Verizon FiOS Simulcrypt rollout will break most CableCARD tuners

There comes a time in any electronic gadget's life when it becomes useless and although it's inevitable, the length of the useful lifespan can vary greatly. In recent years firmware updates have really helped extend the life of devices, but when the manufacturer has no financial incentive to support older products, it can mean a premature end (at least from the customer's perspective). Well after three years that time has apparently come for FiOS TV subscribers who own ATI Digital Cable Tuners (and many other CableCARD devices). Now before you get too up in arms about this, it isn't really Verizon's fault, you see said company wants to be able to use Cisco and Motorola devices in the same area and this means it needs a tech called Simulcrypt. This is good for most customers as it will likely bring better prices and selection. And although this is a CableLabs certified technology, a firmware update is required to ensure the device handles the encryption properly. So while a company like Ceton or TiVo has already released updates for its devices, ATI and other TV manufactures have long since given up on the CableCARD market, and hence, supporting any legacy devices. The only good news is that you now have the perfect excuse to justify replacing your obsolete device. Don't like this option? Well you can get a FiOS DVR (with it's 2002 circa 160GB HDD) or just file a complaint to the FCC -- this won't do much, but might make you feel better.

[Thanks, Scott!]

[TibbiTobbi Posted Aug 17th 2010 10:54AM]

I can't say anything about US cable tuner firmware (living in Europe...), but I am not at all surprised that ATI/AMD won't support an older product anymore. Long term support from ATI was always extremely bad and got worse with AMD taking over. I wasn't even able to install Win7 on my 1.5 year old desktop due to AMD no longer supporting the onboard GPU...
No matter wether ATI builds the better product or not, I won't buy something that only works for such a short time any more.

[mage182 Posted Aug 17th 2010 12:01PM]

Cable companies make more money when you have 4 cable boxes in your house rather than an HTPC with a Ceton card and one cable card. The FCC requires them to make cable cards available. So the new trick is they will change encryption to cover their new cable boxes that will "save us money". It's a curious coincidence that the change in encryption also renders most CC hardware useless unless firmware upgrades and created.

I'm working on building a HTPC to work with a Ceton card once I can get one. This does instill fear in me that I'll spend $400 on a card that won't work for that long.

[rv65 Posted Aug 17th 2010 2:46PM]

Ceton users will get a firmware upgrade, so it's all good. Check the Ceton website for more details.