CableLabs exec joins Apple


Apple has hired Jean-François Mulé from CableLabs, an R&D firm for cable and television vendors. The company's may be most known for their CableCard designs, which allows cable devices such as TiVos to access encrypted Cable TV programming without a dedicated cable box.

AppleInsider:

Mulé has a pedigree in cable technology, and most recently worked for two years as CableLabs' SVP of Technology Development. During that time, he founded the firm's San Francisco office, which is currently building out a new research and development center in Sunnyvale, Calif. Prior to that, Mulé served as CableLabs' director of PacketCable Architecture and chief architect.

According to Multichannel, Mulé was involved in a number of high-profile initiatives, including CableLabs' DOCSIS 3.0 program and the creation of APIs for so-called "second screen" video apps.

This is an interesting hire because it suggests something different than Apple's IP-based set-top box. Mule's expertise would seem geared towards cable TV services and not just downloadable content.