Alienware is finally getting around to updating the Hangar 18 with CableCard support. Apparently the first iteration of the Hangar 18 sans CableCard support was a resounding success, which is surprising to me because of its complete lack of HD support.
CE Pro has the scoop:
Soon, Alienware will offer CableCard support for the Hangar 18 through an external OCUR (OpenCable Unidirectional Receiver) box. Here’s the hitch: OCUR will only be available through professional home technology installers/resellers. “We feel that OCUR is a solution that requires the expertise of a reseller and installer to perform an optimal customer experience, which does not warrant direct consumer sales of OCUR-equipped products,” says Marc Diana, product manager for non-mobile products.
Well, this pretty much guarantees that I will not be buying the Hangar 18. Why is CableCard support so difficult for companies to implement into their media centers? No one has really done it right, besides Velocity Micro. Sony is close but the VGX-XL3 really needs 2 digital cable tuners.
Sat, Aug 18, 2007
CableCard, Digital Cable Tuners