cablecard
9 ResultsDictionary
CableCARD
A digital cable TV activation system from the OpenCable project of the CableLabs research consortium (www.cablelabs.com). Introduced in 2003 and sometimes called "Plug and Play TV," the CableCARD...
Dictionary
Definition: CableCARD
A digital cable TV activation system from the OpenCable project of the CableLabs research consortium (www.cablelabs.com). Introduced in 2003 and sometimes called "Plug and Play TV," the CableCARD contains the customer's account information as well as the channel assignments and decryption algorithms used by the cable provider. The CableCARD is housed in a Type II PC Card module, and after July 1, 2007, all new set-top boxes in the U.S. were mandated by the FCC to support CableCARDs.
No Separate Set-top Box and More Accuracy
When a set-top box is used, depending on the type of box, TV set, connection used and digital format transmitted, additional and unnecessary video processing may take place in the chain from the set-top box to the TV. However, the CableCARD can also be plugged directly into TVs, DVRs, digital media servers and PCs that are "Digital Cable Ready" and eliminate the set-top box. For example, when a Digital Cable Ready TV decodes as well as scales the original signal from the cable company, it eliminates the possibility of repetitive conversions. In addition, the decoding process can reveal data that enables more accurate up and down scaling (see upconvert).
S-CARDs, M-CARDs and tru2way
The Single Stream CableCARD (S-CARD) provides one tuner for viewing one channel. Video-on-demand and other interactions are supported, providing the TV is bi-directional. It is a common misconception that two-way capability was added with the CableCARD 2.0 specification; however, this capability is a function of the TV. The "tru2way" logo certifies that the TV is a two-way CableCARD device.
Allowing up to six tuners, the Multi-Stream CableCARD (M-CARD) supports picture-in-picture (PIP) and the recording of one channel while viewing another. See DVR and set-top box.
Plugging In a CableCARD
This Panasonic plasma TV is CableCARD ready, and the card need only be inserted into the slot. (Image courtesy of Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.)
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Media Center gives digital cable tuners a new lease on life
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Ace Computers to release $999 CableCard-equipped home theater PCs
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Additional Results
-
Apple TV, yes. CableCARD? No way.
A former Apple executive, now a Silicon Valley VC, is the latest to argue that an Apple-branded TV is inevitable. But his argument assumes that an Apple TV would deliver cable subscriptions to...
-
New CableCard tuner lets your Windows 7 Media PC record four HD shows simultaneously
Rasputin-like, the CableCard refuses to die, despite the best intentions of cable companies everywhere. TiVo still supports the device, and many home theater PCs would be hindered without it, but...
-
Is CableCard dead? FCC weighs alternatives.
In theory, CableCards don't seem like a bad idea: Instead of using a set-top box provided by your cable company, you can slide a small card into a device like a PC or TiVo and use that to control...
-
Windows 7 in the real world: 10 PCs under the microscope
When the slow-motion launch of Windows 7 finally ends and it hits store shelves next week, will it erase the memory of Windows Vista? Over the past three months, I’ve been test-driving the final...
-
TechCrunch throws down on cable boxes: Who can argue?
The TechCrunch blog usually covers start-up culture, but a post today takes a diversion into the limited, primitive realm of cable boxes. You know 'em, you hate 'em. As post author MG Siegler...
-
Media Center gives digital cable tuners a new lease on life
Last week, I was prepared to write off digital cable support in Windows Media Center. The technology appeared to be on life support on the way to being declared dead. And then, last night at...
-
Ace Computers to release $999 CableCard-equipped home theater PCs
One of the major impediments to the growth of the home theater PC (HTPC) market has been the lack of digital cable TV support. Yes, Clear QAM tuners can handle unencrypted digital channels, but...
-
Going back to Windows Media Center
I'd been using Media Center as my primary DVR since shortly after the release of Windows Vista several years ago. At the time, my intention was to learn more about the other TV-oriented technology...
-
Windows Media Center meets cable TV in HD
Six months ago, after years of waiting, I finally had a chance to switch my Media Center setup over to a fully digital, cable-compatible, high-definition configuration. How has it worked out?...
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Cable companies lose round in CableCard battle
Operators move closer to offering service allowing consumers to simply plug a card into a device to get cable TV service.
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FAQ: CableCard? What's that?
The FCC wants to terminate your cable set-top box. Here's what you need to know. Photos: Free your set-top box
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