Thomson decided to support Comcast’s CableCARD waiver request (CD...

“is of less importance to us today,” he said: “In addition, we have very active business relationships with cable, telco and satellite customers who need set-top boxes for delivery of Internet, telephony, and video services. We believe technology has evolved significantly since the initial ’separated security’ rules were adopted. And while the cost of simple digital set-top boxes has fallen dramatically, the same cannot yet be said of CableCARD and other similar interfaces.” The quicker Comcast and other cable operators can make the transition to an all-digital network, the quicker it can free up “analog” cable spectrum for HD and for other digital services, the spokesman said: “We continue to believe that the core principle of a competitive marketplace for digital products must be preserved, but also think that the granting of a waiver in this narrow circumstance will stimulate deployment of broadband and further the rapid development of new interactive services. As we move to more advanced digital, interactive services and downloadable security, Thomson’s focus is more on future means to achieve interoperability and competitive markets.”