India's regulatory authorities decreed that "all set top boxes must be interoperable". But the situation today is "limited interoperability". Consumers who switch cable/dth operators cannot access the value added services of their new operator via their old set top box.
That's a situation that's being rectified abroad. The global cable TV and consumer electronics industries are abuzz with a U.S. cable industry initiative to support an open cable platform called "tru2way". Originated by CableLabs of the U.S., the open platform spec has the backing of top consumer electronics operators like Sony, Samsung and Panasonic, besides major U.S. cable operators that beam programmes to 90% of U.S. TVs.
The specification defines Java-based middleware that allows set-top boxes, TVs or other devices to receive two-way cable services, like video on demand and interactive advertising. It enable software writers to bring out scores of interactive TV applications that run on any tru2way based set-top box. It thus opens the way to a rich interactive TV applications written by a host of software writers, a situation today handicapped by proprietary middleware achitectures. It effectively brings a Linux-like environment to cable TV and the set-top.
Open middleware, and widespread adoption of separable CAS in combination with open middleware standards, could pose a problem to specialist STB vendors, as well as proprietary middleware vendors. Their businesses are built around integrating an operator's choice of tightly licensed CAS and proprietary middleware solutions and chipsets into a STB. Under the open and separable conditions building an STB would require little more expertise than putting a chipset in a box which could quickly lead to market commoditisation.
Besides, telcos with IPTV services dont like the fact that tru2way is dominated by the cable industry. However, the industry is making overtures to "share power" over the open standard.
Thus, while the move towards an open cable STB standard is unlikely to be smooth, its attractive benefits and backing by many in the cable and consumer electronics industry could increase the demand for it globally.
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