LG Electronics and Funai Electric Sign Tru2way™ MOU

LOUISVILLE, Colorado — CableLabs announced today that LG Electronics (Seoul:066570) and Funai Electric (Tokyo:6839) have signed the multi-industry tru2way™ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU signators now include major consumer electronics manufactures – Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG Electronics, Funai (which trades products in the United States under the brand names Philips, Magnavox, Sylvania, and Emerson); Digeo, and ADB; chip maker Intel; and, the nation’s top six cable providers–Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision, Charter Communications and Bright House Networks.

Tru2way technology allows consumers to receive interactive cable services, including video-on-demand, voting and polling, games, and e-commerce in integrated retail DTVs without the need for a separate set-top box.

The MOU represents joint cable operator and retail manufacture support and endorsement of the tru2way technology platform developed by CableLabs for delivering two-way interactive digital cable video services. The tru2way platform uses an upgradable middleware solution that allows for, and encourages, innovation from both cable and retail device manufacturers. Thus, retail consumers that purchase digital cable ready devices will be able to receive innovative interactive cable services now and in the future.

The core of the tru2way technology uses the same Java-based technology that is used in high-definition Blu Ray Disc players, cell phones, interactive broadcasts. Advantages of Java technology are that it is a well-known platform already familiar to a large developer community. Working with this programmer community, networks, content owners, cable operators, and manufacturers can develop creative interactive services that enhance the experience of cable consumers.

“We really are pleased with the public support of the tru2way platform by so many major companies in the consumer electronics, information technology, content, cable industries; it is really all coming together,” said Dr. Richard R. Green, President and CEO of CableLabs.