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June 04, 2002

[FAQs]
Broadcast flag is not a watermark

Some recent press coverage of BPDG refers to the BPDG proposal as recommending a "watermark" in digital TV broadcasts. This is a misperception of the nature of the broadcast flag. (There is a distinct proposal called the "broadcast watermark" which was not discussed extensively within BPDG and is not part of the BPDG's published recommendations.)

A watermark is commingled directly with the signal it marks, and thereby alters the signal (ideally, in an imperceptible way). By contrast, the broadcast flag exists side-by-side with video content it marks.

If you're looking for terms to describe the broadcast flag, rather than "watermark", you might try "bit", "indicator", "flag", "descriptor", "tag", "header field", or "notice". But using "watermark" is sure to sow confusion, especially because watermark proposals distinct from BPDG do exist. Watermarking is likely to be a big issue soon in a public forum near you -- but not as a part of BPDG's proposal.

Posted by Seth Schoen at 09:54 PM