> While cable executives are getting pretty smug these days about the capabilities of their broadband networks, especially as they start to roll out DOCSIS 3.0, that old bugaboo DSL just keeps refusing to go away. While distance is still a limitation (about 400 meters seems to be the farthest the high speeds go) vendors are pushing the 1 Gbps envelope and keeping alive a technology that many in cable continue to dismiss. Story.
> Another problem for the Internet, the number of IP addresses available for all the new devices attaching to the network, is also a problem for AT&T (NYSE: T), which is seen lagging in the space. PC World was blunt about it: "IPv6 proponents, Internet industry observers and even some AT&T rivals are worrying that AT&T is a laggard in upgrading its massive network infrastructure to support the new standard (and) say that any delay in AT&T's support of IPv6 could impact the Internet infrastructure overall." Story.
> Even though it's not part of the U.S. set-top duopoly (that would be Cisco and Motorola) set-top box maker Pace had to be heartened to hear Comcast Chairman CEO Brian Roberts state that set-tops won't be going away anytime soon. That was only part of the good news, though, for the world's largest maker of set-top boxes. In a pre-earnings announcement, Pace said that sale are moving along as customers "continue to grow their high definition services as well as introduce new ones such as 3D, over-the-top Internet content and multi-room TV." Story.
And finally... Cable, as the entertainment industry likes to say, is pulling in the awards these days. CableLabs grabbed a technology Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for its seemingly non-TV-related work with DOCSIS 3.0 and channel bonding. At the same time (or at least close enough to it to link the two) Time Warner Cable COO Landel Hobbs was honored for his industry contributions during the 20th annual Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame Awards hosted by (and hold on to your Rangers baseball caps) Regis Philbin.