Panasonic To Demonstrate Next-Generation Cable Technologies With Live Tru2way Cable Feed At 2009 Cable Show

Panasonic, the industry leader in the development and application of tru2way technology, will feature demonstrations of its new High Definition DVR set-top box (TZ-PCH2180) and the world’s first tru2way VIERA Plasma HDTVs with a live tru2way signal provided by Comcast at its booth (#937) at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) Cable Show on April 1-3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

“Panasonic takes great pride in leading the way in the development of tru2way technology,” said Dr. Paul Liao, Panasonic’s Chief Technology Officer. “In October 2008, Panasonic partnered with Comcast to announce the arrival of the first tru2way VIERA HDTVs at retail in Chicago and Denver and officially declared the tru2way platform active in those cities. More recently, Panasonic tru2way VIERA HDTVs also became available in Atlanta, Georgia and more cities are expected to become tru2way-active throughout 2009. The continued growth of tru2way will truly benefit both consumers and the cable industry and we invite everyone to visit our booth here at the Cable Show to experience it live.”

Panasonic TZ-PCH2180

“There is no better way to demonstrate the power of Panasonic’s tru2way offerings than with a live tru2way feed so that visitors to our exhibit can experience firsthand in real- time what their consumers will enjoy with tru2way set-top boxes and HDTVs,” said Charlie Hare, National Marketing and Sales Manager for cable products, Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company. “Panasonic was first to market with a tru2way Plasma HDTV and continues to lead the tru2way charge by offering advanced set-top boxes to multiple system operators (MSOs) for lease and Plasma HDTVs with tru2way built-in at retail.”

Panasonic is now shipping its PCH2180 Advanced Multi-tuner tru2way Set-top receiver that integrates high definition video recording, a multi-stream CableCard Host Interface for separable security, and a high-speed DOCSIS modem to support DOCSIS System Gateway (DSG) Signaling all in a compact set top configuration. The PCH2180 includes support of a variety of digital video codecs including MPEG 2, MPEG 4 (H.264) and VC1 and has capability to incorporate a MoCA Home Networking option. 

Panasonic’s first tru2way enabled VIERA HDTVs are offered in 42-inch class (TH-42PZ80Q) and 50-inch class (TH-50PZ80Q) sizes with integrated tru2way cable receiver capability within the set’s chassis. These tru2way HDTVs will allow consumers to access all digital cable services such as electronic program guides and the full range of interactive and video-on-demand programming – all accessible directly via the television’s remote control - without the costs or clutter associated with a traditional external cable set-top box.

Panasonic is also demonstrating a prototype of its “Easy Touch” remote controller and next-generation user interface running on its PCH2180 Set-top receiver. The remote controller will allow consumers a better way to quickly and easily access and control their cable TV services.

Tru2way technology is being used to create a common software platform that will enable cable companies, consumer electronics companies, content developers, network programmers and others to extend interactivity to the TV set and other kinds of devices. Panasonic’s tru2way-enabled VIERA HDTVs are built with tru2way technology inside enabling consumers to access two-way digital cable programming, like video on demand, without a cable operator-supplied set-top box. Panasonic and Comcast have worked together to lead the development of tru2way technology and related products which are based upon specifications developed by CableLabs®, the industry’s research and development arm.