DCAS to take over CableCARD's duties in 2008?

We can't really cry Osborne effect here, since us consumers are really at the whim of the cable companies on this one, but the National Cable & Telecommunications Association is already saying they've developed a security system that bests the CableCARD's hardware key for secure content playback. Meaning that just when we've settled into CableCARD HD delivery, a new technology, DCAS, will bust on the scene in 2008 and inspire an all new hardware buying spree. There is a plus side though, DCAS (Downloadable Conditional Access System) uses a common security chip inside the playback device, and implements a downloadable software security key for accessing content, meaning you're not going to be tied to a single cable provider based on your specific CableCARD, which ain't half bad. (Warning: PDF link!)

[Via Zatznotfunny]

[Roopesh Sheth @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Wonder if this will also allow for two way communications (CableCARD v2)?

[Dave Zatz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Hey Roopesh, This security scheme is independent of the universal multistream and bidirectional functionality they're working on. Multistream is being tested for deployment next year as far as I can tell. While bidirectional support could arrive 2007 according to CEA or 2009 according to NCTA. The sad thing is, this universal access has been on the dockets for 9 years and we're still not there yet.

[Peter @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

I wonder if this means the Cable Co will be able to charge per TV easily. For instance here, you can have as many analog sets as you want with no per set charges. But I recall a high school friend whose Cable Co charged per set (outlet).

[Kalas @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

This is coming in 2008... May 17, 2008 to be exact. What a coincidence - That's the day the CableCARD patent expires.