ME firmwares are intel signed arbitrary code. It implements HDCP in intel integrated gpu and is part of protected media part. There are lots of criticism of ME (and I personally think anything except bootguard isn't useful in end user devices) and DRM is a horrible one.
Like anything else streaming services relies on market size. They'll use abusive measures like DRM only when most of consumer base can run it. I don't think most x86 users have discrete gpu and things like ME and trusty widevine app are making hardware DRM viable.
(idk if amd PSP works the same).
OTOH some people are seeing the silverlining that users will switch to linux due to tpm requirement in windows and soon cancel netflix when highest it gives is 720p. IMO the opposite will happen, those who even bother will see netflix doesn't work and switch back to windows and apply the script kiddy level tpm bypass.
We often forget in these discussions that people don't know and care if they're being treated as potential thieves, or that hardware DRM on 'premium quality' content is saving streaming business. At least 1080p is available in pirate sites for almost all contents and even for many pirated contents have higher quality than low bit rate streams. If everyone watching at 1080p cancels subscription tomorrow the charges for others will rise sky high to keep the parasites aka shareholders happy. Similarly music DRM never works but see at spotify.
People. don't. care.
(anon cause openid creds nog synced to this phone).
Power management, mobile and firmware developer on Linux. Security developer at Aurora. Ex-biologist. mjg59 on Twitter. Content here should not be interpreted as the opinion of my employer. Also on Mastodon.
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Intel me is tee and supports DRM
Date: 2025-02-05 08:01 pm (UTC)Like anything else streaming services relies on market size. They'll use abusive measures like DRM only when most of consumer base can run it. I don't think most x86 users have discrete gpu and things like ME and trusty widevine app are making hardware DRM viable.
(idk if amd PSP works the same).
OTOH some people are seeing the silverlining that users will switch to linux due to tpm requirement in windows and soon cancel netflix when highest it gives is 720p. IMO the opposite will happen, those who even bother will see netflix doesn't work and switch back to windows and apply the script kiddy level tpm bypass.
We often forget in these discussions that people don't know and care if they're being treated as potential thieves, or that hardware DRM on 'premium quality' content is saving streaming business. At least 1080p is available in pirate sites for almost all contents and even for many pirated contents have higher quality than low bit rate streams. If everyone watching at 1080p cancels subscription tomorrow the charges for others will rise sky high to keep the parasites aka shareholders happy. Similarly music DRM never works but see at spotify.
People. don't. care.
(anon cause openid creds nog synced to this phone).