Cable industry develops switched digital video adaptor for use with third party DVRs

November 27, 2007 – The US cable industry has developed a switched digital video (SDV) adaptor to enable third party consumer electronics devices, such as Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) including TiVo Series 3 HD DVRs and TiVo HD DVRs, to directly access all digital cable channels, including SDV channels.

CableLabs and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have said that the adaptor will work with any unidirectional digital-ready cable product (UDCP) that has a USB connector and the necessary firmware.

“Today’s announcement is a major breakthrough resulting from marketplace discussions that provides benefits for consumers and cable operators,” said Kyle McSlarrow, President and CEO of the NCTA.  “We very much appreciate TiVo’s willingness to work on a marketplace solution that will enable TiVo users to enjoy innovative switched digital services without the need for a set-top box.”

Tom Rogers, CEO of TiVo, added: “We are gratified that the cable industry has agreed to work quickly to develop a solution that will enable existing TiVo CableCard DVRs to directly access switched digital cable channels and ensure the adaptor is part of an easy installation process for cable subscribers.”

The adaptor and accompanying specifications were developed by cable operators in conjunction with CableLabs, TiVo, Motorola, Scientific Atlanta, BigBand Networks and C-Cor.

The external adaptor is expected to be made available early next year.