Satellite company refuses to participate in cross-platform set-top

DirecTV Says, 'Leave Our Box Out of It' [Multichannel News]

 As the FCC explores a process to determine whether a technical solution can be developed to allow television set-tops to operate on any cable or satellite provider, America's cable companies have joined in that effort, pledging their support in developing a cross-platform set-top. But at least one satellite company has gone on the record to state their opposition to their set-tops being part of the solution.

In comments to the FCC filed on December 15th, DirecTV indicates their unwillingness to allow their set-tops to become part of a cross-platform solution for customers. DirecTV maintains that such a solution would not foster technical innovation.

Todd Spangler writes that if consumers could access any multi-channel video provider from a single box, it would likely prove to be a very popular technology. But, it's only fair if all companies participate in the process. If the FCC develops rules for this technology, they should apply equally and fairly to cable and satellite alike.

Comments

[Tom]

Cable companies have no problem with a multi-platform set-top box because cable companies are geographic monopolies. How many customers have any choice in WHICH cable company they subscribe to?? So what if the box will work with both Comcast and Insight -- no one has both available so neither company has any reason to care.

[Justin]

I say the FCC opens up the cable networks like they did the phone networks...we should increase the amount of small companies that want to start up a pay tv business...make the cable companies lease out their footprints at low rates and put a drag on their profits for a few years...