Windows Vista Content Protection - Twenty Questions (and Answers) | In case you missed it, Microsoft replied to that great Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection with a good piece that summarized all of the information that has been out for the better part of a year.

It’s important to remember that everything talked about relates to copy protection systems that are already on the said media.  Your general HD content will not play at a reduced resolution, your SPDIF connection will not disabled while playing your favorite DVDs, etc.

What will happen is when you are playing a HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc with ICT set, your video will playback at a reduced resolution of 540p if you are not using a digital connection with HDCP.  Remember, this happens when you playback on Windows XP or on a standalone set-top player.  If is not specific to Windows Vista!  Everyone online is writing with a spin that it only relate to Windows Vista and Microsoft just wants to limit your viewing of content.  This couldn’t be more wrong, AACS (eg. The Hollywood studios) are what limit’s it.

Everything that happens in Windows Vista can/will also happen in your standalone player.  If you read someone trying to spin it the other way, they are flat out wrong.  Everything is about spinning it to support one side of the argument.  These people really want to attack the studios, I guess they haven’t figured that out yet.