CableCARD on Windows Vista Will Require "Certified" Hardware

By | January 30th, 2006 comments icon (1)Comments


microsoft vista cablecard box prototypeAccording to Thomas Hawk, who attended a private dinner with Microsoft’s Jim Allchin (Microsoft Co-President of Platforms, Products and Services Division), in order for a Windows Vista MCE PC to be able to use a CableCARD the entire PC MUST be reviewed and “certified” by CableLabs. Moreover, all hardware incorporated must create a “protective path” via trusted PC components (aka Microsoft approved/certified hardware – similar to Microsoft’s “Designed for Media Center Edition” hardware compatibility program [logo]). Translation: You can only buy a CableCARD ready Windows Vista MCE PC from a CableLabs licensed OEM.

On the bright side, though, Sean Alexander (from Microsoft’s Windows Digital Media Division) says, in regards to DirecTV access on MCE, “you’ll be able to have an installer come out and install a DirecTV tuner into your Media Center PC and get your local channels complete with DVR. As many know, DirecTV uses their own protection scheme with a ‘conditional access card’ not unlike a cablecard. The big difference here is that they recognize the value in offering an after-market system installed by their own installers. In the past, it was DirecTV that was considered ‘evil’ for their use of DRM and protecting their assets too stringently vs. Cable. Could the shoe be on the other foot? Only time will tell.”

Now what about Blu-ray and HD-DVD premium movie playback? Will consumers also be required to buy a PC with “protected path” hardware from an OEM, or will home builders be able to get trusted “Designed for Windows Vista” PC components off the shelf? An answer from an actual Microsoft employee working on the product would greatly be appreciated – i.e. Jim Allchin, Joe Belfiore, Sean Alexander, Charlie Owen, Matt Goyer, etc.

Related: Chris Lanier: Stop Ignoring Small OEMs, Microsoft (2/3/06)

* Photo shown is from AnandTech’s ATI OCUR coverage.





Filed in: Industry Buzz

  • http://www.msmvps.com/chrisl/ ChrisL01

    On HD DVD Blu-ray playback here’s a few facts to think about.

    Current GPUs can’t decode MPEG-4 AVC. Newer GPUs with hardware acceleration can barely do 1080 AVC with less than 100% CPU usage. Dispite needing a new GPU to output full resolution (HDMI/HDCP), you will need one just to be able to decode the video. Check to new video card. At this point, any video card that ships able to decode AVC at 1080p is likely going to support any protected path within Vista’s. :)

    Microsoft isn’t going to support playback of HD DVD or Blu-ray on Windows XP. I think I heard that Vista is actually going to support some degree of playback with just the kernel changes (depends on AACS) without any “protected” hardware. Third parties like Cyberlink or InterVideo might try and make a solution,but it would have to be approved by AACS. Blu-ray support for playback on either platform also has to pass for BD+ in addition to AACS.

    HD DVD or Blu-ray drive. You’ll need one.

    Chris