Microsoft acknowledged that the quality of content labeled as premium would be lowered if it were requested by the copyright holders, namely the movie stuidos. However, Microsofts content protection scheme is so strict that its even forcing legally obtained and legally recorded high-definition content to be cut back. Microsoft defended this action stating that its merely a common feature in many different playback devices.
Gutmann also outlined that the price of hardware for PCs is rising exponentially because vendors can't approve Vista compatible drivers that meet the strict security requirements. One requirement that the vendors must adhere to is getting a driver to pass standards set forth by not only Microsoft, but film studios such as MGM, 20th Century Fox, and Disney in the form of written approval. One thing Gutmann outlined in his presentation was a case where graphics card maker ATI met problems developing drivers that were Vista compatible due to ever changing content protection schemes set forth by Microsoft. After many delays, ATI finally released a driver that inevitably crashed Vista when loaded and had to halt upgrade schedules set forth by Dell and Gateway.
Gutmann argued in his statement that Microsoft developed Vista with the sole intention of appeasing Hollywood and perhaps gained some form of monetary compensation for their efforts. He feels that they should have focused more on securing the user from malicious attacks on the Internet than shielding the users from themselves.
Source:
PC World