The powers that be. Ever wonder about that phrase? Who are those powers? Unfortunately if you live in the world of HDTV, “the powers” end up being Hollywood studios, and their enforcer is AACS.

Remember that “interim” agreement a while ago that allowed manufacturers to go ahead and start making BD and HD DVD players? You had to wonder what the difference between “interim” and “final” would be, right? I did. Well I finally found out.

“Interim” means that you can’t have managed copy. There are also other unspecified features that you’ll be lacking.

Bummer.

CDRinfo - Hardware Makers Face Decision on Next-Generation DVD License