ECommerceTimes.com:
By Patrick Nelson
A new FCC rule changes the requirements for cable operators who encrypt their digital signals, complicating free and legal access to local broadcast channels for those who do not subscribe. Cable operators have been given three options for providing service to this group, and one of them could allow streaming box makers to provide these channels.
The Federal Communications Commission passed a little-publicized order last month that changes how cable television providers can deliver basic broadcast channels. This rule change has far-reaching implications for those who legally grab their basic broadcast channels for free from cable, but don't buy a cable subscription. It also affects television streaming device set-top box makers, like Boxee and Roku.
The rule will change the methods that we use to watch basic channels, and it will likely kick-start further streaming set-top box development and adoption.
For years the U.S., and many other countries, have had "must-carry" requirements. Must-carry means that, with a few exceptions, multichannel video programming distributors -- specifically, cable operators -- have had to provide access to local broadcast stations.
This is considered good for the consumer because it provides wide access -- a consumer can get local television where radio signals don't permeate, for example. It can also be argued that it's not onerous to the cable operator because, by law, it doesn't pay license fees for that element of its product.
Historically, cable companies have encrypted premium channels to secure their product. But, because they're obliged to supply must-carry local channels to everyone, they haven't been allowed to encrypt the entire basic tier of channels that includes the must-carry channels. FCC 12-126, the new rule, is going to allow digital-only carriers to encrypt everything.
This will allow digital cable companies to remotely activate cable services, reduce truck-rolls and supposedly reducing costs that can be passed on to the consumer. It also improves security and stops theft of certain non-must-carry channels.
Not a bad idea. However, it also stops viewing of the mandated local channels on digital systems that have chosen to encrypt.
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By Patrick Nelson
A new FCC rule changes the requirements for cable operators who encrypt their digital signals, complicating free and legal access to local broadcast channels for those who do not subscribe. Cable operators have been given three options for providing service to this group, and one of them could allow streaming box makers to provide these channels.
The Federal Communications Commission passed a little-publicized order last month that changes how cable television providers can deliver basic broadcast channels. This rule change has far-reaching implications for those who legally grab their basic broadcast channels for free from cable, but don't buy a cable subscription. It also affects television streaming device set-top box makers, like Boxee and Roku.
The rule will change the methods that we use to watch basic channels, and it will likely kick-start further streaming set-top box development and adoption.
For years the U.S., and many other countries, have had "must-carry" requirements. Must-carry means that, with a few exceptions, multichannel video programming distributors -- specifically, cable operators -- have had to provide access to local broadcast stations.
This is considered good for the consumer because it provides wide access -- a consumer can get local television where radio signals don't permeate, for example. It can also be argued that it's not onerous to the cable operator because, by law, it doesn't pay license fees for that element of its product.
Historically, cable companies have encrypted premium channels to secure their product. But, because they're obliged to supply must-carry local channels to everyone, they haven't been allowed to encrypt the entire basic tier of channels that includes the must-carry channels. FCC 12-126, the new rule, is going to allow digital-only carriers to encrypt everything.
This will allow digital cable companies to remotely activate cable services, reduce truck-rolls and supposedly reducing costs that can be passed on to the consumer. It also improves security and stops theft of certain non-must-carry channels.
Not a bad idea. However, it also stops viewing of the mandated local channels on digital systems that have chosen to encrypt.
MORE
MORE