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Vista Media Center Plus CableCard Equals No TV
notthatwillsmith writes "ATI's internal CableCard readers are finally available, and Maximum PC got hands-on time with a couple of Vista-powered systems built using the FCC-mandated technology. The short version? It doesn't work. From the article: 'The tech told me he'd receive training direct from Microsoft, but none of it covered internal tuners. We both agreed that the process should be the same, since the only difference is that the slots are inside the case, versus in an external box. The tech then proceeds to install the CableCards, connect the tuners to coax line, fire up the PC, and begin the software configuration. This step involves activating the TV Wonder with a product-activation code, and calling the Comcast office to exchange some information. We should have had a picture at this point, but we didn't.'"
OK, how is this modded insightful? Troll, Funny, Flame, Redundant? Maybe. Insightful? C'mon
The first assumption any right-thinking person should make with a software product interfacing with a new hardware product is that the software product is always at fault when it comes from Microsoft.
As associated axiom is that when ever anything fails, it is Microsoft's fault. For example, when a PC fails to respond to user input it is due to a problem with Microsoft software. When the secretary plugs the computer back in and the problem disappears, it must have been Microsoft that unplugged it. Obvious to all but the Microsoft-indoctrinated losers.
Could it be that this product was pushed out the door without sufficient testing with different cable cards, cable systems and all the silly things that cable companies are doing just to be different? Naa. Has to be Microsoft.
Not the point. The point is - the cable companies will be able to say "Look you can buy it, we don't set the price". The fact that it doesn't work, ties your hands, is VERY espensive - isn't their problem (anymore). It's 'your problem' now.
the card have DRM that only works with windows vista on oem systems that pay m$ for the right to use the cards.
also how do they lock them down to the oems only?
what happen if you put non dell ram, video card, or other things in to a dell system with a cable card? will that lock you out?
That whole DRM argument is so idiotic. I love how everyone on Slashdot brings up this mythical DRM problem with Vista yet cannot point out how it's changing the way people are using their Software, videos, and Music. I've been using Vista for Months as well as Linux and I haven't had one problem with any of my new DVD rips, MP3's, or Bittorrent files.
This has to be the most overblown FUD topic I've seen on Vista ever.
I guess it is true. Never...and I mean NEVER buy anything from Micro$oft that is version 1.0.
Remove "from Microsoft" from that sentence. It rarely matters who it is, there will be problems.
Perhaps someone out there can answer this for me, but what is to stop some company in China, or Europe, or somewhere else where US laws apply in name only (i.e. there is some trade agreement or treaty on 'intellectual property' but the foreign producers simply ignore it when it is inconvenient) from producing and selling third party hardware which does not recognize a 'broadcast flag' or any other junk that the government and the cable monopoly lobbyists come up with?
I love how everyone on Slashdot brings up this mythical DRM problem with Vista yet cannot point out how it's changing the way people are using their Software, videos, and Music.
Astroturfer alert!
Vista is changing the way people use their computers? Give me a break. Sounds like typical marketing drivel.
Now can someone name one (1) show that it's worth going to all this trouble to record?
I can't think of a show in the last 5 years that I have been the slightest bit bummed out about missing.
My turnips listen for the soft cry of your love
(through some deep secret kung fu no customer should ever know how to do)
I was under the impression that the tech "had received his training direct from Microsoft" and then should have this kung fu that no customer should know how to do. of course should doesn't mean that he did, the test could still be faulty. On a different note, I find it interesting that you feel there is product knowledge that should be forbidden to the customer.
We are all just people.
Well you see customer information bloat is a big problem these days. Fact is many customers know too much. Dangerous things too, like the fact that buying an unlicensed dvd or file sharing is not stealing, or that it is possable to change what ads the interwebs shows you when you fire up a browser, or to not see any ads at all, or even that all information isn't owned by large corporations or worst of all there are things called rights and fair use when it comes to copyright and hardware specs for the consumer.
I prefer to remove "that is version 1.0" instead.