(17 June 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US cable research consortium Cablelabs has announced that consumer electronics (CE) and information technology (IT) companies have signed binding memorandums of understanding (MOU) on tru2way technology with the top six cable operators in the US.

Companies that have signed to date now include consumer electronics manufacturers Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and Sony Electronics. Other companies signing include set-top makers ADB and Digeo, and chip manufacturer Intel.

As previously announced, Intel plans to build a system-on-a-chip (SoC) that will support a variety of tru2way devices, including DTVs, set-top-boxes, DVRs, and other devices.

Tru2way technology creates a footprint in the US for the creators of interactive services to develop products that work on cable systems in nearly every US 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 the same Java-based technology that is used in cell phones, interactive broadcasting and high-definition Blu-ray Disc players, and brings a large developer community that allows networks, content owners, cable operators, and manufacturers to develop creative interactive services that can be provided directly to cable customers.

Time Warner Cable president Glenn Britt 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 nation-wide. Time Warner Cable has already distributed nearly a million tru2way devices, and this agreement further supports the industry's efforts."

Cablelabs president and CEO Dr. Richard R. Green said, "This is a momentous achievement that again validates the tru2way technology platform for delivering interactive digital cable services to wide variety of devices. We stand ready to support the cable operators and the manufacturers in the rollout of tru2way devices for the benefit of our mutual customers," he added.

The multi-industry agreement is embodied in a joint MoU that supports and endorses the tru2way technology platform developed by CableLabs for delivering 2-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.