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Update: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs - Chris Lanier's Blog

Update: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

I’ve covered the fact that CableLabs has said they are not focusing the upcoming Tuning Resolver (TR) on OCURs, and this has become more evident in the actual specifications for the TR.

OCURs, which are PC-based Digital Cable Tuners (like ATIs) are not even referenced in the TR specifications.  That isn’t a good sign for those of you hoping for SDV support on your PC.

The upcoming Tuning Resolver allows access to SDV programming on one-way UDCP products (like TiVo).  Many were hoping that TR would also work with OCURs on the PC, allowing them to forgo an upgrade to BOCRs when/if CableLabs gets around to finishing the specs and Microsoft updates Media Center to work with them.  Without support in the specs for the TR, chances of them working with OCURs is very silm.

Update: Engadget HD says CableLabs is singing a different tune to them.  “The CableLabs specifications for the Tuning Adapter and the UDCP application extension do not technically prevent use with an OCUR.”  Of course, CableLabs told me the TR is not targeted at OCURs, so at this point we appear to have conflicting reports. 

Published Mon, May 12 2008 13:38 by chrisl
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Comments

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

Chris,

Is BOCR support still most likely Windows 7? If so, media center might be on the edge of dying.  I would buy one tomorrow if I new SDV would not be an issue.  To think I might have to wait two years to have sn SDV solution is crazy to me.

Monday, May 12, 2008 2:50 PM by Kevin

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

I think BOCR is most likely to appear in Windows 7, but outside of that just look at the release schedule for Media Center.  The next release (Fiji) is most likely going to be released around years end, and Media Center has a 1+ year release schedule to start with.

As most are expecting to see Windows 7 in late 2009/early 2010, this would fit the classic Media Center release schedule as well.

Monday, May 12, 2008 3:13 PM by chrisl

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

Link for the Tunning resolver specification?

Monday, May 12, 2008 3:25 PM by Ben Drawbaugh

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

Actually I think I found it.

www.cablelabs.com/.../OC-SP-TRIF-I01-080130.pdf

Monday, May 12, 2008 3:27 PM by Ben Drawbaugh

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

I am new to all of this so please forgive me if this is irrelevant...

Is this a fix for this problem?

www.lightreading.com/document.asp

Monday, May 12, 2008 4:49 PM by B. Diggs

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

Wow, if the lack of SDV support in Media Center is true, then it is clear that Microsoft is totally abandoning everyone who has bought or will buy a cable tuner Media Center system in the next year or two. Microsoft should be _leading_ the industry with MC, not trailing it by a year or more.

This certainly makes products like the Hauppauge HD-PVR look like a solid investment (once the "Fiji" update is out to get the native H.264 support in MC). www.hauppauge.com/.../data_hdpvr.html

We can only hope that the HD-PVR and similar products "take over" the market and kill off the ridiculous CableLabs once and for all.

Monday, May 12, 2008 8:53 PM by CoupleOfPoints

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

Microsoft has no impact on what CableLabs does.  Microsoft didn't develop any of this stuff, CableLabs did.

Monday, May 12, 2008 11:30 PM by chrisl

# re: SDV Tuning Resolver Unlikely to Work with OCURs

Ok...

Microsoft has no impact on what [insert industry here] does.

The point is, if Microsoft chooses to become a leader in an industry, they _will_ ensure they have an impact.

If Microsoft is really indifferent regarding CableLabs and support for tuner technologies (or capture technologies), why haven't they stepped up to prioritize and ensure that MC has seamless support for products like the HD-PVR, like they did for OCUR tuners?

I would expect that directly supporting products like the HD-PVR in Media Center would be much simpler for Microsoft since there is no DRM to deal with (e.g. they don't need to have restricted versions of Windows, BIOS, etc.). They just need to provide Media Center with open APIs so the hardware can be easily interfaced (like NTSC/ATSC tuners are now).

I understand that Microsoft is doing "something" with H.264 streams which will be part of the "Fiji" update, but it is not clear that one would be able to simply "drop in" any hardware (and driver) that produces H.264 data, and Media Center will work with it (i.e. Guide, Recorded TV, etc.), like one can with NTSC/ATSC tuners today.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:12 AM by CoupleOfPoints

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