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We have been trying to figure out the CableCARD confusion for the last week. We started by calling Motorola, which was great, but caused more confusion. We decided to call CableLabs to get the answers. We're not too thrilled about the answers but we did discover that CableCARD 2.0 is now available and ready to go. We also discovered what's stopping TiVo and Microsoft from bringing our favorite features to their latest CableCARD host devices.We aren't certain why this is so complex however, right off the bat, lets be clear about something. CableCARDs have supported two-way communication for a long time, but it is the two-way host device certification that is new to 2.0. This certification is required by any consumer electronics device that wishes to use the two-way CableCARD functionality. MINECRAFT They also happen to be multi-stream cards (up to 6 simultaneous) so they are called M-Cards. Older cards are called S-Cards, which refer to single-stream. SA and Motorola have already adopted new boxes that can be certified for two-way communication. All newly deployed digital cable STBs across the US will be CableCARD 2.0 certified starting July 1st, 2007. Some CE companies, including Samsung, Panasonic, and LG have already begun to test their two-way devices with various cable companies in the US. We will see one on the market next year or the following year. At this point, you should be asking, what is hindering TiVo or Microsoft from creating two-way, multi-stream CableCARD devices? CableLabs certification specifications are not what many CE companies would like to see. As we previously mentioned, the source of disagreement is the OCAP requirement. CableLabs is a research and development laboratory and is not involved in the political processes which determine these rules. However, CableLabs members feel that OCAP could allow the disintermediation of cable companies (their term not ours). Blogging In layman's terms, this could eliminate the middle man, -the middleman is your cable company. OCAP signified that TiVo could not use their software on a dual-channel host device without the approval of the cable company. This means that buying a TiVo that is universally compatible would not be possible without every cable company having agreed and embraced TiVo's OCAP software. This is how the long-awaited agreement between Comcast and TiVo will function. It could also be the case for Vista Media Center, Microsoft will need to create an OCAP-based VM for Vista Media Center and then work with every cable company to enable it to launch their own user interface. This is assuming that the OCAP platform will provide the same rich user interface that we've come to expect from TiVo and Microsoft and, if not, the user experience when switching between different functions, and OCAP required functions, would be anything but smooth. Another interesting fact we learned was that features like TiVoToGo Multi-Room Streaming, and even eSATA external hard drive support, are not included in the CableCARD certification specification. These details are included in the license, which must be signed by the company in order to be certified. CableLabs can accept solutions from companies to enable these features, and they will be added to the license. These features are available, so there is hope. However, CableLabs members -- which includes nearly every cable company in Americacan decide what is added. We are respectful of the desire of the cable companies to manage their networks. In the end, they control it and run an operating business. Two-way CableCARD devices that are not authorized by the company can cause havoc. While CableLabs is complying with the law, we don't think it is in the spirit of the law because it does not provide an open platform. Blogging Cable companies must realize that what is best for their customers is also beneficial for their business. In the final analysis, we would like to see the FCC will step in and require CableLabs to approve two-way devices that don't require OCAP. Megazone is an extra special thank for helping me understand all of this.