Multichannel News has done the math and concludes that the ten largest cable providers have expanded their CableCARD footprint by a mere 5,000 decoders during the last three months. While I haven’t verified their calculations, I too perused the NCTA’s most recent CableCARD-related filing with the FCC: The five MSOs who are required to report today – … Read more
As expected, the FCC met yesterday and ordered some short-term CableCARD adjustments in the name of reform. But, while I’m glad to see these issues in the forefront, I’m doubtful this moves the needle in any significant way. We’re still left with flakey SDV tuning adapters, a generation of hobbled S-Card HDTVs, and non-“cable” television providers, … Read more
Over at EngadgetHD, Ben D wonders if the FCC will make any meaningful improvements to the CableCARD quagmire and retail STB accessibility when they convene on Wednesday. I don’t have the energy or time to rehash all my thoughts on where we are and how we got here. And don’t imagine the FCC has the … Read more
HTPC enthusiasts, listen up. TheDigitalMediaZone broke some pretty exciting news Sunday afternoon. The first of this is important to SageTV, MythTV and many other HTPC software users because it partially opens up CableCARD to non-Microsoft MediaCenter software. I’ve been hearing talk of this for a while from different people, so it’s not a total surprise … Read more
If you needed additional proof that retail tru2way is dead, look no further than the TiVo and Cox Communication announcement to bring Cox Video on Demand services to TiVo Premiere hardware. Unlike RCN’s on demand solution, Cox will ultimately link TiVo Premiere units acquired from them through upcoming cross promotional marketing OR units purchased via … Read more
It’s here. Ceton’s quad-CableCARD tuner, aka InfiniTV 4, has finally started shipping to those who pre-ordered – and the first few end user hands-on reports are trickling out. The Ceton tuner is unique for the following reasons: There aren’t a lot of choices at the moment for CableCARD tuners. So anytime we see a company willing … Read more
A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our friends at EngadgetHD: TiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 Media Center These are the best DVR options out there for a reason and both are very compelling. While Media Center excels in most areas that count, it is also the hardest to setup and support which means it … Read more
TiVo software 14.5 recently started rolling out to Premiere owners. As usual, the initial wave of recipient hardware is a subset of total units. As I mentioned a few weeks back, the emphasis of this third Premiere update since launch is “stability and performance.” And initial forum reports have been positive… which is why I … Read more