FCC Corrects CableCARD Order

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a bunch of corrections/clarifications to its CableCARD order, including allowing operator-supplied low-cost, one-way set-top boxes to have an Internet protocol interface but only so long as the IP connection isn't used to access a cable operator's video on demand and digital video recorder services.

The FCC adopted rules last October to improve its CableCARD regime while it contemplates mandating a new, universal set-top that would wed online and traditional video. But the FCC conceded in a new order that it left some things unclear and other things out and that now "modifications and clarifications are needed in order to fully and accurately reflect our intent in adopting these rule changes." The FCC also took the opportunity to point out it had also dropped a footnote, and to deny a petition from Public Knowledge, Free Press and others to reconsider an earlier waiver allowing cable operators to offer the limited-function integrated boxes. It pointed out that the CableCARD order mooted that since it provided a blanket waiver for "one-way set-top boxes without recording functionality."