CableCARD In-Depth

Atvtg writes "Ars Technica has an excellent article on CableCARD, and where it's heading. After discussing the history of the initiative and some of the technical details, they cover how CableCARD may meet its end shortly after the launch of 2.0 (the bi-directional spec) because of DCAS. The real surprise, however, is that CableLabs, which controls the CableCARD spec, has to certify computers to use CableCARDs for DVRs and the like. Ars points out that the upshot of this is that it will not be possible to build your own DVRs using CableCARDs. Will this kill the DIY market?"

Comments

Re:What the fuck is 'CableCARD'?

[szembek]

I agree, it sounds like it's some crap for people who want to build dvr units??

Re:What the fuck is 'CableCARD'?

[SenorPez]

Since that's what the whole article is about, it's kind of redundant, no?

I Have a Different Solution

[eno2001]

Just keep with the set top box and hide it. That's what I'm going to be doing soon. I'm moving my homebrew Linux Media Center, DirecTV terminal and amplifier down to the basement underneath where the brand spankin' new 37" HD LCD monitor is wall mounted. And I'm only passing the cables through the wall to the back of the monitor (DVI, audio in, audio out and a USB cable for plugging stuff into the homebrew media center). I installed an outlet directly behind the wall mounted monitor as well. No wires. No mess. Just a nice looking monitor. The speakers are next. I'm building them into the walls... It doesn't matter what the industry does if you are willing to expend a little effort. Installing this stuff isn't that hard.

DISCLAIMER: If you burn your house down, set fire to your cat, smoke your tail, etc... I'm not responsible. ;P