Switched Digital Video Tuning Adapter Support

There have been numerous rumors and suspicions, but is there any
chance to get any "official" insight/update on whether Microsoft is
going to provide support for the Tuning Adapter that provides access
to SDV? And hopefully an unofficial ETA? (Understand no offical ETA
will likely be given). All cable operators are moving towards SDV and
leaving CableCard users in the lurk. Tivo has jumped on the band
wagon and even pushed for the tuning adapter. I'm hoping that
Microsoft is not far behind(?).

AFAIK, there is no info either officially or unofficially as to what
MS is doing with the SDV adapter, but I'm sure that it is on their
radar. Not all cable operators are moving to SDV at this time
either. Depends on who your MSO is and in what part of the country
that you live.

On Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:34:20 -0800 (PST), gigabyte@bit-byte.com
wrote:

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

SAD is not a hardware problem as two-way CableCards "can" work on the
network. The cable stb in use today use CableCard tuners to support SDV and
other two-way services. The problem is firmware as the MSO have complete
control over the devises that can and will obtain support from them. Really
more of the same situation that held PCs from getting CableCard in the past.

Non-Compliance with the Telecommication Act of 1996 hopefully will factor
in before SDV expands to more then, as it stands now just test markets. It's
hard to imagine given the cable companies complete control, any company
other then Cable STB suppliers making future plans to support SDV so early
in it's deployment. TiVo has been the exception in that two-way support
would strengthen their offering now and may determine their future.