The Comcast/NBC Universal merger is getting much of the attention these days in the press and at the FCC. However, the New York Times had a piece today on an FCC request for comments (PDF) that is getting significantly less press play, but might be almost as impactful some day. 

To quote the Times “Specifically, the commission wants to make it much easier for anyone who makes a video program to send it directly to your television set, without having to cut a deal with a cable company.”

The wheels of government move slowly, but they can make sweeping changes that create whole industries.

Another one time obscure ruling that changed communications history also started at the FCC and involved hardware attached a communication system…the Carterfone decision.

So, the video landscape is changing and blurring…but the FCC might just be trying to push that along.