The FCC changes the CableCARD rules, but not dramatically

The long awaited rule changes pertaining to CableCARDs that was originally proposed in the FCC's Broadband Plan finally got some resolve today, we have to say we're not convinced things will get that much better. While the FCC failed to kill Tuning Adapters or make the CableLabs certification process any less painful, it did make some changes, which include:

• CableCARD fees have to be the same for everyone, no matter which package you have.
• If your cable company allows any self installs, they must allow CableCARD self-installs.
• Cable companies must support SDV for CableCARD users -- this was implied before, now it is black and white.
• By default, all new deployments must be M-Cards (unless you actually request a S-Card).
• Cable companies can include an IP interface in set-top-boxes leui of a 1394 port.
• One way HD boxes without CableCARDs are no longer forbidden and they don't require IP interfaces.

Obviously nothing is as simple as six bullet points and there's much more detail in the 59 page order, so click on through for our interpretation of the nitty-gritty or hit up the PDF source and go nuts.

Continue reading The FCC changes the CableCARD rules, but not dramatically

The FCC changes the CableCARD rules, but not dramatically originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  FCC CableCARD rules (PDF)  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/the-fcc-changes-the-cablecard-rules-but-not-dramatically/

VERISIGN VERIFONE HOLDINGS