SDV solutions from TiVo, Motorola and Cisco currently undergoing CableLabs(R) testing Cisco and Motorola tuning adapters on display at the 2008 Cable Show
NEW ORLEANS, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National Cable &
Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), today
announced that after a series of successful informal interoperability tests
TiVo and several manufacturers of switched digital external tuning adapters
have submitted products for formal testing at CableLabs. The tuning adapter
will enable TiVo Series3(TM), TiVo HD DVRs, and certain other one-way digital
cable ready consumer electronic devices that utilize CableCARDs(TM) to access
digital cable channels delivered using switched digital technology.
"The ability to turn concept into reality this quickly is a testament to
how closely cable operators, CableLabs, TiVo and other cable vendors have
worked over the last several months to develop this first-of-its-kind
marketplace solution," said Kyle McSlarrow, NCTA President & CEO. "We are
extremely grateful to TiVo for the critical role it has played throughout and
are confident that customers will benefit from this solution enabling full
access to switched digital channels."
Motorola and Cisco have both developed external tuning adapters and are
seeking qualification by CableLabs(R) before being delivered to cable
operators for deployment. The tuning adapters are expected to be offered in
the coming months by cable operators including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, and
Cablevision in areas where switched digital technology is being deployed. The
cable operators and TiVo plan to work cooperatively to alert TiVo subscribers
about the availability or need of the new external adapter and to ensure that
installation of the adapter and CableCARDs will be easy and seamless for the
consumer.
TiVo has modified its software for its TiVo Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs to
communicate with the external Tuning Adapter. TiVo announced that the
modified software has been submitted to CableLabs for verification testing.
Upon verification, the software upgrade will be made available to TiVo
subscribers via a regularly scheduled update.
Switched digital technology enables cable operators to transmit individual
channels to customers on an as-needed basis rather than broadcasting all
channels to all subscribers all the time. Switched digital technology
provides more flexibility for cable operators to utilize network capacity to
deliver interactive digital services, high-definition (HD) channels, broadband
Internet and digital phone service. The Tuning Adapter is intended to work on
any Unidirectional Digital Cable Ready Product (UDCP) that has a USB connector
and necessary firmware.
"We are pleased with the focus and cooperation that CableLabs and the
cable industry has exhibited from the outset and are eager to see this
solution through to fruition so that customers can enjoy access to all
switched digital cable channels," said TiVo CEO & President Tom Rogers. "This
undertaking is a significant step forward in our ongoing relationship with the
cable industry to develop technology and provide solutions that improve the
television experience of cable subscribers."
"Cisco continues to develop innovative video technology that allows cable
operators to provide a broad range of video entertainment options, including
high definition and niche content," said Michael Harney, senior vice
president, Cisco, Service Provider Video Technology Group. "As part of our
portfolio of advanced technology, Cisco will have on display the STA1520
Switched Tuning Adapter, which was developed in conjunction with CableLabs,
our cable operator customers and TiVo."
"Motorola is committed to accelerating the delivery of personalized media
experiences," commented John Burke, senior vice president and general manager
for Motorola's Digital Video Solutions group. "Working collaboratively, we
have developed a solution that extends the reach of innovative interactive
services to TiVo users and we are pleased to be able to showcase this solution
at the Cable Show."
TiVo HD DVRs attached to Motorola external adapters are currently on
display in both the CableNET and Motorola booths at the 2008 Cable Show in New
Orleans. The 2008 Cable Show, which runs May 18 - 20, is the largest cable
and telecommunications exhibition in the United States.
About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) pioneered a brand new category of
products with the development of the first commercially available digital
video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers and
our website, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers
as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading
satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its DVR service features
into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease
of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R)
searches and TiVo KidZone, have elevated its popularity among consumers and
have created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued
investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way
consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal
point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing
new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and
photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online
scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV
your way.(R)" The TiVo (R) service is also at the forefront of providing
innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique
platform for advertisers and audience research measurement.
TiVo, 'TiVo, TV your way.', Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo, Stop||Watch,
and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its
subsidiaries worldwide. (C) 2008 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About NCTA:
NCTA is the principal trade association for the U.S. cable industry,
representing cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation's
cable television households and more than 200 cable program networks. The
cable industry is the nation's largest broadband provider of high-speed
Internet access after investing more than $130 billion to build a two-way
interactive network with fiber optic technology. Cable companies also provide
state-of-the-art digital telephone service to millions of American consumers.
SOURCE TiVo Inc.
