CableLabs Updates Tuning Resolver Specs

[SikSlayer]

Original Article Link

I always thought this was already the case but now it is for sure. I wouldn’t have to deal with tuning adapters where I am either, but at least now if I ever have to, its even simpler.

[mikinho]

erkotz (Missing Remote and tgb member) was kind enough inform me that an updated firmware for the Motorola TAs were released that enable 6-streams per TA.

He also provided a link to the updated specifications.  I’ve updated the article with both pieces of information.  Thanks erkotz.

[brennok]

I wonder how much TiVo had to do with this. One of the comments TiVo has made to the FCC is for tuner parity on tuning adapters. One of their concerns was the cable companies would leave Cisco/SA tuning adapters at 2 tuners limiting third party CableCARD devices while releasing their own 4+ tuner STBs which of course don’t need TAs.

[mikinho]

From the Engineering Change Form is appears TiVo was the driving force.  I really should have covered TiVo’s involvement–I apologize.

I may follow up with some speculation on what is coming from TiVo but I’ll keep that separate =)

[brennok]

I have just been obsessing over the FCC comments lately which is why I knew about it. Of course Time Warner Cable says it isn’t necessary and will be too costly to update. I wonder what they will do now.

We already know what TiVo is working on. They are developing a whole home DVR for Sudden Link Cable in 2011 which will most likely support MoCA. Now whether we will see a retail unit no one knows though it will be most likely. The other advantage with the TA supporting more than 2 tuners is the freeing up of a USB port which TiVo wants to keep free for their wireless adapter and new slide remote with USB bluetooth adapter.

[mikinho]

The negative side is that the updated specification only applies to new or updated firmwares needing certification.

In terms of cable companies actually deploying them…well that is anyway’s guess.  I suggest everyone “accidentally” break their TAs to force them to purchase newupdated equipment =)

[i](Disclaimer: I don’t actually suggest breaking anything)[/i]

[brennok]

We need to get companies just to abandon TAs and come out with a better solution. Maybe you should make a post telling people to comment to the FCC while they can especially with the next meeting on the 14th. I put one up on the green button in hardware, but who knows what good it will do.

[Andrew Van Til]

[quote=”brennok”]
We need to get companies just to abandon TAs and come out with a better solution.
[/quote]

Yep – it’s called “AllVid”.

[brennok]

As much as I hope it turns into a better solution, I am not entirely optimistic that the FCC will side with anyone other than the cable companies.

There are just too many ways it could go wrong.

[Aaron Ledger]

[quote=”babgvant”]
[quote=”brennok”]
We need to get companies just to abandon TAs and come out with a better solution.
[/quote]

Yep – it’s called “AllVid”.
[/quote]

Aside from All Vid, there’s also another proposal on the table that is supposed be discussed this month at the FCC meeting. The proposal is to allow devices to be allowed to communicate to the cable head end via IP if the customer already has cable Internet.

http://hd.engadget.com/2010/09/23/fcc-to-bring-down-new-cablecard-rules-in-october-14th-meeting/

[Andrew Van Til]

[quote=”swoon”]

Aside from All Vid, there’s also another proposal on the table that is supposed be discussed this month at the FCC meeting. The proposal is to allow devices to be allowed to communicate to the cable head end via IP if the customer already has cable Internet.

[/quote]

Hopefully that goes through, but I want #4 on that list the most 🙂 

The timing of this announcement is interesting given the potential for rule changes next week…

[Aaron Ledger]

FYI: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/458425-FCC_Votes_to_Change_CableCARD_Rules.php

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the entire meeting, but I didn’t hear anything about software changes. Results are mostly positive I would say and had some compromises. I was also happy to hear them talking about some new department or something to that effect that will field consumer complaints and supposedly better enforce the mandates.

[Author]

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