I work in the tech biz, digital media etc. Last week we had meetings with the two largest TV/display manufactures. During the meetings I was able to bring up the issue of cable cards, encryption etc to each manufactor.
Their resposes were exactly the same. They are focused on cost reduction and idustry standards. As they brought up the issue, if they are building sets to coonect to networks (meaning IP networks) and cable TV networsk that are different for each cable carrier, or satilte carrer (cable cards) , IP has a better ROI hands down. They both felt stronly in UPNP and DNLA. The two standards have been a long timecoming but have finally come and done it together. This is evident due to the numbers of TV begining to ship with ethernet ports. UPNP and DNLA are implemented in firmware so te standrds and implentations can change over time and be downloaded.
In th short term why not do encryption in the cable modem? there is plenty of horse power and it would not effect each individual TV set?
Then they both brought up the following mandate to the FCC:
Broadband Home Gateways to be Mandated by FCC: Along with including satellite and telco providers in future regulations which affect cable operators, the FCC is recommending that Home Gateways replace set top boxes as a method of improving innovation and access in the US markets.
Recommendation 4.12: The FCC should initiate a proceeding to ensure that all multi-channel video programming distributors (MVPDs) install a gateway device or equivalent functionality in all new subscriber homes and in all homes requiring replacement set-top boxes, starting on or before Dec. 31, 2012
WOW!!!: This should have everyone in the OTT, STB and CE Devices industries really excited. If this recommendation becomes a mandate, the set top box, as we have known it, may have just been handed its expiration date. And now we aren’t just talking about cable boxes anymore. As they point out, 4 of the top 10 TV providers in the US (satellite and telco) representing 41% of subscribers, are not cable companies. So we may be headed toward the all-in-one, multi-hybrid, home gateway device. The goal is to provide for seamless access to traditional subscriber (cable and satellite) TV, along with ATSC (free digital) AND Over The Top video content.
Since Congress first passed Section 629 of the Communications Act in 1996, US Cable companies and their chosen CE device providers (cisco, Moto) have dragged their feet in implementing CableCARD devices which, in the FCC’s opinion, stifled innovation and new technology in the US retail market. By contrast, there are multiple approved cell phone manufacturers and an ever growing list of suppliers of approved software applications for those devices.
Interting point, why do i love my iphone and hate my Cmcast set top box? One is inovating and encourges me to do more (and buy more in $3.99 chunks) the other makes my life misserable and difficult. .
If the FCC pressures cable companies to do the right thing, the obvious thing and embrace not fight standards, these DTAs are a stop gap measure anyway.
