FCC Extends Set-Top Box Deadline

The FCC will once again rolling back the date for the eventual ban of 'integrated set-top boxes' distributed and leased by cable companies to consumers, from 2006 to 2007.

“The move was a slight nod to the cable providers, who wanted the ban removed altogether, and a minor setback to the consumer electronics industry, who would have preferred that it stay on schedule. The ban would prevent the largest cable companies from integrating their digital content security devices with their navigation devices, allowing consumers to ‘mix and match’ the navigation or DVR set-top-box of their choice with a standard CableCARD security interface device.

Currently, most digital cable set top boxes combine these two functions, meaning that digital cable customers who want DVR functionality must rent one from their cable company. By preventing the cable companies from leasing them to end-users, the FCC hopes to foster competition in the set-top-box market and allow more consumer choice. “

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