CableLabs, the development consortium of US cable TV companies, has agreed on a new streaming protocol that will make it easier for cable subscribers to stream cable TV over their home networks.

From Ars Technica comes news of DTCP-IP, or Digital Transmission Copy Protection, a new standard that will use DRM to ensure content doesn't escape the confines of a subscriber's home.

DTCP-IP will cover PCs, portable devices, and HD and video-on-demand programming. The move is a big step for cable companies as the standard will ensure subscribers a level of freedom, with a few restrictions to prevent piracy. Hopefully, everyone is happy.