By way of TechHive and the TiVo Community, we learn that Charter Communications has alerted Spectrum cable customers to replace TiVo ahead of obsolescence:
As we continue to upgrade our networks and technology, CableCARDs will not be compatible with future service upgrades for some time. We have other options for you to consider that will enhance your TV viewing experience, including providing you DVR functionality and access to thousands of Video On Demand options.
Avoid the monthly fee of a CableCARD by taking advantage of one of the below:
- 50% off Apple TV
- Free Spectrum Receiver for 24 months
In addition, we are offering free Cloud DVR services for 24 months!
As to the specific reasons why, other than being outmoded and poorly supported, we can only speculate. We’ve seen some channel loss from Comcast as they’ve migrated some content from QAM to IPTV and SiliconDust wonders if the move is a result of expanding bidirectional Internet bandwidth.
As to scale of impact, Charter indicates only “a fraction of 1%” of their customers are at risk … while failing to acknowledge these are likely some of the savviest and most committed customers on their platform. Indeed, despite the consolation prizes listed above, the Spectrum customer who tipped me off says he’s out — headed to YouTube TV. Also despite Charter indicating they’re working on restoring full access at a later date (but, I wouldn’t bank on that either).
In the end, the only real surprise here is retail CableCARD’s long-term and continued existence. The odds were historically stacked against flexible consumer cable access (but, hey, Comcast now does Apple TV), with the FCC throwing in the towel (again) two years ago and TiVo themselves largely disengaged from retail DVR.
(Thanks Henry!)