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View Full Version : Can someone explain switched digital systems?

ldc3000
09-14-2006, 11:27 PM
I'm read on another board that my local cable company is switching over and that the cablecards wouldn't function properly after the change is made.
kdmorse
09-14-2006, 11:33 PM
Short version - Once a channel is put on SDV (Switched Digital Video), it is only sent where people are watching it (thus saving bandwidth). In order for this to work - the receiving STB (Set Top Box) needs to be able to transmit a signal out indicating an intent to watch a specific channel. ie, until the STB sends a message up that says "I want to view ESPN-HD", no ESPN-HD enters your home.

The CableCard 1.0 spec does not provide means of doing this, so no Cable Card 1.0 device can realistically tune channels put on SDV. The S3 is a CC 1.0 device, as are most TV's, thus all the fuss over the issue. TWC is aggressively moving channels to SDV, causing a great deal of worry among TWC customers. Other companies may, or may not, follow suit.

CableCard 2.0, which doesn't really exist yet, addresses these problems. Additionally, depending on how you look at it, SDV is a direct violation (or not) of FCC/FTC regulations. So there are some legal options to get the cable companies to delay SDV. All in all, it's become a unpredictable technical, legal, and regulatory mess.

-Ken
ldc3000
09-14-2006, 11:41 PM
Thanks for the quick response kdmorse. This really has me thinking twice about ordering a Series3. I would hate to get one then have TWC change things up in a couple of months.
lvthunder
09-14-2006, 11:59 PM
Do you think there is way to make a box like a sat multiswitch to use the switched digital with the S3?
megazone
09-19-2006, 11:02 PM
Do you think there is way to make a box like a sat multiswitch to use the switched digital with the S3?There is no standard to build anything to right now. That's what CableCARD 2.0 is supposed to be for - if/when it is ever finalized. It *might* be possible to build some kind of external communications box and control it from the USB port, but right now it'd have to be customized for each cable provider just like the STBs.