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.
View Comments
FiOS can't roll out fast enough here. I cannot wait to kick Cox to the curb, at least for the TV side. They still haven't heard of 10-181 ... really looking forward to the call on August 1st.
Dave -- isn't November 1, 2011 the drop-dead date for ALL cable providers? August 1 is for those who allow self-installs of modems or cable boxes.
Honestly, I haven't been paying close attention as I figure it doesn't matter until they make themselves compliant. I remember the FCC fining a Hawaiian cable franchise like a ridiculously low amount, maybe $2500 for not conveying a SDV migration to customers in a timely fashion. With penalties like that, what's the incentive for anyone to do anything as requested. The self-imposed and missed tru2way MOU was amusing, too. ;)