HBO laying off 7 percent of staff; Discovery Channel taps former Disney chief Ross as president

Cable industry news from across the Web:

> Comcast is now deploying an all-IP HD client for its X1 platform in select markets. Story

> Final bankruptcy-court arguments in the CSN Houston case are now set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. CST. Story

> As part of an overall across-tier spike in video services consumer pricing, Maryland's MetroCast Communications has increased the broadcast channel fee it charges customers by 236 percent to $5.05. Story

> Channel Master, which makes consumer-targeted DVRs equipped with broadcast antennas, has integrated a YouTube app into its boxes. Story

> Redbox, which still controls 56 percent of disc-based home entertainment rentals in the U.S., has signed a multiyear distribution extension with Lionsgate. Story

> The Federal Trade Commission, which just won a $105 million settlement against AT&T for alleged bill cramming, is now suing the wireless giant for throttling. Story

> HBO is set to lay off 7 percent of its 2,400 employees as part of broad-ranging cuts instituted by parent company Time Warner Inc. Story

> Former Disney studio chief Rich Ross has been named president of the Discovery Channel. Story

And finally … PR man Rich Licata, who followed NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt over from Showtime Networks, is stepping down from his post as head of communications and publicity for NBC. Story