After a number of schedule adjustments and device redesigns, Ceton’s feeling pretty dang confident they’ll finally ship their first CableCARD PC tuner by May 31st. In fact, they’re now taking pre-orders of the $399 quad tuning, low profile PCI express card — rebranded as the InfiniTV 4. Not to be confused with Xfinity. Or Eyefinity.
I’ve had a few PC requirement questions come my way, and Ceton’s put a page up that sheds some light on the situation. Although, we’ll probably have to wait for some real world usage to get a better sense of what it takes to simultaneously record 4 HD streams of digital cable. And Ceton’s been in touch regarding a review unit.
However, Ben Drawbaugh (EngadgetHD) is probably better equipped to pull together a comprehensive analysis of a loaner card (already on hand). As I’m not prepared to invest the cash assembling a hardware solution until Microsoft, or partners, put out some new extenders. Not only for whole home DVR usage, but as assurance that the Windows Media Center platform hasn’t been abandoned by MS. It’s been awfully quiet…
I should also add that I’m in Cisco Scientic Atlanta territory and my crappy SDV tuning adapters would only allow me to tune two channels at a time. Another reason to kill the CableCARD regime. Or get on FiOS.
You can still tune 4 SDV channels with the Cisco/SA tuning adaptor, but you will need 2 tuning adaptors to do it. Admittedly this is pretty lame– particularly because Motorola’s tuning adaptor can do 6 channels at once (the same as a cable card).
The InfiniTV 4 supports two TAs so you’d be able to use all four tuners. And besides the FCC wants TAs gone by the Fall so you’d only have to put up with them for 3 to 6 months.
Also, FiOS does make things less complicated since they aren’t using SDV at all. That in and of itself might be enough of a reason for a Cablecard user to switch (and doesn’t mention the other benefits).
Chris – Interesting, I wasn’t aware of that. And, yes, quite lame. Especially given the instability of even a single TA. We’re moving later this year, and I assure you it’ll be to a home/neighborhood without SDV or with a FiOS TV alternative. See ya, Cox.
Ben, We shall see. Can/will the FCC enforce that vision? More importantly, how’s it going with your loaner? :)
Yeah I came to post what Chris H is saying. http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/t/78488.aspx
erkotz, who has his setup in his signature, on thegreenbutton who seems to either be the main tester or the most active and vocal tester is using the 6 tuner card with 3 Cisco Tuning Adapters.
Why would the FCC print it if it didn’t plan to follow through?
The loaner is going great, it works as designed with FiOS.
I have a Cisco tuning adapter and so no Ceton card for me either.
Ben, given how long you and I have been covering this space I’m surprised you’re not more jaded. The FCC’s “plan” is not an enforceable mandate. Not yet anyway, and not without industry challenges. Doubt anything at all will change in 3 months time. And doubt tuning adapters will vanish in 6 months time.
Since we don’t have FIOS in Houston and I don’t care for Comcast… err, Xfinity, I think I am just going to go with DirecTV in my new place.
Lack of cable competition is seriously disturbing :(
I hope they do figure out how to tunnel those TA requests out the Ethernet port. Some sort of Media Center plugin that says “hey server at “sdv.cox.com” (or whatever), I’m on node 203 on system 03213, and I want Discovery HD!” Then by the magic of the internet, sdv.cox.com (or wherever) replies and says “Ok, I set up the session for you at 579 MHz, program number 2, enjoy.”
Only if everything got along that nicely!
Luckilly, my Comcast area does not use SDV. They are going the more blunt route of eliminating analog channels. While that complicates some setups (Schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and bars, grandparents, people still relying on VCR’s, etc…), it’s really the best route to go for the most bang for your buck bandwidth.
I’m going need to build a new PC for this Ceton tuner… so this is going to be much more costly than $400 for me. I’m still going to heavily weigh in the pro’s and cons for whats the easiest setup, has wife acceptance factor, and whats most reliable. The updated Tivo Premier, Moxi with moxi mate for the bedroom, or new PC with Ceton card.
I can just picture it now… wife is watching TV. I’m on the PC and installed some updates or a new program… Windows complains that I have to reboot. Reboot, and I hear the wife yelling about what happened to the TV. Not such an elegant situation… Might be a better idea to build a dedicated HTPC.