[mythtv-users] OT: Behind the scenes at a cable TV setup

Simon Hobson linux at thehobsons.co.uk
Thu Aug 21 16:11:31 UTC 2014


While it's a bit OT for the list, since there are obviously quite a few users on cable systems, this article might be of interest in terms of how a signal gets to you at all. While it's a UK outfit (Virgin Media), it's probably not that much different for other operators.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/08/18/feature_part_one_virgin_media_cable_tv_network_technology_server_to_the_sofa/



On page 3 there is reference to the importance of conditional access :
> Indeed, content providers with inadequate CAS protection have suffered badly in the past. The textbook example is ONDigital (later ITV Digital), a service that had its own smart card system compromised after hacked code was leaked onto the internet, thus enabling counterfeit cards to be produced, leading to the company’s demise following loss of revenue and facing the prospect of a huge bill for a CAS replacement.
> 
> Although this incident dates back to 1999 with alleged perpetrators reported on at the time, it still makes the news.
> 
> In 2012, the BBC’s Panorama ran an exposé on the case that pointed the finger at a rival CAS smartcard supplier NDS, which was a News Corporation company at the time and is now owned by Cisco.

So while it's a right PITA for those of us honest enough not to try and get it for nothing, you have to be pretty blind not to see why they do what they do - even if you don't agree with it.



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