Set-Top Transition is a Business Issue

Cable operators are moving to support streaming subscription video services to IP-connected iPads and TVs, and also looking at ways to replace the traditional set-top box with the tablet and smart phone. That's a double-edged sword.

Though the capital investment has been a significant issue, along with the "truck rolls," the decoder also provides the conditional access that protects and enables the service and revenues. In dispensing with the decoder hardware, cable still has to preserve the access control function.

Once users become accustomed to the idea that the smart phone and tablet are the remote controls, and represent the conditional access gateway, it is going to be logical that they start wondering what other alternatives are available.

Bridging Cable's Tablet Gap