WASHINGTON, DC – Sony Electronics and six major U.S. cable operators have signed an agreement that will enable consumers to purchase two-way digital televisions and other devices that can receive interactive digital and high-definition video services without a set-top box, Sony and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) announced Tuesday.
The terms of the agreement are embodied in a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sony Electronics and Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Charter, Cablevision and Bright House Networks. These cablecos pass over 105 million U.S. homes and serve more than 82% of all U.S. cable subscribers.
Other consumer electronics companies have been invited to formally join the MOU.
This negotiated industry agreement establishes the fundamentals for a competitive retail market for two-way digital cable-ready devices, Sony and the NCTA noted in a media release.
The agreement spells out that consumers will be able to choose from differentiated two-way products at retail, and through cable operators from a variety of consumer electronics and information technology manufacturers.
It also includes safeguards to facilitate the development of a robust, two-way retail market and to ensure that cable operators can continue to develop and offer new competitive services, according to the media release.
As part of the agreement, the parties will adopt the Java-based “tru2way” solution as the national interactive plug-and-play standard. Cable operators will also be encouraged to cooperate in evolving the tru2way technology at Cable Television Laboratories (CableLabs).
Key elements of the agreement relate to the deployment of a platform for “write once, run anywhere” applications, and to the incorporation of secure digital interfaces that protect consumers’ home recording rights along with copyright owners’ rights to secure their digital content.
Detailed terms of the MOU have not yet been released, as other potential signatories are completing their review of the document.
Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA), a senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee said: “I congratulate Sony and the major cable operators for achieving consensus on a set of core principles that will speed the introduction of new two-way plug-and-play devices.”
“This marketplace agreement is good news for consumers,” added Edgar Tu, Sony Electronics senior vice-president of TV Operations of America. “A national plug-and-play digital cable standard for interactive TV receivers, recorders and other products that is transferable and viable wherever you live is ideal for today’s mobile society.”
