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All posts tagged "cablecard"


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Is Logitech Working On The Ultimate Smart TV Box?

Posted by Andy Dixon in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:00 AM

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/2010/10...v-sneak-attack/

"I was just thinking about the last couples days' news regarding Google TV. We know the Logitech Revue works exclusively, at least for a short period of time, with DISH Network's TV / DVR service. And we also learned that Sony's Google TV-powered HDTVs will have "direct integration with select [TV] service providers" (keywords being direct integration). So, if we try and connect the dots, wouldn't it be likely that Logitech may down the line offer a Logitech Revue model with CableCARD support? If this happened, the Logitech Revue would become the ultimate Smart TV device available when compared to what's currently out or forecasted (actually, I just remembered... Microsoft is flirting with the idea - the technology is there - for supporting CableCARDs with Windows Media Center Embedded). The device would work with any HDTV set via HDMI and would be compatible with all Google TV partner service providers. The more I think about it, the more Logitech and Google should be working on this - if they're not already."

Alexander Grundner over at ehomeupgrade posted the above thought on his site. It's an interesting one that might just have some legs. If you aren't sure what Google TV is then check out this explanation from Gizomodo. Google TV is designed to work alongside your existing satellite/cable box, but by adding CableCard support then Logitech would be able to replace the satellite/cable box. Whether Logitech will go down this route or not remains to be seen, but with the way that the market it going and how manufacturers are starting to integrate all the home media devices together, I would not be surprised if Alexanders idea is correct.


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Is Cablecard Really Dead?

Posted by Jon Childs in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:15 PM

http://seanalexander.com/2009/12/17...t=Google+Reader

"For years, industry pundits have claimed that Cablecard is dead. Cablecard, which enables consumers to get local and premium HD cable television programming directly into TV's and Media Center PC's via a digital cable tuner. It seemed poised to unlock consumers from the underpowered, much maligned cable boxes many rent from their cable provider and often loathe today. Yet the reality is there are only 443k 3rd party Cablecard devices in service (4 of those in my own house) and it's clear the situation is going to get worse before it gets better."

With two young boys in the house the inability to use video on demand was always a show stopper for me, but I hope that the new Tru2way cards get rolled out in a big way. Competition would do wonders to improve the user experience, but for now the only viable alternative seems to be Tivo. Unfortunately, the cost of two Cablecards and the Tivo monthly fee makes the per TV price twice as much, and that doesn't even include the price of the hardware. It would be wonderful to be able to stroll into the local Best Buy and have as many choices for set top boxes as there are for cellphones, wireless routers, cameras, and just about every other technology that is subject to some competition.

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

HDTV Enthusiasts Rejoice! CableCard Custom Rigs!

Posted by Hooch Tan in "Digital Home News" @ 10:00 AM

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/new...theater-pcs.ars

"Here's something you don't see every day: companies like Microsoft and the cable industry relaxing content and DRM restrictions. But that's exactly what happened yesterday at the CEDIA EXPO trade show in Atlanta, where Microsoft announced that home users could now install CableCARD-powered digital TV tuners in their PCs, could use those tuners with switched digital video (SDV) cable systems, and could use recorded content more freely."

No, DRM is not going away; The big entertainment companies have too much invested to take that kind of risk with TV. However, it does look like they are loosening things up so that the enthusiast market can have more fun while building their HDTV rigs. Not only does this mean that you are able to build your own system but you will have the ability to share or broadcast your recorded shows to more devices. It seems like TV industry is just recognizing that people are no longer just watching shows on their fancy new colour TV in the family room, but catching up on shows while on the commute to work, or while sipping a cup of joe at the local coffee shop. The freedom is nice, but I think this announcement indicates that the entertainment industry is recognizing that they need more adoption, and that you need to get enthusiasts on your side to do so. Giving them some freedom to make their own rigs instead of pre-boxed solutions is a step in the right direction.


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Digital Cable Recordings Now on Your HTPC

Posted by Hooch Tan in "Digital Home News" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/1...y-media-center/

"Access to premium HD on computers has eluded most for way to long, so as soon as we heard that it was finally possible for anyone to add a CableCARD tuner to just about any Media Center, we just knew we had to try it for ourselves, and more importantly, share with you exactly how to do it. This doesn't really require any hacking, or anything illegal for that matter -- we're not lawyers -- but it isn't cheap."

If you have the urge to spend a penny and your recorded shows are looking a bit fuzzy, EngadgetHD has the perfect way to lighten your wallet. The process is not for the timid and could cause a few small hassles with your HTPC, but the reward will be an HTPC with no need for an external cable box and a much cleaner setup for your home theater. I'm using a cable box myself and the latency and picture degradation are noticeable but I'm afraid that I can't see this as worth the effort. Accessing shows online is becoming easier by the day, and in a few years, it will be all you need, and you won't have to choose which shows have priority in recording!


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

MOXI for the Masses

Posted by Chris Gohlke in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:00 AM

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/2009/03...oes-mainstream/

"Gone are the days when you could only get your hands on a MOXI DVR in limited cable TV markets. The company is now delivering their TiVo butt-kicking, CableCARD compatible 500GB HD DVR to the masses via Amazon.com for $799 (subscription fees: $0, advertising: none)."

Subscription fees were always the thing that kept me away from Tivo. But, this seems a bit on the pricey side and while the CableCARD compatibility is great in theory, unless you can actually get one from your cable provider, you are probably not going to be getting any premium or HD channels from your cable provider.


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