Panasonic & Comcast to demonstrate "real" tru2way at CEDIA
By Richard Lawler 
posted Sep 4th 2008 12:39PM
posted Sep 4th 2008 12:39PM
posted Sep 4th 2008 12:39PM
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It's about damn time.
Except, Verizon doesn't like Tru2Way. They want an Ethernet and IP based standard - so of course they probably won't play well with Tru2Way.
tru2way was based on a premise that signaling will be delivered via DOCSIS/DSG messaging. Verizon FiOS does not use DOCSIS. They don't need it. FIOS is an IP service.
Theoretically it should not be that difficult to modify tru2way to support a pure IP based signaling delivery mechanism along with DSG. But cable companies call the shots on tru2way which is a CableLabs approved "standard". The telcos are not members.
Having to rent a set-top has a lot of advantages as well as disadvantages. Advantage is that with a rented STB you'll get the latest and greatest software and if the box "goes south" they'll replace one for free. With your own tru2way capable TV or a host you're on your own. As a matter of fact if something does not work the cable company can just wash their hands and will say "Call your TV manufacturer, its not our problem!" Obvious disadvantage is the rental fee and the fact that you need to have an extra piece of gear next to your TV. But frankly that's something I can live with.
I would think that FIOS service at some point in a near future will move to an all IPTV service and will ditch RF overlay. tru2way has been around for many years without much to show for the amount of dollars poured into it. Not a single commercial deployment, no paying customers. The IPTV on other hand has been deployed successfully around the world including many companies here in the US (AT&T U-Verse is the largest). Nothing should preclude Verizon going the same route.
So I wouldn't need a box, unless my providor uses the other standard. Of course I still need a dvr...
Indeed, a DVR for many is a mandatory item. However, there still is a bit of a need if one wants to record 2 things and watch a third live (tape 2 dramas and watch a ball game on a cable channel). Not commonly done, but there ARE times when this is necessary (and not just for total TV junkies either, say you have one network drama you want to see {which won't repeat for some random time in a year or so}, plus there's a classic movie on TCM {again, which may not re-run for more than a year} AND a playoff game all at the same time).
Of course, at this point, it is a downside when considering FIOS over a cable account. BUT tur2way TVs aren't really here; as in it's available on a number of model's, not just the most expensive ones. By that time (my guess is at least a year away) FIOS could very well have it's solution.
So how about they put USB 2.0, firewire, and eSATA ports on the TV. Want DVR? Then I could buy that 750GB external drive from Tiger Direct for $99. Or heck, 1TB drives will eventually be that price, and then larger. Storage is cheap. Let the consumers pick the size drive they want and spend how much they want for it. Better then the measly 120 / 160 GB drives in today's DVR's.