CableCARD should be replaced by 'gateways,' say TiVo, Sony
updated 05:05 pm EST, Wed December 23, 2009
Gateways most likely to replace CableCARD tech
At least two major electronics manufacturers, TiVo and Sony, have submitted a similar idea for a standard that would replace the aging CableCARD standard. A deadline for such submissions to the FCC was earlier this week, and the majority of the ideas for the technical replacement for the failed standard share a common theme, which is that of a gateway. This would resemble a traditional cable modem with consumers seeing an IP interface with HTTP and SSL. On the provider side, the gateway would cater to a connection such as a coaxial cable, satellite signal or fiber optic line.
Users would then connect the gateways to their home networks via an Ethernet, MoCA, Wi-Fi or other type of physical connection. Their compatible output video devices could then access any type of real time or VOD content offered by the provider. TiVo and companies that offer similar services that rely on a certain level of Internet access have complained that existing options like tru2way limit access to Internet content.
Hardware vendors also agree that support of such media sharing standards as DLNA and RVU is optional and not mandatory. A DRM system is also likely to be necessary before content providers would agree on a new standard, though the hardware makers did not address this.
The proposed system is simple while allowing cable providers to custom tailor their own offerings and build them up as required. [via Engadget]
