Will CableCARDs ever succeed?
by Ben Drawbaugh 
posted Apr 8th 2007 at 2:02PM
In a few months (July) the latest CableCARD mandate will go into effect and all Cable companies (no not Dish or DirecTV) will be forced by the FCC to deploy Cable boxes that use CableCARDs for conditional access instead of integrated security. While consumers hope that this will give CableCARD the shot in the arm it needs, based on CableCARDs previous track record -- we will believe it when we see it. But why has CableCARD failed, why is the number of CableCARD devices available today less than when they were first introduced? Sure the delay of CableCARD 2.0 isn't helping, but again why the delays? The Cable companies want them to fail, they don't want to support them and they do everything in their power to persuade you to avoid them. They train all of their employees very well in the disadvantages and every chance they get they try to talk you out of using them. When there are any problems with them, they always blame your equipment and use it as an excuse to rent you a box. While there are many reasons why the Cable companies don't want you to use them, the FCC keeps the pressure on and in this case fighting for the consumer. Only time will tell if the FCC will be successful or if the Cable Companies will find a way to successfully avoid them for another 10 years.
Filed under: Regulatory, Cable, Fiber
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phour ZwanZig @ Apr 8th 2007 5:40PM
As a Cable Tech for TWC, Atleast our division wants them to work correctly.. In most cases, older TVs did have software problems and it was a struggle to diagnose the issues.. But rarely do I ever find Cards not workin correctly on new sets.. We were never told to get the Customer a box instead of a Card.. We would even go as far as Re-wiring the house to make sure it wasnt on our end.. As far as the downsides to the Cards.. People to lose things they once loved with a Box when they goto a Card, so we do make sure they understand this.. I know, I myself dont use that as a ploy to make someone go with a Box instead.. If a Card is what they want, a Card they receive..
As I said this may just be the way our Division does things, but in our eyes, esp. after the July mandate, is helpful to Cable Co.s Less cost outa the company's pocket in many ways.. Box prices with drop due to fact that it is openin up competition in the Box market which just isnt there right now.. So Cable Cos are forced to pay HIGH prices for Equipment.. $800 for a DVR box is insane, but that is what the Company pays (or last I knew).. And this aint no Tivo Series 3 either..
Well I had to rant and there it is.. I know I want to see Cable Card, and so do most Cable Companys.. I just hate when the FCC has to step in and Mandate stuff..
Ben @ Apr 8th 2007 5:41PM
Thanks for the insight, I wish my cable company was like that.
I too hate for the Gov't to mandate anything, but I don't see another solution considering the Cable Co's position and what I believe consumers want: the ability to watch tv without a box.
Chris @ Apr 8th 2007 10:42PM
... but again why the delays? The Cable companies want them to fail, they don't want to support them and they do everything in their power to persuade you to avoid them. They train all of their employees very well in the disadvantages and every chance they get they try to talk you out of using them. When there are any problems with them, they always blame your equipment and use it as an excuse to rent you a box. While there are many reasons why the Cable companies don't want you to use them, the FCC keeps the pressure on and in this case fighting for the consumer.
Amen. The cable companies have had their fun sticking consumers with the HD craze for the past several years. Now the HD train is rolling(more options-IPTV, telcos, etc.). More competition usually means better prices and more options. Maybe now I will be able to buy a decent DVR with tuner, and unlimited storage expansion. Was that too much to ask for Time Warner?
Vince @ Apr 8th 2007 10:19PM
Want to fix this, force cable companies to only use cable boxes that are unlocked via cable cards. Then it'll have to work or their own systems wouldn't.
dpjax @ Apr 8th 2007 10:57PM
You sound like a scorned woman.
Consumers need to know that on the current gen of cable cards you won't get VoD, Impulse PPV, VoD PPV or a worthy guide (TV Guide On Screen is a joke compared to any modern guide).
Yes, cable companies increase profits by renting you a box and selling you PPV/VoD services but I don't think they are against cards - its still a way to sell you premium services you couldn't get on your analog service or built-in QAM tuner. Also, there is VERY LITTLE demand for current cable cards, even with the fancy new TiVo. No one is interested and a trip to Circuit City/Best Buy/etc will confirm this.
The FCC will force the cable providers hand and since the FCC has made a date I doubt any provider will be offering new cards until that exact date. Once we are there, lets see what TV/devices come out to support the cards.
I think consumers are better served voicing that the local cable company drop all analog services to open that bandwidth up to more programming. Where I live, there are about 70 channels of analog programming. Each analog channel wastes the same amount of bandwidth needed for at least 2 1080i HD services or 8-12 SD digital services or another 40Mb/s for your DOCSIS modem.
BTW, I have a Pioneer PDP-5060HD & a Sharp Aquos LCD and both have a moto 3412 DVR & cable card in use. The card on the plasma has a superior picture to the moto box (in my eyes). I like the combo because the wife will record 2 shows at once and I can still surf the HD channels on the card. :)