Firewire's future on DVRs is up for debate [EngadgetHD]
Will future HD set-top boxes include a Firewire port? Not if Intel has anything to say about it, even if the trade association representing the Firewire standard objects. Since 2005, the FCC has required each HD set-top to include a Firewire port, but with fewer-than-expected computers and other devices using the Firewire standard, set-top manufacturers would like to be relieved of the requirement in favor of more widely adopted standards.
Technically called the IEEE 1394 standard, Firewire was at one time a fast, advanced video transfer technology. Intel wants to change set-tops from Firewire to Ethernet or another IP-based technology. In a filing with the FCC, Intel calls Firewire "a technological ‘bridge to nowhere,'" and contends that Ethernet is less costly than Firewire to include in set-tops. Other technology options for moving video content from a HD set-top could include multimedia over coax (MoCA) or WiGig.
The issue now rests with the FCC to determine whether or not to retain the requirement for set-tops
If insight and other cable provider would drop the encryption off the firewire port for more channels then people might use it. In Louisville, KY Insight even has the encryption on for the over the air channels. So what happens, I turn off the STB and fire up Microsofts media center and recording on my PC anyways.
Posted by: Geek.empire | Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 08:01 PM