Last year, the FCC ordered CableCARD reform. While I had doubts that change would arrive, and in a relatively timely fashion, at least one “cable” operator has gotten with the program. Beginning this past weekend, current and potential Verizon FiOS TV customers can now order CableCARDs online ($3.99/month) for their TiVo, Windows Media Center, or old school CableCARD-equipped HDTV. Further, Verizon also now provides an online widget and associated two page guide enabling customers to handle CableCARD pairing themselves. No technician visit required. Amen for progress.
In my experience Verizon is the most CableCARD- and TiVo-friendly operator out there with personnel who clearly understand the technology and who don’t assume their customers are video pirates (compared to say Cox Communications). But TiVo Inc looks forward to 8/1/2011 – the date by which supposedly all cable operators get with the program and allow CableCARD self installs. Unfortunately, even if it comes to pass, the scourge of SDV will remain.