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waiver posts

ACA backs Cable One's request to use one-way HD STBs

by Darren Murph posted Dec 2nd 2008 at 8:04PM

You won't find us supporting anything that holds back progress in the high-def realm, but Cable One sure is putting forth a convincing argument with its recent waiver request to use simple, one-way HD set-top-boxes rather than the sophisticated two-way units currently required under FCC regulations. For those unaware, the two-way mandate is meant to free consumers from the tight grasp of the cable operator, enabling them to easily use off-the-shelf two-way STBs should they choose. Cable One asserts that the costs are simply too prohibitive for smaller carriers, and it has pledged to add in 50 HD networks at no additional charge should its request be granted; better still, it has promised to fully support any CableCARD devices purchased by customers. The American Cable Association (ACA) has already pledged its support in the movement, though the CEA isn't going to take this one lying down. This one should be interesting to watch.

FCC waiver enables Puerto Rico's Choice Cable TV to sell HD DVRs

by Darren Murph posted Jul 23rd 2008 at 9:24AM

The FCC put a stop on selling non-CableCARD-equipped set-top-boxes in the United States around this time last year, but it did leave open the possibility for small cable carriers and other providers in strange market conditions to sidestep the new rule. Choice Cable TV, which services parts of rural Puerto Rico and the cities of Ponce and Mayaguez, finally received its long-awaited FCC waiver which will enable it to start selling HD DVRs that lack CableCARD support. It's hoping that this will rekindle demand for high-def service and consequently allow it to add more HD content. On a related note, the island's Liberty Cablevision is also applying for a similar waiver, as it argues that the low median annual household income in its service area constitutes a "idiosyncratic factual situation."

Verizon's CableCARD waiver expires July 1

by Richard Lawler posted May 16th 2008 at 1:41PM


Last year Verizon and other IPTV providers asked for and were granted a pass to continue issuing set-top boxes with integrated security, but it runs out July 1. To comply with the separable security order, Motorola's whipped up two new boxes, the QIP7100 HD and QIP7216 HD DVR, which also apparently feature upgraded processing power and MPEG-4 support (not that you'd need any extra compression in your FiOS anytime soon). Comcast and other cable companies have already issued over 4 million STBs with CableCARDs and were decidedly nonplussed by the telcos get a pass, although Verizon will still be distributing SD boxes sans-Card due to their all digital plans for next year -- as if anyone would want one of those. We suppose insisting on a steady supply would be too much to ask?

Verizon gets greedy, asks for three year waiver from FCC

by Darren Murph posted Jul 31st 2007 at 8:14PM

Not even a month after the FCC caved to Verizon's requests for a CableCARD waiver, the telco is now shamelessly petitioning for an additional two-years so that it is not forced to comply with the integration ban until 2010. In the appeal, Verizon reportedly "noted that a common standard for software-downloadable set-top security is not expected to be available by July 2008," and also whined that it would have to "expend enormous resources" for an interim solution as it doesn't have "the existing, off-the-shelf option for complying with the integration ban that traditional cable companies possess." Of course, it remains to be seen whether the pleading will work this go 'round, but who knows if CableCARD-equipped STBs will even be necessary by the time Verizon is ready to comply.

CableCard fight continues: Courts uphold integration ban, NCTA seeks delay waiver

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 20th 2006 at 3:15PM

CableCard is still stuck half-in, half-out of the gate as the cable companies, CE manufacturers and government fight over when and how the technology will be deployed. Currently the deadline for the cable industry to install digital boxes that separate encryption and basic decoding functions in set top boxes is July 2007. After that point, every cable box installed will actually need a CableCard in it to work (existing customers won't need to make any changes) and customers will be able to buy their own digital boxes at retail. Now the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) has changed their strategy, requesting a waiver to delay the integration ban until downloadable security technology, which they claim is less expensive and more efficient, is ready or the end of 2009, whichever comes first. They're also calling foul on satellite providers being able to deploy proprietary set-top boxes without having to make them available at retail, but it seems like they have their own problems. If you're looking forward to having the choice of your own box at the store, or plugging a cable straight into your HDTV to get service, it may be a bit further off if the NCTA gets their way.

Read - Countdown to Seven oh Seven
Read - Cable companies lose round in CableCard battle
Read - NCTA Requests Limited-Time Waiver of Set-Top Box Rule That Will Otherwise Impose Unnecessary Costs on Cable Customers




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