Chalk one up for the MPAA, as they have convinced the FCC to waive its ban on selectable output control; which means that if you happen to have your HDTV connected via component cables to get your HD signal you are likely to see signals that come across this way disappear, as cable companies will be forces to plug the analog hole in the name of Internet piracy.

While it obvious that Hollywood is targeting new movies and content, the move does make the need for HDMI connections going forward a necessity. Those early adopters with HD sets that do not support HDMI could be facing a future with less than they are able to get. Going forward, Hollywood is making sure that everything is protected with DRM and getting rid of analog connections is a big part of the strategy moving forward.

Many analysts are already worried that the decision could set a dangerous precedent going forward, and it shows that the FCC isn’t necessary against the restriction of consumer rights when it conflicts with what the studios want. The bigger result could be for early adopters who once again find that the equipment they have purchased has been made obsolete by a decision that they were unaware of when they made the purchase.