My understanding is that Pace develops/tweaks the firmware and then sends it out to the Cable provider - who then internally tests it - then tests with some select customers who are in their "beta" program. At that point - if it is acceptable to them - they then "push" it out via an automatic firmware update to all of us regular customers.

I don't believe the cable operator does anything to the firmware themselves - other than test it and push it out - but I could be mistaken - perhaps my contact from Armstrong could chime in here and explain the process.