Clear-QAM
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FCC to allow encryption of basic cable, with a few strings that Boxee approves of
As you might expect, the cable industry has been taking measures to protect its business by asking the FCC to allow encryption of basic cable -- something that has never been done and that many have rightly opposed. The FCC responded by releasing new rules on Friday and while cable operators will be allowed to encrypt all its channels, it isn't without a few strings. The Boxee blog voiced its approval of those strings, which basically amounts to a requirement that when an operator encrypts, it also needs to make basic channels accessible via IP -- with or without some hardware in your home -- so that Boxee and others can still tune in. The other, less interesting stipulation, is that you might be entitled to at least one free set-top box or CableCARD for up to five years, depending on what package you subscribe to or if you are on Medicaid. The free hardware will only be for existing customers who apply within four months of when your provider rolls out the basic cable encryption. The real loser here are those few who actually use the Clear-QAM tuner in their TV, or perhaps those that use HTPC software that'll never get an update.
Boxee and the NCTA debate if ClearQAM is good for us
The National Cable & Telecommunications Association and Boxee don't see eye to eye on whether or not ClearQAM is good or bad for us. Boxee argues that encrypting even those channels free and clear via an antenna, as a few cable companies have requested permission from the FCC to do, will increase your bill and limit competition. The NCTA alternatively claims that eliminating ClearQAM will enable self installs, thus reducing costs and truck rolls, because the coax outside your house will no longer need to be disconnected when you cancel service, and that Boxee should just adopt CableCARD if it wants the Boxee Box to access live cable TV -- of course most anyone who has had a CableCARD setup knows that a simple truck roll to connect a cable outside is child's play. While this struggle has played out in public with FCC filings, social media and blog posts, we all just fondly remember a day when setting up a TV was as simple as connecting a single coax cable and running a channel scan. Of course, it would be nice if the FCC would actually force more QAM to be sent in the clear and require accurate PSIP data while it's at it, but we gave up on that dream years ago.
Clear QAM HD isn't going anywhere!
Oh we just love the echo chamber that is the internet these days -- some genius reads about something as harmless as a integrated security waver for cheap digital SD set-top-boxes and automatically predicts the end of clear QAM as we know it. Now we hate all the feet dragging by cable operators in the US as much as the next, and wish the FCC would enforce the Telecommunications Act of 1996 already, but that doesn't mean that everything big cable does is evil, or that the FCC is useless. The bottom line is that local broadcast channels are available in HD to any cable subscriber with a clear QAM tuner, whether you have a set-top-box or not. The recent news changes nothing, except maybe a very select few who were lucky enough to receive more than locals via clear QAM. We dropped the FCC a line to make sure we had our facts straight -- wouldn't want to call people out without checking our own first -- and the very prompt answer we received was that this statutory requirement goes all the way back to the to the Communications Act of 1934 (Section 614(b)(4)(B). More recently, the FCC addressed the issue when laying down the digital transition rules which "states that broadcast signals that are subject to mandatory carriage must be "viewable via cable on all television receivers of a subscriber which are connected to a cable system by a cable operator or for which a cable operator provides a connection." Now obviously we're not lawyers, but it seems pretty clear that local cable operators are not allowed to encrypt any locally broadcast HD stations. Now we've heard reports that some cable companies do indeed encrypt these signals, but while you might be willing to complain on some forum about it, have you taken the time to file a proper complaint with the FCC? If not, then you really don't have anything to complain about.Read (doc) - The 2007 Report to set the transition rules (paragraph 15)**UPDATE** As you can see from the comments, with anything legal it isn't exactly cut and dry. In fact the only thing we've managed to accomplish is to be confused. So while some level of broadcast TV has to be free, we're not sure if it's free as in beer or what. Stay tuned for a follow up just as soon as we figure it out.
ViewSonic ships 22-inch VT2230 1080p LCD monitor
Not ready to go big screen? Just need a medium sized set to handle your bedroom Xbox 360 addiction? ViewSonic's got a new one ready to splash down in your abode -- the 22-inch VT2230. Said panel checks in with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, VGA / HDMI inputs, a built-in ATSC / NTSC / QAM TV tuner and a relatively small price tag. Further specs include a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, five millisecond response time, 300 nits of brightness and twin 3-watt speakers. Sure, nothing mind-blowing or anything, but it's not half bad for $349.
AVerMedia comes clean with new line of TV tuners
AVerMedia's starting off the year on a good foot, and it's introducing a number of new TV tuners for a variety of applications. Kicking things off is the AVerTV Hybrid PocketExpress ($89.99), which brings ATSC / NTSC / Clear QAM / FM Radio tuning to one's 34mm or 54mm ExpressCard slot. Next up is the AVerTV Bravo ($49.99), which slides into your PCI Express x1 slot in order to handle digital TV tuning and all the PVR functions (record, pause, rewind, etc.) you'd expect. The AVerTVHD Volar Max ($69.99) holds it down on the USB 2.0 front, while the AVerTVHD Duet can tune two digital signals at once for $79.99. Have a look at the read link for all the intimate details on each.
Elgato adds support for the Hauppauge HD-PVR
Until now, people wanting a Mac HTPC that takes advantage of the good old analog hole have been limited to using the Hauppauge HD-PVR and SageTV. Thanks to Elgato adding support for the hardware into its EyeTV software, however, there should be some choice soon. Support for the hardware has been in beta since November, but users with a little bit of nerve can sign up to get in on the action. The HD-PVR may not be the most elegant solution to recording protected HD content down to disk, but at least it's workable; so if you're an EyeTV user who's been itching to add something beyond Clear QAM to your DVR's diet it's worth checking out.
Elgato refreshes its EyeTV Hybrid tuner
It's been almost a year since Elgato refreshed its EyeTV Hybrid tuner, and while the addition of better reception and a FM radio tuner aren't earth-shattering, it's awfully hard to complain about how much the company has crammed into the Cear-QAM 1080i-tuning USB stick aimed at Mac users. The $150 dongle includes a year-long subscription to TV Guide for your scheduling convenience, but you'll have to fork over $20 per year for the service after that. There will be a new 3.1 version of EyeTV available later this month, but you can pick up the fresh hardware right now.
Beyond TV 4.9 officially released, packs in placeshifting, h.264, ClearQAM for $99
Dumping the beta tag, Snapstream's officially rolled out the placeshifting, Clear QAM-compatible singing and dancing Beyond TV 4.9, rolling previously optional $29.99 h.264 and DVD burning plugins into the standard package, upping the pricetag for new users from $69 to $99 (upgraders who never bought the plugins and don't want them can still hop in for the old price). If watching place shifted TV via web browser isn't interesting enough by itself, Snapstream threw in beta support for the Hauppage HD-PVR, new Web admin features and more. Enough to convince you to upgrade, or dive into the build it yourself DVR market for the first time?[Via eHomeUpgrade]
HANNspree's 28-inch 1080p HT09 LCD HDTV comes to America for $500
Just in time for brands like Vizio, Panasonic, Sony and Sanyo to undercut it on Black Friday, HANNspree has swooped in and delivered its bedroom-sized 1080p LCD HDTV to the great lands of North America. The set, which was made available a few months prior in the UK, claims to be the planet's first 28-inch "1080p" HDTV, with a native 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, two HDMI ports, a VGA socket, integrated ATSC / NTSC / Clear QAM tuner, 3-millisecond response time, 3,000:1 contrast ratio, stereo speakers (5-watts x 2), audio in / out ports and an Energy Star 3.0 sticker for good measure. Not too shabby for $499.99, and we'd count on finding it even cheaper given the current level of competition in the sector.
AVerMedia launches AVerTV Hybrid TVBox 11
If you've been looking for a convenient way to turn your spare monitor into a guest room TV (or you've just been searching for a standalone OTA HDTV tuner), AVerMedia has you covered. The AVerTV Hybrid TVBox 11 not only includes an analog / ATSC / Clear QAM TV tuner, but it also boasts a DVI output, component input / output, transparent PIP support and a bundled remote. Not too much to offer beyond that, but apparently AVerMedia feels it's worth $199.99.
AOC unloads 42-inch L42H861 LCD HDTV for $1,000
If the Envision L42H761 was just barely, barely too rich for your blood at $1,050, AOC's looking to break the one grand mark with its newest 42-incher. The L42H861 packs a 1080p Full HD panel, a 6,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 176-degree viewing angles, 3-D comb filter, three HDMI ports, a VGA input (with audio socket) and a digital ATSC / Clear QAM TV tuner to boot. The $999.99 asking price also includes a swivel stand, but it's not scared of being hung upside your wall, either. The full release is after the jump.
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 TV tuner gets reviewed, loved
Just about the pull the trigger on that warmly received AVerTV Bravo Hybrid, are you? Hold your horses just a moment. Hauppauge's WinTV-HVR-2250 recently hit the test bench over at PC Magazine, and we'll just get right down to the dirt: it was called "the gold standard of home theater PC TV tuners." That's right folks, the gold standard. Said card boasts twin hybrid tuners, dual hardware MPEG encoders and integrated QAM support, and apparently, using it was a real joy. Setup and installation was "a snap," and image quality was "crisp and clear." Really, the only dig reviewers had was that the QAM plug-in was still a bit unstable, but given that it is still in beta, that really shouldn't come as a surprise. Of note, this card will run you a touch more than the aforementioned AVerTV at $129, but it just might be worth it based on this glowing review.
AVerMedia launches AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress TV tuner
AVerMedia is expanding its ExpressCard TV tuner line, as it has officially announced that its CES-honored AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress is finally shipping. As expected, the 54-millimeter slim-fit card -- which fits completely within the ExpressCard slot without protruding at all -- is designed to function with Windows XP / Vista and pick up ATSC (digital), NTSC (analog), FM radio and ClearQAM signals. You'll even find AVer MediaCenter software bundled in to handle H.264 real-time recording capabilities -- all you need to do to get in on the fun is hand over $89.99.
Pinnacle unveils Clear QAM-capable PCTV HD Stick / PCTV HD Pro Stick USB tuners
Should you find the PCTV Nano Stick a bit too minuscule for your liking (or you just aren't down with DVB-T), Pinnacle's got two newcomers for you to peek. The refreshed versions of the PCTV HD Stick and PCTV HD Pro Stick both include support for unencrypted digital cable (ClearQAM) channels and a "next-generation tuner / demodulator with more sensitive reception of both analog and digital TV signals." Both units come bundled with the outfit's TVCenter Pro software for turning your PC into a PVR, and the Pro model (shown after the jump) adds stereo sound for analog / digital TV, FM reception and the ability to capture video from STBs, camcorders, etc. with the included dongle. Good enough for you? Catch the pair early next week for $69.99 and $99.99, respectively.
AVerMedia ships AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX USB hybrid tuner
AVerMedia's already pacified you desktop owners this year, but folks looking to stuff a new hybrid TV tuner in their laptop bag can finally stop pouting. The AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX, which originally debuted at CES, is finally shipping. As expected, this minuscule device enables XP / Vista-equipped rigs to receive OTA HDTV (Clear QAM support included) along with AM / FM radio signals and NTSC analog content. The bundled AVer MediaCenter software even includes H.264 compression capabilities and a 320 x 240 resolution choice for those exporting directly to an iPod. Ready to dive in? It's all yours for $79.99.
AVerTV Bravo Hybrid PCI-E tuner handles Clear QAM
AVerMedia's latest PCI-E tuner isn't chock full of extras, but it's definitely packing quite a punch for $79.99. The unit plays nice with ATSC, NTSC and Clear QAM signals along with FM radio, and aside from letting folks tune into HD programs over-the-air, it can also record directly in H.264 format to save space on your hard drive and provide easy exporting to iPods / PMPs. Just what the doctor ordered? Fantastic -- it's available right now.
equinux offers up TubeStick hybrid USB TV tuner
If neither of Elgato's latest from Macworld tickled your fancy, there's a decent shot you may like what equinux has going on instead. The TubeStick hybrid is the firm's newly announced USB TV tuner, which is housed in a diminutive chassis that won't block nearby ports and offers up OTA reception of NTSC, ATSC and digital (QAM) signals. Furthermore, the unit comes wearing the whitest of white outfits and also touts an external antenna and a one-month trial of the TubeToGo software. Yes, this critter will play nice with Windows machines as well, but we hear it tries to avoid such predicaments whenever possible. Ready to snag your own? Catch one next month for $129.[Via The Mac Observer]
Elgato updates EyeTV Hybrid / 250 Plus TV tuners: Clear-QAM now welcome
It seems that Elgato was most proud of its totally revamped EyeTV 3 software, but we couldn't help but notice two rather substantial hardware updates that it also chose to announce (albeit quietly) at Macworld 2008. Starting today, the firm's EyeTV Hybrid USB tuner and its EyeTV 250 Plus TV receiver / video converter (shown after the break) are both available with built-in support for unencrypted digital cable (Clear-QAM) channels. 'Course, they'll both still pull in NTSC / ATSC signals, but the addition of Clear-QAM support is a real boon for OTA addicts. Pricing for the extra versatile devices remains unchanged at $149.95 and $199.95, respectively, but unfortunately, existing owners will not be able to receive the newfound functionally with a simple firmware update.Read - Elgato EyeTV HybridRead - Elgato EveTV 250 Plus
Hauppauge intros WinTV-HVR-950Q USB tuner with Clear-QAM support
Been on the lookout for a USB TV tuner with NTSC, ATSC and Clear-QAM support? Look no further than Hauppauge, which has proudly introduced the WinTV-HVR-950Q to handle all of the aforementioned needs. Additionally, the stick comes bundled with a credit card-sized remote capable of controlling the action from any given sofa, and it obviously supports the firm's SoftPVR and SoftMCE software MPEG-2 encoders. We know you're eager to cram one in your laptop and hop on a jet to a land far, far away, so you'll be quite pleased to know that it ships this month for $99.
Norcent delivers 19-inch LT-1931 / 22-inch LT-2231 LCD TVs
Norcent's 42-inch LT-4231P a bit too large for your armoire? If so, the firm is hoping to satisfy your LCD TV needs anyway with the 19-inch LT-1931 and 22-inch LT-2231. The former features a 1,440 x 900 resolution along with an 800:1 contrast ratio while the latter serves up a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. Both sets enjoy a 2D digital comb filter, 300 cd/m2 brightness, a trilingual on-screen menu, HDMI / component / S-Video / composite inputs and a built-in TV tuner that plays nice with NTSC, ATSC and Clear-QAM signals. Unlike the aforementioned 42-incher, this pair is available as we speak for $299.99 and $379.99, respectively.
