Over the past two weeks, we examined the joint issues of the Analog Sunset, and the Image Constraint Token specification in Blu-ray's Advanced Access Content System. In the first instalment, we discussed what they are, what they mean for the CE industry in general and the custom installation channel in particular. Last week, we took a look at the technological side, and explored possible solutions for integrators to adopt for their clients.

This week, in the third and final instalment of the series, we had hoped to hear from the movie studios themselves. The questions that were posed to Sony, Universal, Fox, Paramount and Warner were: after January 1, 2011, what plans do they have to make use of the ICT? Will it be enabled on some or all Blu-ray discs? If the former, what standards will determine which movies have the ICT enabled and which won't?

The silence in response was deafening. Despite a couple of weeks of hounding the studios' Canadian PR representatives, none of them were forthcoming with their official positions on utilizing the ICT.

Given this absolute lack of feedback from the studios, any suggestion of whether or not any of them will make use of the ICT next year remains in the realm of speculation. What we can say, however, is that the lack of transparency on the subject from the movie studios doesn't help to dispel the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that consumers and custom installers may feel about the subject.

What's more, I also endeavoured to seek the opinions of a couple of prominent experts on Canadian technology and copyright law. At least for now, none are prepared to offer a legal opinion on where ICT stands in the framework of the Canada Copyright Act.

A disappointing result, certainly, and I know not what readers were hoping for. At least for now, all we can know for certain is that the story surround ICT and the Analog Sunset will continue to develop as the year progresses.

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