Open cable box discussion

[JCBiggs]

I don't know if any of you are following  the open cable box discussion with the fcc.  I had an idea,  but what I really wanted to do is as a community, come up with what we believe is the best solution.   I generated my own concept (listed below)  but I'd like to hear your criticisms as well as how you would approach the issue. 

 

Lets get to it shall we.  

(in not a cake tv expert so this might not even be feasible) 

So my idea requires 3 peices of new or  - 2 new and one upgraded to work -  pieces of hardware.  2 on the consumer end and one for each node provided by the cable company.   (and never seen by the end user or anyone outside the provider) 

 

So this is how the stream would work.   

 

1) CC sends tv data just like normal to the network node

2)  new peice of hardware at the node further encodes or encrypts the tv data/bandwidth.  This encryption is unique for each node/ residence

 

3)Encrypted coax runs to the home 

 

And  here is where it opens up

 

4)  first consumer device,  which is open source,  is spec'd in accordance with the customer needs (and how much data they need to decode at once)   recieves unique keys from the CC.  This unit serves the following functions; 

 

     - send/recieve data from CC (just like modems do now) 

     -  communicate with set top boxes  to  decode on demand  only the channels your watching to save power

     -  send decrypted data to home via  IP or standard coax  (depending on age of home)  

 

5) set top box / streaming unit provides user interface for ordering ppv and demanding Which channels to watch.   

 

From there you can send the single open channel  wherever you want.   TV,  dvr, etc.   

 

To make this work each set top box or device must be registered. (this is where i don't know how to control it) 

 

 

 The idea is that illegal or hacked feeds could easily be identified do to unique per customer encryption keys.  

 

 

Anyone care to discuss or expand on this 

[SLAYR]

So....

Make the cable companies charge people more for having to get more boxes to do other things that aren't necessary.  

 

How big of a problem is stealing cable anyway?

 

Plus some companies have the signal line that transmits tv signals also transmits signals for internet access, some modems have a coax cable in for this reason.

[JCBiggs]

It wouldn't be any more expensive than the current method.  Ever paid for one of those boxes being damaged or lost?  I did one time and it was over $500.  Plus all the rent i paid on it.  This would be no more expensive than a roku and a decoder.   3-400 and it gives you the ability to open source the user interface... Which is what the FCC wants.    Id also propose the provider  equipment be supplemented with tax dollars and tax benefits to pay for it.   (one time)  

[JCBiggs]

Another benefit to this:  let's take for instance a roku that has the ability to recieve the  decoded data.  

 

The cable company could put guide info on the stream unencrypted.   This way anyone with the app can see the guide,  possibly buy channels on an as  needed basis,  or be pursuaded to "get what thier missing"   so to speak   when they are enticed by the guide.    We all know how easy it is to sign up when its a button away.  

[JCBiggs]

Admins move thread....conversation stops... 

 

 

Typical