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[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[The FCC changes the CableCARD rules, but not dramatically]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/the-fcc-changes-the-cablecard-rules-but-not-dramatically/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/the-fcc-changes-the-cablecard-rules-but-not-dramatically/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/the-fcc-changes-the-cablecard-rules-but-not-dramatically/#commentsSA M-Card CableCARD 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 lieu 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 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1394CableCARDFCCIPSDVSwithced Digital VideoSwithcedDigitalVideoTuning AdapterTuningAdapterThu, 14 Oct 2010 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Will the FCC make any meaningful changes to the CableCARD rules this Thursday?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/poll-will-the-fcc-make-any-meaningful-changes-to-the-cablecard/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/poll-will-the-fcc-make-any-meaningful-changes-to-the-cablecard/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/poll-will-the-fcc-make-any-meaningful-changes-to-the-cablecard/#comments With less than a week to go until the FCC's meeting on the proposed CableCARD rule changes, we want to know, will the FCC make any meaningful changes to the CableCARD rules this Thursday? Sure CableCARD hasn't lived up to its purpose in life, but it has helped thousands break free of their provider's DVR. And while we all look forward to a full featured solution that will work for the masses, personally we're holding out hope that the FCC will make some changes that will make life easier for CableCARD using consumers now.

View Poll

Poll: Will the FCC make any meaningful changes to the CableCARD rules this Thursday? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDFCChdOCURPollSDVTuning AdapterTuningAdapterSun, 10 Oct 2010 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[A war of good and bad is raging before the FCC over CableCARD rules]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/03/a-war-of-good-and-bad-is-raging-before-the-fcc-over-cablecard-ru/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/03/a-war-of-good-and-bad-is-raging-before-the-fcc-over-cablecard-ru/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/03/a-war-of-good-and-bad-is-raging-before-the-fcc-over-cablecard-ru/#commentsCisco TA A war has been raging in front of the FCC these past few weeks with judgment day coming later this year. The FCC wants to move beyond CableCARDs but wants to make the best of it for all those consumer who have already bought into the technology by making some changes to the rules in the interim. The battle isn't as fun or exciting as Jacob vs The Man in Black, but all the companies we love and hate are involved. Reading through the comments makes it very easy to see which companies consider us their customers and which know we have little choice but to buy their service. Basically TiVo and the rest of the consumer electronics industry supports the new changes while the NCTA, its members and suppliers think it is unnecessary because things are just fine the way they are. The biggest item of dispute is if Tuning Adapters are working or if a new solution is needed. On one hand the NCTA says they work just fine and on the other TiVo, the CEA and many individual commenters, say they don't and that a IP back channel would be more reliable, cheaper and easier to support. The only problem the NCTA does see with the current rules is that CableCARD host devices cost too much so the FCC should let them deploy cheaper boxes with integrated security -- we say let 'em do it, just as long as CableLabs starts certifying two-way 3rd party devices too. At this point the comment phase of the process is complete and we all have to wait for the FCC to announce when it'll vote one way or another -- although we expect the vote to happen this Summer if the FCC still intends to implement the changes this Fall. If you want to know who was saying what, click through for our interpretation of the comments.

Continue reading A war of good and bad is raging before the FCC over CableCARD rules

A war of good and bad is raging before the FCC over CableCARD rules originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDCEAFCChdNCTASDVTiVoTuning AdaptersTuningAdaptersSat, 03 Jul 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr/#comments Cox is ready to make a major leap forward in its user interface -- goodbye SARA and Passport, we won't miss you -- with the newly developed "Plus Package" rolling out in limited areas during Q2 and throughout its service area by the end of the year. For the hardware Cox is bringing a Whole Home DVR solution to bear based on a Cisco 8642 HD/DVR with 500GB (3x more than the sizes currently offered) of storage, and MoCA-connected 1642 HD receivers, which are also necessary to tune to the new HD channels on the way delivered over Switched Digital Video (SDV) in the 860-MHz band.

The star of the show however is the new "Trio" program guide (video embedded after the break), a 16:9 interface that spaces out program info over three panes -- channels on the left, programs in the middle, details on the right. TV programs can also be sorted grid-style, by themes, HD-only or favorite channels, while VOD lists titles, box art and detailed info in the three window style. There's personalization for up to eight members of a household, as well as TiVo-style suggestions and related programming searches based on metadata. An exec told Multichannel News the new tru2way-built software started by realizing that "our guides were, in fact, broken" and this all-new approach is a step towards fixing that. Besides the TiVos and Moxis of the world, other service providers with similar setups include DirecTV, FiOS, Dish Network and U-verse and while we'd definitely like to see that middle pane expanded a bit to show more of each title, Cox could be the first cable company offering a set-top box that actually competes with any of them.

Gallery: Cox Advanced TV Plus Package

Continue reading Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels

Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 gb500Gbandvanced tv plus packageAndvancedTvPlusPackageciscocisco 1642cisco 8642Cisco1642Cisco8642coxCox CableCoxCabledvrhd dvrHdDvrmocamultiroomocapprogram guideProgramGuidesdvset-top boxSet-topBoxtriotrio guideTrioGuidetru2waytv plusTvPlusuivideowhole home dvrWholeHomeDvrMon, 10 May 2010 12:52:00 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[ ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/ati-dct-firmware-update-pops-up-on-windows-update-drm-free-mce/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/ati-dct-firmware-update-pops-up-on-windows-update-drm-free-mce/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/ati-dct-firmware-update-pops-up-on-windows-update-drm-free-mce/#comments
Microsoft delivered the first half of two promised ATI Digital Cable Tuner-related updates as the 1.19.12.09050155 firmware update is now available from Windows Update (listed with the optional udates) that will relax the way it handles DRM on its recordings and add support for Switched Digital Video. With the new update applied, all Copy Freely-marked programing will be recorded without DRM allowing you to move it between PCs, convert it to another format or whatever you wish with ease, however as our hands on experience with the new firmware indicated you'll still need your cable provider to pass along the right bits to make it all operate properly. Still waiting in the wings is the Advisor Utility that will allow Digital Cable Tuners to work with any PC, no OEM purchase or hacking skills required.

[Thanks, Rob]

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ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.19.127mcaticablecopy freelyCopyFreelydigital cable tunerDigitalCableTunerdrmfirmware updateFirmwareUpdateflaghdmc7mcemedia centerMediaCenterocurotherssdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideowindowswindows 7windows media centerWindows7WindowsMediaCenterFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Curious about SDV and Copy Freely support in Windows 7 Media Center?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/25/curious-about-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-media-cen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/25/curious-about-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-media-cen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/25/curious-about-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-media-cen/#comments
Look here, bub. Do you own an ATI Digital Cable Tuner? Has your Windows Media Center PC been waiting for a firmware update, since like, forever ago? If so, you should already know that SDV and Copy Freely support has been added to Windows 7 Media Center, which is the software coding equivalent of all of your dreams coming true. Of course, getting used to all this new functionality is a daunting task, but that's why Engadget HD is breaking things down to make it fit for digestion. Ready to get schooled? Well, head on over!

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Curious about SDV and Copy Freely support in Windows 7 Media Center? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCATICableCARDDCTDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerfeaturedfeaturesMedia CenterMediaCenterocurSDVsoftwareSwitched Digital VideoSwitchedDigitalVideoTATuning AdapterTuningAdapterWWindows 7Windows media CenterWindows7WindowsMediaCenterFri, 25 Sep 2009 04:42:00 EST<![CDATA[A first hand look at SDV and Copy Freely support in Windows 7 Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/a-first-hand-look-at-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-me/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/a-first-hand-look-at-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-me/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/a-first-hand-look-at-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-me/#commentsATI Digital Cable Tuner

If you have a ATI Digital Cable Tuner connected to your Windows Media Center then you've been waiting a long time for a firmware update. In fact, although updates were released fairly steadily during the first year of the product's life, the last update (1.17.1) was dated April 30th 2008. But this long delay has been particularly painful because this is the first update since CableLabs relaxed the DRM requirements last Summer -- it's also the very same update Microsoft has been touting since CEDIA 2008. So what took so long? We'd like to know, but one thing is for sure, CableLabs sure took its time in the approval process as the date on the firmware is May 1st 2009! Better late then never, so while you wait for the public release click through to find out what all the fuss is about.

Continue reading A first hand look at SDV and Copy Freely support in Windows 7 Media Center

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A first hand look at SDV and Copy Freely support in Windows 7 Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCATICableCARDDCTDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerfeaturedfeatureshdMedia CenterMediaCenterocurSDVSwitched Digital VideoSwitchedDigitalVideoTATuning AdapterTuningAdapterWindows 7Windows media CenterWindows7WindowsMediaCenterWMCThu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Ceton CableCARD tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/10/hands-on-with-the-ceton-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/10/hands-on-with-the-ceton-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/10/hands-on-with-the-ceton-cablecard-tuner/#comments
We learned all about it this new tuner first thing this morning and were very pleased to see a "technology preview" of the card in action at the Microsoft's booth. As expected, it is a single PCI-E card that uses one multi-stream CableCARD and offers the ability to record four HD channels at once. The tuner shows up as a single network adapter in Windows and still uses UPnP like the currently available ATI tuner does. The configuration and diagnostic interface included tabs for each individual tuner and apparently two Tuning Adapters -- unfortunately there wasn't a working demo of the SDV tuning in action. And in case you are wondering, we did ask about the price and as you might expect we were referred to Ceton for specific product questions. We do already have an appointment with them tomorrow, but we'd be surprised if they were ready to tell us.

Gallery: Hands-on with the Ceton CableCARD tuner

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Hands-on with the Ceton CableCARD tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDCEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009CetonFeaturedhdM-CardMedia CenterMediaCenterMicrosoftSDVTuning adapterTuningAdapterWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterThu, 10 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton CableCARD PC tuner details emerge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/10/ceton-cablecard-pc-tuner-details-emerge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/10/ceton-cablecard-pc-tuner-details-emerge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/10/ceton-cablecard-pc-tuner-details-emerge/#commentsCeton quad CableCARD tunerThere's no press release or anything, but an eagle eyed blogger noticed that the FAQ for highly anticipated multi-stream CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center on Ceton's site has been updated. Among the new details is the fact that there will be multiple offerings -- as apposed to just the one version announced at CES -- which will include 2, 4 and 6 tuner versions. The card has also been adapted to work in a low-profile PCI-E form factor, but no word if all three iterations will be available in the shorty version. The bad news is that the new release date has been pushed back from 2009, until the first quarter of 2010. Of course the new tuners also won't be restricted to the OEM requirement and will of course work with Tuning Adapters to add SDV support. The quad steam version is currently geting its stamp of approval from CableLabs so it'll be out first, but we're very saddened to tell you that there is still no word on the price. While we wait for price and availability though, you can look forward to our hands-on just as soon as we work our way to the Microsoft booth at CEDIA.

[Via GeekTonic]

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Ceton CableCARD PC tuner details emerge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCbreakingCEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009CetonCeton CorpCetonCorphdMedia CenterMediaCenterSDVTATuning adapterTuningAdapterWin7Windows 7Windows7Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Media Center is set to thrill at CEDIA 2009 next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/windows-media-center-is-set-to-thrill-at-cedia-2009-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/windows-media-center-is-set-to-thrill-at-cedia-2009-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/windows-media-center-is-set-to-thrill-at-cedia-2009-next-month/#comments Everyone likes to try and predict the future and with the Custom Electronic Design & Installation (CEDIA) show only a month away, the crew at Engadget HD threw all of their crazy ideas out there for your reading pleasure. For the most part all of the predictions are around Windows Media Center and how it will integrate with other products like the Zune HD, Digital Cable and HD satellite services, but there are some other fun things throw in. We really believe that this is going to be the year that Redmond brings everything together, so if you're the type who doesn't think it'll ever happen, then click through to find out why we think you're wrong. Either way, you can expect we'll be on the scene in Atlanta to check out what's new first hand.

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Windows Media Center is set to thrill at CEDIA 2009 next month originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCAMDATIBlu-rayCEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009DCTDISH NetworkDishNetworkDRMExtenders for Windows Media CenterExtendersForWindowsMediaCenterHauppaugeHD-PVRhdtvInternet TVInternetTvLive MeshLiveMeshManaged CopyManagedCopymedia pcmedia pcsmediapcmediapcsMicrosoftOCURPlayReadySDVSilverlightSky TVSkyTvTuning AdapterTuningAdapterVIP 211Vip211WebguideWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterZuneZune HDZuneHdMon, 10 Aug 2009 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[CEDIA 2009 Windows Media Center predictions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/cedia-2009-windows-media-center-predictions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/cedia-2009-windows-media-center-predictions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/10/cedia-2009-windows-media-center-predictions/#comments
With the Custom Electronic Design & Installation show in Atlanta only a month away, we thought it'd be fun to try and predict the future by laying out our expectations for Windows Media Center. The way we see it, CEDIA is the perfect launching pad for Windows 7 Media Center. For starters it is just over a month before the official release of the OS, but more so because Microsoft has used the venue in the past to announce new Media Center features. We really believe that this is going to be the year that Redmond brings everything together, so if you're the type who doesn't think it'll ever happen, then click through to find out why we think you're wrong.

Continue reading CEDIA 2009 Windows Media Center predictions

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CEDIA 2009 Windows Media Center predictions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCAMDATIBlu-raycableCEDIACEDIA 2009Cedia2009DCTDISH NetworkDishNetworkDRMExtenders for Windows Media CenterExtendersForWindowsMediaCenterfiberHauppaugehdHD-PVRinternetInternet TVInternetTvLive MeshLiveMeshManaged CopyManagedCopyMicrosoftOCURotaPlayReadysatelliteSDVSilverlightSky TVSkyTvTuning AdapterTuningAdapterVIP 211Vip211WebguideWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterZuneZune HDZuneHdMon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/the-moxi-summer-update-brings-the-moxi-mate-sdv-support-and-mor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/the-moxi-summer-update-brings-the-moxi-mate-sdv-support-and-mor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/the-moxi-summer-update-brings-the-moxi-mate-sdv-support-and-mor/#comments
All the Moxi owners out there should be happy to learn that Digeo intends to keep its promise by continually releasing updates to Moxi HD DVR on a regular basis. The latest Summer update should hit your Moxi in the next few days and brings some of the more anticipated features -- no still no TiVoToGo like functionality -- like the grid guide pictured above, support for the Moxi Mate and Switched Digital Video (SDV).



First up is SDV support, but while adding the ability to tune channels delivered via SDV is appreciated, it really falls under the "about time" category. Next is the new Moxi Mate, which holds more promise but just because it starts shipping tomorrow for $399, doesn't mean it will deliver. As it stands now, the Mate requires that you bring your own network connection to your second TV -- so no MoCA support like FiOS and other cable operator DVRs work -- and it doesn't completely replace the STB in your bedroom because it doesn't do Live TV and you can't schedule recordings with it. You can at least pick up where you left off watching a record without transfering it first, but the included remote can't control your TV's channel or input, so you're going to need a universal remote or you're going to make life in the bedroom as complicated as some living rooms. Our last gripe about the Mate (yes there's more) is the fact that Digeo only recommends running one Mate at a time with a hard limit of three concurrent streams. The good news though is that existing Moxi HD DVR customers can pick up a Mate for $199, and there're even package deals and payment plans to lesson the blow. The breath of fresh air coming with this update is the fact that up to 6TB of external storage is now supported and DLNA support is improved with added codec and containers like H.264 in MKV files -- although obviously MKV can support all kinds of codecs that may or may not also be supported.

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The Moxi Summer update brings the Moxi Mate, SDV support and more originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLNAH.264hdHD DVRHdDvrMKVMoxiMoxi HD DVRMoxi MateMoxiHdDvrMoxiMateSDVTuning AdapterTuningAdapterTue, 04 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-what-is-atsc-psip-qam-and-8-vsb/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-what-is-atsc-psip-qam-and-8-vsb/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-what-is-atsc-psip-qam-and-8-vsb/#commentsHD master control
Once you buy an HDTV it doesn't take long before you get confused by all the acronyms. We love us some HD, but the days of simply bringing a new set home and plugging into a coax cable are long over -- at least for most. It is pretty obvious by the latest surveys that most people don't understand exactly what it takes to enjoy HD on their HDTV, but even if you do, you may not understand what most of it means. Now while this isn't the typical make sure you have your HDTV configured to watch HD post, it will help you understand the different ways HD is delivered.

Continue reading HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?

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HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-VSB8VSBAC3ATSCbroadbandcableCableCARDFCCfeaturedfeatureshdHD 101HD-101HD101modulatorNTSCotaPSIPQAMQAM256SDVUHFVHFFri, 08 May 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco STA1520 SDV tuning adapter impressions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/08/cisco-sta1520-sdv-tuning-adapter-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/08/cisco-sta1520-sdv-tuning-adapter-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/08/cisco-sta1520-sdv-tuning-adapter-impressions/#commentsCisco STA1520 SDV tuning adapter
Cox grabbed some early SDV headlines by promising to supply its Phoenix-area TiVo customers with free tuning adapters, but it only recently made good on the deal in our central Phoenix location. Since the initial announcement, other cable markets -- both Cox and other providers -- have already delivered tuning adapters to users. Based on our poll, it seems the Tuning Adapter rollout is still in the early stages even though we feel like we've been waiting for a long time. Better late than never, though -- last week we got a letter indicating that our Tuning Adapter was ready for pickup at the local Cox office, thankfully still gratis. For our troubles, we got a Cisco (Scientific Atlanta) STA1520 that the Cox representative made abundantly clear was free only as long as we stayed a customer. Follow us past the fold to see how the rest of our Tuning Adapter experience shaped up.

Continue reading Cisco STA1520 SDV tuning adapter impressions

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Cisco STA1520 SDV tuning adapter impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableciscocoxcox communicationsCoxCommunicationsfeatureshdothersreviewscientific atlantaScientificAtlantasdvsta1520switched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotivotuning adapterTuningAdapterWed, 08 Apr 2009 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Tuning Adapters coming to Windows 7 Media Center?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/04/tuning-adapters-coming-to-windows-7-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/04/tuning-adapters-coming-to-windows-7-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/04/tuning-adapters-coming-to-windows-7-media-center/#commentsTuning adapter
Media Center fans with ATI digital cable tuners that use CableCARDs have felt pretty left out recently as all the TiVo owners have been getting their hands on Tuning Adapters, and thus access to all the SDV delivered HD channels they pay for. Well it appears there may be some good news on the horizon. We were listening to one of our favorite podcasts -- no not that one, or that one or even our own -- by Derek Flickinger who is a foremost expert on everything Media Center, and at about exactly the 40:00 mark he let a little bit of inside information slip that we've been waiting for. According to DrFlick, the next version of the ATI Digital Cable Tuner's firmware-- the same one that is supposed to reduce the DRM -- will enable support for the Tuning Adapter (all though he actually called them by their old name, "Tuning Resolver") in Windows 7 Media Center. Once upon a time there was a little debate as to whether these devices would even work with OCURs, but now it seems that it just a matter of time.

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Tuning Adapters coming to Windows 7 Media Center? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATI DCTAtiDctCableCARDDCTDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerhdSDVTATuing resolverTuingResolverTuning AdapterTuningAdapterSat, 04 Apr 2009 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Have you received your DTV tuning adapter?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/31/poll-have-you-received-your-dtv-tuning-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/31/poll-have-you-received-your-dtv-tuning-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/31/poll-have-you-received-your-dtv-tuning-adapter/#comments
We've received reports from one side of the country (New York) to the other (Hawaii) from locals that have just received their long anticipated DTV tuning adapter. This week's poll question is quite simple, really: have you received yours? If so, how long did it take to arrive, and what carrier are you using? If not, chime in below with how long you've been waiting, where you are and what operator is being lazy on you.

View Poll

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Poll: Have you received your DTV tuning adapter? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecarddigital tvDigitalTvdtvhdpollpollssdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotuning adapterTuningAdapterSat, 31 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cox subscribers in Northern Virginia now receiving tuning adapters]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/13/cox-subscribers-in-northern-virginia-now-receiving-tuning-adapte/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/13/cox-subscribers-in-northern-virginia-now-receiving-tuning-adapte/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/13/cox-subscribers-in-northern-virginia-now-receiving-tuning-adapte/#comments
Cox Communications was one of the first cable carriers to openly admit that it would be handing out tuning adapters to those negatively affected by switched digital video implementations (read: CableCARD users) sans a fee. Now, it seems like the floodgates are officially open across the industry. On the same day that TWC users in Austin, Texas began scooping up tuning adapters of their own, we're seeing multiple reports from Northern Virginia that consumers are finally able to claim one from their local office. It doesn't seem as if installation is totally a breeze for everyone, but Cox has evidently trained its CSR staff to handle quirks quickly judging by positive vibes felt on the TiVoCommunity boards. Moral of the story? Your carrier just might have a TA with your name on it, but you may never find out without giving 'em a ring.

[Thanks, Phillip]

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Cox subscribers in Northern Virginia now receiving tuning adapters originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDcoxcox communicationsCoxCommunicationshdnorthern virginiaNorthernVirginianovaSDVswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideoTiVotuning adapterTuningAdaptervirginiaSat, 13 Dec 2008 00:46:00 EST<![CDATA[TWC now handing out tuning adapters in Austin, Texas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/twc-now-handing-out-tuning-adapters-in-austin-texas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/twc-now-handing-out-tuning-adapters-in-austin-texas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/twc-now-handing-out-tuning-adapters-in-austin-texas/#commentsWe knew that Time Warner Cable was allowing customers in various regions around the country to pre-order their tuning adapter, and tonight we've received the first report of delivery. For those out of the loop, these free adapters enable CableCARD users to tune into any channel that's delivered via switched digital video (SDV); without one, your current TiVo (for example) won't ever be able to see any channel beamed out with the new technology. The lucky locale is Austin, Texas, but we get the idea that other places should be seeing them soon. Give your local TWC office a call, and do report back (bonus points for images) if you've found that your city now has 'em as well. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Andy]

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TWC now handing out tuning adapters in Austin, Texas originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincablehdother hardwareotherhardwareSDVswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotexastime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletuning adapterTuningAdapterTWCFri, 12 Dec 2008 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast going all digital in Seattle, bringing DTAs to the Pacific Northwest]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/comcast-going-all-digital-in-seattle-bringing-dtas-to-the-pacif/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/comcast-going-all-digital-in-seattle-bringing-dtas-to-the-pacif/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/comcast-going-all-digital-in-seattle-bringing-dtas-to-the-pacif/#commentsYou already know what Comcast's Digital Transport Adapter looks like, and for folks in Salem, Eugene and Corvallis, Oregon (not to mention Seattle, Washington), you'll be seeing 'em in the flesh soon enough. Comcast has announced that its all digital transition will be heading up from Portland and into Seattle in the near future, and it's upsetting quite a few locals with Media Center PC / TiVo setups. Of course, these are just the growing (or should we say "changing") pains associated with a mass switch from analog to digital, but at least in theory, the conversion should free up oodles of bandwidth for the carrier to expand its HD lineup. And remember, a cable company choosing to pipe its channels out in digital is very different than the broadcast change coming in February 2009 -- it's confusing, we know, but the read link does a fairly decent job of spelling everything out.

[Thanks, Doug]

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Comcast going all digital in Seattle, bringing DTAs to the Pacific Northwest originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-digitalcableComcastcustomer serviceCustomerServiceDigital Transport AdapterDigitalTransportAdapterDTAhdSDVseattleswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideowashingtonFri, 12 Dec 2008 06:25:00 EST<![CDATA[TWC looks to bring Start Over / Look Back, more HD to Orange County]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/twc-looks-to-bring-start-over-look-back-more-hd-to-orange-cou/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/twc-looks-to-bring-start-over-look-back-more-hd-to-orange-cou/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/twc-looks-to-bring-start-over-look-back-more-hd-to-orange-cou/#comments
For those parked in beautiful Orange County, California and wondering if Time Warner Cable is thinking of you, trust us, we feel your pain. Thankfully, competition has pressured the carrier into opening its eyes a bit, as a recent interview with the president of OC's Time Warner Cable operations has given folks in the area something to look forward to. For starters, subscribers can soon expect faster internet speeds all around, with "Power Boost" taking underutilized capacity and giving it to those who need an extra burst to suck down a large file. Additionally, users will finally see Caller ID on their TV, and best of all, Fred Stefany admitted that HD was a priority and that most areas should have upwards of 50 high-def channels before 2009. Finally, we're told that SDV, Start Over and Look Back are all coming within the next several months. Check the read link for the full writeup, and hang tight (if you can).

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TWC looks to bring Start Over / Look Back, more HD to Orange County originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecaliforniahdlook backLookBackocorange countyOrangeCountypower boostPowerBoostSDVstart overStartOverswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideothe ocTheOctime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletwcWed, 29 Oct 2008 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[TWC San Antonio to offer free Tuning Adapters, pre-orders now open]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/24/twc-san-antonio-to-offer-free-tuning-adapters-pre-orders-now-op/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/24/twc-san-antonio-to-offer-free-tuning-adapters-pre-orders-now-op/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/24/twc-san-antonio-to-offer-free-tuning-adapters-pre-orders-now-op/#comments
As switched digital video (SDV) rollouts continue, we're apt to hear more and more about how cable companies plan on handling the distribution of Tuning Adapters. We've already heard that Cox will be giving needy customers in Phoenix a TA for free, and Time Warner Cable New York recently sent out letters to CableCARD users informing them that their TAs may be handed out gratis. Now, we're seeing a pre-order page over at TWC's San Antonio site that clearly informs subscribers that the Tuning Adapter they request will be provided at no charge "later this year." If you're in or around this area and own a TiVo Series 3, TiVo HD or TiVo HD XL, now would probably be an excellent time to get your name on the list. For everyone else, have a look at your local carrier's page and let us know if it's doing something similar. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Lawrence]

Read - TWC San Antonio main site
Read - TWC San Antonio pre-order page

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TWC San Antonio to offer free Tuning Adapters, pre-orders now open originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog shutoffAnalogShutoffcablefreehdsan antonioSanAntonioSDVseries 3Series3switched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotexasTime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletivotivo hdTivoHdtuning adapterTuningAdaptertwcFri, 24 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[New i-Guide for Comcast, other cable ops, slated for second half of '09]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/new-i-guide-for-comcast-other-cable-ops-slated-for-second-half/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/new-i-guide-for-comcast-other-cable-ops-slated-for-second-half/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/new-i-guide-for-comcast-other-cable-ops-slated-for-second-half/#comments
StartOver, switched digital video support, TiVo-style searches and prompts to make sure you're really watching an HD channel are coming to Comcast and other services using the i-Guide software in the second half of '09, hopefully bringing the much-loathed Motorola set-top boxes (& tru2way HDTVs) up to par with other modern DVRs. Multichannel News reports SDV support was originally planned for this year, but got pushed back to the next major release due to glitches. If our early preview at CES '08 was any indication there's a lot to love in the new software, except for the wait until it's released.

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New i-Guide for Comcast, other cable ops, slated for second half of '09 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecomcastepggemstargemstar-tv guidegemstar-tvguidehdi-guidemotorolasdvswitched digitalSwitchedDigitaltru2waytv guideTvGuideWed, 22 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[TWC to make Tuning Adapters available "later this year"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/twc-to-make-tuning-adapters-available-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/twc-to-make-tuning-adapters-available-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/twc-to-make-tuning-adapters-available-later-this-year/#comments
It's hard to say if letters like this are going out all over the country, but at least in central New York, Time Warner Cable has all intentions of providing CableCARD users with Tuning Adapters "later this year." Of note, the letter was addressed prior to the FCC slapping it with a fine for deploying SDV in an apparently improper manner, but at any rate, central NYers using a standard TiVo Series3 / TiVo HD now will see a whole slew of channels go dark on November 13th. The note also asserts that "it is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge," but that's a far cry from outrightly saying that they'll be doled out gratis. Guess we'll see in time, huh? [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

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TWC to make Tuning Adapters available "later this year" originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablecardhdnew yorkNewYorkSDVseries 3Series3switched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletivotivo hdTivoHdtuning adapterTuningAdaptertwcFri, 17 Oct 2008 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC fines TWC and Cox for deploying Switched Digital Video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/fcc-fines-twc-and-cox-for-deploying-switched-digital-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/fcc-fines-twc-and-cox-for-deploying-switched-digital-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/fcc-fines-twc-and-cox-for-deploying-switched-digital-video/#commentsFCC logoIf you've been feeling left out because your cable provider decided to start using Switched Digital Video (SDV) to deliver your favorite channels, don't worry because the FCC has your back. Today the FCC's Enforcement Bureau proposed to fine TWC and Cox's Fairfax County system because they "apparently willfully violated" the requirement to support third party CableCARD devices. Time Warner got slapped with a fine of 40 large, with Cox only getting half that at $20,000 -- this is in addition to the refunds both will be required to issue to affected customers. This is definitely a score for the little guy, and we sure are glad the FCC stepped up on this one, but luckily for all the parties involved, the Tuning Adapter will solve this problem long term. Now if only more providers would start making them available. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

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FCC fines TWC and Cox for deploying Switched Digital Video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablehdSDVSwithced Digital VideoSwithcedDigitalVideoTime Warner CableTimeWarnerCableTWCThu, 16 Oct 2008 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Cable adding 13 new HD channels in Dayton, Ohio]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/time-warner-cable-adding-13-new-hd-channels-in-dayton-ohio/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/time-warner-cable-adding-13-new-hd-channels-in-dayton-ohio/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/time-warner-cable-adding-13-new-hd-channels-in-dayton-ohio/#commentsAre you stoked, Dayton? You should be. Time Warner Cable has just sent out fliers to select customers in the region noting that a baker's dozen worth of HD channels are on the way, which will bring the grand total in the area to 46. Reportedly, the outfit will be pretty much finishing off its switched digital video (SDV) transition, as all 13 of the newcomers will be delivered via the bit-saving method. Ready to check out the exhaustive list? Head on past the break, you lucky, lucky Ohioan. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Dayton Guy]

Continue reading Time Warner Cable adding 13 new HD channels in Dayton, Ohio

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Time Warner Cable adding 13 new HD channels in Dayton, Ohio originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabledaytonhdnew contentnewcontentohioSDVswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideoTime Warner CableTimeWarnerCableTWCMon, 13 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The first Tuning Adapter is unleashed by Comcast]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/the-first-tuning-adapter-is-unleashed-by-comcast/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/the-first-tuning-adapter-is-unleashed-by-comcast/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/the-first-tuning-adapter-is-unleashed-by-comcast/#comments
No this isn't another demo at a trade show, but instead a real life solution for TiVo owners to address the incompatibility with 3rd party CableCARD host devices and recently very popular Switched Digital Video (SDV). Late last week Comcast sent some of its customers that were renting CableCARDs, a letter letting them know the Tuning Adapter would be available today and Jesse, a lucky member of TiVo Community, scored a Cisco STA1520 Tuning Adapter today from Comcast in NJ and finally gained access to all those new HD channels he'd be denied up until now -- assuming SDV is even already deployed where he lives. So if you've been waiting over a year to get your hands on one of these, now might just be the time to start calling your provider and giving them a hard time. The full picture after the jump.

[Thanks, Jesse!]

Continue reading The first Tuning Adapter is unleashed by Comcast

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The first Tuning Adapter is unleashed by Comcast originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsCiscoComcasthdSDVswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotuning adapterTuningAdapterMon, 06 Oct 2008 20:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft is working on adding SDV support to Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/microsoft-is-working-on-adding-sdv-support-to-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/microsoft-is-working-on-adding-sdv-support-to-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/microsoft-is-working-on-adding-sdv-support-to-media-center/#commentsMoto Tuning Adapter
Some things take way longer than they should, and Microsoft making an announcement about its intent to add support for the tuning adapter, for all those SDV hating Windows Media Center Digital Cable Tuner users, is most definitely in that category. While we've been following this switched digital video problem for over a year now, most of the solutions we've seen have been aimed at TiVo owners, meanwhile Microsoft has been quiet. A few months ago we contacted CableLabs and AMD and while we received some promising responses, it's still just all talk. Some in the Media Center community -- yeah that's right, I'm talking about you Chris -- think the specs would have to be changed to even make it possible, but we don't see why it would be any more complicated than using the PC as a bridge with a little UPNP magic mixed it to bring it all together. Regardless of how it will work though, while we're glad MS said something, but the mystical response posted at The Green Button didn't give us much confidence that the solution is right around the corner.

[Via Chris Lanier's Blog]

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Microsoft is working on adding SDV support to Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDhdMedia CenterMediaCenterMicrosoftOCURSDVSwitched Digital VideoSwitchedDigitalVideoTATuning adapterTuningAdapterVista Media CenterVistaMediaCenterVMCWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterThu, 04 Sep 2008 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Cable implementing SDV in Charlotte, NC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/23/time-warner-cable-implementing-sdv-in-charlotte-nc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/23/time-warner-cable-implementing-sdv-in-charlotte-nc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/23/time-warner-cable-implementing-sdv-in-charlotte-nc/#commentsTime Warner Cable is keeping the SDV deployments a-rollin', and it sounds as if the next market to get hit is Charlotte, North Carolina. A local chimed in to let us know that he just recently received a letter in the mail from the carrier which informed him that the switch to SDV was coming on September 23rd. As predicted, the letter told him that he's pretty much out of luck being the CableCARD user that he is, and while TWC is supposedly working with TiVo on a tuning adapter, the best it could offer was a "hope" that it would be ready by "the end of the year." Gee, thanks. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Shawn]

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Time Warner Cable implementing SDV in Charlotte, NC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablecardcharlottehdnorth carolinaNorthCarolinasdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletuning adapterTuningAdaptertwcSat, 23 Aug 2008 15:04:00 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[Binghamton, NY residents get two more HD stations via Time Warner Cable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/binghamton-ny-residents-get-two-more-hd-stations-via-time-warne/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/binghamton-ny-residents-get-two-more-hd-stations-via-time-warne/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/binghamton-ny-residents-get-two-more-hd-stations-via-time-warne/#comments
Although Binghamton, New York is far from being as blessed as Manhattan in the HD department right now (at least on Time Warner Cable), the carrier is doing everything it can to bring equality to the high-def landscape in the Empire State. Shortly after Disney HD, ABC Family HD and Toon Disney HD surfaced on the EPG, two more channels -- Planet Green HD (830) and Travel Channel HD (837) -- have emerged. As expected, these two are also being delivered via switched digital video (SDV), so you CableCARD users will just have to hang tight for now. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Armando]

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Binghamton, NY residents get two more HD stations via Time Warner Cable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Binghamtoncablechannelchannelshdlineupnew contentnew yorknewcontentNewYorksdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletwcThu, 10 Jul 2008 01:09:00 EST<![CDATA[TWC brings a dozen HD channels to Kansas City, has SDV to thank]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/05/twc-brings-a-dozen-hd-channels-to-kansas-city-has-sdv-to-thank/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/05/twc-brings-a-dozen-hd-channels-to-kansas-city-has-sdv-to-thank/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/05/twc-brings-a-dozen-hd-channels-to-kansas-city-has-sdv-to-thank/#commentsRemember how we told you that switched digital video was enabling more and more cable carriers to add more HD channels? Case, meet point. Just days after Time Warner Cable implemented SDV in Kansas City (and ticked off more than a few CableCARD users), we've now found out why such a decision was made. As of now, twelve new high-def channels are at everyone's disposal, including TBS HD (1014), TLC HD (1040), Travel Channel HD (1050), CNN HD (1044), Science HD (1023), Versus / Golf HD (1055), Animal Planet HD (1057), Fox News HD (1060), ESPNews HD (1204), Outdoor Channel HD (1202), Biography HD (1217) and Planet Green HD (1226). Unfortunately for the 1,200 or so KC-area CableCARD users, every last one of these new stations are being delivered via SDV, so unless you revert back to the company-issued set-top-box, you'll be moseying over to the neighbor's house in order to catch a glimpse.
[Thanks, Jondy and Matt]

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TWC brings a dozen HD channels to Kansas City, has SDV to thank originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablechannelchannelshdkansas cityKansasCitylineupmissourinew contentnewcontentsdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletwcSat, 05 Jul 2008 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[TWC implementing switched digital video in Kansas City]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/03/twc-implementing-switched-digital-video-in-kansas-city/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/03/twc-implementing-switched-digital-video-in-kansas-city/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/03/twc-implementing-switched-digital-video-in-kansas-city/#commentsStay sharp, Time Warner Cable subscribers -- we've got a feeling the switched digital video wave is just beginning to swell. Merely hours after hearing that San Diego residents were receiving a letter informing them that SDV was on the way, one particular user in Kansas City has apparently received the same. Better still, he was kind enough to post the full text, which explains that a number of "lesser-viewed" channels will be delivered via SDV as of August 20th. Of course, this means that existing CableCARD users will be out of luck unless they pick up a tuning adapter, and while some carriers have already committed to handing them out to those in need for free, TWC is entirely more ambiguous. The exact verbiage reads: "It is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge," but those unwilling to wait will be forced to pick up one of the carrier's own set-top-boxes in order to see the stations. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

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TWC implementing switched digital video in Kansas City originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablecardhdkansaskansas cityKansasCitymissourisdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletuning adapterTuningAdapterTWCThu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget HD: What is switched digital video (SDV)?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/#comments
With scads of cable providers slowly but surely converting markets and delivering channels via switched digital video, we reckoned now was an excellent time to dust off the terminology dictionary and dig in deeper. Fittingly, Jarad agreed:

"I've seen that lots of markets are being switched over to SDV lately, and I've noticed CableCARD users are generally upset whenever this happens. Why is that? I thought SDV was supposed to free up space so that more high-definition channels could be distributed on the current network?"

If you've suddenly found yourself wondering the same, head on past the break for the low-down.

Continue reading Ask Engadget HD: What is switched digital video (SDV)?

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Ask Engadget HD: What is switched digital video (SDV)? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadget dhask engadget hdAskEngadgetHdbandwidthbroadcastbroadcastingcablecoaxfeatureshdqamsdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotechnologyWed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Cable rolling out SDV, new HD channels in San Diego]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/01/time-warner-cable-rolling-out-sdv-new-hd-channels-in-san-diego/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/01/time-warner-cable-rolling-out-sdv-new-hd-channels-in-san-diego/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/01/time-warner-cable-rolling-out-sdv-new-hd-channels-in-san-diego/#commentsWouldn't you know it? Just weeks after AT&T announced an expansion of its U-verse service in sunny San Diego, along comes Time Warner Cable to keep things marginally competitive. According to a local, the cable company is sending out informational cards which inform users of an impending switched digital video (SDV) rollout, and while it does mention that tuning adapters may be offered for free to TiVo owners, we suspect we'll have to wait and hear about all the details. As for new high-definition channels, you can look forward to seeing Universal HD, MOJO HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies and NBA TV HD, all of which should go live on July 28th. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Josh]

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Time Warner Cable rolling out SDV, new HD channels in San Diego originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecaliforniachannelchannelshdlineupnew contentnewcontentSan DiegoSanDiegosdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletwcTue, 01 Jul 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Cable adds HD channels in Albany / Rochester, NY]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/time-warner-cable-adds-hd-channels-in-albany-rochester-ny/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/time-warner-cable-adds-hd-channels-in-albany-rochester-ny/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/time-warner-cable-adds-hd-channels-in-albany-rochester-ny/#commentsIt hasn't been long since Rochester received a few new HD networks from Time Warner Cable, but as the SDV (switched digital video) rollout continues in the Empire State, it seems that it -- along with Albany -- is getting yet another helping. Rochester was just treated to Disney HD, Toon Disney HD and ABC Family HD, while Albany picked up Disney HD, Showtime West HD, Sho2 HD and TMC HD. Curiously enough, folks in New York's capital city are currently not seeing ABC Family HD in their EPG despite the addition of Disney HD. Regardless, new high-def is new high-def, right? [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Mark]

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Time Warner Cable adds HD channels in Albany / Rochester, NY originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Albanycablechannelchannelshdlineupnew contentnew yorknewcontentNewYorkRochestersdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletwcFri, 20 Jun 2008 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Cox to give Phoenix TiVo users free tuning adapter to cope with SDV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/cox-to-give-phoenix-tivo-users-free-tuning-adapter-to-cope-with/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/cox-to-give-phoenix-tivo-users-free-tuning-adapter-to-cope-with/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/cox-to-give-phoenix-tivo-users-free-tuning-adapter-to-cope-with/#comments
Aw, now isn't this just the sweetest thing you've ever seen? Cox has found the generosity to not only send out information to let Phoenix, Arizona subscribers know about the forthcoming implementation of SDV (July 1st, if you're wondering), but to promise a free tuning adapter to CableCARD-using TiVo Series3 / HD owners to boot. In all seriousness, we only wish every other cable company out there would handle this situation in a similar manner, but things just can't be this easy everywhere, right? Check the read link for the full letter.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

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Cox to give Phoenix TiVo users free tuning adapter to cope with SDV originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacablecablecardcoxhdphoenixsdvseries3switched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideotivotivo hdTivoHdtuning adaptertuning resolverTuningAdapterTuningResolverTue, 03 Jun 2008 11:54:00 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[Hands-on with the Motorola Tuning Adapter MTR700]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/18/hands-on-with-the-motorola-tuning-adapter-mtr700/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/18/hands-on-with-the-motorola-tuning-adapter-mtr700/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/18/hands-on-with-the-motorola-tuning-adapter-mtr700/#comments The highlight of The Cable Show for us was actually to be able to see the Motorola Tuning Adapter in action. Sure it isn't that exciting of a product, but just the idea that our beloved TiVo won't be useless because of the fact that all latest HD channels are being deployed with SDV (Switched Digital Video) is enough to get us going. The MTR700 was named before CableLabs renamed the class of product from Tuning Resolver to Tuning Adapter, and should be available to cable companies in July. Unfortunately there's really no way to tell how long it'll take before your provider makes it available to you, or for how much. For the most part, there's no change from a user's perspective, so much so that for the demo the channels were relabeled so we could tell which were SDV, and which weren't. In fact the only way you can even tell this thing is connected, is because the TiVo's Devices menu has a new option with a whole slew of troubleshooting options for the cable guy. Changing channels was just as fast -- or slow depending on your perspective -- as a TiVo HD tuning standard HD broadcast channels. Click on through to the gallery to see all the pictures of it in action.


Gallery: Hands-on with the Motorola Tuning Adapter

Motorola Demo

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Hands-on with the Motorola Tuning Adapter MTR700 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 May 2008 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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