zaq,
What is haldol?

To all,
There may come a day when Sony tries to install an autoplay corruption or (more likely) pulls firmware upgrade B*ll Sh*t, that causes a conflict with backing up our legally purchased Sony movie DVDs, similar to phr111's first posted conclusion-assumption. But not yet. The experts would find out about it as fast as the Sony CD rootkit virus was discovered. It would be splashed all over the tech news forums an hour after discovery. And it would make the regurlar newspapers and TV news in a day. But I SURE do understand phr111's misplaced diagnosis of his problem. I despise Sony and personally boycot all Sony products.

I always wondered why Sony closed developement and manufacturing of it's own burner division and started re-bagging other brands under the Sony name. Japanese manufacturing companies align themselves in lateral alliances of cross-ownership and share holding in much the same way that ancient Samuai clans aligned themselves for power, control, wealth and dominance. Without knowlege of the Japanese business world, it is hard to tell who owns who or who influences the boards of directors of all these corporations. With all of Sony's money and influence, there may come a day when phr111's fears are indeed manifested. They could "recommend" that their lateral electronics partners (and pay-off their competitors) to include copy protection in the firmware upgrades rendering DVD burning usable for only non-Sony DVD's or file & backup based computer data. Then they could license and sell the technology to the other movie studios. Then, of course, they would try to payoff (this is called lobbying) American legislators to pass a law that requires such capabilities in all DVD burners sold in the USA, just like DVD and VHS players have such restrictions built in. Afterall, what is more profitable for Sony(?): Movie production interests or DVD burner sales?

One thing I don't understand is why a foriegn company is allowed to own or have interest in American Media? I thought we had laws against that to protect citizens and the American nation's "interests" and "values" from foreign propaganda slants? Just which senators or congressmen got the $graft$ that allowed our pal Sony to own a Hollywood movie business or to own interests in TV production or interest in American music in the USA? I've got no problem with Sony hawking TV's and electronics, etc (although I won't buy their stuff). But there are laws against foriegn ownership of American media. Can anyone explain that one to me?

Best regards,
Whisperer