ITV HD refuses to play ball with Blu-ray recorder launch, still flags HD shows as Copy Never

ITV is refusing to play ball with Panasonic’s Blu-ray recorder launch. The commercial broadcaster is continuing to flag its limited HD output with Copy Never codes, which effectively prevent users of Panasonic’s new Blu-ray recorders from archiving its HD programming onto Blu-ray disc.
ITV’s stance is in stark contrast to the BBC, which is now flagging its HD content Copy Once, meaning a single dub from the player’s hard drive to disc is permitted.
HCC highlighted ITV’s non-compliance when we previewed the revolutionary Panasonic BD recorders back in April, but Panasonic’s Marketing Manager David Preece said he was optimistic that it could bring ITV onboard prior to the recorder launch. ‘We are talking with both ITV and Freesat about the issue, and are confident that ITV HD will move to Copy Once,’ he told HCC.

This has so far failed to happen, with top programming like The Royal and cop soap The Bill being the latest programme to frustrate users.
Freesat's HD lineup is expected to grow this year. But if other A-league channels also fail to support Blu-ray recording, the future of the technology in the UK must remain in doubt.
In Japan, where Blu-ray recorders have already ousted DVD recorders from retail shelves, all hi-def broadcasters allow their programming to be copied up to a maximum of eleven times.
UPDATE: Preece admits things have been slow to develop, but told HCC there are changes afoot: ‘ITV will continue to signal their channel in the SDT with Copy Never, but I'm happy to say that Freesat have been working with their EPG providers and they will be able to begin signalling some of their content in the EIT as Copy Once soon. They are now just waiting for confirmation of the date this will commence. Also they have confirmed that ITV commissions will be available as Copy Once in addition to the football.’

To read our review of the Panasonic DMP-BS850 click here.