Vista Media Center to Support SDV (But how?)

Chris Lanier reports that Microsoft has pledged researching support for switched digital video:

We [MS] are working to enable support for the CableLabs SDV Tuning Adaptor for Windows Media Center Digital Cable Tuners, ensuring that Windows Media Center users will be able to access switched content.

Ben Drawbaugh believes a PC-based USB connection should be sufficient to control the tuning adapter, while Chris contends new CableCARD tuners with USB ports will be required. Regardless of the implementation, I seriously doubt VMC users will have the ability to access switched channels this year. For those impacted, the best short-term solution to access all digital programming via PC is by renting a cable-co set-top box and recording programming using SageTV in conjunction with the Happauge HD PVR.

Somewhat related, Time Warner Cable was slapped with a $7,500 FCC fine in Hawaii for “for failing to give the local franchise authorities (LFAs) adequate notice that some channels were being moved to a switched tier” according to Light Reading. In response, TWC said they intend to begin SDV Tuning Adapter testing in the “next few weeks” and ultimately offer them “free of charge.”

6 thoughts on “Vista Media Center to Support SDV (But how?)”

  1. When a cable company says they will begin testing something in the “next few weeks”, don’t expect to see it until next year at this time.

    A PC USB connection should be sufficient with a driver for the SDV adapter and a patch for the media center, or digital cable tuner drivers.

  2. My point is actually more that the current TA specs don’t allow connection to a PC, and thus based on that you can conclude one of two things. (1) CableLabs needs to update the specs for the TA, or (2) New tuners would be required and thus would meet the specs given in the current TA revision.

    All CableLabs has to do is put the language in the document to allow TAs to be connected to a “HMS” instead of a UDCP and the rest can be up to Microsoft.

  3. It’s all going to be a moot point when people realize how long it takes to tune a channel when using a tuning adapter.

    Why do you think Comcast has shelved their plans to deploy SDV and are spending millions on DTA?

  4. All the reports and reviews I’ve heard say SDV tunes not any different from regular tuning. Oh wait, TWC uses faster, better, more capable Scientific Atlanta boxes. The Moto boxes are way too slow as it is :(

  5. Apparently Comcast has run into problems with SDV in the limited deployments they’ve done. Seems like their current plans are to withdraw analog channels from the extended basic tier to free up bandwidth for more HD channels instead, at least in the short run.

    I doubt *anybody*, even Tivo customers, will be using a Tuning Resolver this year, so I think you’re safe betting that WMC won’t have support this year…

    Imagine what a POS a Vista Media Center with support for two cablecard tuners will look like… two of those horrid ATI boxes, two STBs either hooked to those or to the PC. The sheer amount of plastic and cables will be somewhat mindblowing. Also, if you think those initial fun-filled Media Center cable card installs documented so well on Engadgent and ZDNet and elsewhere were fun, just wait for this one…

  6. As one of thousands of users of Tivo HD that are affected by the switch to SDV, I’m trying to patiently wait for a tuning adapter/tuning resolver solution. Unfortunately patience is more and more hard to come by these days. TWC is going to drag their feet as long as the FCC lets them.

    Time Warner won’t even go on record and state anything firm about these. The broadband reports article cited above that states TWC will be testing “in the next few weeks” itself is dated August 26th. It IS a few weeks later and there are no reports of anything actually happening.

Comments are closed.