[mythtv-users] Firewire ports

[Nasa]

Hi,

Recently (like within the last 2 weeks) I noted that my firewire 
channel changing scripts were no longer working...  I have had 
this capability working for the past 3 years -- and I hadn't 
modified anything to change that.  I went through some troubleshooting
and talked with Comcast to see if my box might be broken. Eventually,
we decided that switching the box would be my best option, which I 
did to no avail.  This prompted another call and a little discussion
about the FCC and firewire requirements.  The supervisor wasn't up 
on his FCC rules, and as it turns out - or was I...  A  little research
and I came across this:

http://www.wiltshiregrannis.com/sitecontent.cfm?pageid=15&itemid=9602

 6.         Set-Top Box Interface Requirements

The FCC had required cable operators to provide IEEE 1394, or "Firewire," interfaces on all high-definition set-top boxes, despite the fact that some observers consider this interface outdated.  The FCC has now relieved cable providers of the requirement to provide Firewire interfaces specifically.  Instead, cable providers are now required more generally to include "an IP-based interface on all two-way high-definition set-top boxes that they acquire for distribution to customers without specifying a physical interface."  Although the "method of physical transport" is "not relevant," freeing cable providers to offer Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or any other means of physical interface, the CableCARD Order does specify that such interface must be "functional."  The FCC has defined "functionality" to "require that the IP-based connection deliver the video in a recordable format (e.g., MPEG-2, MPEG-4, h.264), and pass through closed captioning data in a standard format."  The "functional interface" requirement will take effect on July 1, 2011.

Has anyone else seem or heard about this?  Any comments?

Nasa