CableLabs OK's Switched Video Tuners From Cisco, Motorola

[DCIFRTHS]

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet... I don't see it, but if it has, feel free to delete this post.

Original AVS post here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14315908#post14315908).

Link to original article. (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6579511.html)

CableLabs OK's Switched Video Tuners From Cisco, Motorola
Devices Designed to Let Third-Party Devices Like DVRs Access Switched Channels

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 7/17/2008 7:02:00 PM

CableLabs has certified the switched digital video tuning resolvers developed by Cisco Systems and Motorola that are designed to give third-party devices like TiVo DVRs access to switched TV channels.

In May, Cisco and Motorola submitted their adapters, which are the size of small set-top boxes, to CableLabs for qualification testing.

CableLabs senior vice president of communications Mike Schwartz on Thursday confirmed that the Cisco and Motorola devices have been qualified, noting that the research consortium does not typically announce certifications.

Currently TiVo DVRs and other consumer electronics can access linear cable programming through an operator-provided CableCard.

However, CE products based on the CableLabs-developed tru2way specification—which would allow them to access two-way services such as switched digital video—are not currently available. Nor do all cable systems support tru2way technology (formerly referred to as the OpenCable Application Platform).

Until then, another mechanism is required to let third-party devices access channels delivered through SDV systems, which transmit TV channels only when a subscriber requests them.

The Cisco STA1520 or Motorola MTR700 switched digital video tuning adapters would handle communication to and from the headend for SDV channels, communicating with a TiVo DVR via a USB connector.

The SDV adapters are expected to be offered by MSOs including Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Cablevision Systems, to subscribers in areas where they are deploying switched digital video technology. The cable operators and TiVo have said they plan to work cooperatively to notify TiVo subscribers that they will need the new external adapter.

Initially, the cable industry had expected the SDV tuners to be ready to deploy in the second quarter of 2008.

[husky55]

Great news. Thx for posting this.

:)

[netringer]

...
Initially, the cable industry had expected the SDV tuners to be ready to deploy in the second quarter of 2008.

Which means cable companies will have 1 or 2 available for customers by the 3rd quarter of 2009 and the cable company employees will know what it is by the 2nd quarter of 2010 so that a customer can order one by the 4th quarter of 2010. :D

Great news though. It's very good news to know we aren't heading headlong to another technical dead end.

[DCIFRTHS]

Which means cable companies will have 1 or 2 available for customers by the 3rd quarter of 2009 and the cable company employees will know what it is by the 2nd quarter of 2010 so that a customer can order one by the 4th quarter of 2010. :D

Great news though. It's very good news to know we aren't heading headlong to another technical dead end.

Hopefully it will be sooner than that :)

[DCIFRTHS]

Great news. Thx for posting this.

:)

No problem :)

[jonginear]

Sorry if someone already pointed this out, but have you seen this new tuning adapter? I'm glad that there is an SDV solution but I don't know if I can stuff this into the rack in the bedroom!http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps9159/ps9195/ps9828/7013834.pdf

[acvthree]

I think these companies work to make their product as big and ugly as possible. Sort of a "see! I'm here!" kind of thing.

I've seen smaller DVD players.

Al

[acvthree]

Of course, I guess the real issues is, why should they? It's not like you are going to shop around for the best looking one. A product that has as big a logo as possible is in their best interest. You're probably lucky it isn't bright orange.

[BrianAZ]

I just hope they don't require a truck-roll for this. Cox-Phoenix is lame like that.

[TexasGrillChef]

I just hope they don't require a truck-roll for this. Cox-Phoenix is lame like that.

OF course they will... what makes you think cable companies are going to be smart about this & NOT require one! :D

TGC

[netringer]

Sorry if someone already pointed this out, but have you seen this new tuning adapter? I'm glad that there is an SDV solution but I don't know if I can stuff this into the rack in the bedroom!

SUCCESS! The cable companies have managed to get us CableCARD users to RENT A BOX! :p

[moyekj]

SUCCESS! The cable companies have managed to get us CableCARD users to RENT A BOX! :p TWC and Cox have already given indications (in letters to customers) these will be free rentals at least.

[Okeemike]

TWC and Cox have already given indications (in letters to customers) these will be free rentals at least.

TWC has? Cox was quoted as saying it was free, but the stories I read say that TWC is saying it's "too early" to make an announcement.

[moyekj]

TWC has? Cox was quoted as saying it was free, but the stories I read say that TWC is saying it's "too early" to make an announcement.
Here's a letter from TWC San Diego posted by mikeyts indicating it is "contemplated" to be free of charge there (though they did leave some wiggle room to change):
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=6431170#post6431170

[blacknoi]

So does this mean if you live in an area that typically would rent a SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA box, that you still have to wait?

My area rents Scientific Atlanta boxes, and NDS cablecards.

[moyekj]

So does this mean if you live in an area that typically would rent a SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA box, that you still have to wait?

My area rents Scientific Atlanta boxes, and NDS cablecards. Cisco acquired Scientific Atlanta a while back so they are now one and the same.

[blacknoi]

Cisco acquired Scientific Atlanta a while back so they are now one and the same.

Well you just made my day. Thanks! :up:

:cool::cool:

[lrhorer]

Of course, I guess the real issues is, why should they? It's not like you are going to shop around for the best looking one. A product that has as big a logo as possible is in their best interest. You're probably lucky it isn't bright orange.
I'm happy it doesn't have high powered LASERs, flashing stobe lights, and an ear-shattering klaxon...

[muerte33]

Could these boxes theoretically enable Pay Per View and On Demand access?

[erick0305]

They are saying only SDV at this time.

[lrhorer]

Since the FCC regulation specifically excludes support of 2-way services on UDCPs and since the intent was also to exclude such services, it's unlikley that any such will be supported any time soon.

[lrhorer]

Could these boxes theoretically enable Pay Per View and On Demand access?
Technically, yes, but in its strictest interpretation to do so would violate federal law. At best it's a can of worms neither the CATV industry nor 3rd party manufacturers like TiVo want to open, and the federal regs definitely don't require it.

[ewolfr]

I know that the Feds say that we are supposed to be able to buy our own cable box if we wanted to. Any chance that we would be able to buy one of these new tuning adapters rather than relying on the cable company to provide one and potentially charge $$$ to rent it?

[Okeemike]

Here's a letter from TWC San Diego posted by mikeyts indicating it is "contemplated" to be free of charge there (though they did leave some wiggle room to change):
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=6431170#post6431170

Hey. that's snazzy. I had not seen that posting. I wonder, hwoever, if this decision is being made regionally, of if that will carry nationwide.

[jrm01]

Hey. that's snazzy. I had not seen that posting. I wonder, hwoever, if this decision is being made regionally, of if that will carry nationwide.


Probably just the opposite. Policy made nationwide, distorted and implemented regionally.:rolleyes: