevent their digital (and some analog) content from being improperly copied. It operates like a smart lock-and-key system. Think of it like this…. If you owned a movie studio and someone could download, copy and sell a perfect copy of your movie would you be happy?? Probably not!!

What is meant by ‘only one copy’?

When a program has HDCP you will still able to make one copy (analog or digital) of a program that airs but, you will not be able to then further duplicate that copy. For example, if you have a DISH Network DVR you can record a show but you would not be able to then record that same show to a DVD recorder. You could however “move” this copy to a PocketDISH, meaning the show would move from the DVR hard drive to the hard drive in the PocketDISH, once moved the show would no longer be available on the DVR.

Can I record directly to a DVD recorder if I have already recorded a show on my DVR?

Yes. 1 copy would be allowed for a show protected with HDCP. The recorder would of course need to be HDCP compatible and the show would no longer be available on the DVR hard drive.

What is (and is not) legal to do with recorded programming?

The laws are complex, however there is a distinction between broadcast and non-broadcast programming. Broadcast networks (i.e. NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and PBS) are required to allow for a single copy of broadcast programming so that a consumer has the ability to record a show and watch it at a different time than when it originally aired. The law also allows non-broadcast networks to decide what copy rights they wish to extend customers.

How does HDCP impact recording?

Simple answer… it really doesn’t for the VAST majority of our customers. HDCP is a type of encryption, a smart lock-and-key system that works with HDMI or DVI connections. HDMI or DVI connections provide a digital link between a consumer electronics device like your HD satellite receiver and an HDTV.  So if everything is hooked up properly and you are simply watching what you record to your DVR, you won’t notice a thing!

Will all recordings on the DVR be lost if the receiver is replaced?

Recordings on a DVR that do not have Copy Protection can still be recorded to a backup source before the receiver is replaced. Only recordings with Copy Protection will not be allowed to be re-recorded for backup. If you own PocketDISH you could also move your recordings to that device. Once moved they can not be moved back to a DVR.

Why won’t DISH Network be refunding my money for my PocketDISH for something like this?

You will still be able to view programming on the PocketDISH and on your TV. Simply connect the analog cable (included with your PocketDISH at the time of purchase) to your TV to view programming in full resolution.

Why did this happen?

As you may know, piracy has become a global issue in the movie industry.  In an effort to improve the security of movies on DISH Network, we have recently added some copy protection to HBO and Cinemax services. 

Will customers know that the program is a one copy program? 

At this time only content on HBO and Cinemax is “protected”. There will be no special way to tell if any one particular show is using HDCP until a recording is attempted.

Is this change short-term or long-term?

This is a permanent change on our service and is currently in place on some cable platforms as well.

Why didn’t you notify me ahead of time?

 Information regarding this change was communicated as soon as the effective date was confirmed.

Why is some of my HBO and Cinemax content still able to be copied to my PocketDISH and also remain on my receiver hard drive?

We recently implemented software changes, so content on the receiver hard drive prior to this release will not be impacted by the Copy Protection changes.

Why can I no longer copy my HBO and Cinemax programs from my DVR to an external recorder?

The new Copy Protection technology allows this content to be moved but not copied.  You should contact your equipment manufacturer to be sure your equipment is set up and operating properly.