The Big Switch
TiVo and several manufacturers of switched digital external tuning adapters have submitted products for interoperability testing at CableLabs. The news is significant because the tuning adapter will enable TiVo Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs, as well as certain 1-way digital cable ready devices that use CableCARDs, to access digital cable channels using switched digital. NCTA has been working with TiVo and CE companies to find a way that switched digital will work with their products. Motorola and Cisco have both developed external turning adaptors and are seeking CableLabs qualification. The tuning adapters are expected to be offered in the coming months by cable operators including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, and Cablevision in areas where switched digital technology is being deployed. The cable operators and TiVo plan to work cooperatively to alert TiVo subscribers about the availability or need of the new external adapter and to ensure that installation of the adapter and CableCARDs will be easy and seamless for the consumer.