12/04, 6:05pm
FCC would let TV boxes pipe streaming video
The FCC signaled its intent to advance the state of set-top TV boxes this week with a quietly published rulemaking notice. A request for comment (PDF) on "video device innovation" has noted that the CableCARD standard has failed to create the open digital environment for TV that the FCC had planned and that it wants input on how to spur development of replacement technology that would bring Internet access and other features to the traditionally closed-off cable and satellite TV realms.
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07/01, 4:15pm
Operators delay Tru2Way
While today, July 1st, was the agreed-upon deadline between cable operators and consumer electronics companies to support the new Tru2Way interactive digital cable standard, it's now learned today that none of the cable operators will meet or come close to this date. The new standard is due to replace CableCARD, and does not require a standalone set-top box, instead being integrated into devices such as TVs, DVD or Blu-ray players from existing electronics manufacturers. While cable companies such as Comcast, Time Warner and Cox Communications will not have the necessary support for the interactive service, execs from Samsung and Panasonic said good-faith effort has been made to deliver on the promises.
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07/28, 3:00pm
LG tru2way US Deal
LG on Monday said it has struck deals with US cable providers to get support for tru2way, the new two-directional HD video standard. A memorandum of understanding between LG and six US cable providers should see the latter offer support for tru2way on their networks, letting HDTVs from LG and other set makers supply HDTV with interactive options such as video on demand or more advanced programming guides without needing a separate device.
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01/22, 3:50pm
Comcast TiVo DVR Official
Comcast today took the wraps off of its long-anticipated DVR with TiVo service, giving users the custom interface normally reserved for TiVo boxes to digital video recorders provided for Comcast's cable TV network. The extension allows users to not only search for, record, and play shows with the TiVo front end (including HD shows) but also to use it for Comcast-specific functions. Through a technology dubbed tru2way, subscribers can search for movies on demand through the same interface as for regular programming. TV shows will also play uninterrupted while users check the schedule.
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