The issue is standards – or rather, the lack thereof. SDV is a fairly new development, and there are only a couple of systems deployed. This makes it easier to standardize the interface to allow one generic device communicate with disparate head ends and enable SDV on different UDCPs.

However, OnDemand & PPV systems are older and there are many different types with different communications standards. While it would be possible to use a Tuning Resolver to communicate with most, if not all, of the head ends physically, software would be needed to support each different system. At this time the cable industry does not plan to go that route, instead pushing OCAP/Tru2Way is the solution for new products. With OCAP the platform is generic, and each MSO delivers their own software application to communicate with their own head end.

With the Tuning Resolver in the field, that may change. Once the hardware is in place to support SDV, the barrier to supporting VOD/PPV is much lower. As ‘all it would take’ is a software update. So we may see some MSO decide to add support via the Tuning Resolver if they feel the revenue will justify the work.