Copy Once means content can only be copied a single time (e.g.

Copy Freely means there is no protection on the files and they can be played on any PC, edited, modified, and commercial skipped.While Microsoft enabled expanding the number of tuners for special OEMs Niveus Media and Kaleidascape through the Advanced Entertainment Pack, it took the efforts of some developers to develop a hack such as Tuner Salad to allow this for enthusiasts.ĭoes the quality of the HD channels differ with CableCARD versus ATSC or ClearQAM?įor ClearQAM (unencrypted digital channels through your existing cable connection) no, for the most part CableCARD content is identical to what is delivered via ClearQAM for local channels while providing the best option for content only available via a subscription.įor ATSC or OTA (Over the Air) digital channels, then yes the quality of ATSC broadcasts can be slightly better than CableCARD but it varies per region and equipment. Until recently, CableCARD recordings were subject to fairly restrictive DRM, so even after the OEM requirements were relaxed, the technology was not viable for enthusiasts who wanted to placeshift the recordings.Īlso, with Windows 7 came the modification of the tuners supported–where previously it was a simple registry modification–in that only 4 of each type of tuner were supported (e.g., 4 CableCARD tuners + 4 QAM tuners would work, but 5 CableCARD tuners would not). When Windows 7 was introduced, this requirement was removed and any customers were allowed to purchase ATI tuners and activate them. Originally, the exposure for HTPCs was minimal as there was a single tuner from ATI which required special Windows Vista activation from only a few OEM PC manufacturers so if you wanted to have CableCARD it required purchasing an entire PC, leaving DIYers out. From a home theater PC (HTPC) perspective, it meant the ability to natively tune high definition programming from a cable provider (previously the options were only analog cable, or digital over the air broadcasts). At a higher level, the technology was developed to protect consumers from being forced into having to rent set top boxes (STB) at increasing fees from cable companies (or MSOs) without an alternative. Technology of CableCARD How long it’s been around? Why’s it important?įor the full nitty gritty details of CableCARD check out the Wikipedia entry which is fairly thorough.

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