Louisville, Colo. — Following
, Panasonic, Samsung, Intel, ADB and Digeo said Monday they have all signed binding memorandums of understanding (MOU) on Tru2way technology with the top six cable operators in the United States.
The multi-industry agreement supports and endorses the Tru2way technology platform developed by CableLabs for delivering two-way interactive digital cable video services. Detailed terms of the MOU have not yet been released while other potential signatories complete their review of the document.
The cable operators that have announced support for the Tru2way platform on their networks are Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision, Charter and Bright House Networks, together representing more than 80 percent of all cable subscribers and 105 million homes passed.
Through agreement consumer electronics manufacturers will be able to manufacture and sell integrated TV sets and other electronics devices supporting bi-directional interactive cable TV support. Through the technology, users will be able to access standard and premium digital cable services, including pay-per-view and video-on-demand offerings, without the need of a separate set-top box.
Intel said it plans to build a system-on-a-chip that will support a variety of Tru2way devices, including DTVs, set-top-boxes, DVRs, and other devices.
In a statement on the agreements, Glenn Britt, Time Warner Cable president said, “Tru2way technology will allow the industry to continually enhance the customer experience, ensuring that the latest features and technology are available to our customers nationwide. Time Warner Cable has already distributed nearly a million Tru2way devices, and this agreement further supports the industry’s efforts.”
“This is a momentous achievement that again validates the Tru2way technology platform for delivering interactive digital cable services to wide variety of devices,” stated Richard R. Green, CableLabs CEO. “We stand ready to support the cable operators and the manufacturers in the rollout of Tru2way devices for the benefit of our mutual customers.”
Tru2way technology creates a national footprint for the creators of interactive services to develop products that work on cable systems in nearly every U.S. market so that consumers who purchase digital cable ready devices will be able to receive new and innovative interactive cable services now and in the future. The platform uses Java-based technology, adaptable by a large developer community to create new interactive services for cable customers.
