New CableCARD rules get one step closer to reality this month

We're still scratching our head 'cause the FCC mentioned CableCARD reform in the Broadband Plan, but nevertheless, things are moving quickly. Just like all the other agencies in the executive branch, the FCC has to follow a defined process when it wants to change the rules and the big one before the actual report and order is the notice of proposed rule making. The NPRM proceeding will take place this month and shows that the FCC is pretty serious about having the changes layed out in the Broadband Plan in effect by this Fall -- assuming of course the cable industry doesn't have any major objections. Also on the docket for the FCC is the Notice of Inquiry about the IP Gateway. This is where the FCC will ask everyone exactly how it might work, which is the first of many steps that will take place before we'll see some set-top box innovation.

[glugglug Posted Apr 5th 2010 6:33PM]

As I understand it, the existing Tuning Adapters are just DOCSIS Cable Modems sending tuning requests making API calls through SOAP (XML over HTTP). Its just the API methods aren't documented and are probably specific to Cisco and Motorola. My guess is this SOAP API needs to be tweaked to add some security (which was probably ignored since you can't sniff the cable modem data that isn't on your LAN), i.e. probably add a VPN tunnel. None of this should be especially difficult, but Cisco and Motorola may decide to be as obstructionist as the cable companies.

This particular new rule is actually a plus for big cable as it will reduce their support costs (and possibly equipment costs with no need to supply tuning adapters). So instead of TWC, Comcast, etc. resisting we will have Motorola and Cisco resisting, which probably won't be nearly as bad as they aren't MPAA types.

[engadgetcomexcludeengadget Posted Apr 5th 2010 6:48PM]

So will this work with my existing cablecard, or will I need a new one that Comcast will never stock up on?

[johnw248 Posted Apr 5th 2010 7:34PM]

@engadgetcomexcludeengadget
The cableCARD isn't the issue, it's the device. If you have a tv set then it won't work and a tuning adapter won't work. If you have a Tivo, Moxi or Media Center that has broadband connection, then it may very well work and eliminate the TA.

I don't think the FCC takes kindly to Moto and SA/Cisco since they made a big issue that those two companies have 95 per cent of the us STB market. It would be hard to argue for more of a monopoly with the current FCC.

[Mr Plow Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:07PM]

Bigger question: WHY is the US govt involved in this? WHY are my tax dollars supporting this?

Does anyone wonder about these things? Let the free market decide, sorry to crap on your cable card hobby. A lot of things need a federal boost but is this one of them?

[jkudlacz Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:45PM]

@Mr Plow

Yes because government needs to put laws in place which support innovation and allow smaller companies TiVo, Moxi to compete with big companies Motorola, Cisco, TWC, Comcast, Cablevision etc.

Simplicity will set you free, everyone is already suing cable cards (almost everyone sorry Satellite) so now instead of adding new options, new hardware why not modify current hardware so that it works and spurs competition among companies.

If those changes get implemented this year then TiVo and Moxi will be able to compete with Motorola and Cisco which will have to work harder on their UI and other features that they are currently lacking, Netflix, YouTube, Blockbuster, Amazon on Demand etc.

[jkudlacz Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:47PM]

@Mr Plow

Yes because government needs to put laws in place which support innovation and allow smaller companies TiVo, Moxi to compete with big companies Motorola, Cisco, TWC, Comcast, Cablevision etc.

Simplicity will set you free, everyone is already suing cable cards (almost everyone sorry Satellite) so now instead of adding new options, new hardware why not modify current hardware so that it works and spurs competition among companies.

If those changes get implemented this year then TiVo and Moxi will be able to compete with Motorola and Cisco which will have to work harder on their UI and other features that they are currently lacking, Netflix, YouTube, Blockbuster, Amazon on Demand etc.

[johnw248 Posted Apr 5th 2010 10:07PM]

@Mr Plow
The goverment has been involved in this since the 1920s. Originally the Federal Radio Commision and then the FCC. The communication act of 1934 as amended set forth the rules for broadcasters and ownershipe and licensing of the public (your natural resource) airwaves. This was extended into other delivery methods.

The reason it's necessary is because there isn't a free market and probably will never be one. We're dealing with a few large companies that have a virtual monolopy in their various markets. Since you don't have a choice they should be treated as a public utility (which they'll fight to the end)

Without these regulations you'd only be able to view what they sent you under the terms they sent it to you (which is pretty much the way it is right now--their equipment, their terms). And since they also control the broadband in many markets as well they can charge you for either a tv rf transmission or a ip transmission.

We also need standards so that the equipment you buy will work and here again it's at odds with the desires of companies that have the pathway to your home.

Add on to that the preception that the FCC will eventually pull over the air to sell the bandwidth and you'll have no choice. (See editorial TV Technology, April 2010).

[FrankO Posted Apr 6th 2010 8:24AM]

Govt regulations can and will be circumvented. It's like water, stop it from going in one direction and it will go another. You need to eliminate the water not change the direction of the water, but I digress. The solution is simple ... Interstate competition. If you want innovation and lower prices let more companies compete for your business and the consumer will win in spades. Govt regulation just creates more red tape and a tax code that is 18 gazillion pages long. Sorry.