Hi all,
I think this may be of interest. I found it on http://diginews.cablenews.org
It's a long one, so the general point is that NTL plan to integrate STB technologies from ex C&W areas and existing NTL areas which probably means new STB's for everyone eventualy, take a look:-

05/10/2000

ntl to integrate digital technology platforms

ntl has released a press statement announcing the forthcoming integration of software and hardware platforms across both original ntl and ex-CWC franchises. Although the release talks and integration of the two platforms, the new solution is largely based on that used in ex-CWC areas, being based on Liberate software and DOCSIS based cable modems.

The company also announced that over 90% of combined ntl areas are now able to receive digital cable services, and that the first old ntl areas have now launched the first phase of interactive services. The first areas to receive these services are believed to include Teeside, Thames Valley, Northants and Hemel Hempstead according to postings in our forums and on Usenet. ntl have also apparently begun to launch full web access in ex-CWC areas, although no specific information of the roll out was given.

Peter Black, newly appointed Chief Technology Officer at ntl said: "We have selected tried and tested technologies that provide us with both a stable platform and the best prospects for growth. Our choice of DOCSIS reflects the substantial growth we foresee for high-speed Internet on the TV set. Our choice of Liberate Technologies was made only after the most exhaustive evaluation. Selecting these technologies reinforces NTL's ongoing commitment to always deliver to its customers the most appropriate solution."

While the software contained in existing ntl digitalplus boxes can be upgraded to the Liberate software already deployed by CWC, these boxes use a DVB-RC standard cable modem which is not compatible with the DOCSIS standard. The release states that "The set-top box hardware alignment is being phased in over 12 months, protecting ntl's existing investment in hardware. Networks are expected to be aligned on a similar timescale."

These details remain very sketchy, hinting that as previously rumoured, ntl may replace all set top boxes in original ntl areas with those using the DOCSIS standard. This would be a costly exercise, and the release does not make it sufficiently clear how this problem will be overcome.

In addition, the release confirms that the same cable modem service as offered in ntl areas will soon be rolled out to CWC areas, dismissing rumours of an impending service using the cable modem integrated into the set top box. However, with a DOCSIS cable modem soon to be integrated into set top boxes in all areas, this type of service could potentially be offered in the future.

Scott Falconer, Managing Director of the consumer division of the company, commented: "Rolling out new services will be so much easier now that we have a single software environment. We can speed up the delivery of e-mail, interactive services and TV based Internet to all ntl cable TV customers."

He added: "I'm particularly pleased that we have integrated our technologies. This sets us up to become the UK market leader for broadband communications."

Interestingly these changes will also mean that a common platform will be used by all digital cable set top boxes in the UK, as the Liberate/DOCSIS combination is also that deployed by rival Telewest.