Samsung Scores FCC Waiver For Retail-Focused CableCARD Device

A CableCARD-based retail video device from Samsung that’s expected to hit the market in time for the 2013 holidays took a big step toward that goal on Sept. 6 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a waiver that will allow Samsung to sell the device without an analog tuner.

Samsung has not widely promoted its plan for the device, but details about it were revealed in May, when Samsung filed documents tied to its waiver request. The hybrid QAM/IP product under development, referred to as the Smart Media Player, will use CableCARDs to support linear digital video services from cable operators alongside access to over-the-top video apps such as Netflix and Vudu. The debut of the product will mark a rare, new entry of a product with a CableCARD slot that is tailored for the retail market.