The big show came and the big show went with a somewhat muted air that belied the strong balance sheets and services in much of cableland. A curious conundrum ... but perhaps the mood in Chicago should be read as a reflection of the mood nationwide.

Speaking of that, concern over just how seriously the nation's economic divide could impact the cable business model bubbled steadily beneath the show's surface ... clearly evident but few were willing to open that box. Here, however, kudos belong to TWC's Glenn Britt who used the opening session to comment on the idea of lower-priced programming packages. No one else was willing to follow up the discussion, more's the pity. The NCTA also approached the problem obliquely with a long piece about programs designed to help bridge the broadband info/adoption gap. Good for everyone involved ... and let's hope these programs go beyond the initial trials and into line items in future business models ... as Comcast is doing first in Chicago.

In other notable show happenings:

• Streaming video was a major theme both as a potential business disruptor and also as a show-changer as most sessions were streamed live via multiple websites.

• The best food award went (once again) to RCR Daniels whose party at the Peninsula featured both great sushi and great beef and much good cheer over the recently brokered TWC/NewWave deal.

• The much-better-than-expected food award went to the Cable Hall of Fame dinner which proved a pretty good party, too. 

• The best new revenue raising award went to "The Park," a kind of PR-vertorial where companies could pay to highlight their services on panels.

• The hand-slap award went to us as some frowned on our "tepid" comment on the opening session. So, okay guys, there have (without question) been FAR worse opening schticks at the show. And both Jerry Kent and David Zaslav are true class acts in the industry, so we'll lay off our critique of them as comedians.

• Easily the most discussed show news was ... lousy cellphone service ... way to go AT&T!

• Finally, the most interesting comments award goes jointly to ACA President and CEO Matt Polka and Board Chair Steve Friedman (of Wave Broadband fame) who shared a wealth of D.C. knowledge with us. Especially notable was their observations on retransmission reform: It might actually happen this year (the rule making is very good news); it needs to happen quickly in order to have any impact on the many contracts due to expire on 12/31; and Comcast/NBCU could certainly help to solve some of the inequities in the process ... if they follow up on pre-merger promises.

(More) Cable Show 2011 Highlights

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts helped close the annual show with a bang as he showed off the latest Comcastic toys and speeds (Xcalibur, the company's next-gen IP video platform pumping more than 1 gig per second) by downloading an entire season of 30 Rock in under 2 minutes. "We are demonstrating a whole new level of speed," he said. "It’s where the future of broadband is headed." Oprah Winfrey also made an appearance telling Paula Zahn of Investigation Discovery that she now has time to dedicate herself to nurturing the OWN net. "For me, it is always about service to the viewers," she said yesterday. "I have committed everything I have to  this cable venture. I wouldn't bet against me." Also Dr. Jill Biden spoke about a White House initiative dubbed "Joining Forces" designed to support America's military families.

Time Warner Cable Chief Glenn Britt said the company is testing consumption-based billing technology for broadband usage. The exec said TWC is installing meters across parts of its network that calculate internet usage but hasn’t decided if it will implement the system. Britt said moving from a flat fee to consumption-based billing will likely allow consumers who use the internet for basic services like e-mail and surfing to pay less, while heavy users of Netflix may find themselves paying more.

ETC: Deaf vs. Netflix - CBS Peels Onion - Weiner Zipped Up

In Court: The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a federal lawsuit against Netflix late Thursday charging the company with violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit claims Netflix is failing to provide closed-captioning for most of its "watch instantly" content.

Online: Reports hinted that Best Buy is readying the launch of its downloading service CinemaNow in Canada this summer. What's being called a cross between Netflix and Apple's iTunes, CinemaNow will offer first-run movies and television shows with more than 10,000 titles from the likes of Sony Pictures and Fox Entertainment.

On-Air: NBC averaged a 5.7 household rating with its coverage of game seven of the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals, tying a 2003 game-seven record in league history. (The Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 to win the Stanley Cup, FYI.) --- The FCC said the first nationwide diagnostic test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Programming: Satirical news org The Onion signed a one-year deal with CBS Television Studios to develop ideas for non-Onion broadcast comedy series and online content. --- Wealth TV will produce and broadcast the ACME Dry Goods Roadshow at Hard Rock Cafe in 3D and high def.

Folks: Long-time TV writer and producer Robert Foster died at age 72. Foster was EP for NBC's Knight Rider series in the 80's and penned episodes of Kojak and the screenplay Dead Bank (1989) --- Andrew Morse, EP of innovation and integration for ABC News Digital, was named head of Bloomberg Television. --- The Fox Group appointed Stephen Wong as VP of audience strategy.

Rumors: We can categorically confirm that resigning Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) will not, repeat not, be joining Elliott Spitzer on CNN.