The FCC Friday finally took several actions towards Implementation of Section 304 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
FCC Denies NCTA, Comcast Waiver Requests (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6456715.html?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP&nid=2228)

1) They denied several waiver requests for the July 1, 2007 Integration Ban.
2) BUT granted others AND granted a blanket waiver to cable companies who have, or will have totally digital systems.
3) MORE IMPORTANTLY: moved towards Mandating Two Way Cable Standards. (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-120A1.pdf)

This later item is way overdue. It is a request for comment - which is a necessary preliminary step. But it does have a short date for comment (30 days) and they clearly want to have customer owned navigation devices on the shelves by Q4 2008.

One interesting justification for their actions is their belief that lack of this capability is what is keeping people from purchasing digital TV's!

Neat catch! Thanks.

I'm sorry but I cannot get excited about the FCC "moving towards" anything. That's a little like Comcast saying that they're moving towards adding my favorite HD channel. Until they actually sign the agreement to do so, they can simply "move away" at a later date.

Why would I want a navigation system STB? Isn't that for a car or truck? I don't get it. Please explain. Thanks.

Why would I want a navigation system STB? Isn't that for a car or truck? I don't get it. Please explain. Thanks.
It's the phrase that the government (FCC & Congress) has used to describe cable boxes that allow the user to choose (navigate) programs.

I'm sorry but I cannot get excited about the FCC "moving towards" anything. That's a little like Comcast saying that they're moving towards adding my favorite HD channel. Until they actually sign the agreement to do so, they can simply "move away" at a later date.I can understand your skepticism, because the FCC sure has proven that they can drag their feet. But this time it appears that they are not "screwing around" anymore.

I think until Martin is replaced, the FCC will remain inconsistent in the messages it sends out, and therefore anything along those lines will remain speculative.

I think until Martin is replaced, the FCC will remain inconsistent in the messages it sends out, and therefore anything along those lines will remain speculative.Well, it has been like that through several commissioners (both Clinton appointees & Bush appointees).

It's the phrase that the government (FCC & Congress) has used to describe cable boxes that allow the user to choose (navigate) programs.

DOes this mean the TVGuide(Gemstar) data being passed through now as well?

Here is why I ask:

I have Sony RDR HX-900 160GB HDD/DVD Recorder that has built in TVGuide menu.

It always worked for Adelphia when they were my cable provider.

Then TWC took over in Nov. 2006 permanently and the signal went away(got the NO LISTING on every channel). I did not care because I TIMER PROGRAM/RECORD everything anyway. But it was "Nice" to have the name of the show listed in the directory for later playback. Not a huge deal, but nice.

Anyway on Sunday, July 1st, when I turned on my Sony, it immediately went to the TVGuide page, and asked me to pick out one cable provider because using my zip code shows about 6 different channel lineups from local providers for my area.

I thought it was weird, but picked the right one. Later I turned it off, and did not give it any further thought.

On Monday July 2nd, I turned it on, and noticed now that day, and a couple of days ahead were again filled with tv listings. It was back to the way it was.

Does this mandate force them to send this out?

DOes this mean the TVGuide(Gemstar) data being passed through now as well?Not at all. It means that the FCC anticipates passing regulations on standards for 2-way operation of customer owned equipment.
First they need to get comments (what the latest action asked for)
Second, they have to get comments on the comments
Third, perhaps more comments.
Finally, They plan to establish/adopt standards for two-way communications. Probably about this time next year (if they are lucky). Rules probably won't go into effect till the end of next year. There are discussion about guides and such (and I doubt that there would be).

It took how many years to get current version of CableCard (which is still problematic) and you think anything will happen in a year? Dream on.....

It took how many years to get current version of CableCard (which is still problematic) and you think anything will happen in a year? Dream on.....I'm just telling you what the FCC goals appear to be. Perhaps it is they that are dreaming! Not I.