Cablevision: CableCARD Users Can't Get Voom HD
The cable operator will require a high-def set-top.
By Swanni
The CableCARD is a small card inserted into CableCARD-capable TVs and DVRs that permits you to watch and record programming without the need of a cable set-top.
However, a Cablevision spokesman told TVPredictions.com today that in April the cable operator will begin transmitting the Voom channels using a new technology called Switched Digital Video.
The technology enables cable operators to save bandwidth and therefore offer more channels. However, to receive a SDV channel, the viewer must get a cable HD set-top.
TiVo HD DVRs currently are not compatible with SDV-transmitted channels. However, TiVo is expected to offer a SDV adapter later this year after a several month consultation with the cable companies.
The Cablevision spokesman said CableCARD customers are being offered a free HD set-top for one year. The set-tops are normally $6.50 per month.
The spokesman declined to comment on whether Cablevision plans to transmit more high-def channels using Switched Digital Video.
Cablevision will begin sending the Voom channels via SDV to some homes in April with all homes switched over by the end of May.
The Voom lineup consists of 15 niche channels such as Family Room HD, Kung Fu HD, Monsters HD, Treasure HD and WorldCinema HD.
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Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
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