[dpeters11]

I'm putting this here since NDS does some of the software for several DirecTV receivers, plus the access card technology.

Cisco is buying NDS for $5 billion, expected to close in the second quarter. Cisco also bought Scientific Atlanta in the set top industry, in 2005.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/cisco...nds-for-5-billion/71679?tag=mncol;editorPicks

 

[cypherx]

Yeah I saw that today. Wonder over time how that will change - if anything... NDS relationship with DirecTV. They also write the Active channel content too right? Stuff from Games to Active to ScoreGuide, etc...

I liked the NDS version of the DirecTV guide because when you pressed guide, the picture zoomed up into the PIG. DirecTV's in house software doesn't do this... but the HD-GUI is better overall so that I can understand.

 

[dpeters11]

I'm curious as well. I know that when I had cable, I hated the Scientific Atlanta DVR, don't know if Cisco improved it (or how much it had to do with Time Warner). Fortunately though, NDS isn't in charge of most of the software with DirecTV.

 

[cypherx]

I'm curious as well. I know that when I had cable, I hated the Scientific Atlanta DVR, don't know if Cisco improved it (or how much it had to do with Time Warner). Fortunately though, NDS isn't in charge of most of the software with DirecTV.

Cisco/SA good boxes, all depends on the software. Passport Echo for instance is far nicer to operate than the default, ugly SARA set top application.

NDS also makes "trio", MR-DVR software for Cox cable.

 

[funnyfarm299]

Cisco/SA good boxes, all depends on the software. Passport Echo for instance is far nicer to operate than the default, ugly SARA set top application.

NDS also makes "trio", MR-DVR software for Cox cable.

I moved from CT to SC in December, and we originally went with our local MSO. The SARA guide was so bad, I missed comcast! That and daily signal drops made us move to DTV.

 

[P Smith]

That would be interesting future for DTV - all critical parts of FW are by NDS !

You can live with bad GUI, but watching subscribed channels is crucial part of the boxes.

 

[ThomasM]

Interesting. I did not spot this in the various business news sites I visit.

I hope they keep the NDS software people as their efforts on my R15's is great compared to the dismal software updates being foisted on subscribers by the in-house DirecTV programming idiots. (my R22)

 

[mkdtv21]

I'd like to say if Newscorp Didn't give up Directv, NDS would have developed the software for the HD Dvr's and not Directv in house. That means we would have had better running HD Dvr's. Also we would have seen for more interactive services on Directv like a better active channel revamped more frequently and red button services on different channels like in the UK. They were promising a Fox news interactive channel at Investor Day 2006 which would of given a multiscreen application when hitting the red button when tuned to that channel and interactive voting like Sky News Active. We may have also seen red button services that let you pick multiple camera angles of live sports games like they somewhat did with YES interactive but it never got developed further. I was quite excited what was in store for Directv when NDS was going to develop all sorts of stuff but it all ended when News Corp sold Directv and Directv developed everything themselves.

 

[Drew2k]

I'd like to say if Newscorp Didn't give up Directv, NDS would have developed the software for the HD Dvr's and not Directv in house. That means we would have had better running HD Dvr's.

I believe NDS developed the initial releases for the R15 SD DVR and there were a lot of problems with R15s early on, abating to a large degree after DIRECTV took over software development, so it may not necessarily carry over that NDS would have done a better job with the HD DVRs.

 

[Shades228]

I remember the comlpaints about how bad NDS was and that DIRECTV should have stayed with TiVo or they should have taken it in house. Now it's the reverse because the grass is always greener.

 

[ThomasM]

I believe NDS developed the initial releases for the R15 SD DVR and there were a lot of problems with R15s early on, abating to a large degree after DIRECTV took over software development, so it may not necessarily carry over that NDS would have done a better job with the HD DVRs.

The R15 software is still updated/controlled by NDS, not DirecTV's in-house "remove features and irk subscribers" software developers.

 

[Racer88]

I just can't for life of me understand how NDS still exists, much less PROSPERS, after all the money they cost DirecTV, and themselves too I guess, after all the years of repeatedly failing to do the ONE thing that they had to do for DirecTV at the time.

 

[P Smith]

The R15 software is still updated/controlled by NDS, not DirecTV's in-house "remove features and irk subscribers" software developers.

Beardless, all DTV boxes has running critical parts of NDS software [library]. All.

 

[cypherx]

Does / did NDS release CE versions?

 

[P Smith]

Does / did NDS release CE versions?

Library. It's a binary code without it no one DTV box will get pay TV. Not GUI or something like IR cmds processor...

 

[cypherx]

Library. It's a binary code without it no one DTV box will get pay TV. Not GUI or something like IR cmds processor...

Oh ok I thought they used to write the whole thing. I always wondered why when I played with a directv SD box at a tire and lube center, why the PIG is animated real nice into the corner of the screen. Just like guides on Scientific Atlanta / Cisco cable boxes. I thought the difference in GUI "flow" was because NDS wrote it all.

 

[P Smith]

Perhaps old FW done totally by NDS, but current - only crucial part related to content protection. Perhaps only for that.