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Ceton InfiniTV 4 tuners now available on Amazon
Ceton's supply of InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuners must be running strong now, as it's finally available through another retailer -- some tiny outfit called Amazon. The MSRP is still $399 just like everywhere else but as usual Prime customers can score cheap/free shipping. Let's see how waiting on that HDHomeRun Prime feels now that the buy button is this close.
New InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuners feature a simpler (to make) design
It appears we have a new design to thank for solving the long wait times for InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuners. Keen eyes will note in these pictures from Missing Remote that the newer cards have a much simpler layout (compare to our original hands on) that VP Jeremy Hammer says is easier for the company to manufacture. Most electronics products go through production revisions that make them simpler and cheaper as time goes on and these cards are no different. The new cards have actually been shipping for some time, while we haven't heard anything about a change in MSRP it's good to know we can expect the supply to keep flowing steadily in the future.
Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD backorders are finally cleared, order away
It's hard to believe it's been a year since we published our review of the InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner from Ceton, although it's probably easier if you've been waiting all that time to get one in your HTPC. Those days should be long gone now however, as Missing Remote points out the order fulfillment thread on The Green Button indicates a slew of satisfied customers have been getting their packages recently. Retailers CannonPC and Fluid Digital are both indicating they're caught up with back orders and have the cards in stock, so if only the prospect of a long delivery wait has been stopping you from purchasing, it's time to buy. Of course, as is the way of things, by now you're probably waiting around for the HDHomeRun Prime -- good luck.
Google, Best Buy, Sony and others form alliance to defend FCC's proposed 'AllVid' standard
We've already seen Sony, TiVo and others come out in support of the FCC's proposed CableCard replacement, known as AllVid, but it looks like they're now stepping up their game considerably. In a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, the group -- which also includes Google, Best Buy, Mitsubishi and others -- has announced that they've formed the "AllVid Tech Company Alliance" in a concerted effort to defend the proposed AllVid standard, and counter arguments from those opposed to it -- namely, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (or NCTA) and the cable companies that are a part of it. As you might expect, the Alliance isn't making a lot of new arguments, but it is stating its position pretty frankly, telling the FCC that "it is essential for the Commission to break down the wall separating the home network from MVPD [or pay TV] networks – not just poke a few holes in it, or rely on progress on the peripheries." You can find the complete letter (in PDF form) at the source link below.
Hands-on with the HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tuner
Now look what we have here, the long awaited HDHomeRun Prime triple CableCARD tuner for Windows 7 Media Center. Originally announced at CES last year, the little black perforated box is already in production and will soon be selling for $250 after it makes it ways through the final stages of CableLabs certification. The sad fact is there is no way to know when that cert will be sealed, but when it is you'll be able to pre-order and then you can expect to receive it 30 days later. The other little tidbits we picked up from the booth is that SiliconDust is working on a six tuner rack mountable version that should ship later this year and that the ATSC and QAM version we've loved for years has a new case a new price of $129 and will be shipping in February. %Gallery-113086% %Gallery-113088%
Gateway Media Console with CableCARD and Windows Embedded Standard 7 hands-on
Microsoft's working hard to get people believing in its Windows Embedded Standard platform as a real set-top box contender and one of its vanguard devices is the above Gateway Media Console. It's still a concept product in the Acer / Gateway labs, but what it promises to deliver makes us wish it hurries up and makes the leap to retail nice and quickly. Based around a Sandy Bridge Intel CPU, this machine runs Windows Media Center and gives you access to all the internet-connected content that you can enjoy on your Windows 7-equipped PC, but it also boasts a InfiniTV 6 CableCARD tuner that permits up to six HD broadcast TV streams at a time. Those can then be networked out throughout your house -- whether over a wireless or wired connection -- and then recorded on whatever laptops, desktops or other Windows devices you have lying around the house. The end result is that the kids can be recording a pair of channels upstairs in their bedroom while you watch the football game in the living room and your mother-in-law enjoys whatever she's into down in the basement -- all coming in from the same, single coax cable plugged into the Media Console. There's a hidden optical drive as well and Microsoft tells us this thing could range between $500 and $700 when it does eventually make its way out for sale. %Gallery-113077%
HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tri-tuner comes one step closer to reality
Originally announced at CES in January, Silicon Dust's entrance into the encrypted cable TV tuner market just reached an important milestone on its way to market: CableLabs Certification -- anytime CableLabs is involved things take longer than anyone expects. The price of the three tuner HDHomeRun Prime is still set at $249, but the hope of being released by the "holidays" seems lost (Thanksgiving counts as one of those days right?). Said product is expected to start production in the next few weeks, after which you'll be able to pre-order the elusive tuner from major retailers. The big question of course is with the Ceton InfiniTV 4 still on a three month backorder, and selling on eBay for over twice its retail price, which should you order? We suggest you pre-order both just to be safe; worst case you end up on the good side of a crazy eBay auction.
Verizon FiOS TV finally getting tough on CableCARD users
TiVo and Windows Media Center users that rely on CableCARDs to get 'em HD goodness have had a unique reason to prefer Verizon FiOS TV over the competition, which is apparently at its last stop. You see, ever since FiOS starting deploying CableCARDs, a year after all the other cable providers, it has never enforced the pairing of the cards or used Copy Control Information (CCI) flags more restrictive than Copy Freely. This meant that users were free to swap the CableCARD to another device without so much as a call to Verizon, and more importantly, it meant that all the content was accessible via features like TiVo To Go and Media Center Recorded TV sharing. So far the new restrictions only seem to be applied to HUB HD, which was added within the past few weeks, but many believe this is just the beginning to a full roll out. A Verizon rep shared with us via email, "it's our policy that CCI is a byte defined by the content provider and completely under their control," but we're still waiting to hear back if the current CCI flag on HUB HD is indeed in line with what Discovery Communications expects, which seems odd considering the other Discovery channels delivered via FiOS TV are still marked Copy Freely. Update: Shortly after this post went live we noticed the issue went away. Still waiting to hear back if it was intentional after all.
The FCC changes the CableCARD rules, but not dramatically
The long awaited rule changes pertaining to CableCARDs that was originally proposed in the FCC's Broadband Plan finally got some resolve today, we have to say we're not convinced things will get that much better. While the FCC failed to kill Tuning Adapters or make the CableLabs certification process any less painful, it did make some changes, which include: CableCARD fees have to be the same for everyone, no matter which package you have. If your cable company allows any self installs, they must allow CableCARD self-installs. Cable companies must support SDV for CableCARD users -- this was implied before, now it is black and white. By default, all new deployments must be M-Cards (unless you actually request a S-Card). Cable companies can include an IP interface in set-top-boxes lieu of a 1394 port. One way HD boxes without CableCARDs are no longer forbidden and they don't require IP interfaces. Obviously nothing is as simple as six bullet points and there's much more detail in the 59 page order, so click on through for our interpretation of the nitty-gritty or hit up the PDF source and go nuts.
Poll: Will the FCC make any meaningful changes to the CableCARD rules this Thursday?
With less than a week to go until the FCC's meeting on the proposed CableCARD rule changes, we want to know, will the FCC make any meaningful changes to the CableCARD rules this Thursday? Sure CableCARD hasn't lived up to its purpose in life, but it has helped thousands break free of their provider's DVR. And while we all look forward to a full featured solution that will work for the masses, personally we're holding out hope that the FCC will make some changes that will make life easier for CableCARD using consumers now. %Poll-53999%
FCC to bring down new CableCARD rules in October 14th meeting
The FCC announced the agenda for its October 14th meeting and low and behold it contains the FCCs intent to release a "Third Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that will make changes to the FCC's CableCARD rules." So obviously it's our hope that the changes proposed in the FCC's Broadband plan will become a mandate and not just a dream. Here's a refresher, the proposed changes include: Ditch Tuning Adapters and let devices with Ethernet ports communicate upstream via IP to tune SDV channels. If a customer has a CableCARD in their leased set-top box, it must be reflected on the bill like any other CableCARD would. If the provider offers a self install for leased set-top boxes, they must also allow self install of a CableCARD. Software shouldn't require the same CableLabs certification hardware does. All or none of these are a possibility, but considering the comments by the NCTA and its members, it is nieve to believe that these are anywhere near guaranteed at this point. In addition to the changes, we wait to hear when the new rules will go into effect, initially the FCC intended on making them law this Fall, so if that is still the case, expect to hassle your cable provider about 'em before the end of the year (December 21st is the first day of Winter).
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!]
CableLabs amends OCUR spec, tuner sharing and MythTV are on
We told you that CableLabs had received a few requests to amend the OCUR spec that dictates what a CableCARD tuner for a PC can and can't do, and as expected the organization that many love to hate has come through -- we, expected it anyways. The first change is the most significant which is that each tuner in an OCUR can be paired with different PCs at the same time. This lets you buy one quad tuner and use it on four HTPCs simultaneously; one tuner per PC (a single tuner can't be shared simultaneous though). When we originally asked CableLabs about changing this they said, maybe, but it'd take three to six months to run through the process. The other change we're glad didn't take forever to become a reality is the one that stated that even Copy Freely content had to be transmitted securely, which meant that Windows 7 Media Center was the only way to watch any CableCARD tuner stuff, and while there isn't much encrypted QAM content out there marked Copy Freely, MythTV and SageTV fans will have access to at least some premium HD content. This isn't as big a deal as changing the meaning of Copy Once to something less draconian, it is welcomed news for those who just received their InfiniTV 4 (pictured above) and felt constrained by the old rules. We're sure there could be considerable time between when the change is made official and when the firmware is released to the public, but hopefully Ceton and SiliconDust don't waste any time making it happen.
InfiniTV 4 quad CableCARD tuner is shipping
After a very long and wait since the pre-orders began, we just got the official word that the long sought after quad CableCARD tuner, the InfiniTV 4, is on US shores and has cleared customs. The bad news is that the manufacturing troubles aren't completely over yet and there aren't enough to fill all the pre-orders. If you had enough insight to be the first to get your order in though, you'll be receiving yours next week. In the meantime you can get started on the installation instructions on Ceton's site by first running the Digital Cable Adviser and then running the driver installer (coming soon) while you wait. You may also want to go ahead and schedule your truck roll as this toy isn't very useful without a CableCARD, and most cable companies won't let you install the CableCARD yourself. This is certainly the best news for HTPC fans since Microsoft announced the end of the OEM PC CableCARD requirement and although $400 is not the cheapest way to get a DVR, it is one of the only ways to record four HD premium channels at once.
RCN launches TiVo in Chicago, credits positive customer response for accelerated rollout
Completing a process that began in April, RCN now offers the TiVo Premiere in all of its markets. Following up D.C., New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley, PA, Chicago's launch includes some demo time at the RCN Booth during Northalsted Market Days this weekend. Of course, this unit still differs from retail models like the one we reviewed because it adds RCN VOD access and subtracts internet offerings from Amazon and Netflix, plus it doesn't yet run the new Flash based UI -- which may be a good thing. While we wonder what the pair will pull out of their bag next, interested customers can hop over to RCN's website and get to ordering, the pricing should be very familiar by now.
Retail tru2way devices are officially DOA, even Panasonic stops trial
The two way cable standard once incorrectly referred to as CableCARD 2.0 is officially dead as far as consumers are concerned. Tru2way was originally touted as a way to integrate 3rd party HDTVs and set-tops boxes with all the services cable providers have to offer, is now just yet another proprietary cable technology. At one point Sony and most of the big TV manufacturers had promised to released TVs that integrated the feature, but only Panasonic was actually selling them in a few select trial markets. We knew something was up when cable providers missed their July '09 deadline to support 3rd party devices across the country, and then when tru2way integrated TVs were missing in action at CES 2010, we had already declared the idea dead. Now even Panasonic is pulling its Panasonic tru2way sets and is instead focusing on a set-back box (pictured above) that will be, wait for it, supplied and supported by the service provider. We were as optimistic as anyone about tru2way, but honestly thought it was far from the ideal solution. It is hard to say what is going to happen at this point, but the next tech to step up and try to free people from big cable's set-top tyranny is AllVid, and sadly it probably has just as much of a chance as any to be successful.
Okoro's ultraslim SX100 HTPC updated with quad CableCARD support
Who says you need a supercomputer in your den to record four high-def feeds at once? Okoro Media Systems, a long-standing player in the pre-fab HTPC business, has just unleashed the latest update to its OMS-SX100, which measures in at just three inches tall and should slide in easily to whatever AV cabinet you're currently using. The base $1,695 system is equipped with a 2.93GHz Core i3-530 processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a Blu-ray drive, 2TB SATA hard drive, integrated 7.1 channel surround sound, Windows 7 (SageTV 6.5 is an optional install) and gigabit Ethernet. Oh, and did we mention a quad HD tuner and room for up to 219 hours of DVR footage? It's up for order in the source link, but we'd caution against just venturing down for venturing's sake. [Thanks, Jeff]
HDHomeRun Prime with CableCARD might work with MythTV after all
We've been following the developments of SiliconDust's HDHomeRun Prime for some time and while there's still no word on when it'll be ready to sell, the latest interesting news is that SiliconDust hopes to make it work with MythTV. Unfortunately the OCUR spec requires that any content marked Copy Once, or worse, be locked down with PlayReady DRM before it leaves the tuner, and there's almost no chance of that changing. But believe it or not there is plenty of programming delivered via encrypted digital cable that is marked Copy Freely (depending on your provider of course). So apparently CableLabs is considering a engineering change recommendation made by SiliconDust that would allow Copy Freely content to stream to DVR software that isn't CableLabs certified, and thus can't participate in the encrypted connection -- yes that's right, the content is encrypted as well as the communications between the hardware and software -- which means that software like MythTV could work with the tuner. Depending on your provider and your DVR software of choice this could be very good news.
Sony, TiVo, NCTA and others chime in on CableCARD's replacement
The FCC has been unsuccessful in spurring competition in the set-top box market since Congress passed a law requiring changes in 1996. The current situation is exactly why we don't see some of our favorite companies making cable compatible devices -- remember when just about every electronics company made a VCR? CableCARD is a failure because, among other reasons, it is expensive to implement and requires the customer give up certain aspects of their service, like video-on-demand and guide data; on top of that it is a cable only solution and some people prefer satellite TV. And so after giving the market all this time to work out a solution, the FCC issued an Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in an attempt to devise a new mandate that would make give you as many options for a DVR as you have for something like a smart phone. An NOI is just one of the first of many steps on the way to new rules, but the comments do give us a great picture of where each party stands. Two sides are clearly forming with Sony, TiVo and the Consumer Electronics Association leading up one side and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), its members, and satellite providers on the other. To sum it up the consumer electronics companies make suggestions for an IP video gateway nick named AllVid, which they hope will bring consumers choice in both hardware and software without having to change providers or sacrifice features. And on the other side, they believe that things are just great the way they are and that innovation is happening. They go on to describe how the plans in the NOI will not only fail to spur innovation, but will actually be detrimental to providers and consumers. Then just for good measure, they explain why the FCC doesn't even have the authority to mandate such things. The entire thing is an interesting perspective into how the Executive Branch of our government works, and while it'll be some time before we are impacted by the outcome, we went ahead and laid out the highlights of a number of the comments after the break so you can play FCC commissioner at home.
Okoro's GX series HTPCs ship with SSD, USB 3.0, Core i7 and... an iPad?
Yeah, it's true -- Okoro Media Systems is shamelessly hopping on the tablet PC bandwagon, and it's actually bundling an iPad with each GX series HTPC in order to give customers an elegant way to control their multi-zone audio setup (or whatever else you feel like controlling). 'Course, the GX line ain't the cheapest on the block, with starting prices just south of five large. That said, if you're looking for the most bodacious HTPC on the planet and you can't find the time to build your own, you can look forward to a Core i7 processor, upwards of 6GB of RAM, an 80GB SSD boot drive (paired with a 2TB 6Gbps media HDD), Blu-ray support, USB 3.0 ports and a quad CableCARD tuner. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Tap that source link if you're interested in customizing your own, but only if you're kosher with never leaving your home again in order to finance it.
