In their first attempt to integrate the need for scrambled signals for pay TV (i.e., cable), the FCC same up with the idea of the Cable Card. Instead of a set-top-box, they tried to put the ID and descrambling technology on a small card that you could insert in the back of newer HD digital TVs. There were lots of technical problems, and the technology was largely rejected by both the set manufacturers and cable companies, despite mandates from the FCC.
The next "new idea" from the FCC is AllVid - described as "a small adapter" that would unite cable, satellite, and telco signals and "present a standard interface to all consumer devices." The chances for this working took a step forward when a number of companies (Google, Best Buy, Sony, Mitsubishi, TiVo among them) expressed support by forming the "AllVid Tech Support Alliance." On the other hand, cable (through its trade association, the NCTA) has raised a number of technical issues that would need to be addressed, and remains skeptical, if not opposed.
I remember other talk about a "small device" to mix signal paths a number of years ago, this one converting all-digital to a mix of analog & digital for in-home distribution, allowing for true fiber-to-the-home broadband service. At the time, they were talking about $10K per device, and had technical issues at that. Of course, technology improves and gets cheaper over time. Still, will the various signal providers willingly support the breaking of one of their last barriers to entry and move to pure competition (where anyone can get any signal or service from any provider)?
(Hat-tip to Gina Hudson)
Report from Wired.com
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