Alex, Exempt from the rules? The whole point of OpenCable is to introduce competition into the market, forcing every manufacturer to use the same software violates the intention of congress.
This is like saying that every ISP customer has to use the same operating system or even web browser, after all they are all 2-way devices.
CableLabs should have no problem coming up with a 2-way protocol that allows CE companies to write their own code and that will resist "damage the network or cause issues".
I'm sure you still rent your home phone from the phone company too.
No one ever said that OpenCable means that every CE would have a permission to use whatever software they want to use. OpenCable means that a CE manufacturer can sell their certified digital cable ready bi-directional device like a dual-tuner DVR in reatil outlets. Only software that would be running on said retail device that would belong to a CE vendor would be their OCAP middleware stack. The cable company would then download their guide/user experience onto the box IF a user signs for the service. The guide software that runs on that box they have no say or control.
When you buy a DBS satellite receiver box from Dish or Directv at Best Buy or Circuit City, regardless of manufacturer of the box, they all run the same guide/user experience. This is similar.
Similar already works for cable modems. If you buy a cable modem at retail outlet and call your cable company to sign for their service, the cable company WILL download their signed firmware onto YOUR cable modem and download their configuration file that specifies the level of service you've signed up for. You have NO control nor can you overwrite their software.
Bottom line is that if you do not like that kind of arrangement no one is forcing anyone to get the box or sign up for the service. Rabbit ears are cheap and OTA programming is absolutely FREE.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ben @ Jun 19th 2007 9:57AM
Alex,
Exempt from the rules?
The whole point of OpenCable is to introduce competition into the market, forcing every manufacturer to use the same software violates the intention of congress.
This is like saying that every ISP customer has to use the same operating system or even web browser, after all they are all 2-way devices.
CableLabs should have no problem coming up with a 2-way protocol that allows CE companies to write their own code and that will resist "damage the network or cause issues".
I'm sure you still rent your home phone from the phone company too.
Alex D. @ Jun 19th 2007 12:00PM
No one ever said that OpenCable means that every CE would have a permission to use whatever software they want to use. OpenCable means that a CE manufacturer can sell their certified digital cable ready bi-directional device like a dual-tuner DVR in reatil outlets. Only software that would be running on said retail device that would belong to a CE vendor would be their OCAP middleware stack. The cable company would then download their guide/user experience onto the box IF a user signs for the service. The guide software that runs on that box they have no say or control.
When you buy a DBS satellite receiver box from Dish or Directv at Best Buy or Circuit City, regardless of manufacturer of the box, they all run the same guide/user experience. This is similar.
Similar already works for cable modems. If you buy a cable modem at retail outlet and call your cable company to sign for their service, the cable company WILL download their signed firmware onto YOUR cable modem and download their configuration file that specifies the level of service you've signed up for. You have NO control nor can you overwrite their software.
Bottom line is that if you do not like that kind of arrangement no one is forcing anyone to get the box or sign up for the service. Rabbit ears are cheap and OTA programming is absolutely FREE.