The OpenCable™ project is a concerted effort by cable operators to:
- Create a common platform for interactive services, programming, and advertising on retail and cable devices;
- Define next-generation interactive digital cable-ready retail devices (e.g., televisions, set-top boxes, DVRs);
- Support home networking for cable content and services;
- Encourage supplier competition and innovation.
The OpenCable™ specifications describe an interactive digital cable platform comprising:
- Baseline core functional requirements for digital cable ready “host” devices;
- A “middleware” comprising a set of common application programming interfaces (APIs);
- The hardware interface between the host device and a removable security module (the “CableCARD™”);
- Copy protection and security requirements; and
- Optional extensions for host devices, including Home Networking, and DVR.
OpenCable™ Platform
The OpenCable Platform has two primary components: middleware, and applications. Middleware is software that provides an interface between applications and whatever system software a manufacturer chooses for a host device. The platform is based on the widely accepted Java™ technology. By abstracting away the various consumer electronics device operating systems to a common set of middleware APIs, application developers can write an application only once and it will run on all models of OpenCable™ devices across multiple cable systems throughout the nation. Cable subscribers with Open Cable-enabled digital televisions, retail set-top boxes, and other interactive digital cable products will be able to receive all of the cable operator's services just as if the subscriber was leasing a comparable set-top box from the operator.CableCARD™
Another component of the OpenCable™ Platform includes specifications for a removable security module which separates the cable operator's proprietary conditional access system from the host device. This separable security configuration provides secure access to encrypted digital cable programming and enables portability of retail host devices between cable networks throughout the nation. For example, if a consumer purchases an integrated digital TV (DTV) in New York and then relocates to Los Angeles, the DTV will be operational on the new cable network upon issuance of a new CableCARD from the local cable operator.For more information, please see the CableCARD primer.
Services and Applications
OpenCable Platform services may include:
- Electronic program guides (EPGs);
- Video-on-demand (VOD);
- Interactive personal video recorders (DVR);
- Interactive sports and game shows;
- Impulse pay-per-view (IPPV);
- Communications utilities such as e-mail, chat, and instant messaging;
- Caller ID presented on the TV;
- Interactive games; and
- Interactive services such as voting and polling within a television show, shopping (television commerce, or “T-Commerce”), and home banking.
Target Market
- Content Developers: TV writers, directors and producers; ITV application developers; production houses; graphic designers.
- Copyright holders: Studios; producers; programmers sports leagues; music labels; video game companies.
- TV Networks: Cable services and broadcast networks.
- Advertisers: Advertisers, agencies and marketers.
- Cable Operators: MSOs and local cable systems.
- Device makers & retailers: Digital TVs; HDTVs; DVRs; set-top boxes; portable TV players; mobile phones.
- Consumers.
