TV Emergency Alert Available for Visually Impaired

Written by John Carlucci, Alticast President and CTO

2016 will be the first full year in which Americans will be furnished with Emergency Alert Messages both visually and aurally. In 1990, the American’s with Disability Act was passed to “remove barriers and empower people” (http://www.ada.gov), to include access to emergency information system. The Emergency Alert System conveys emergency communications via the TV to indicate encroaching weather, earthquake or other emergency event. This latest update delivers information not only with an onscreen visual scrawl, but also with an “audio scrawl” that leverages a secondary audio channel. 

Information on the changes in the system that were put in place late last year can be found at the FCC web site ( https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-1366A1.pdf). 

DSTAC

In  January, Charter Communications announced the selection of two device suppliers for its "World Box" STB that support downloadable conditional access. Progress is also being made on the government policy level with the initiation of Downloadable Security Technology Advisory Committee or DSTAC. A Second FCC meeting is coming up on March 24, 2015 (assuming no winter storm). The objective for the meeting is shown below.

From FCC web site:

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/03/05/2015-05077/federal-advisory-committee-act-downloadable-security-technology-advisory-committee

"In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice advises interested persons that the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission) Downloadable Security Technology Advisory Committee (DSTAC) will hold a meeting on March 24, 2015. At the meeting, the Current Commercial Requirements Working Group and the Technology and Preferred Architectures Working Group will present their findings, the Advisory Committee will consider establishing more working groups, and the committee will discuss any other topics related to the DSTAC's work that may arise."

The Latest on Life After CableCARD

With the obligation to use the CableCARD security scheme now a thing of the past, the question is: what will replace it? This is the question examined in an article from Light Reading, “Who will own cable’s Content Security?.”

Alticast CTO and President, John Carlucci, was interviewed for this article, which gives insight into the issues with replacing CableCARD with downloadable security for set-top boxes and where the future lies. The FCC are in the process of creating  an advisory board to look into alternative security options and this article is well worth reading by anyone interested in life after CableCARD.  

Could this be the End for CableCARD?

It’s not often that cable operators have disliked an initiative as much as they have CableCARD. Fortunately, several years after the FCC banned cable companies from including integrated security in consumer set-top boxes, the unbelievably long reign of CableCARD is likely coming to an end, pending Senate approval in September.

Late Tuesday, the House passed the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Reauthorization Act of 2014, which aims to give satellite operators the power to import distant network signals when local affiliate stations aren't available and, some would argue most importantly, eliminates the requirement that cable operators separate security from set-tops in the form of a CableCARD.

Without facing the limitations brought on by CableCARD, cable operators will be able to drastically cut down on hardware costs and more fully support downloadable conditional access techniques. The Satellite Television Extension and Localism Reauthorization Act of 2014 will also level the playful field between cable operators and satellite and telecom TV providers by removing burdens that only apply to operators.

It’s no secret how many within the cable industry feel about CableCARD and the House’s recent vote demonstrates its recognition that it is time for change. Though the House’s vote is a step in the right direction, the battle to end CableCARD isn’t quite over. The bill still needs Senate consideration and approval to become law and allow CableCARD to finally be put to pasture.

Check out the full story on the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Reauthorization Act here from Light Reading.