eLifespaces

Most consumers don’t realize that a cable company’s set-top box is not required in order to receive digital and HD program content. For years, CableCARDs allowed the TV set itself or devices such as HD TiVO to bring provide these features without the need for a cable company’s set-top box. Greater conspiracy articles have been posted as to the failure of the market to adopt this device, but with all things evolution is on the horizon…

In response to a FCC April 2010 request for comments, consumer groups, manufacturers and the CEA filed responses on how to vitalize development of the retail set-top box market. Responses range from establishing interfaces governed by rules and regulations to engineering a new Internet pathway to cable headends that will handle SDV signaling from third-party devices. All suggestions have been opposed by the NCTA [National Cable & Telecommunications Association].

Bottom line is that all efforts will be fended off by special interest groups – none of whom carry the interest of the consumers. In the mean time, CableCARDs will continue to address the needs of the two (2%) percent of us who continue to demand alternatives to cable company’s set-top boxes.

CableCARD is a special-use PCMCIA (PC) card that allows consumers in the United States to view and record digital cable television channels on digital video recorders, personal computers and televisions without the use of other equipment such as a set top box (STB) provided by a cable television company. The federal government mandated (Telecommunications Act of 1996) that cable companies allow non cable company provided devices to access their networks. The card may be provided by the local cable provider; usually for a nominal monthly fee.