Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Netgear at CES 2012: Powerline, wireless routers, home networking and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/netgear-at-ces-2012-powerline-wireless-routers-home-networking/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/netgear-at-ces-2012-powerline-wireless-routers-home-networking/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/netgear-at-ces-2012-powerline-wireless-routers-home-networking/#comments As it seems to do every year, Netgear's chosen the Consumer Electronics Show to unveil, well... everything under the sun. Up first, the outfit's launching its WN2500RP, a universal dual-band WiFi range extender ($89.99) that runs both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands concurrently. Over on the home networking side, the Powerline 500 Nano and N900 convert a conventional wall outlet into a high-speed network connection, with the former shipping this quarter for $119.99 and the latter this summer for $79.99. Over on the non-product side, Netgear's trumpeting its reception of CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 certification for the industry's first voice and data gateways (CGD3700B / CGE3700B) with concurrent dual-band WiFi. Head on past the break for specifics across the whole line.

Continue reading Netgear at CES 2012: Powerline, wireless routers, home networking and more

Netgear at CES 2012: Powerline, wireless routers, home networking and more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablelabscesces 2012Ces2012docsisdocsis 3.0Docsis3.0homen750netgearnetworkingpowerlinereadynasrouterstoragewifiwifi routerWifiRouterwirelesswireless routerWirelessRouterwlanMon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Niveus demos its idea of TV Everywhere at the CableLabs Conference]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/niveus-demos-its-idea-of-tv-everywhere-at-the-cablelabs-conferen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/niveus-demos-its-idea-of-tv-everywhere-at-the-cablelabs-conferen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/niveus-demos-its-idea-of-tv-everywhere-at-the-cablelabs-conferen/#comments Niveus Connected Platform The name Niveus should sound familiar to you if you've followed the home theater PC market for a while, but those who follow the cable industry might not be so familiar. The cable types will become more familiar if they trek to the CableLabs Summer Conference this week as the Niveus Connected Platform (project Snowbird) is among the demonstrations. NCP is currently being shopped to service providers (like cable and satellite), consumer electronics manufacturers and PC OEMs and with any luck will bring you your favorite content from your set-top-box or DVR, to your PC, tablet, phone or Smart TV by early 2012. We're sad to say that although NCP is built on industry standards like DLNA and DTCP-IP, we find it very easy to temper our excitement any time a cable company is expected to buy something for us we'd actually want. Oh, and while the three tuner HDHomerun Prime isn't shipping just yet, Niveus managed to get one to use as part of its demo.

Continue reading Niveus demos its idea of TV Everywhere at the CableLabs Conference

Niveus demos its idea of TV Everywhere at the CableLabs Conference originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableLabshdHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunPrimeNCPNiveusNiveus Connected PlatformNiveusConnectedPlatformSiliconDustTue, 09 Aug 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Four tuner firmware update for Cisco Tuning Adapters rolling out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/four-tuner-firmware-update-for-cisco-tuning-adapters-rolling-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/four-tuner-firmware-update-for-cisco-tuning-adapters-rolling-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/four-tuner-firmware-update-for-cisco-tuning-adapters-rolling-out/#comments Cisco Tuning Adapter With less than two weeks to go until the very same FCC requirement (FCC-10-81) goes into effect, a Cisco Tuning Adapter in the wild received the F.1402 firmware update that upgrades it from double to quadruple duty. This is fantastic news for those who already have a Ceton InfiniTV 4 on a system that uses Switched Digital Video, as it will eliminate the need for one more set-top box, but should also be good news to the company who formally requested CableLabs change the spec to require four tuners in the first place; TiVo. No way to know exactly when this firmware update will roll out, but we're sure we're not alone when we say we hope it brings some much needed stability along with it.

Four tuner firmware update for Cisco Tuning Adapters rolling out originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableLabsCiscohdMedia CenterMediaCenterSDVSwitched Digital VideoSwitchedDigitalVideoTATiVoTuning AdapterTuningAdapterTue, 12 Jul 2011 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner passes CableLabs tests - Update: Preorder pulled, 6-tuner ships first]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-passes-cablelabs-tests-available-for-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-passes-cablelabs-tests-available-for-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-passes-cablelabs-tests-available-for-p/#comments We've been waiting for SiliconDust's CableCARD-compatible HDHomeRun Prime for a little over a year and it seems finally ready to bring its triple tuner TV magic home, having gained CableLabs certification as of April 28th and subsequently showing up for preorder on Amazon. While this is mostly big news for Windows Media Center fans who need a new way to get premium channels on their box it also supports other DVR software like MythTV on Copy Freely-marked content. HTPC builders don't have to choose between this HDHR3-CC and the (suddenly in abundant supply and still $399) Ceton InfiniTV 4 just yet, since the listing has no shipping date and the last we'd heard from SiliconDust was that preorders would ship around 30 days after it completed certification. Check out our hands-on impressions from CES a few months ago if you're on the fence, but right now all that's standing between you and that grey box is a little bit of time... and $207.

Update: According to a post on its forum, SiliconDust confirmed the HDHomeRun Prime has been certified and an email announcement will follow shortly, however it expects to deliver a 6-tuner Theater version first with the three tuner box appearing afterwards. The post also notes sites are "incorrectly listing" the HDHomeRun Prime for preorder and "will not be first in line for delivering product" so you may want to wait for the official word on which "major retailer" has the go-ahead to make sure you're first in line. The option to preorder disappeared from Amazon this morning, we'll let you know when and where the option to purchase pops up next. [Thanks, robniep]

Gallery: Hands-on with the HDHomeRun Prime


[Thanks, Neil]

HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner passes CableLabs tests - Update: Preorder pulled, 6-tuner ships first originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 01:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccable cardcable labsCableCardCableLabshd homerunHdHomerunHDHomeRun CableCARDHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunCablecardHdhomerunPrimehdhr3-cchtpcmedia centerMediaCentermyth tvMythTvpreordersilicon dustSiliconDustthree tunerThreeTunerwindows 7 media centerWindows7MediaCenterMon, 02 May 2011 01:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/hands-on-with-the-hdhomerun-prime-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/hands-on-with-the-hdhomerun-prime-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/hands-on-with-the-hdhomerun-prime-cablecard-tuner/#commentsHDHomeRun Prime
Now look what we have here, the long awaited HDHomeRun Prime triple CableCARD tuner for Windows 7 Media Center. Originally announced at CES last year, the little black perforated box is already in production and will soon be selling for $250 after it makes it ways through the final stages of CableLabs certification. The sad fact is there is no way to know when that cert will be sealed, but when it is you'll be able to pre-order and then you can expect to receive it 30 days later. The other little tidbits we picked up from the booth is that SiliconDust is working on a six tuner rack mountable version that should ship later this year and that the ATSC and QAM version we've loved for years has a new case a new price of $129 and will be shipping in February.

Gallery: Hands-on with the HDHomeRun Prime


Gallery: Hands-on with the new HDHomeRun

Hands-on with the HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableLabscesces 2011ces2011HDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunPrimeSiliconDustWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterThu, 06 Jan 2011 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tri-tuner comes one step closer to reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/25/hdhomerun-prime-cablecard-tri-tuner-comes-one-step-closer-to-rea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/25/hdhomerun-prime-cablecard-tri-tuner-comes-one-step-closer-to-rea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/25/hdhomerun-prime-cablecard-tri-tuner-comes-one-step-closer-to-rea/#commentsHDHomeRun Prime Originally announced at CES in January, Silicon Dust's entrance into the encrypted cable TV tuner market just reached an important milestone on its way to market: CableLabs Certification -- anytime CableLabs is involved things take longer than anyone expects. The price of the three tuner HDHomeRun Prime is still set at $249, but the hope of being released by the "holidays" seems lost (Thanksgiving counts as one of those days right?). Said product is expected to start production in the next few weeks, after which you'll be able to pre-order the elusive tuner from major retailers. The big question of course is with the Ceton InfiniTV 4 still on a three month backorder, and selling on eBay for over twice its retail price, which should you order? We suggest you pre-order both just to be safe; worst case you end up on the good side of a crazy eBay auction.

HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tri-tuner comes one step closer to reality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableLabsHDHomeRunHDHomerun CableCARDHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunCablecardHdhomerunPrimeThu, 25 Nov 2010 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs amends OCUR spec, tuner sharing and MythTV are on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/cablelabs-amends-ocur-spec-tuner-sharing-and-mythtv-are-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/cablelabs-amends-ocur-spec-tuner-sharing-and-mythtv-are-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/cablelabs-amends-ocur-spec-tuner-sharing-and-mythtv-are-on/#commentsCeton InfiniTV 4 We told you that CableLabs had received a few requests to amend the OCUR spec that dictates what a CableCARD tuner for a PC can and can't do, and as expected the organization that many love to hate has come through -- we, expected it anyways. The first change is the most significant which is that each tuner in an OCUR can be paired with different PCs at the same time. This lets you buy one quad tuner and use it on four HTPCs simultaneously; one tuner per PC (a single tuner can't be shared simultaneous though). When we originally asked CableLabs about changing this they said, maybe, but it'd take three to six months to run through the process. The other change we're glad didn't take forever to become a reality is the one that stated that even Copy Freely content had to be transmitted securely, which meant that Windows 7 Media Center was the only way to watch any CableCARD tuner stuff, and while there isn't much encrypted QAM content out there marked Copy Freely, MythTV and SageTV fans will have access to at least some premium HD content. This isn't as big a deal as changing the meaning of Copy Once to something less draconian, it is welcomed news for those who just received their InfiniTV 4 (pictured above) and felt constrained by the old rules. We're sure there could be considerable time between when the change is made official and when the firmware is released to the public, but hopefully Ceton and SiliconDust don't waste any time making it happen.

CableLabs amends OCUR spec, tuner sharing and MythTV are on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCableLabsCetonCeton CorpCetonCorphdHDHomeRunHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunPrimeInfiniTV 4Infinitv4MythTVOCURSiliconDusttuner sharingTunerSharingWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterSun, 15 Aug 2010 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs demos multiroom DVR and DLNA servers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/cablelabs-demos-multiroom-dvr-and-dlna-servers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/cablelabs-demos-multiroom-dvr-and-dlna-servers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/cablelabs-demos-multiroom-dvr-and-dlna-servers/#commentsCableLabs logoIn recent comments to the FCC the NCTA and its members were proud to exclaim how innovative its set-top boxes were, while we still laugh at their pitifully small hard drives, hideous user interfaces and the down right unpleasant experience they provide. But to be fair the cable providers do innovate, it is just 5-10 years behind the retail market. So in the same light, CableLabs held a tech demo recently and showed multi-room DVRs and set-top boxes with DLNA servers built in. Now both of these features should've been old news years ago, but will be welcomed even today since the majority of valuable content is delivered via cable companies. The DLNA aspect is actually an interesting one as we remember how odd it was when that very group issued a press release during CES that included quotes from most of the big cable companies who were sharing their love for DLNA. Of course that was 8 months ago and we are just now seeing a demo, so you can probably expect to see it hit your set-top in about 4 or 5 more years.

CableLabs demos multiroom DVR and DLNA servers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableLabsDLNAhdmrvmulti-room dvrMulti-roomDvrtru2waySat, 07 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/#comments What you're looking at here is a picture of the board that makes the new HDHomeRun CableCARD tuner work. You might notice the four squares on the right, those are the tuners, yes there are four -- don't get too excited -- but one of 'em is for the out of band data and can't actually be used to record HD. But that's still one more usable tuner than initially announced at CES and the best news is that the price remains the same at $249. There isn't a hard release data yet, but the goal is to release the beta details in the coming weeks, then submit it to CableLabs for certification and then finally have it in your HTPC in time for the holidays -- when exactly do holidays start again? The actual case isn't done yet, but there won't be a hump like the classic HDHomeRun and as you can see the gigabit network tuner's connections are all on the back including one coax, one USB, power, and a single CableCARD slot for all three tuners -- the USB doesn't do what you're thinking, it's for the Tuning Adapter. Contrary to some reports -- a USB version isn't on the table and we can't say we're surprised as that wouldn't be Silicon Dust's style. A picture of the connections on the prototype after the jump.

Continue reading HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays

HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARdCableLabsHDHomeRunHDHomeRun CableCARDHdhomerunCablecardMedia CenterMediaCenterSilicon DustSiliconDustWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterTue, 11 May 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/a-cablecard-replacement-is-due-by-december-2012-bandaids-by-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/a-cablecard-replacement-is-due-by-december-2012-bandaids-by-thi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/a-cablecard-replacement-is-due-by-december-2012-bandaids-by-thi/#commentsIP Gateway
While most of the FCC's new Broadband plan has been about, well, broadband, there's also some great news for HDTV fans. We expected a few mentions about CableCARD and its future when the FCC requested comments and declared it a failure, but we're still glad to see that the FCC listened to consumer electronics companies like TiVo and Sony -- among others. The biggest news is that the FCC has asked the industry to come up with a residential IP gateway that is open and that will provide same abilities as your provider's equipment, and most importantly, it should enable the very same gear to work no matter what type of service you prefer, whether it be satellite, cable or fiber -- for example, via various gateways the same TiVo would work with either DirecTV or Comcast. But while the FCC has given the industry until December of 2012 to define and deploy these IP gateways before implementing an "appropriate enforcement mechanism," in the meantime the FCC wants to see the biggest issues with CableCARDs resolved by this Fall. The list below of immediate fixes is pretty impressive, and other than the persistent lack of video on demand support, it'll help make CableCARD a pretty respectable solution.
  • Ditch Tuning Adapters and let devices with Ethernet ports communicate upstream via IP to tune SDV channels.
  • If a customer has a CableCARD in their leased set-top box, it must be reflected on the bill like any other CableCARD would.
  • If the provider offers a self install for leased set-top boxes, they must also allow self install of a CableCARD.
  • Software shouldn't require the same CableLabs certification hardware does.

Continue reading A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall

A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Broadband planBroadbandPlancablecardCableLabsFCCHDHDTVip gatewayIpGatewaySageTVSDVset-top-boxstbTiVoTru2wayTuning AdapterTuningAdapterWed, 17 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs officially defines tru2way set-back box]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cablelabs-officially-defines-tru2way-set-back-box/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cablelabs-officially-defines-tru2way-set-back-box/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cablelabs-officially-defines-tru2way-set-back-box/#commentsPanasonic tru2way set-back box
The technology arm of the cable industry has come forward with an official specification for the tru2way set-back box. We first heard of these when Panasonic was requesting a waiver from the FCC to exclude an analog tuner, but we did find one of the floor of CES -- although it wasn't a functional demo. Basically this makes the box one step closer to reality, and if the cable industry has its way, tru2way with it. The idea of an inexpensive HDTV companion might be the perfect low cost, easy to support, solution that consumer electronic manufactures are looking for. And although we're not fans of tru2way in general, we do think it is an acceptable solution for those who don't want a DVR but do want an HDTV mounted on the wall without a set-top box to be found.

CableLabs officially defines tru2way set-back box originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableLabshdPanasonictru2waySat, 13 Mar 2010 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Media Center available for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-media-center-available-for-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-media-center-available-for-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-media-center-available-for-pre/#commentsCeton InfiniTV 4 Digital cable tuner
That's right, you can now reserve your place in line to be the first to record four HD cable shows at once on your Windows 7 Media Center. The bad news is that ship date for the InfiniTV 4 is now May 31st. Ceton wasn't willing to share a specific reason for the 60 day delay, but we suspect CableLabs is to blame -- Ceton refuted this and insisted CableLabs has been very helpful, but we don't buy it. The other big news -- for those that were concerned with noise or fitment options -- is that the latest version of the PCI-E card pictured above no longer includes a fan. The InfiniTV name was the result of over 1000 submissions to Ceton's naming contest, of which Gary Petro came up with winner -- the name is not to be confused with Comcast's XFINITY. Future tuners in the line will share a variation of the name, so the dual external tuner would be the InfiniTV ex2 -- for example. But Gary isn't the only one receiving a free tuner, as two more submitters were deemed worthy. Rus Sanchez submitted 94 different product names, while Charles Fraser earned his free card with the funniest submission; Wicked Super, Super Duper, and Super Duper Alleyoopder. The last bit of news out of the Kirkland startup is a littler clarification in regards to the network capabilities of the card. Although you can share the tuners with a small form factor PC on the network, the bad news is that it gets paired per CableCARD, so all four tuners have to go to the same PC. Oh we almost forgot, the best news of all is that we received our review sample, so stay tuned for a full run down.

Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Media Center available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCableLabsCetonhdInfiniTvinfinitv 4Infinitv4Media CenterMediaCenterWindows 7 media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWMCSat, 13 Mar 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[RCDb bringing IMDB, Gracenote lookup extras to tru2way boxes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/rcdb-bringing-imbd-gracenote-lookup-extras-to-tru2way-boxes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/rcdb-bringing-imbd-gracenote-lookup-extras-to-tru2way-boxes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/rcdb-bringing-imbd-gracenote-lookup-extras-to-tru2way-boxes/#commentsWe haven't seen a lot out of tru2way to start 2010, but maybe that can get turned around starting at the CableLabs Winter Conference, where Related Content Database (RCDb) is showing off its technology which pulls together cable set-tops with web databases like IMDB and Gracenote. Using a demo on a Panasonic tru2way box, the company's showing off the ability for Hollywood and others to bring BD-Live style features to discs and cable simultaneously. Of course, the adoption of BD-Live and tru2way have both been shaky so showing them off together might not strengthen the position of either right away, but we'll keep an optimistic eye out for any developments coming.

RCDb bringing IMDB, Gracenote lookup extras to tru2way boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablelabscablelabs winter conferenceCablelabsWinterConferencegracenotehdimdbinternetpanasonicrcdbset-top boxSet-topBoxtru2wayMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs starts testing 3D, determines existing set-tops are compatible]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/cablelabs-starts-testing-3d-determines-existing-set-tops-are-co/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/cablelabs-starts-testing-3d-determines-existing-set-tops-are-co/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/cablelabs-starts-testing-3d-determines-existing-set-tops-are-co/#commentsSide by side 3D image in 2D The cable industry's research and development arm has proudly announced that 3D testing is on. This will allow TV manufactures and cable companies to begin having their equipment tested for 3D interoperability. Along the way CableLabs has also confirmed that many of the existing set-top boxes will work with "frame-compatible" 3D formats -- like side by side pictured above. This is exactly what DirecTV announced it would use and is the very same standards that HDMI added to the spec. Basically it allows providers to dedicate the same amount of bandwidth to 3D as it was to 2D. Of course this means that the resolution is cut in half (horizontally in the case of side by side) but we're told that sharpness isn't as perceivable in 3D as it is in 2D and after seeing the DirecTV 3D demo at CES, we believe it. Unlike the adoption of HD, it doesn't look like the cable industry is going to let the satellite companies run away with the new technology unchallenged like last time.

CableLabs starts testing 3D, determines existing set-tops are compatible originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DCableLabshdTue, 19 Jan 2010 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Hell freezes over, the FCC admits that CableCARD is a failure]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/04/hell-freezes-over-the-fcc-admits-that-cablecard-is-a-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/04/hell-freezes-over-the-fcc-admits-that-cablecard-is-a-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/04/hell-freezes-over-the-fcc-admits-that-cablecard-is-a-failure/#commentsCableCARD Well we have to say we never saw this coming, but have dreamed of it for years, but it appears that the FCC is actually listening to the CEA and is asking for comments on how to replace CableCARD with something that would actually make the network open. For those just catching up, Congress mandated that cable had to be open with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 -- yeah that long -- and 3rd party CableCARD devices first became available in 2004 and five years later there are only 14 3rd party certified devices and 443k 3rd party devices in service. The fact that CableCARDs just don't work is no surprise to anyone who has tried to use one -- ok we're exaggerating here, but we've had our fair share installed and every one makes for a funny story. Now obviously admitting you have a problem is the first step, but it also means we are years away from a solution. But since they asked, here's ours. Instead of silly cards and middleware, just specify a two way communications protocol and embed signed certificates that CableLabs will control the distribution of in the box for authentication and encryption. It really doesn't have to be any harder than that.

Hell freezes over, the FCC admits that CableCARD is a failure originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable cardCableCARDCableLabsCEAFCChdFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[3D cable TV to be demoed at Cable-Tec Expo next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/3d-cable-tv-to-be-demoed-at-cable-tec-expo-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/3d-cable-tv-to-be-demoed-at-cable-tec-expo-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/3d-cable-tv-to-be-demoed-at-cable-tec-expo-next-week/#commentsCableLabs LogoAt this point we know what you are thinking and we can say that you are wrong, we aren't about to rename the site to Engadget 3D -- not yet at least -- but we are getting excited about 3D and there isn't much more exciting then the idea of broadcast 3D. We say that because although we love movies, we're not crazy about 3D movies, but we are very very crazy about 3D sports which obviously requires broadcast 3D. So while we have a long way to go until we can enjoy our favorite sport at home in 3D, a demo by CableLabs at the Cable-Tec Expo next week is a great first step. The demo will be on a real cable plant and will fit on a single existing size cable channel. That's about all the details we know right now, but we'd assume it's using H.264 instead of MPEG-2, and we can only hope it is 1080p30, or better, to each eye. One other nuget in the article is that the broadcast will work with both circular polarized and active shutter glasses, which is something we've wondered about. Also on display will be 3D TVs from LG, Hyundai, Sony and Panasonic.

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3D cable TV to be demoed at Cable-Tec Expo next week originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DcableCable-TecCableLabsfiberhdMon, 19 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/okay-enough-waiting-where-is-tru2way/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/okay-enough-waiting-where-is-tru2way/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/okay-enough-waiting-where-is-tru2way/#commentstru2way logo
It seems like forever that we've been waiting to see a tru2way TV at the local big box store and honestly we're starting to think it's all vapor ware. Our gut started telling us things weren't going well at CES in January when we actually saw less tru2way on display than the year before. Then there was the supposedly insignificant missed deadline this pass July, but what's worse is that even after a year, Panasonic and Comcast have only worked together to offer tru2way TVs in three markets (Chicago, Denver and Atlanta). A new report from Light Reading Cable Industry Insider confirms our fears, stating that the tru2way retail forecast is "cloudy." At least one member of the industry believes that the cable companies want to perfect it on their own boxes before opening it up to 3rd party retail devices, which makes sense, but how long exactly do they expect this to take? The bottom line is that consumer want tru2way because they want to have access to the same experience on their new HDTV, but without the two remotes and the ugly set-top-box under their TV with the wires dangling down. We asked CableLabs what the hold up was and although they were proud to tell us about all the tru2way developers enjoying their conferences, they said we'd have to ask the TV manufactures or the cable company what the specific hold up was. We do wonder though, if it's possible for the window for tru2way to close. What we mean is that with more and more TVs coming with network capabilities, maybe we'll just go back to vanilla CableCARD TVs and get our guide data and VOD from the internet instead -- now if only everyone had a network connection behind their TV.

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Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableLabshdtru2wayTue, 18 Aug 2009 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Outgoing CableLabs prez talks about the origins of HDTV as we know it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/outgoing-cablelabs-prez-talks-about-the-origins-of-hdtv-as-we-kn-/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/outgoing-cablelabs-prez-talks-about-the-origins-of-hdtv-as-we-kn-/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/outgoing-cablelabs-prez-talks-about-the-origins-of-hdtv-as-we-kn-/#commentsCurrent CableLabs CEO & prez Richard Green is moving on later this year as Paul Liao from Panasonic takes over the reigns and the first part of Multichannel News' interview with him covers the first time he saw HDTV back in 1980 and the process that eventually gave us the standards we have today.That goes back through the first NFL game recorded in HD, and why high definition took so long to take off -- apparently not everyone wants a 1 million+ lb 40-inch CRT and broadcasters were never happy about spending all the money necessary to upgrade -- from the days of 5x3 with 1125 lines. It's not a crystal ball to the success of Blu-ray, digital downloads, 3D or anything else, but worth a read for some interesting anecdotes on how tough progress is.

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Outgoing CableLabs prez talks about the origins of HDTV as we know it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth of hdtvBirthOfHdtvcablelabsdick greenDickGreenhdhdtvThu, 25 Jun 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs investigating possible 3D delivery standards]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/cablelabs-investigating-possible-3d-delivery-standards/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/cablelabs-investigating-possible-3d-delivery-standards/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/cablelabs-investigating-possible-3d-delivery-standards/#commentsCount one more standards body trying to figure out how to bring the 3D experience home properly, now that CableLabs has begun investigating the best delivery system. the CableLabs VP of consumer video technology is the chair of the SCTE working group on 3D and claims there's as many as 30 different methods of multiplexing the video stream, so it could be a slow march towards a standard, including such problems as where the decoding happens, on a set-top box or in the display itself, but we should be able to expect experiments like the recent live BskyB trial here in the future, but your guess is as good as ours to precisely when.

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CableLabs investigating possible 3D delivery standards originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dcablecable labsCableLabscablelabs 3dCablelabs3dhdstandardMon, 13 Apr 2009 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Verismo's VuNow internet TV platform gets props from CableLabs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/26/verismos-vunow-internet-tv-platform-gets-props-from-cablelabs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/26/verismos-vunow-internet-tv-platform-gets-props-from-cablelabs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/26/verismos-vunow-internet-tv-platform-gets-props-from-cablelabs/#comments
Ready or not, Verismo Networks' VuNow internet TV platform is making its way out. After ambushing the OEM market earlier this year, the company is now proudly announcing new praise from an unlikely suspect: CableLabs. As the story goes, executives from the CableLabs Forum voted VuNow as the "best new product idea" during so-called "informal polling" at a meetup in Colorado Springs. At first glance, one might wonder why cable proponents would be supporting a platform that needs no subscription, but considering that Comcast and Time Warner Cable (and likely others) are already looking to wrap internet content into pay-TV bundles, we suppose it's no longer a shock. The whole cable-internet media relationship is about to get a lot more interesting.

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Verismo's VuNow internet TV platform gets props from CableLabs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableLabshdinternetinternet mediainternet tvInternetMediaInternetTvonline tvOnlineTvVerismoVerismo NetworksVerismoNetworksVuNowThu, 26 Feb 2009 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Funai planning tru2way dual-tuner DVR / set-top-box]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/funai-planning-tru2way-dual-tuner-dvr-set-top-box/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/funai-planning-tru2way-dual-tuner-dvr-set-top-box/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/funai-planning-tru2way-dual-tuner-dvr-set-top-box/#commentsCheck it, timeshifters. Funai is about to make a serious play in the advanced DVR space at CES next month, as word has arrived that it will be showing off a "combined DVR / tru2way set-top-box" in Las Vegas. For those unaware, Funai is the company behind Sylvania, Magnavox, Philco, Symphonic, and Emerson, and if all goes to plan (read: if CableLabs gives the green light), it should start mass production on said boxes in Q3 of next year. At least initially, these two-way-enabled devices will be sold via "retail outlets and MSO partners," but it's going to wait and witness demand before moving the tru2way technology directly into its TV sets. Of note, there are also whispers of a tru2way-enabled BD player somewhere down the line from these guys, and we don't suppose we have to detail our inner excitement on that one.

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Funai planning tru2way dual-tuner DVR / set-top-box originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecardcablelabscesces 2009Ces2009Funaihdset top boxset-top-boxSetTopBoxstbtru2wayTue, 16 Dec 2008 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs certifies first tru2way Panasonic HDTVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/cablelabs-certifies-first-tru2way-panasonic-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/cablelabs-certifies-first-tru2way-panasonic-hdtvs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/cablelabs-certifies-first-tru2way-panasonic-hdtvs/#comments
Sure it hasn't always been smooth going, but it looks like Panasonic's tru2way HDTV has successfully navigated into a sector containing high quantities of win. That puts the 42- and 50-inch PZ80Q televisions seen at CEDIA on track to hit shelves before Christmas as promised, though official pricing information still eludes us. Still undergoing testing in the labs? A Panasonic tru2way STB, while previously certified hardware from Samsung and LG remains in limbo and ADB's tru2way-certified box waits in the wings. Those eagerly awaiting the second coming of CableCard, keep your wallets at the ready.

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CableLabs certifies first tru2way Panasonic HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable labsCableLabscertifiedhdpanasonicpz80qth-42pz80qth-50pz80qtru2wayWed, 01 Oct 2008 21:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel wants every HD STB to be network enabled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/intel-wants-every-hd-stb-to-be-network-enabled/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/intel-wants-every-hd-stb-to-be-network-enabled/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/intel-wants-every-hd-stb-to-be-network-enabled/#commentsEver since personal computers have been capable of displaying full motion video -- almost ten years now -- we've wanted the same great content we have access to our TV, on our PC. Intel has been on board with us since day one -- for obvious reasons -- and was a big reason why the FCC currently requires cables companies to provide us with a HD STB with a functional 1394 port (upon request). But as we all know, 1394 isn't all the rage these days and thanks to all the DRM -- and the lack of 5C support on PCs -- going through the trouble of requiring your provider to comply with the mandate, just isn't worth it to access the same channels you can already get with a clear QAM tuner. So for the reasons mentioned above, Intel has petitioned the FCC to replace the 1394 requirement with a IP one. While we agree that IP is more widespread than 1394, we aren't so sure about the DRM that would be used to protect the content; DTCP-IP. So while we want HD on our PC as much as the next, if the FCC doesn't also require CableLabs to license DTCP-IP to computer software and hardware manufactures alike, we really don't see how this change would help.

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Intel wants every HD STB to be network enabled originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableLabsEthernetFCCfiberhdIntelNetworksatelliteMon, 04 Aug 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[LG, Funai officially jump on the tru2way bandwagon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/28/lg-funai-officially-jump-on-the-tru2way-bandwagon/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/28/lg-funai-officially-jump-on-the-tru2way-bandwagon/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/28/lg-funai-officially-jump-on-the-tru2way-bandwagon/#comments
tru2way might not be entirely without issues, but add one more major ally to CableLabs' two-way technology, as LG (and Funai) both signed onto the same Memorandum of Understanding ratified by the six largest cable operators and a slew of consumer electronics manufacturers. Ideally, this means tru2way rollout will be speedy, and there will be plenty of hardware on shelves over the next year. LG prez Woo Paik expects HDTVs planned for '09 and beyond to include tru2way support, hopefully their compatibility testing will go a little bit better than Panasonic's.

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LG, Funai officially jump on the tru2way bandwagon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009cable cardcable labsCableCardCableLabshdlgmemorandum of understandingMemorandumOfUnderstandingmoutru2wayMon, 28 Jul 2008 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs loosens up on PC CableCARD tuner restrictions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/21/cablelabs-losens-up-on-pc-cablecard-tuner-restrictions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/21/cablelabs-losens-up-on-pc-cablecard-tuner-restrictions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/21/cablelabs-losens-up-on-pc-cablecard-tuner-restrictions/#commentsATI Digital Cable Tuner
No CableLabs isn't going to make it so you can purchase an ATI Digital Cable Tuner without an OEM PC, but it's almost that big of a change. Believe it or not, currently, even after you pony up for a PC and CableCARD tuner from the likes of Dell or Niveus, every single recording made with the CableCARD tuner is locked down with DRM -- no it doesn't matter whether the content is marked as copy freely or not, crazy huh? Well it finally looks like there is some sanity over at CableLabs, because the recently revised OCUR specification (6/20/08) no longer requires this draconian limitation. No clue when this change is going to take affect to current owners however, but it appears that a firmware update for the tuners and the elusive Vista Media Center TV Pack may be required. Either way this is a step in the right direction, but there is still no way these things will really take off until the OEM requirement is eliminated too, especially considering the current alternatives.

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CableLabs loosens up on PC CableCARD tuner restrictions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableLabshdOCURMon, 21 Jul 2008 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola / Cisco see Tuning Adapters certified]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/motorola-cisco-see-tuning-adapters-certified/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/motorola-cisco-see-tuning-adapters-certified/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/motorola-cisco-see-tuning-adapters-certified/#comments
TiVo and tuning adapter
July is over half way over and if you were starting to worry that the Tuning Adapters that would save your TiVo from uselessness, you can rest a little easier. Sure, you can't rest as easy as you could if you actually had one of these little guys from Motorola or Cisco making your TiVo HD or Series3 SDV compatible, but it can't be long now. In the long line of red tape that is required to bring any cable device to market, the tuning adapters have finally made it through one of the last hurdles by being certified by the all mighty CableLabs. This means that it is only a matter of time before you can expect to see a letter from either TiVo or your cable co -- assuming they are using SDV -- informing you of your HD savior. And in case you're wondering, yes the latest TiVo update -- that's right, the same one that enabled YouTube -- does include the necessary fixins to make this all work, so stay tuned while we all wait to see how things finally shake out.

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Motorola / Cisco see Tuning Adapters certified originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDCableLabsCiscohdmotorolaMTR700other hardwareotherhardwareSDVSeries3STA1520Switched Digital VideoSwitchedDigitalVideoTiVoTiVo HDTivoHdTuning AdapterTuning ResolverTuningAdapterTuningResolverFri, 18 Jul 2008 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs states the obvious, tru2way is open to all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/22/cablelabs-states-the-obvious-tru2way-is-open-to-all/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/22/cablelabs-states-the-obvious-tru2way-is-open-to-all/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/22/cablelabs-states-the-obvious-tru2way-is-open-to-all/#commentstru2way
You gotta love the cable industry sometimes. It takes an act of congress to get them to move towards an open standard for all, and then from the very beginning they drag their feet for twelve years. Now here we are, close to the dream of being able to access all the same services with any HDTV, as those with a STB, and the CableLabs CEO pretends to extend an olive branch to the telco industry by letting them know they can use the open standard tru2way too. Sure, the FCC didn't specifically mandate the deployment of tru2way, but it did require an open platform to be created and considering that FiOS (for example) has been required by the FCC to support CableCARD -- just like any other cable company -- we find it hilarious that CableLabs would pretend that the cable industry would do their competition any favors.

CableLabs states the obvious, tru2way is open to all originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableLabsFiOShdtru2waySun, 22 Jun 2008 13:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic's first tru2way tests full of fail]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/panasonics-first-tru2way-tests-full-of-fail/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/panasonics-first-tru2way-tests-full-of-fail/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/panasonics-first-tru2way-tests-full-of-fail/#commentsPanasonic and tru2way
Uh oh -- it looks like early-adopter Panasonic has hit some choppy waters in its tru2way TV efforts. The first sets subjected to CableLabs testing showed several bugs in the implementation, and talk coming from insiders indicates that no-nos like disabling Emergency Alert System messages slipped through. For its part, CableLabs is being professional and not making any comments on the Panasonic results. Panasonic is also putting a brave face on things, and is not retreating from its goal of delivering tru2way TVs to retail shelves in time for the 2008 holiday season. We wouldn't rule it out, either -- Panasonic has some serious resources it can throw at the problem; but this does throw a major wrench into the works. We're still optimistic about tru2way, and are willing to wait a few more months to get things right. Introduction of new technology and/or standards is always challenging, so we hope this setback doesn't have a chilling effect on other tru2way players -- quite the contrary, it could spur more aggressive development to claim the "first tru2way TV" title.

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Panasonic's first tru2way tests full of fail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablelabscertificationhdpanasonictestingtru2wayWed, 11 Jun 2008 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Tuning adapters hit CableLabs testing lair, still not ready for public consumption]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/tuning-adapters-hit-cablelabs-testing-lair-still-not-ready-for/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/tuning-adapters-hit-cablelabs-testing-lair-still-not-ready-for/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/20/tuning-adapters-hit-cablelabs-testing-lair-still-not-ready-for/#comments
This one probably goes without saying, but just in case you're inclined to waste a few gallons of precious regular unleaded searching for a tuning adapter, don't. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and TiVo have jointly issued a release to inform the public that "several manufacturers of switched digital external tuning adapters have submitted products for formal testing at CableLabs." On the positive side, this means we're inching closer to seeing these devices hit store shelves, but sadly, it also means we're not done wading through red tape just yet. For those unfamiliar, these newfangled "tuning adapters" will enable TiVo Series3, TiVo HD and certain one-way set-top-boxes that utilize CableCARDs to "access digital cable channels delivered using switched digital (SDV) technology." Hit up the read link for all the details, and check out our hands-on galleries with a few of the boxes right here.

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Tuning adapters hit CableLabs testing lair, still not ready for public consumption originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 May 2008 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable showcable show 2008CableLabsCableShowCableShow2008ciscohdnctasdvset-top-boxstbswitched digitalswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalSwitchedDigitalVideotestingtime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletivotru2waytuning adaptertuning resolverTuningAdapterTuningResolvertwcTue, 20 May 2008 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Tuning Adapter support for Media Center imminent?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/tuning-adapter-support-for-media-center-imminent/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/tuning-adapter-support-for-media-center-imminent/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/tuning-adapter-support-for-media-center-imminent/#commentsATI DCT
Despite the fact that Switched Digital Video will allow HD providers to bring us more HD goodness, it's been a bad word around here because it prevents TiVos in Vista Media Centers from access the new HD. But with the Cable Show and the first public display of the Tuning Adapter -- formerly known as the tuning resolver -- right around the corner, TiVo fans can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But at the same time, with no word from Microsoft or AMD, Vista Media Center users with ATI Digital Cable Tuners are on the edge of their seats. So we decided to hit up AMD and CableLabs for some answers, and while we didn't hear exactly what we wanted to, the response was promising. According to AMD it's "in discussions with all the relevant parties to address the issue of Switched Digital Video" and CableLabs was quick to respond by saying "the CableLabs specifications for the Tuning Adapter and the UDCP application extension do not technically prevent use with an OCUR." Of course all this really amounts to is a definite maybe, but we're optimistic we'll see this happen.

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Tuning Adapter support for Media Center imminent? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 May 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDCableLabsfiberhdSDVTuing AdapterTuingAdapterTuning ResolverTuningResolverTue, 13 May 2008 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs loosens up tru2way licensing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/07/cablelabs-loosens-up-tru2way-licensing/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/07/cablelabs-loosens-up-tru2way-licensing/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/07/cablelabs-loosens-up-tru2way-licensing/#commentstru2way logo
With the problems that CableCARD ran into, CE company reticence to adopt the new tru2way standard is understandable. But CableLabs has gone a ways toward not repeating past mistakes in its updated tru2way licensing agreement. First and foremost, CE companies will be able to "self-certify" their products. This is great news for manufacturers and consumers alike, and could solve issues stemming from the previous requirement that all gear must be submitted to CableLabs for certification. Altogether, the changes show a "kinder, gentler" face of CableLabs, which seems to get the hint that more cooperation with companies that actually make goods for consumers is a good thing. For its efforts, Samsung has put its name on the dotted line of the new agreement. We like what we're seeing with tru2way, and hope to get more hands-on impressions at The Cable Show later this month. Who knows, maybe roll-your-own tru2way HTPCs could be around the corner!

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CableLabs loosens up tru2way licensing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 May 2008 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablecardcablelabscertificationhdlicensingsamsungtru2wayWed, 07 May 2008 23:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Digeo settles with Gemstar, new Moxi DVR on the way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/22/digeo-settles-with-gemstar-new-moxi-DVR-on-the-way/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/22/digeo-settles-with-gemstar-new-moxi-DVR-on-the-way/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/22/digeo-settles-with-gemstar-new-moxi-DVR-on-the-way/#commentsThe continuing saga of Digeo and its now you see it / now you don't DVRs at CES has taken another step, first by the company resolving a lawsuit with Gemstar-TV Guide. Courtesy of a multiyear licensing agreement, any problems with its "too similar" guide software should be in the past; a good thing since Light Reading noticed the Moxi HD DVD 3012, set to debut at next month's Cable Show with dual tuners, increased hard drive and CableCARD support. We'll keep an eye out for more details on the new hardware hidden among all that tru2way equipment.

[Via ZatznotFunny]

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Digeo settles with Gemstar, new Moxi DVR on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable cardcable labsCableCardCableLabsdigeogemstarhdmoxiotherstru2waytv guideTvGuideTue, 22 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's MTR700 tuning resolver edges closer to release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/motorolas-mtr700-tuning-resolver-edges-closer-to-release/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/motorolas-mtr700-tuning-resolver-edges-closer-to-release/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/motorolas-mtr700-tuning-resolver-edges-closer-to-release/#comments
Earlier this year, we got word that switched digital support for CableCARD was still on track for Q2, and now we're feeling a tad more confident in said assertion thanks to a recent update from Motorola. According to the company's Mari Silbey, its own tuning resolver -- which is meant to allow any third-party CableCARD device to access channels delivered via SDV -- will officially be christened MTR700. Additionally, we're told that it'll likely look just like the DCT700 set-top-box (pictured), and that the unit has just passed through a CableLabs interop "with flying colors." Next, we're expecting the device to be submitted for CableLabs' Cert Wave 60, and best of all, Moto assures us that the STB will be on display (and "functional" enough for demos) at next month's Cable Show in New Orleans. Huzzah!

[Via Light Reading]

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Motorola's MTR700 tuning resolver edges closer to release originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDcablelabshdmotomotorlamotorolaMTR700otherssdvset-top-boxstbswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotru2wayTuning ResolverTuningResolverMon, 21 Apr 2008 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo still working on a DVR with two-way features like VOD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/tivo-still-working-on-a-dvr-with-two-way-features-like-vod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/tivo-still-working-on-a-dvr-with-two-way-features-like-vod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/tivo-still-working-on-a-dvr-with-two-way-features-like-vod/#commentsHi-def and DVRs go together like peanut butter and jelly, but even with all the great DVRs available today, none are perfect. TiVo offers the best overall user experience and features, but lacks a few fundamental features that most cable STBs have -- like VOD, for starters. Although this isn't TiVo's fault, when it comes down to figuring out what's right for your family, it really doesn't matter. During Tivo's earnings call yesterday, it was reaffirmed that TiVo is working one step closer to making the ultimate cable DVR by including two-way functionality using the latest CableLabs standard tru2way. For those who haven't been keeping track at home, tru2way has undergone an identity crisis, and if you go back long enough, you'll find that it was called CableCARD 2.0 -- by someone. The way this would work is that you'd have a way on a TiVo to access the cable company's UI, so good or bad, when you're accessing VOD content, you'd see the same thing as if you were using a Moto or SA Cisco box. What isn't known is if current HD TiVo owners, with the help of a tuning resolver and some software, would have access to the same features. We don't see why not, but this stuff is already way more complicated than it should be, and at this point we wouldn't put anything by CableLabs.

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TiVo still working on a DVR with two-way features like VOD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDCableCARD 2.0Cablecard2.0CableLabsfiberhdOCAPotaothersSeries 4Series4TivoTiVo Series 4TivoSeries4tru2wayTuning resolverTuningResolverThu, 06 Mar 2008 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched digital support for CableCARD still on track for second quarter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/08/switched-digital-support-for-cablecard-still-on-track-for-second/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/08/switched-digital-support-for-cablecard-still-on-track-for-second/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/08/switched-digital-support-for-cablecard-still-on-track-for-second/#commentsMoto stbIt's hard to believe the first quarter of '08 is almost half way over, but time can't pass fast enough when you're waiting on something. TiVo fans everywhere don't look like they'll have to wait too much longer for new HD channels -- that are already available to cable co' DVR users -- thanks to new testing equipment that CableLabs has received that is designed to allow 3rd party CableCARD devices to play nice with switched digital video. This new STB -- which is also known as a tunning resolver and is expected to look something the box pictured here -- will allow any 3rd party CableCARD device to access channels delivered using SDV -- assuming the device is compatible. At this point, this is all about TiVo owners, but many hope that Microsoft will get in on the action as well.

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Switched digital support for CableCARD still on track for second quarter originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDcableLabshdsdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideoTiVoFri, 08 Feb 2008 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[OpenCable officially becomes tru2way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/opencable-officially-becomes-true2way/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/opencable-officially-becomes-true2way/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/opencable-officially-becomes-true2way/#commentstru2way logo
In the latest episode of as the cable industry turns, the rumors that CableLabs would rename OpenCable to tru2Way are indeed true. For those keeping track at home, once upon a time the world dreamed of ditching their cable box, but wanted to continue to take advantage of all the services their cable co' forced them to pay for. Then after an act of congress and ten years time; along came CableCARD, but left out VOD and PPV, so we all waited with baited breath for CableCARD 2.0 -- but it never came. But hope wasn't lost, as CableLabs released OCAP, which was marketed as OpenCable, but there was still no love from the industry. So what is CableLabs to do? It does the same thing anyone does when in this predicament; give it a new name. Whether a new name is what's needed to gets things moving remains to be seen, we're at the largest consumer electronics show in the US this week and although we've yet to see any tru2way enabled HDTVs or DVRs just yet, we'll keep you posted.

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OpenCable officially becomes tru2way originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCableCARD 2.0Cablecard2.0CableLabsCESCES 2008Ces2008OCAPOpenCabletrue2wayMon, 07 Jan 2008 12:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the new boss, Cable Labs' DTCP-IP]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/meet-the-new-boss-cable-labs-dtcp-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/meet-the-new-boss-cable-labs-dtcp-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/meet-the-new-boss-cable-labs-dtcp-ip/#commentsDTCP-IP for home networksCableLabs' latest DRM scheme, DTCP-IP (Digital Transmission Copy Protection), got approval from a number of movie studios last week. This new streaming protocol is an extension of the DTCP protection on FireWire links, and is supposed to allow secured sharing of digital content within a home network. How secure? According to the CableLabs CEO, the new protocol allows for the "same level of protection, functionality, and treatment of content" as with AACS. Ahem. If that's true, count on a crack before the standard ever sees the light of day. Still, we're hoping that this will open up possibilities for TiVO functionality that has gone missing, like To-Go and Multi-Room Viewing. We also wonder what the real definition of a "home network" means to CableLabs -- could this spell trouble for place-shifting devices like the Slingbox?

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Meet the new boss, Cable Labs' DTCP-IP originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AACScableCableLabsDRMDTCP-IPFireWirehdother hardwareotherhardwarerecordersTiVOMon, 27 Aug 2007 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[CableCARD 2.0 is ready]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/22/cablecard-2-0-is-ready/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/22/cablecard-2-0-is-ready/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/22/cablecard-2-0-is-ready/#comments In the past week we have been on a quest to make sense of this entire CableCARD mess. We started out by talking to Motorola which was great, but left us even more confused, so we decided to go straight to the source and give CableLabs a call. While we're not excited about the answers, we did learn that CableCARD 2.0 does exist and it's ready to go. Along the way we also learned what's preventing TiVo and Microsoft from adding our favorite features to their latest CableCARD host devices.

Continue reading CableCARD 2.0 is ready

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CableCARD 2.0 is ready originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDCableCARD 2.0Cablecard2.0CableLabsfeaturesfiberhdlgMicrosoftOCAPpanasonicsamsungTiVoFri, 22 Jun 2007 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell XPS 410 with CableCARD and Blu-ray (p)reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/dell-xps-410-with-cablecard-and-blu-ray-p-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/dell-xps-410-with-cablecard-and-blu-ray-p-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/dell-xps-410-with-cablecard-and-blu-ray-p-reviewed/#comments
Doth our eyes deceive us? Have we finally happened upon a real life computer with real life CableCARD after all these years? It looks like PC Mag's finally got that early review up of the Dell XPS 410 with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner (and Blu-ray, to boot!), which we've come to find out is, unfortunately, still just a working prototype (read: not hitting the market just yet). That didn't stop them and their dual CableCARD tuners from jacking into some serious HD cable though. Interesting notes:
  • Dell claims that the sales rep who takes the order for your CableCARD-equipped Dell box will also schedule an appointment with your local cable company to have the CableCARDs delivered and installed the same day your system comes. (Really? We're skeptical.)
  • The initial CableCARD install apparently took three friggin hours to drop in, provision, and get running; one of the two tuners continually didn't work for PC Mag, which caused lingering issues. Both the cable company and Dell eventually had to reflash the tuner and CableCARDs.
  • HD (and some SD) video had problems: "stuttering and video artifact issues". Bummer.
  • Dell said "the company went with Blu-ray instead of HD-DVD [sic] simply because BD-RE is a writable drive now" -- does that mean when writable HD DVD drives are more commonplace Dell will offer both?
  • Streaming live and recorded TV to your Xbox 360 works flawlessly, as expected.
  • Blu-ray playback worked well with 3rd party apps, but like HD DVD, it can't yet be done in Media Center (yay DRM)
  • The system hit some performance limits when playing back Blu-ray flicks and streaming or recording media. More power!
  • We don't agree with PC Mag's assessment that "TV on Vista's MCE interface is still a niche product". Perhaps because many millions of Media Center PCs have been shipped -- but let's not split hairs.
There, are you as stoked as we are for this? Problems and crappy CableLABS DRM and CableCARD issues and all?

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Dell XPS 410 with CableCARD and Blu-ray (p)reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraycablecablecardcablelabsdellhdxps 410Xps410Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell XPS 410 with CableCARD and Blu-ray (p)reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/dell-xps-410-with-cablecard-and-blu-ray-p-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/dell-xps-410-with-cablecard-and-blu-ray-p-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/dell-xps-410-with-cablecard-and-blu-ray-p-reviewed/#comments
Doth our eyes deceive us? Have we finally happened upon a real life computer with real life CableCARD after all these years? It looks like PC Mag's finally got that early review up of the Dell XPS 410 with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner (and Blu-ray, to boot!), which we've come to find out is, unfortunately, still just a working prototype (read: not hitting the market just yet). That didn't stop them and their dual CableCARD tuners from jacking into some serious HD cable though. Interesting notes:
  • Dell claims that the sales rep who takes the order for your CableCARD-equipped Dell box will also schedule an appointment with your local cable company to have the CableCARDs delivered and installed the same day your system comes. (Really? We're skeptical.)
  • The initial CableCARD install apparently took three friggin hours to drop in, provision, and get running; one of the two tuners continually didn't work for PC Mag, which caused lingering issues. Both the cable company and Dell eventually had to reflash the tuner and CableCARDs.
  • HD (and some SD) video had problems: "stuttering and video artifact issues". Bummer.
  • Dell said "the company went with Blu-ray instead of HD-DVD [sic] simply because BD-RE is a writable drive now" -- does that mean when writable HD DVD drives are more commonplace Dell will offer both?
  • Streaming live and recorded TV to your Xbox 360 works flawlessly, as expected.
  • Blu-ray playback worked well with 3rd party apps, but like HD DVD, it can't yet be done in Media Center (yay DRM)
  • The system hit some performance limits when playing back Blu-ray flicks and streaming or recording media. More power!
  • We don't agree with PC Mag's assessment that "TV on Vista's MCE interface is still a niche product". Perhaps because many millions of Media Center PCs have been shipped -- but let's not split hairs.
There, are you as stoked as we are for this? Problems and crappy CableLABS DRM and CableCARD issues and all?

Dell XPS 410 with CableCARD and Blu-ray (p)reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecardcablelabsdellxps 410Xps410Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:46:00 EST