AVeNVy
join:2008-03-28
4 edits | reply to markofmayhem
Re: Panasonic HD-DVR with Tru2way guide (video)
Sorry, this is not correct. The BIOS string is a requirement of Microsoft, not ATI, and was imposed on them by CableLabs. The BIOS requirement is very clearly laid out in a document called "OCUR Deployment Guidelines", published by Microsoft and available as part of the Windows Vista OEM Pre-installation kit to all registered Microsoft OEM's and System Builders. Unfortunately, this document is under NDA so I can't publish it but anyone can register as a system builder for free at »www.microsoft.com/oem/default.mspx and download the Vista OPK to read it for themselves.
You are correct that CableLabs does not directly certify PC's, only the CableCard tuner itself (ATI being the only option at this point). However, CableLabs DOES require any manufacturer shipping a "CableCard Ready" PC submit a letter stating the PC being shipped is in compliance with the requirements as defined in the Microsoft "OCUR Deployment Guidelines" document mentioned above (which includes things like HDCP, AND the string in the BIOS). The requirements in that document were jointly developed by Microsoft and CableLabs. How do I know that? Here's an excerpt from the first paragraph of the "Introduction" section of the document:
"Microsoft and the cable industry have reached an agreement that will enable consumers to enjoy one-way cable programming (including premium digital cable content) on a computer that is running Windows® Media Center in Windows Vista™ Home Premium or in Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate. This agreement was designed to protect cable operators' investments in high-value content in a digital environment, and it represents a major milestone on the way to delivery of one-way cable programming, including premium fee-based HDTV content, to personal computers."
Here's a link to the compliance letter, published by CableLabs, that companies must sign and submit before shipping a CableCard ready PC:
»www.opencable.com/downloads/MCE_···tter.pdf
You are also correct about licensing being too expensive, but it's got nothing to do with ATI (AMD). The expense comes form the requirement to be a Microsoft Direct OEM in order to purchase the correct version of Windows Vista, "Windows Vista Home Premium with Digital Cable Tuner". This version of Vista includes an additional MICROSOFT license key required to enable Digital Cable. If you have ever configured a PC with CableCard you would be familiar with this. If you really want to point the finger at someone for making it prohibitively expensive for an enthusiast to build a "Digital Cable Ready" PC you can point the finger at Microsoft's requirement to be a Microsoft Direct OEM to buy the correct version of the OS. But keep in mind CableLabs are the ones requiring a signed compliance letter, including manufacturer, make, and model, for all Digital Cable Ready PC's. When you combine this requirement with the fact that just about every OEM version of the Vista OS EXCEPT those only available to direct OEM's can be purchased in the retail channel, it does *almost* make sense why Microsoft would require this.
You will NOT be able to use the tuner from Ceton Corp (when it's available), or any other PC CableCard tuner for that matter if any ever come available, without a PC that is "Digital Cable Ready", which includes the necessary BIOS string, the correct version of Windows Vista, and that the manufacturer of that PC submitted a compliance letter to CableLabs (strictly a paper requirement, not technical).
CableLabs, CableLabs, CableLabs... Get the picture?
--Nino
P.S.
I realize this entire discussion is way off topic from the OP but there is way too much dis-information floating around on the topic of PC's and CableCard as it is... |
