The FCC Media Bureau June 29 acted on several requests for waivers of commission rules on integrated set-top boxes for cable TV effectively implementing statutory requirements to promote a competitive market for the devices.
The moves effectively support the separation of the security functions of a set-top box from the device and transplant those functions to a CableCARD that can plug into a TV or set top box from various manufacturers, freeing consumers from the need to rent a specific box from their cable provider.
The Media Bureau’s actions included:
- Granting an omnibus waiver of the integration ban for Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) currently all digital or going all digital by Feb. 17, 2009.
- Deferring enforcement of the integration ban for Crosslake, MN, doing business as Crosslake Communications.
- Denying the National Cable & Telecommunications Association’s request for a waiver of the integration ban for all cable operators.
For more information, visit: www.fcc.gov.
