Plasma HDTV, Portable DVR Player and Set-top Box with tru2way(TM)
Technology Highlight Productive Partnership to Offer Consumers Easy and
Convenient Access to HD and VOD Two-Way Services
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic (NYSE: MC), the market and
technology leader in Plasma HDTV, and Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA,
CMCSK), the nation's leading provider of entertainment, information and
communications, today announced a series of new products powered by
tru2way(TM) technology, including Plasma HDTV, HD DVR set-top boxes and
portable DVR devices. These digital cable devices, which are based on
CableLabs' OpenCable(TM) specifications known as tru2way technology that
are being adopted by cable providers nationwide, will provide unprecedented
flexibility that simplifies and enhances the way people watch television.
"When we announced our plans to test and develop a fully interactive
digital cable enabled HDTV based on CableLabs' OpenCable technologies at
CES 2007, we looked forward with anticipation and determination to the
actual launch of this revolutionary product," said Toshihiro Sakamoto,
President of Panasonic AVC Networks Co, the video, audio and computer
development and manufacturing arm of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
Ltd. "At CES 2008, we are pleased to announce that Panasonic is partnering
with Comcast, a cable industry leader, to meet that goal. Indeed, Panasonic
will not only deliver a Panasonic Viera Plasma HDTV with tru2way technology
later this year, we are also announcing the first portable DVR and digital
cable set-top boxes powered by tru2way technology, all of which truly allow
consumers to maximize their enjoyment of digital cable television
programming."
"We're very excited about the work we've done with Panasonic to make
tru2way technology a reality in new plasma high-definition televisions,
portable DVRs and set-top boxes," said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation and Chairman of CableLabs. "The
tru2way platform is here today, and provides the best way to get two-way
devices into the hands of consumers, while also giving them access to the
full suite of services they want and expect from cable."
Dick Green, President of CableLabs, noted, "We at CableLabs are
delighted to see these Panasonic products coming to market. As support for
tru2way technology is adopted by MSOs nationwide, consumers can be
confident that exciting new interactive digital cable products from
innovative companies such as Panasonic will work seamlessly with any cable
MSO that supports OpenCable specifications nationwide."
Tru2way-ready Viera HDTV
Panasonic announced today that selected models of Viera HDTV will
include tru2way technology and are expected to be available at retail later
this year. This capability is an added feature to these Panasonic's Viera
HDTVs that simplifies and improves the total television experience of
digital cable television subscribers. In those markets served by Comcast
and other cable providers that have upgraded their networks to support
tru2way technology, these revolutionary Viera Plasma High Definition
televisions are able to access the full range of interactive digital cable
video services, including video on demand and interactive program guides
without a set-top-box. Panasonic Viera HDTV with tru2way technology
provides multiple consumer benefits including less wiring, less unsightly
component clutter and simpler operation with a single remote control.
Tru2way technology Set-Top Box
The Panasonic tru2way set-top box with DVR, which is currently in
trials, is expected to be delivered to Comcast in 2008. The set-top box is
designed for use with non-tru2way-capable HD television sets and lets
customers access two-way services, including VOD and HD VOD, from Comcast
and other cable operators.
Portable DVR
Comcast and Panasonic also unveiled the first portable DVR player
powered by tru2way technology at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. The
Comcast AnyPlay(TM) Portable DVR (P-DVR) is expected to be available in
early 2009 and will let Comcast customers record programming at home and
watch it wherever they go on the AnyPlay P-DVR.
Jointly developed by Panasonic and Comcast, the AnyPlay P-DVR
incorporates DVR functionality into a Panasonic portable DVD player with a
built-in folding 8.5" LCD screen and speakers. When placed onto a companion
docking station that functions as set-top box with tru2way technology
inside, the AnyPlay P- DVR lets viewers watch and record up to 60 hours of
their favorite programs. However, unlike a traditional set-top box, it can
be used as a television with its built-in screen and can be taken out of
its docking station, so recorded programs can be watched anywhere in or out
of the home on the AnyPlay P-DVR. The portable device also can playback
DVDs and audio CDs.
For a webcast of Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts' CES keynote
address and for additional press information on Comcast announcements at
CES, please visit http://www.comcast.com/ces.
About Panasonic
Panasonic AVC Networks Company is the video, audio and computer
development and manufacturing arm of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
Ltd. Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Corporation of North America is the
principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.
Ltd. and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D
operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at
http://www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is
available at http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com) is
the nation's leading provider of entertainment, information and
communications products and services. With 24.2 million cable customers,
12.9 million high- speed Internet customers, and 4.1 million voice
customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management
and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming
content.
Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment
Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, AZN Television,
PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten regional Comcast SportsNets and Comcast
Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet business.
Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major
holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia
76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in
Philadelphia.
tru2way is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
AnyPlay is a trademark of Comcast Corporation or its subsidiaries.
SOURCE Comcast Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.comcast.com
http://www.comcast.com/ces http://www.panasonic.com
http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom
CONTACT:
Jenni Moyer of Comcast, +1-610-506-8951 or
+1-215-286-3311, press_ces@comcast.com; Chris De Maria of
Panasonic, +1-201-348-7182, demariac@us.panasonic.com, or Jeff
Samuels of Panasonic, +1-201-392-4571, samuelsj@us.panasonic.com
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