Four Panasonic Integrated DTV Sets Achieve CableLabs OpenCable Certified Status

[Gregg Lengling]

DTVs receive digital services without requiring set-top boxes

 
 
  LOUISVILLE, Colo., Aug. 15, 2003 -- The cable industry achieved a digital video milestone when CableLabs announced that it had awarded certified status to Panasonic for four models of integrated digital television sets (DTVs) that will connect directly to cable television systems and receive digital services without requiring set-top boxes.

The announcement followed completion of a wave of certification testing conducted as part of the CableLabs OpenCable project.

Panasonic's four certified DTVs will be able to directly receive High Definition (HDTV) and other one-way digital programs via cable, including premium services, on cable systems throughout the United States without the need for a set-top box.

"This accomplishment by Panasonic and CableLabs is to be commended. It marks a great step forward for consumers, and for cable and consumer electronics companies as we both seek to serve consumers with easier access to new digital services," said Mark Coblitz, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning of Comcast Corporation. "I suspect we will see DTVs at retail stores sooner now because of Panasonic's achievement," Coblitz added.

"With multiple models of Panasonic brand digital sets that are CableLabs certified, coupled with multiple providers of CableCARDs, cable continues to exhibit its support of this country's move toward availability of digital services," said Mike Hayashi, Senior Vice President, Advanced Engineering and Subscriber Technology, and Chairman of the CableLabs OpenCable Certification Board.




CableLabs Certified means that the device has passed a series of tests for compliance with the indicated version of the specification and has thus demonstrated interoperability with multiple cable distribution networks. Many of these devices provide other functions or are designed to comply with other specifications, in each case tailored by the manufacturer to meet the growing needs of consumers or cable operators in an evolving communication/entertainment sector. While CableLabs encourages such innovation and diversity, the phrase CableLabs certified/qualified should not be understood as an endorsement of these other attributes (or that the product is certified to other specifications or versions), which are solely the responsibility of the company making the additional claims.

Founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry, Cable Television Laboratories is a non-profit research and development consortium that is dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and to helping its cable operator members integrate those advancements into their business objectives. Cable operators from around the world are members.


Source: Panasonic