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[Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD backorders are finally cleared, order away]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-backorders-are-finally-cleared-order/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-backorders-are-finally-cleared-order/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-backorders-are-finally-cleared-order/#comments It's hard to believe it's been a year since we published our review of the InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner from Ceton, although it's probably easier if you've been waiting all that time to get one in your HTPC. Those days should be long gone now however, as Missing Remote points out the order fulfillment thread on The Green Button indicates a slew of satisfied customers have been getting their packages recently. Retailers CannonPC and Fluid Digital are both indicating they're caught up with back orders and have the cards in stock, so if only the prospect of a long delivery wait has been stopping you from purchasing, it's time to buy. Of course, as is the way of things, by now you're probably waiting around for the HDHomeRun Prime -- good luck.

Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD backorders are finally cleared, order away originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablecardcablecard tunerCablecardTunercetonceton corpCetonCorphdhtpcinfinitvinfinitv 4Infinitv4media centerMediaCenterocurwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterWed, 30 Mar 2011 20:57:00 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[Verizon FiOS Simulcrypt rollout will break most CableCARD tuners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/verizon-fios-simulcrypt-rollout-will-break-most-cablecard-tuners/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/verizon-fios-simulcrypt-rollout-will-break-most-cablecard-tuners/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/verizon-fios-simulcrypt-rollout-will-break-most-cablecard-tuners/#commentsATI Digital Cable Tuner There comes a time in any electronic gadget's life when it becomes useless and although it's inevitable, the length of the useful lifespan can vary greatly. In recent years firmware updates have really helped extend the life of devices, but when the manufacturer has no financial incentive to support older products, it can mean a premature end (at least from the customer's perspective). Well after three years that time has apparently come for FiOS TV subscribers who own ATI Digital Cable Tuners (and many other CableCARD devices). Now before you get too up in arms about this, it isn't really Verizon's fault, you see said company wants to be able to use Cisco and Motorola devices in the same area and this means it needs a tech called Simulcrypt. This is good for most customers as it will likely bring better prices and selection. And although this is a CableLabs certified technology, a firmware update is required to ensure the device handles the encryption properly. So while a company like Ceton or TiVo has already released updates for its devices, ATI and other TV manufactures have long since given up on the CableCARD market, and hence, supporting any legacy devices. The only good news is that you now have the perfect excuse to justify replacing your obsolete device. Don't like this option? Well you can get a FiOS DVR (with it's 2002 circa 160GB HDD) or just file a complaint to the FCC -- this won't do much, but might make you feel better.

[Thanks, Scott!]

Verizon FiOS Simulcrypt rollout will break most CableCARD tuners originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATIATI DCTAtiDctCableCARDCetonCeton CorpCetonCorpDCTDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerFiOSFiOS TVFiosTvOCURTiVoVerizonVerizon FiOS TVVerizonFiosTvMon, 16 Aug 2010 22:08:00 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[Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/#comments
We don't review many HTPC tuners around here because honestly they usually aren't that interesting; you plug them in and they either work or they don't, what else is there to really say about 'em? But every so often something totally different comes our way, something that does get us excited. The first HDHomeRun was one of those and the new InfiniTV 4 from Ceton easily qualifies. We mean who wouldn't get excited about being able to record 4 HD shows at once and from any channel you want? This is especially true when you consider how difficult it's been for HTPC fans to record premium content until now. Well it seems that for HD loving HTPC fans, your time has finally come, now anyone can build there own DVR that can do things that no other DVR can -- when the tuner starts shipping in May that is.

Gallery: Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review

Continue reading Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review

Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDcetonCeton CorpCetonCorphdInfiniTVInfiniTV 4Infinitv4Media CenterMediaCenterMOCUROCURreviewWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterTue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:00 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[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[Get a CableCARD into your DIY HTPC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/get-a-cablecard-into-your-diy-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/get-a-cablecard-into-your-diy-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/get-a-cablecard-into-your-diy-htpc/#comments
For years now, those in power at the top of the CableCARD chain have told you that installing your own CableCARD within your own HTPC was simply impossible. "OEM or bust," they said. It's a good thing they're wrong, isn't it? Over at Engadget HD, we've assembled a guide that explains how to get your existing media center PC to play nice with a dedicated internal CableCARD tuner, and the whole process just might be easier than you've ever imagined. Give it a look right here.

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Get a CableCARD into your DIY HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDDIYguidehdtvhow-tohtpcinstallmedia centermedia center pcmedia pcmedia pcsMediaCenterMediaCenterPcmediapcmediapcsOCUROTAtv tunerTvTunervistawindowsTue, 12 May 2009 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/how-to-install-a-cablecard-tuner-in-your-diy-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/how-to-install-a-cablecard-tuner-in-your-diy-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/how-to-install-a-cablecard-tuner-in-your-diy-media-center/#commentsATI Internal DCT
Access to premium HD on computers has eluded most for way to long, so as soon as we heard that it was finally possible for anyone to add a CableCARD tuner to just about any Media Center, we just knew we had to try it for ourselves, and more importantly, share with you exactly how to do it. This doesn't really require any hacking, or anything illegal for that matter -- we're not lawyers -- but it isn't cheap. The internal version of the ATI Digital Cable Tuner pictured above can be found new on eBay for about $195, or new from PC vendors like Cannon PC for just under $300. If that doesn't seem like a bad deal to you and you already have an HTPC up to the challenge, then you should join us on our journey to HD bliss by clicking through.

Gallery: How To install a CableCARD tuner on any computer

DCT is all the way on the leftDCT is on the top

Continue reading How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center

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How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCATIATI DCTAtiDctCableCARDDCTDigital CableDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableDigitalCableTunerhdMedia CenterMedia Center PCMediaCenterMediaCenterPcOCURVista Media CenterVistaMediaCenterVMCWindowsWindows Media Center 7WindowsMediaCenter7Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY'ers successfully build their own CableCARD equipped HTPC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/diyers-successfully-build-their-own-cablecard-equipped-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/diyers-successfully-build-their-own-cablecard-equipped-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/diyers-successfully-build-their-own-cablecard-equipped-htpc/#commentsATI Digital Cable Tuner
HTPC fans were devastated when it was revealed that only OEM PC builders would have the privilege of building Vista Media Center PCs with CableCARD support, but hope is here: it looks like a few members of The Green Button forum have figured out how to build their own CableCARD ready HTPC. There's two barriers to overcome, which unfortunately still make it more difficult than just picking up an internal or external ATI Digital Cable Tuner, but they're not terrible: would-be system builders just need to score an OCUR tuner product ID number and use a BIOS contains the correct OSFR table. No one's figured out how to tweak just any BIOS yet, but apparently most ASUS P5Q motherboards work fine -- so really you just need to score some used CableCARD tuners off eBay and ask the seller for the PID from their computer. Or you could throw caution to the wind and plug in the generic PID of 263DJ-2Y9YT-6X9G6-W28DB-697TF, which may or may not work. Anyone feeling brave enough to grab a new mobo and CableCARD tuner and give this a shot?

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DIY'ers successfully build their own CableCARD equipped HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATI DCTCableCARDDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerOCURThe Green ButtonTheGreenButtonVista Media CenterVistaMediaCenterVMCWed, 29 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY'ers successfully build their own CableCARD equipped HTPC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/diyers-successfully-build-their-own-cablecard-equipped-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/diyers-successfully-build-their-own-cablecard-equipped-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/diyers-successfully-build-their-own-cablecard-equipped-htpc/#commentsATI Digital Cable Tuner
HTPC fans were devastated when it was revealed that only OEM PC builders would have the privilege of building Vista Media Center PCs with CableCARD support, but hope is here: it looks like a few members of The Green Button forum have figured out how to build their own CableCARD ready HTPC. There's two barriers to overcome, which unfortunately still make it more difficult than just picking up an internal or external ATI Digital Cable Tuner, but they're not terrible: would-be system builders just need to score an OCUR tuner product ID number and use a BIOS contains the correct OSFR table. No one's figured out how to tweak just any BIOS yet, but apparently most ASUS P5Q motherboards work fine -- so really you just need to score some used CableCARD tuners off eBay and ask the seller for the PID from their computer. Or you could throw caution to the wind and plug in the generic PID of 263DJ-2Y9YT-6X9G6-W28DB-697TF, which may or may not work. Anyone feeling brave enough to grab a new mobo and CableCARD tuner and give this a shot?

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DIY'ers successfully build their own CableCARD equipped HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATI DCTCableCARDDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerhdOCURThe Green ButtonTheGreenButtonVista Media CenterVistaMediaCenterVMCWed, 29 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton Corp announces multi-stream CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/centon-corp-announces-multi-stream-cablecard-tuner-for-windows-m/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/centon-corp-announces-multi-stream-cablecard-tuner-for-windows-m/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/centon-corp-announces-multi-stream-cablecard-tuner-for-windows-m/#commentsWatch out ATI, because you're exclusivity on digital cable tuners for Windows Media Center is about to run up. You see Ceton Corp announced that during 2009 their multi-channel digital cable tuner will ship, and for the first time ever a single device will somehow allow you to record up to six channels at once. We're not exactly sure how this is going to work, and we're kinda curious to know if a single PCI card will be able to do this all on its own, but regardless, competition is good. Of course the bad news is that you still can't build your own Windows Media Center and get this to work, but you knew that already didn't you?

[Via Chris Lanier]

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Ceton Corp announces multi-stream CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CeonCES 2009Ces2009Ceton CorpCetonCorpdigital Cable tunerDigitalCableTunerhdOCURWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterFri, 09 Jan 2009 02:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Cannon PC starts offering internal CableCARD tuners for sale separately]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/cannon-pc-starts-offering-internal-cablecard-tuners-for-sale-sep/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/cannon-pc-starts-offering-internal-cablecard-tuners-for-sale-sep/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/cannon-pc-starts-offering-internal-cablecard-tuners-for-sale-sep/#commentsinternal ATI TV Wonder DCT
If you're like some people we know - - yes Zatz, we're talking about you -- the idea of adding yet another box to your home theater setup isn't anywhere near consideration. Up until now, this meant that if you wanted to add an ATI Digital Cable Tuner to your Vista Media Center PC, you either had to hold your nose or spend the big bucks on one of the top tier OEMs that offered the internal version -- which is actually the same device sans a case, and yes it still connects via USB. Our friend Chris Lanier discovered today that Cannon PC started selling both the external and internal versions of the ATI TV Wonder DCT separately, so that finally those with CableCARD ready Vista Media Center PCs -- you know the OEM only ones -- can either add additional tuner, or opt to swap out the external variety for the internal type the takes less space, all for about $300 each.

[Via The Digital Lifestyle]

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Cannon PC starts offering internal CableCARD tuners for sale separately originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATIcableCableCARDCannon PCCannonPcChris LChris LanierChrisLChrisLanierDCTDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerfiberhdHTPCOCURTV WonderTvWonderVista Media CenterVMCWed, 24 Sep 2008 13:22:00 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[Switched On: Rethinking the living room PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/13/switched-on-rethinking-the-living-room-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/13/switched-on-rethinking-the-living-room-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/13/switched-on-rethinking-the-living-room-pc/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment.

Even as Microsoft continues to support broadcasting standards around the world to bolster Media Center's support for broadcast television, the future of noisy, black 17-inch-wide boxes sharing a cramped cabinet with your stereo receiver remains in jeopardy. Indeed, the future of the living room PC may be sitting in your lap.

When Microsoft announced the Media Center edition of Windows XP, it was in some ways the desktop counterpart to the Tablet PC mutation. Whereas the Tablet PC was envisioned as a new form factor for notebooks, Media Center held the promise of transforming the desktop into its own new form factor. Indeed, in one of Bil Gates's final CES keynotes promoting innovative PC designs, he didn't mention desktops at all, referring to stationary computers as "entertainment PCs" in an AV component style.

But while a few companies continue to sell Media Center PCs explicitly designed for connection to a television -- among them Sony, Alienware, and companies targeting custom installers such as Niveus Media, the form factor hasn't taken off for a variety of reasons. Microsoft, in turn, has focused more on Media Center Extenders such as the Xbox 360 and HP MediaSmart Connect to bring the Media Center experience to the big-screen TV. And despite some technological improvements coming to help the cause, that situation is unlikely to change dramatically.

Continue reading Switched On: Rethinking the living room PC

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Switched On: Rethinking the living room PC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple tvAppleTvarchos tvArchosTvfeaturedMedia Centermedia pcmedia pcsMediaCentermediapcmediapcsocurswitched onSwitchedOnwhdiWed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:00 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[Alienware talks new media center, CableCARD for Hangar 18]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/17/alienware-talks-new-media-center-cablecard-for-hangar-18/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/17/alienware-talks-new-media-center-cablecard-for-hangar-18/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/17/alienware-talks-new-media-center-cablecard-for-hangar-18/#commentsFor you malcontents out there waiting for a really, really tough media center, Alienware may be answering your call. According to reports, the gamer-targeting PC-maker will be launching an addition to its media center lineup (currently just the Hangar 18) sometime soon, and apparently the new variation will be somewhat of a heavy hitter. The upcoming, higher-end phase of the company's home entertainment line will be capable of handling two CableCARDs, will have four swappable hard drive bays (for a total of 4TB of storage), and will be available with Blu-ray and audio distribution options. In addition to the new system, Alienware has also announced that it will be offering CableCARD support for its current Hangar 18 models via an external OCUR (OpenCable Unidirectional Receiver), although the add-on will have to be installed by a professional reseller. We can only hope they'll offer an over spec'd, stylized remote to work all of this new gear.

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Alienware talks new media center, CableCARD for Hangar 18 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwareblu-raycablecardhangar 18Hangar18media centerMediaCenterocurFri, 17 Aug 2007 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[CableCARD 2.0: What's the hold up?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/18/cablecard-2-0-whats-the-hold-up/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/18/cablecard-2-0-whats-the-hold-up/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/18/cablecard-2-0-whats-the-hold-up/#commentsLast week we learned that CableCARD 2.0 is a specification (not a physical device) that would allow consumer electronics companies to sell bi-directional CableCARD hosts that would work on any cable system in the US. But ever since CableCARDs started to hit the street we've wanted to be able to take advantage of all the features we pay for -- like VOD and PPV -- and until this specification is ratified companies like TiVo just won't be able to make this happen. While it's difficult to really get a handle on what is holding up the works, it seems like the requirement for OCAP support is the biggest point of contention.

Continue reading CableCARD 2.0: What's the hold up?

CableCARD 2.0: What's the hold up? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDFCChdOCAPOCURMon, 18 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[There is no CableCARD 2.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/15/there-is-no-cablecard-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/15/there-is-no-cablecard-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/15/there-is-no-cablecard-2-0/#commentsSeries3 CableCARD slots
With the July 1st CableCARD mandate right around the corner, we have really wanted to know how the cable companies are going to continue to provide VOD -- and other bi-directional services -- without CableCARD 2.0. Thanks to our friend Mari over at ConnectedHome2Go, we got to spend some time with Mark DePietro, the Vice President of Strategy of Motorola Home and Networks Mobility, and he filled us in on some details about CableCARDs. The most shocking thing we learned was: there is no such thing as a CableCARD 2.0 -- it's a standard, not a physical device.

Continue reading There is no CableCARD 2.0

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There is no CableCARD 2.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDfeatureshdMotorolaOCAPOCURSeries3TiVoFri, 15 Jun 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Vista CableCARD coverage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/get-your-vista-cablecard-coverage/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/get-your-vista-cablecard-coverage/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/get-your-vista-cablecard-coverage/#comments
So last night Microsoft formally finally lifted the veil for Vista CableCARD reviewers; we've got some stuff up, so do be sure to check it out to get your fix of what amounts to being the most expensive DVR rig yet devised. We missing something? Let us know in our what do you want to know? post, alright?

Installing a Vista CableCARD Media Center PC (part 1): Fiasco!
Installing a Vista CableCARD Media Center PC (part 2): Perfecto!
Vista CableCARD Media Center PCs - what do you want to know?

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Get your Vista CableCARD coverage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2007 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablecarddcthdmicrosoftocurroundupvistaTue, 22 May 2007 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Vista CableCARD coverage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/get-your-vista-cablecard-coverage/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/get-your-vista-cablecard-coverage/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/22/get-your-vista-cablecard-coverage/#comments
So last night Microsoft formally finally lifted the veil for Vista CableCARD reviewers; we've got some stuff up, so do be sure to check it out to get your fix of what amounts to being the most expensive DVR rig yet devised. We missing something? Let us know in our what do you want to know? post, alright?

Installing a Vista CableCARD Media Center PC (part 1): Fiasco!
Installing a Vista CableCARD Media Center PC (part 2): Perfecto!
Vista CableCARD Media Center PCs - what do you want to know?

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Get your Vista CableCARD coverage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2007 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecarddcthdtvmedia centermedia pcmedia pcsMediaCentermediapcmediapcsocurroundupvistaTue, 22 May 2007 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista CableCARD Media Center PCs - what do you want to know?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/21/vista-cablecard-media-center-pcs-what-do-you-want-to-know/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/21/vista-cablecard-media-center-pcs-what-do-you-want-to-know/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/21/vista-cablecard-media-center-pcs-what-do-you-want-to-know/#comments
So now that at least one of us here at Engadget has a fully functional Vista CableCARD home theater rig, we're ready to take on your questions. This probably isn't the kind of thing that we can do an extensive review of -- it is, after all, just the same Vista Media Center you're already used to, except with CableCARD as the video input this time -- but we're happy to do our best to field whatever queries you've got. Post 'em in comments, we'll do our best to answer them after the break!

Continue reading Vista CableCARD Media Center PCs - what do you want to know?

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Vista CableCARD Media Center PCs - what do you want to know? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2007 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecarddctfeatureshdtvmedia centermedia pcmedia pcsMediaCentermediapcmediapcsocurvistaMon, 21 May 2007 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola ships CableCARD STBs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/17/motorola-ships-cablecard-stbs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/17/motorola-ships-cablecard-stbs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/17/motorola-ships-cablecard-stbs/#commentsMotorola CableCARD STBIt isn't very long till the next deadline in the long road we call the digital transition. This next step will either be really big or really bad. While most people will agree that CableCARDs aren't that great, the FCC is dead set on making the concept work and starting in July cable companies will be required to only deploy CableCARD devices, that means no more built in security. It is an understatement to say that the cable companies are not happy. The irony is that they say it is because of the limited feature set of CableCARD, yet they were the one who came up with the standard in the first place. While we wait for CableCARD 2.0 or downloadable conditional access, we have to live with what we got in the meantime. The hope is that now that the cable companies are stuck with same system, they will actually be motivated to really make it work for consumers this time. With any luck this means buying a box like a TiVo Series3 won't mean: installation headaches and no VOD, any more.

[Via Connected Home 2Go]

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Motorola ships CableCARD STBs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableCableCARDfiberhdMotorolaOCAPOCURTue, 17 Apr 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista Digital Cable Tuners: don't call it OCUR]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/windows-vista-digital-cable-tuners-dont-call-it-ocur/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/windows-vista-digital-cable-tuners-dont-call-it-ocur/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/windows-vista-digital-cable-tuners-dont-call-it-ocur/#comments
Seems strange that it's been a whole year since Gates took the stage at CES 2006 to introduce CableCARD support in Windows Vista, but here we are, and with Vista about to hit the streets it's finally happening. Except users no longer need say "Vista with CableCARD" or OCUR (OpenCable Receivers) -- those boxes are now referred to as "Digital Cable Tuners", or DCTs, and that's the hardware you're going to need on your CableLabs certified Vista box to record digital cable HDTV. Expect to see a hell of a lot of boxes like this one at this year's CES, as well as any number of HTPCs ready to take advantage of it.

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Windows Vista Digital Cable Tuners: don't call it OCUR originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jan 2007 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecarddcthdocurvistaSat, 06 Jan 2007 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista Digital Cable Tuners: don't call it OCUR]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/windows-vista-digital-cable-tuners-dont-call-it-ocur/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/windows-vista-digital-cable-tuners-dont-call-it-ocur/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/06/windows-vista-digital-cable-tuners-dont-call-it-ocur/#comments
Seems strange that it's been a whole year since Gates took the stage at CES 2006 to introduce CableCARD support in Windows Vista, but here we are, and with Vista about to hit the streets it's finally happening. Except users no longer need say "Vista with CableCARD" or OCUR (OpenCable Receivers) -- those boxes are now referred to as "Digital Cable Tuners", or DCTs, and that's the hardware you're going to need on your CableLabs certified Vista box to record digital cable HDTV. Expect to see a hell of a lot of boxes like this one at this year's CES, as well as any number of HTPCs ready to take advantage of it.

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Windows Vista Digital Cable Tuners: don't call it OCUR originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jan 2007 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecarddcthdtvmedia pcmedia pcsmediapcmediapcsocurvistaSat, 06 Jan 2007 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[CES: ATI demos CableCard, HDTV support for Windows Vista]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/08/ces-ati-demos-cablecard-hdtv-support-for-windows-vista/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/08/ces-ati-demos-cablecard-hdtv-support-for-windows-vista/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/08/ces-ati-demos-cablecard-hdtv-support-for-windows-vista/#commentsOCURIf you want to get HD channels from your cable provider onto your PC, this is the news you've been waiting for. At CES ATI has been showing off OCUR (Open Cable Uni-directional Receiver), the first and only CableCard 1.0 (no bidirectional) certified HDTV tuner.

By all accounts, it's ready to go, and will ship when Microsoft launches Windows Vista later this year.

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CES: ATI demos CableCard, HDTV support for Windows Vista originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2006 01:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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