1月16日
Windows Vista and CableCard
Ok, by now, you've probably read about the fact that Windows Vista will support CableCard in its implementation of Media Center. Currently, as far as I know, only ATI is making OCUR (Open Cable Unidirectional Receiver) devices for this. They're also known as Digital Cable Tuners (DCT). With CableCard support you can now get your HDTV programming, including premium channels, from your cable provider directly in Media Center. Of course, you have to subcribe to the services in the first place to get them.
Pros
1) Great picture quality.
2) Access to HDTV content, including "premium" channels.
3) At least on Comcast, the CableCard is cheaper per month than the traditional set top box.
4) This is sort of a "pro", you don't need the typical set top box, but you'll likely wind up with an external tuner at this point. They're not quite as unattractive as the usual STB, but.........
Cons
1) Unidirectional means that you will not have access to Pay-per-View and OnDemand type services.
2) Initially, and for the foreseeable future, DCT's will only be available on pre-built machines from OEM's. These machines must be CableLabs certified, and the certification process isn't cheap. So don't expect to see these at your local Mom and Pop computer store.
3) DVI-DVI (and I assume HDMI) connections require a fully HDCP compliant and enabled video card.
4) All content recorded with the CableCard inserted is "Copy Protected", regardless of whether it was broadcast as protected. This means you can't burn anything to DVD.
Overall, I was very happy with it, during the beta testing phases. Of course, as with any beta there were bugs to be worked out, but I'm glad to have been a part of the process. And the final product is good, as well.
While it isn't CableCard related, I would have loved to have seen more functionality added, with even more control over Media Center, in this release, but....... That's what Update Rollups are for, I guess.
More information on CableCard support can be found at ATI's web site, and a blog post by Robert McLaws
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