BBC okay to use Huffman codes

Ofcom, the UK regulator, has granted the BBC to permission to restrict access to electronic programme guide data to HD DTT receivers that include content management technology.
In order to get this agreement Broadcasters on Multiplex B, operated by BBC Free to View Ltd and including ITV and Channel 4, gave the regulator confidential details of programming that would have been pulled from HD schedules if an effective content management technology were not put in place.
The protocol, known as the Huffman Tables regulates the number of recordings that viewers might be allowed to make to an external device. Several manufacturers of devices for the Freeview HD platform include the capability to record free-to-air content from free-to-air broadcasters onto an external USB drive. Huffman is already in place on Freesat and other platforms have their own content protection measures.
The objective is to control recordings and prevent its subsequent retransmission over the internet.
More details at item source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 21st June 2010