NCTA: One-Size Set-Tops Don't Fit All

Associations argues that FCC shouldn't rush to adopt standardized gateway

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/28/2010 7:42:03 PM

The cable industry is participating in at least 10 different projects to advance the FCC's goal of integrating video delivery systems via set-top devices to make it easier for consumers to access a range of content on-air and online over their TVs.

The FCC is looking to spur broadband deployment by leveraging the 99% penetration of TV sets vs. about 75% for computers.

In reply comments to the FCC on the national broadband plan and the set-top inquiry, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association argued that given those diverse initiatives, the FCC should not rush to adopt a "standardized gateway" to deliver all multichannel video programming to the home.

"Proposed mandates on MVPDs to reinvent their platforms to use a one-size-fits-all, consensus technology would slow or stifle the development of diverse technologies and services that drive competition, innovation, and expanded choice for consumers," the group argues.

NCTA is pushing for a full-blown notice of inquiry on set-tops before the FCC does anything, driven in part by the failure of the FCC's ban on integrated set-tops to sport a retail market in the boxes.

NCTA says a gateway should be part of the discussion, but no specific one should be mandated in an immediate rulemaking. That, said the group, would be picking technology "winners and losers," which Congress has advised against.

The market has already spoken, says NCTA, and millions of network-connected devices are allowing multiple solutions to compete against each other.