And Microsoft may be developing a deep case of the stupids as well. Here's what it looks like they might allow NBC to get from the Zune store:

The second story is about NBC shows coming to the Microsoft Zune media player, but with one feature NBC wanted added to the device: the copyright cop. If you buy a NBC show and transfer it to your Zune, a small application will check your Zune for "pirated" shows and movies that weren't purchased from the Zune store, and delete them. It's rumored that this is why the NBC/Apple partnership ended at the iTMS and they removed shows -- because Apple refused to build in this kind of capability.

Yeah, that sure makes me want to run out and buy a Zune. I've ripped DVD's to my hard drive for the sole purpose of watching a movie while traveling (carrying the DVD and case is too much of a pain). In the (incredibly small) brain of Jeff Zucker, that's an action that gives him permission to erase the "offending" content after I get something from the Zune store. Umm, thanks, but no thanks.

In that NY Times story, MS states explicitly that they won't do that:

We have no plans or commitments to implement any new type of content filtering in the Zune devices as part of our content distribution deal with NBC.

That sounds good, but recall: this is the outfit that just told you to take a hike with "PlaysForSure". They shouldn't be surprised that out confidence level in them is low....

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