Audio Video News

Dear FCC,

Remember when we asked that you mandate that all HD cable set-top boxes have FireWire capability? If it's okay with you, can we add IP Ethernet to that?

Thanks!  :)

Sincerely, Intel Corp.

After convincing the FCC to force manufacturers of HD set-top boxes to include IEEE 1394 interfaces, Intel realized that IP was in, FireWire was out. This will let users view HD material on their PC or any other networked device through Internet protocol. So, Intel just filed a new letter to the FCC to ask them to change the mandate.

"Given the marketplace acceptance of IP, it was suggested that this regulation should be amended so as to make mandatory the availability of an IP-based interface that facilitates home networking, such as Ethernet, in those products," according to Intel's filing.

It should be noted that last August, a digital rights management specification was approved, called DTCP-IP, for Digital Transmission Copy Protection over Internet protocol. This license agreement involved CableLabs, major movie studios, and the Digital Transmission Licensing Administrator which is a group comprised of Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, Toshiba, and interestingly enough, Intel.

While this is all fascinating, it's more entertaining to watch the industry try to keep up with itself. -Leslie Shapiro

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