CableCARD on Windows Vista Will Require "Certified" Hardware
By Alexander Grundner |
January 30th, 2006 
According 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.
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