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I'm not sure why the article laments CableCard. It allows me to watch most of my cable channels using my HD HomeRun ethernet CableCard tuner using just VLC. The

I'm not sure why the article laments CableCard. It allows me to watch most of my cable channels using my HD HomeRun ethernet CableCard tuner using just VLC. The premium (think HBO) channels are protected by DTCP DRM but lets just say that isn't the most secure DRM ever. The proposed VidiPath replacement is just going to lock down the TV experience even more. It will allow cable companies to have a DRMed path to your display where they control every pixel, including the guide and DVR interface. It is directly aimed at taking out the likes of Tivo and Silicon Dust.

compuguy 10y ago
Based on this I doubt that will happen: https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Senators-Urge-New-FCC-Boss-to-Kill-Cable-Box-Competition-Plan-138812 https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Senators-Urge-New-FCC-Bo...
KSS42 10y ago
The problem with CableCard is that it was difficult to get working. The cable companies were against and it did not put too much effort into make it work. I recall someone saying that technicians would bring a basket of CableCards and hope one of them would work.
- Taniwha 10y ago
  I've done a couple of implementations, it's complicated but not that hard .... I think there were a couple of issues - the cable companies liked the revenue stream from renting you boxes. Mostly though cable crypto is dominated by two companies who provide the head end equipment and who for a long time provided all the settop boxes - they didn't want to lose that lockin so while they were mandated to provide cable cards they weren't all that happy about it
bcrescimanno 10y ago
The primary lament of CableCard is that it's so poorly implemented that the vast majority of people aren't even aware that it exists. Moreover, things like "On Demand" content are baked into the cost of my subscription and I can't take advantage of them through a CableCard. Cable Television, as we perceive it today, is in a steady decline (I'd cite something; but even the most cursory Google search will turn up dozens of articles confirming). While I recognize your concern about the cable company ownership and DRM, I believe that over-the-top services like Sling or DirecTV Now in conjunction with Netflix and Amazon are far bigger threat to Tivo and the like than anything the cable companies themselves can do.
- dragonwriter 10y ago
  But DirecTV Now is, while not a traditional cable service, something a cable company is doing. And that makes it the biggest threat to Netflix when net neutrality (and particularly the specific prohibition on ISPs favoring their own video services) is killed by the new leadership at the FCC.
  - compuguy 10y ago
    I agree that things like DirecTV now is the future. As long as those services are owned by companies that have traditional cable/satellite/fiber services, they are going to try to upsell or limit these services.
- CharlesW 10y ago
  > The primary lament of CableCard is that it's so poorly implemented that the vast majority of people aren't even aware that it exists. You're inferring that they're related, but I see them as orthogonal. I'll take your word that it's poorly implemented. From my POV it just works—my two experiences are with a TiVo and an HDHomeRun (first with Media Center, now with Plex's beta DVR feature), and in both cases use has been uneventful. That people don't know it exists doesn't surprise me, since the cable industry has always fought this FCC-required concession to consumer choice. If anything, it strikes me that cable was highly motivated to ensure CableCard's failure. I don't have any love for CableCard, but I'll be sad when it goes because it'll mean that kind of interop is gone forever.

compuguy 10y ago

Based on this I doubt that will happen: https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Senators-Urge-New-FCC-Boss-to-Kill-Cable-Box-Competition-Plan-138812 https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Senators-Urge-New-FCC-Bo...

KSS42 10y ago

The problem with CableCard is that it was difficult to get working. The cable companies were against and it did not put too much effort into make it work. I recall someone saying that technicians would bring a basket of CableCards and hope one of them would work.

Taniwha 10y ago
I've done a couple of implementations, it's complicated but not that hard .... I think there were a couple of issues - the cable companies liked the revenue stream from renting you boxes. Mostly though cable crypto is dominated by two companies who provide the head end equipment and who for a long time provided all the settop boxes - they didn't want to lose that lockin so while they were mandated to provide cable cards they weren't all that happy about it

bcrescimanno 10y ago

The primary lament of CableCard is that it's so poorly implemented that the vast majority of people aren't even aware that it exists. Moreover, things like "On Demand" content are baked into the cost of my subscription and I can't take advantage of them through a CableCard. Cable Television, as we perceive it today, is in a steady decline (I'd cite something; but even the most cursory Google search will turn up dozens of articles confirming). While I recognize your concern about the cable company ownership and DRM, I believe that over-the-top services like Sling or DirecTV Now in conjunction with Netflix and Amazon are far bigger threat to Tivo and the like than anything the cable companies themselves can do.

dragonwriter 10y ago
But DirecTV Now is, while not a traditional cable service, something a cable company is doing. And that makes it the biggest threat to Netflix when net neutrality (and particularly the specific prohibition on ISPs favoring their own video services) is killed by the new leadership at the FCC.
- compuguy 10y ago
  I agree that things like DirecTV now is the future. As long as those services are owned by companies that have traditional cable/satellite/fiber services, they are going to try to upsell or limit these services.
CharlesW 10y ago
> The primary lament of CableCard is that it's so poorly implemented that the vast majority of people aren't even aware that it exists. You're inferring that they're related, but I see them as orthogonal. I'll take your word that it's poorly implemented. From my POV it just works—my two experiences are with a TiVo and an HDHomeRun (first with Media Center, now with Plex's beta DVR feature), and in both cases use has been uneventful. That people don't know it exists doesn't surprise me, since the cable industry has always fought this FCC-required concession to consumer choice. If anything, it strikes me that cable was highly motivated to ensure CableCard's failure. I don't have any love for CableCard, but I'll be sad when it goes because it'll mean that kind of interop is gone forever.