Came across this article, does anyone know if this is still the case?

Starting April 1, 2004, cable operators will need to provide HDTV set-tops with "Firewire" (IEEE 1394) connections to subscribers who request them. By July 1, 2005, HDTV set-tops will also require a digital visual interface (DVI) or high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI).

http://www.wirelessweek.com/article/CA373577?ticker=CMCSK&type=stockwatch

I hadn’t heard of the DVI requirement before, but the date of the 1394 requirement is rapidly approaching. Despite the fact that this requirement is firm, the DBS people are still resisting it as much as possible. Speculation is that DirecTV and Dish will soon begin downloading software for it, but that this software will not be a full and general fire-wire port, but rather will look for certain pirate-secure devices (such as the JVC D-VHS unit) and work only with those.

>>Starting April 1, 2004, cable operators will need to provide HDTV set-tops with "Firewire" (IEEE 1394) connections to subscribers who request them.

Cooooooooooooooooooool

My JVC is ready and waiting! Very exciting news!

I called Charter and they know nothing...

I have concluded that most of the dates issued by the FCC regarding digital television should be regarded as "goals" rather than "mandatory" because there are no penalties for non-compliance. The Communication Act of 1996 had a date schedule for the roll out of digital TV and many FCC edicts later have also had dates that have been routinely ignored by the industry. The worst that has happened when a date is ignored is a letter exchange with the FCC and an "Extension" of the dates. I have yet to see a case of FCC legal action for not meeting a date requirement. Anybody know of any FCC enforcement actions on schedules?

My years as an FCC licensee have taught me that they are an immensely powerful agency, but one that is extremely slow to make decisions. They don’t really care if their dates are met as long as their objectives are met. The FCC will listen to the DBS people make their case, but in the end there is no alternative to compliance.

I checked with our local (Chatsworth CA) TW cable operations manager and he says they plan on making 1394 available by April 1st.

He's always been very straight with me in the past. No reason to think he won't this time.