In theory, Verizon customers could just have to download a VueKey application, which can decode/descramble the encrypted QAM signals. Also Verizon could release an API which is VueKey compatible, and SageTV, Myth, VMC, etc can plug into. Even tivo can hop in on this with a firmware update so tivo users won't need a cablecard.
Authorization can be handled on the Verizon side by with random keys, and the VueKey calls home to make sure that the customer has the OK to descramble the content, thus making it safe for Verizon to allow any HTPC owner to use (even Macs or Linux users). Also Verizon owns the wire going to the home and the ONT box, so any unauthorized person can simply be turned off from a physical standpoint.
Then again, Verizon doesn't have to do anything to make it easier for HTPC users, so while this might make it great, they could make it a greater barrier to entry than cablecard.
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In theory, Verizon customers could just have to download a VueKey application, which can decode/descramble the encrypted QAM signals. Also Verizon could release an API which is VueKey compatible, and SageTV, Myth, VMC, etc can plug into. Even tivo can hop in on this with a firmware update so tivo users won't need a cablecard.
Authorization can be handled on the Verizon side by with random keys, and the VueKey calls home to make sure that the customer has the OK to descramble the content, thus making it safe for Verizon to allow any HTPC owner to use (even Macs or Linux users). Also Verizon owns the wire going to the home and the ONT box, so any unauthorized person can simply be turned off from a physical standpoint.
Then again, Verizon doesn't have to do anything to make it easier for HTPC users, so while this might make it great, they could make it a greater barrier to entry than cablecard.