Cable modems have cablelabs docsis standards so everyone plays by the same book. You would think it would be that easy but many more variables when talking television, from the software that reads your cable guide data to the software that is used to manage VOD, encryption services etc.

Cable companies have worked with TIVO for integration but when you start talking dozens of companies offering set tops, will they work with all of them to integrate into the billing system for VOD purchases and everything else?

But here is a for instance.

The cable box you forked out $300+ works great. Cable company changes to mpg4 and now your box doesn't work unless there is some way to update the cable box you have purchased.