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Canada's Videotron finally delivers tru2way-based illico TV HD DVRs

Richard Lawler — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:23:00 EST

We've been waiting for the tru2way-based cable service Videotron promised since the end of 2009, and now it has finally delivered illico Digital TV. The software is being provided by Alticast, while HD DVRs available through Videotron and at retail are from Cisco and Samsung. While it's been a while and we can't quite remember where we put our excitement for all things OCAP (probably tossed when the retail availability dream died), Videotron customers can expect a new HD UI, widgets, and a 500GB DVR. At least in this initial push there's no mention of multiroom capabilities, although there is the ability to view video on demand content on PCs and mobile devices. It will start rolling out April 4th in the Greater Quebec region with other regions following soon, those interested can check out an English-subtitled trailer as well as a Francophone-only presentation video after the break.

Continue reading Canada's Videotron finally delivers tru2way-based illico TV HD DVRs

Canada's Videotron finally delivers tru2way-based illico TV HD DVRs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DLNA guidelines, same old promises about tru2way and streaming from the cable box

Richard Lawler — Mon, 30 May 2011 15:04:00 EST

The latest set of Interoperability Guidelines from the Digital Living Network Alliance have been released and the group claims the new standard has been developed with the blessing of global cable, satellite and telecom TV services and will let people stream content more easily around the home. Ideally, this means we'll see cable boxes that pop up just like any other DLNA server on the network, and can stream to the numerous other devices that support the standard and DTCP-IP protected content. We've already seen demonstrations of tru2way boxes with DLNA servers built in, and this press release trots out execs from CableLabs, Comcast, Time Warner, and Cox to talk about how awesome it is (again, just like they did at the 2010 CES) and how it will make their services better. Of course, the last six months have shown some progress in the areas of video sharing at home and abroad, but we'll need to see some real implementations and not just teasers before we're sure it's really coming home this time.

Continue reading New DLNA guidelines, same old promises about tru2way and streaming from the cable box

New DLNA guidelines, same old promises about tru2way and streaming from the cable box originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 May 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker: Google hoping to lure more cable providers to cool Google TV side of the room

Ben Bowers — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:03:00 EST

Considering all the recent hullabaloo surrounding Google TV, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Mountain View-based search titan has dreams of growing beyond its current de facto exclusive integration deal with Dish Network. Still, Light Reading reports that "a source whose familiar with those discussions" says Google is pushing the service hard to all cable TV operators. This is further corroborated by an exec with a "top US MSO" who confirmed specifically that talks are underway with Google on how the TV platform could be integrated with cable boxes. While opening up two-way control and surrendering the UI to its perceived over-the-top video-providing enemy could change pay-TV as we know it, the trade-off is Google TV compatibility could give 'em the competitive edge they need. It certainly wouldn't be the first time DVR functionality was touted as a reason to switch. We're definitely down with more options too, but without an acceptable two-way standard, a bit of wheelin' and dealin' by Google could just add more noise to the mess that is the connected TV market. Considering how tru2way failed though and the recent lukewarm FCC CableCARD rule changes, it would seem this is just the reality we live in. But please, Google, feel free to prove us wrong.

Shocker: Google hoping to lure more cable providers to cool Google TV side of the room originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access

Richard Lawler — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST

TiVo users, even with boxes provided by their cable company in the case of RCN and Comcast, have so far had to make a compromise: Choose their cable company's video on-demand offerings, or bring their own DVR and access online video from sources like Amazon and Netflix -- but that's no longer the case. Cox and TiVo have reached an agreement -- sound familiar? -- that will see allow retail CableCARD equipped TiVo Premiere DVRs to access Cox's VOD, as well as all that over the top internet video we've come to love. The SeaChange powered VOD will work similarly to RCN's, but we're waiting to see if this can give the new universal search an extra source to pull from as well. The deal also means Cox will cross promote the TiVo in its own marketing, and provide free installs for units purchased at Best Buy and other outlets including the TiVo website.

The only bad news here? While TiVo plans to start testing later this year, it won't see a wide rollout (in "all major markets") until 2011. Check out the press release for all the details before calling your cable company, why should Cox customers get to choose between two different modernized, integrated set-top box platforms while the rest of us are stuck with interfaces and access rules that have been around since before the X-Games?

Continue reading Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access

Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CableLabs demos multiroom DVR and DLNA servers

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST

In recent comments to the FCC the NCTA and its members were proud to exclaim how innovative its set-top boxes were, while we still laugh at their pitifully small hard drives, hideous user interfaces and the down right unpleasant experience they provide. But to be fair the cable providers do innovate, it is just 5-10 years behind the retail market. So in the same light, CableLabs held a tech demo recently and showed multi-room DVRs and set-top boxes with DLNA servers built in. Now both of these features should've been old news years ago, but will be welcomed even today since the majority of valuable content is delivered via cable companies. The DLNA aspect is actually an interesting one as we remember how odd it was when that very group issued a press release during CES that included quotes from most of the big cable companies who were sharing their love for DLNA. Of course that was 8 months ago and we are just now seeing a demo, so you can probably expect to see it hit your set-top in about 4 or 5 more years.

CableLabs demos multiroom DVR and DLNA servers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retail tru2way devices are officially DOA, even Panasonic stops trial

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:18:00 EST

The two way cable standard once incorrectly referred to as CableCARD 2.0 is officially dead as far as consumers are concerned. Tru2way was originally touted as a way to integrate 3rd party HDTVs and set-tops boxes with all the services cable providers have to offer, is now just yet another proprietary cable technology. At one point Sony and most of the big TV manufacturers had promised to released TVs that integrated the feature, but only Panasonic was actually selling them in a few select trial markets. We knew something was up when cable providers missed their July '09 deadline to support 3rd party devices across the country, and then when tru2way integrated TVs were missing in action at CES 2010, we had already declared the idea dead. Now even Panasonic is pulling its Panasonic tru2way sets and is instead focusing on a set-back box (pictured above) that will be, wait for it, supplied and supported by the service provider. We were as optimistic as anyone about tru2way, but honestly thought it was far from the ideal solution. It is hard to say what is going to happen at this point, but the next tech to step up and try to free people from big cable's set-top tyranny is AllVid, and sadly it probably has just as much of a chance as any to be successful.

Retail tru2way devices are officially DOA, even Panasonic stops trial originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast files for DVR2Go trademark, is the portable DVR on the way?

Richard Lawler — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:47:00 EST

A trademark filing certainly doesn't have to lead to a product, but here's hoping Comcast's request for "DVR2Go" means something new is in the works. Light Reading reports the request was made on March 29, and should be registered soon unless someone else challenges it. The company showed off a sweet Panasonic-built portable DVR at CES a couple of years ago that we'd like to see offered, but other potential products like a mobile video serve (streaming from our home DVR? we're into that) are tantalizing as well. Check after the break for a demo from 2008 courtesy of Veronica Belmont, we'll be posted outside the USPTO for the duration.

Continue reading Comcast files for DVR2Go trademark, is the portable DVR on the way?

Comcast files for DVR2Go trademark, is the portable DVR on the way? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cox starts rolling out Trio tru2way guide software... somewhere

Richard Lawler — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST

Somewhere, real customers are getting a taste of Cox's brand new guide software, as the company announced at the Cable Next-Gen video Strategies conference last week. It didn't say where -- if you've spotted an HD formatted tru2way DVR with multiroom features drop us a line and let us know how it's working -- but Light Reading reports it is taking the development "slowly" while everything is tested out. Expect to see a similar look stretching across other screens (like mobile devices, for example) but we should know more about all of that once the Trio guide and accompanying Plus Package services launch across all Cox markets later this year.

Cox starts rolling out Trio tru2way guide software... somewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ADB set-back box squeezes a DVR on SDHC card behind your HDTV

Richard Lawler — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:26:00 EST

The space and weight requirements to fit a tru2way cable box behind an LCD or plasma HDTV would seem to rule out DVR functions, but ADB showed off a second generation set-back box that does just that. Dubbed Phantom, it can hold an SDHC card with programs either recorded elsewhere, or it can record directly to the card itself. Light Reading mentions there's also MoCA support to stream from standard DVRs, so while it's unlikely you'd have a memory card big enough to hold all the HDTV programs we watch, whether you're old school sneakernetting or going multiroom it can be your hidden HD DVR. The ADB-4820C it designed for Sony HDTVs that we saw at CES 2009 never appeared, but the company said at The Cable Show the Phantom could be available by late this year or early 2011, with potential targets in the hotel industry or direct retail sales.

ADB set-back box squeezes a DVR on SDHC card behind your HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic shows its stuff at The Cable Show including a remote user interface

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:42:00 EST

Panasonic always goes all out for The Cable Show, more so than most of the big consumer electronics companies and this year is no different. Obviously there were a few 3DTVs and tru2way set-top boxes for service providers, but what's new is its JavaScript based Remote User Interface (RUI) technology called AJAX-CE (Asynchronous JavaScript + XML CE). Now we're big fans of remote user interfaces and the promises they bring, but with DLNA having one protocol, the RVU Alliance having another, we wonder if anyone really needs a third. Panasonic is hoping that service providers choose theirs, but with most cable operators raving about DLNA's and DirecTV and FiOS showing lots of love for RVU, we're not sure who's left looking. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Panasonic shows its stuff at The Cable Show including a remote user interface

Panasonic shows its stuff at The Cable Show including a remote user interface originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels

Richard Lawler — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:52:00 EST

Cox is ready to make a major leap forward in its user interface -- goodbye SARA and Passport, we won't miss you -- with the newly developed "Plus Package" rolling out in limited areas during Q2 and throughout its service area by the end of the year. For the hardware Cox is bringing a Whole Home DVR solution to bear based on a Cisco 8642 HD/DVR with 500GB (3x more than the sizes currently offered) of storage, and MoCA-connected 1642 HD receivers, which are also necessary to tune to the new HD channels on the way delivered over Switched Digital Video (SDV) in the 860-MHz band.

The star of the show however is the new "Trio" program guide (video embedded after the break), a 16:9 interface that spaces out program info over three panes -- channels on the left, programs in the middle, details on the right. TV programs can also be sorted grid-style, by themes, HD-only or favorite channels, while VOD lists titles, box art and detailed info in the three window style. There's personalization for up to eight members of a household, as well as TiVo-style suggestions and related programming searches based on metadata. An exec told Multichannel News the new tru2way-built software started by realizing that "our guides were, in fact, broken" and this all-new approach is a step towards fixing that. Besides the TiVos and Moxis of the world, other service providers with similar setups include DirecTV, FiOS, Dish Network and U-verse and while we'd definitely like to see that middle pane expanded a bit to show more of each title, Cox could be the first cable company offering a set-top box that actually competes with any of them.

Gallery: Cox Advanced TV Plus Package

Continue reading Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels

Cox 'Plus Package' brings advanced Trio UI, 500GB multiroom DVR and more HD channels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST

While most of the FCC's new Broadband plan has been about, well, broadband, there's also some great news for HDTV fans. We expected a few mentions about CableCARD and its future when the FCC requested comments and declared it a failure, but we're still glad to see that the FCC listened to consumer electronics companies like TiVo and Sony -- among others. The biggest news is that the FCC has asked the industry to come up with a residential IP gateway that is open and that will provide same abilities as your provider's equipment, and most importantly, it should enable the very same gear to work no matter what type of service you prefer, whether it be satellite, cable or fiber -- for example, via various gateways the same TiVo would work with either DirecTV or Comcast. But while the FCC has given the industry until December of 2012 to define and deploy these IP gateways before implementing an "appropriate enforcement mechanism," in the meantime the FCC wants to see the biggest issues with CableCARDs resolved by this Fall. The list below of immediate fixes is pretty impressive, and other than the persistent lack of video on demand support, it'll help make CableCARD a pretty respectable solution.

Ditch Tuning Adapters and let devices with Ethernet ports communicate upstream via IP to tune SDV channels.
If a customer has a CableCARD in their leased set-top box, it must be reflected on the bill like any other CableCARD would.
If the provider offers a self install for leased set-top boxes, they must also allow self install of a CableCARD.
Software shouldn't require the same CableLabs certification hardware does.

Continue reading A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall

A CableCARD replacement is due by December 2012, bandaids by this Fall originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CableLabs officially defines tru2way set-back box

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:44:00 EST

The technology arm of the cable industry has come forward with an official specification for the tru2way set-back box. We first heard of these when Panasonic was requesting a waiver from the FCC to exclude an analog tuner, but we did find one of the floor of CES -- although it wasn't a functional demo. Basically this makes the box one step closer to reality, and if the cable industry has its way, tru2way with it. The idea of an inexpensive HDTV companion might be the perfect low cost, easy to support, solution that consumer electronic manufactures are looking for. And although we're not fans of tru2way in general, we do think it is an acceptable solution for those who don't want a DVR but do want an HDTV mounted on the wall without a set-top box to be found.

CableLabs officially defines tru2way set-back box originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo wonders why cable wants TV Everywhere, except on a TiVo

Ben Drawbaugh — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:18:00 EST

We give TiVo a hard time around here, but very few companies happen to share the same interests as its customers as much as TiVo. One of the hottest topics that TiVo has continuously championed, that helps us just as much, is the good fight to get cable operators to open up their networks to third party devices. Avid readers of Engadget HD know all too well how tru2way falls short to achieve our desired goals and TiVo continues to pound the drum. Up this time around TiVo is pointing to all the TV Everywhere initiatives as further proof that tru2way and CableCARD are nothing more than ways to discriminate against 3rd party set-top box providers. After all, while anyone with a valid FiOS account can no access HBO GO on any PC, TiVo HD owners with CableCARD don't have access to the very same content via VoD -- like those who choose the FiOS DVR for example. TiVo states that this is further proof that cable operators could and should allow TiVo to communicate via IP to access VoD rather than be forced to implement the provider's user interface via tru2way. Of course submitting comments to the FCC is only the first step, but let's just keep hoping the FCC comes around sooner rather than later.

TiVo wonders why cable wants TV Everywhere, except on a TiVo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCDb bringing IMDB, Gracenote lookup extras to tru2way boxes

Richard Lawler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST

We haven't seen a lot out of tru2way to start 2010, but maybe that can get turned around starting at the CableLabs Winter Conference, where Related Content Database (RCDb) is showing off its technology which pulls together cable set-tops with web databases like IMDB and Gracenote. Using a demo on a Panasonic tru2way box, the company's showing off the ability for Hollywood and others to bring BD-Live style features to discs and cable simultaneously. Of course, the adoption of BD-Live and tru2way have both been shaky so showing them off together might not strengthen the position of either right away, but we'll keep an optimistic eye out for any developments coming.

RCDb bringing IMDB, Gracenote lookup extras to tru2way boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Panasonic's tru2way set-back box

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:39:00 EST

We searched high and low on the show floor for signs of tru2way and in the back of the Panasonic booth we found the new set-back box we told you about. The box uses the VESA mounting holes so it might make it tough to use with some wall mounts. It wasn't a working demo so we didn't get to see how well the integration was with the TV, but the representative from the company seemed to believe that the box would be designed to only work with Panasonic TVs -- we assume it verifies via HDMI-CEC what type of TV it is connected to. With most cable companies still not ready for retail tru2way devices, and almost no manufactures showing tru2way HDTVs at CES, it seems that 2010 will not be the year for adoption, which leaves next year and by then so much can change who knows if anyone will still care.

Gallery: Hands-on with Pansonic's tru2way set-back box

Hands-on with Panasonic's tru2way set-back box originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Status of the tru2way cable rollout: Still disappointing

Richard Lawler — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST

Podcast listeners have already heard about the lack of tru2way presence at this year's CES, but the rollout at headends across the country is still continuing, slowly. Cable Digital News has rounded up the results for your perusal, but aside from Cox at 100%, they fall in line under various levels of fail, more than six months after the original deadline. So much for "not that far off."

Status of the tru2way cable rollout: Still disappointing originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next tru2way market is..... in Canada?

Richard Lawler — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:02:00 EST

It's been a rough 2009 for tru2way, but an expected bit of positive news has appeared now that it finally has a footing in Canada, courtesy of Samsung and Viedotron. After being dissed by Rogers we weren't sure if it would be seen up north but word is the 1.75-million subscribers strong cable company will not only support Samsung tru2way DVRs, but also sell them at its retail locations. Still no word on when Samsung will follow Panasonic's lead and get any of its plug-and-play HDTVs onto the market, but Cable Digital News indicates four have already been certified by CableLabs.

The next tru2way market is..... in Canada? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic to make Boston the fourth tru2way market

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:47:00 EST

Although the FCC has recently realized that CableCARD is a failure, it'll be years before anything changes; and even when things do change, the cable industry is probably going to support it for years to come. So we are still happy to see that Panasonic is continuing to try to push tru2way into more homes. Currently only available in Comcast areas of Chicago, Denver and Atlanta; Panasonic plans to add Boston to that list. The interesting twist here is that apparently Panasonic has given up on HDTVs with tru2way built in, and is instead pushing a set-back solution. Basically it would be a box designed to attach to the back of a Panasonic TV and presumably require it's own power but only one connection to the TV via HDMI. Then it would work just like the function was built into the TV -- this kind of defeats the purpose of tru2way, but it is better than a traditional set-top box sitting under the TV with its own remote. The problem is the set-back box doesn't have an analog tuner, which crazy enough is a FCC requirement, so Panasonic is also asking the FCC to waive this requirement, and honestly this is one waiver we would agree needs to be granted.

Panasonic to make Boston the fourth tru2way market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo's 3Q results reveal Virgin Media UI deal, new remotes on the way -- but no new boxes

Richard Lawler — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST

Besides linking up with Google, TiVo has some other big news coming out of its third quarter results, first that it lost less money than expected, a mere $6.7 million instead of the $8-10 predicted. Bigger than that for UK denizens, TiVo has cut a long-term deal with Virgin Media to put its software and UI on the cable company's next gen set-top boxes, including access to online features, due in 2010. On this side of the Atlantic, besides resuming marketing in New England, the company's work with Comcast will continue, including a tru2way mention, while Cox and RCN also deploy boxes throughout next year. The future for TiVo? Expect Best Buy's digital video delivery store to find its way on the box soon, while the company also expands beyond just DVRs expecting to create "some very interesting product opportunities for our next generation TiVo products and services." All that online content means the old peanut isn't long for this world, with development of a new "keyboard remote control" under way, we just can't wait to see if it's beaming commands to any new DVRs at CES.

TiVo's 3Q results reveal Virgin Media UI deal, new remotes on the way -- but no new boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Broadcom's new DVR chip could make all our dreams come true

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

We look to our TV provider and companies like TiVo and Moxi to bring us DVRs, but the one thing just about every DVR has in common is a Broadcom chip makes them tick. So while the rest of the box varies by a lot, if the System on a Chip (SoC) doesn't support it, then it probably isn't there -- assuming another chip isn't added for a specific task. So you can understand why we got so excited when we saw the specs on the latest SoC, the BCM7125, announced by Broadcom at the Cable-Tec Expo. It of course supports tru2way and CableCARD, but more interestingly; MoCA 1.1, DLNA, Flash (as in video streaming), DOCSIS 3.0, and a 3D graphics engine. This means that little little guy could be the key to a multi-room DVR without running wires, that will play Hulu directly from the internet as well as stream content from PlayOn, all via a great looking user interface. So yeah, it has potential. The sad news is that there's no way to know how long we'll have to wait before a DVR is released that'll actually take advantage it.

Filed under: Industry, DVRs

Broadcom's new DVR chip could make all our dreams come true originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers Communications in Canada is not sold on tru2way

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:50:00 EST

Add Rogers to the list of cable operators that aren't happy with tru2way -- which is in addition to the CE companies and the public at large. No folks, tru2way is the new technology that many love to hate and we can't say we blame 'em, but we aren't sure what ground the big cable company to the north has to stand on, as it isn't exactly the model of openness. You see as bad as we think our entire CableCARD fiasco is stateside, our cold friends who talk funny can't even enjoy the TiVo HD, a Moxi or Windows Media Center -- so yeah, it's much worse.

Rogers Communications in Canada is not sold on tru2way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast should be tru2way ready by the end of the year

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:39:00 EST

Remember that big to do about the tru2way memorandum of understanding that Sony and the rest of the Consumer Electronics manufacturers signed earlier last year. You know, the one that said every cable operator in the US would be tru2way capable by July 1st 2009? Well that date has come and gone and while the providers insist it is no big deal, no HDTV manufactures seem very excited about tru2way at the moment. According to Comcast's EVP David Cohen, more than just three markets will be ready to go by the end of the year. At this point we'll believe it when we see it, because supposedly tru2way HDTVs have been available to Comcast subscribers in Chicago, Denver and Atlanta for some time, yet not even a single review or hands-on has appeared online, in fact we haven't even gotten a single tip or comment that anyone even has one of these tru2way TVs. Every provider in world could be ready but if there aren't plenty of tru2way TVs announced at CES in a few months, it's all for naught.

Filed under: Industry, Cable

Comcast should be tru2way ready by the end of the year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house

Nilay Patel — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 EST

Look, Moblin and MIDs and USB 3.0 are all well and good, but the real highlight of IDF is hiding in plain sight: it's Intel's CE 3100 Media Processor-based Tru2way DVR server, which has three digital cable tuners that can be streamed over a regular gigabit Ethernet or MoCA to any number of clients, ranging from other 3100-based set-top boxes to DLNA devices like laptops and even the PS3. It's seriously cool -- the clients all see the server's tuners as their own, so the experience is seamless, and since it all runs on the Tru2way stack, it doesn't matter what kind of client you plug in -- the three clients on the show floor were running interfaces from Intel, Comcast (Rovi), and Digeo. Of course, since it's a DVR, you can actually add more clients than tuners and have them play back recorded content while your other boxes use the tuners -- Intel was demoing XBMC on a Sony laptop connecting over DLNA and streaming a recorded program while a PS3 nearby ran a photo slideshow, all while the three cable clients streamed uncompressed HD video from the tuners. Intel says a number of cable companies are interested in deploying this stuff and that we should see things on the market in the next year -- we honestly can't wait. Check a video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house

Filed under: DVRs, Media PCs, Media streamers

Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house

Nilay Patel — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 EST

Continue reading Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Video: Intel Tru2way server streams cable all over your house originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way?

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:03:00 EST

It seems like forever that we've been waiting to see a tru2way TV at the local big box store and honestly we're starting to think it's all vapor ware. Our gut started telling us things weren't going well at CES in January when we actually saw less tru2way on display than the year before. Then there was the supposedly insignificant missed deadline this pass July, but what's worse is that even after a year, Panasonic and Comcast have only worked together to offer tru2way TVs in three markets (Chicago, Denver and Atlanta). A new report from Light Reading Cable Industry Insider confirms our fears, stating that the tru2way retail forecast is "cloudy." At least one member of the industry believes that the cable companies want to perfect it on their own boxes before opening it up to 3rd party retail devices, which makes sense, but how long exactly do they expect this to take? The bottom line is that consumer want tru2way because they want to have access to the same experience on their new HDTV, but without the two remotes and the ugly set-top-box under their TV with the wires dangling down. We asked CableLabs what the hold up was and although they were proud to tell us about all the tru2way developers enjoying their conferences, they said we'd have to ask the TV manufactures or the cable company what the specific hold up was. We do wonder though, if it's possible for the window for tru2way to close. What we mean is that with more and more TVs coming with network capabilities, maybe we'll just go back to vanilla CableCARD TVs and get our guide data and VOD from the internet instead -- now if only everyone had a network connection behind their TV.

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Cable

Okay enough waiting, where is tru2way? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung signs up to use Rovi EPG technology

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:29:00 EST

What this means for consumers is yet to be announced, but with any luck that cool new guide called Liquid, that we saw last month from Rovi, could be coming to Samsung HDTVs. Where all of this fits in with tru2way still remains to be seen as well, but with more and more TVs coming equipped with network connectivity and thus access to accurate guide data and VOD services like Amazon and Netflix, makes us wonder if tru2way will even matter. We suppose this CES will be the real indicator, when we see if CableCARD makes a comeback and if tru2way is a part of it.

Filed under: Industry

Samsung signs up to use Rovi EPG technology originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes

Richard Lawler — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST

Even though some cable giants are already trying their hand at placeshifting with TV Anywhere, Echostar may be ready to leverage its technology by licensing the SlingLoaded feature to other set-top box manufacturers like Motorola, Cisco or Pace, according to Cable Digital News. With its tru2way cable box still notable lacking a distribution deal, this could be a way for Sling fans that don't want any additional hardware to get it in the home, but speaking of that T2200S (still not coming to retail channels according to Senior Product Manager P. Margit Tritt) the company's presence at The Independent Show also gave it an opportunity to feel out the needs of smaller cable operators. Either way, there's plenty of time before its planned Q4 2009 launch - go on, admit you're excited, we don't judge here.

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others, Cable

Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cable companies miss tru2way deadline, insist it's no big deal

Richard Lawler — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:13:00 EST

Remember that tru2way-related Memorandum of Understanding that was all the rage about this time last year? It appears the 6 cable companies haven't lived up to at least one part of their agreement, collectively missing the deadline of July 1 to have 100% of their digital cable headends compatible. No word on how close they got, but Comcast, Cox, Time Warner, Charter, Cablevision and Bright House still insist it's "not that far off" though we don't see how missing important milestones is helping move the technology forwards.

Filed under: Cable

Cable companies miss tru2way deadline, insist it's no big deal originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo earnings call reveals Comcast Tivo, Stop||Watch expansions on the way

Richard Lawler — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:32:00 EST

Among the financial details (net loss of $4.1 million, yawn) of today's earnings call, TiVo had big news about its Comcast TiVo product, announcing that remote scheduling will be available this summer in the New England area, the planned Chicago launch is "close," that the cable company will soon offer customers in areas switching to all digital the option of a TiVo HD retail box instead of a digital terminal adapter and in one yet-to-be-named tru2way market, will make TiVo its primary DVR option. That's the word from CEO Tom Rogers, who also said Comcast is going to aggressively roll TiVo out, while its still looking for the "best path" of distribution. Non-Comcast interesting developments? The SeaChange partnership has lead to one independent cable operator, Comporium, offering its service, while the Stop||Watch ratings service is expanding to 300,000 subscribers, 75 times the size of Nielsen's DVR sample. Check the read link for the (.PDF) press release or listen in on TiVo's website for all the info, we're busy pondering a bleep & bloop enabled future for our boring old cable DVR boxes.

Update: The transcript of the call is available on Seeking Alpha [Via Davis Freeberg]

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Others, Cable

TiVo earnings call reveals Comcast Tivo, Stop||Watch expansions on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ten years of TiVo: how far we haven't come

Nilay Patel — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST

We'll be totally honest here: we love TiVo. TiVo DVRs of every vintage are scattered throughout the Engadget editorial ranks, and Series3 units are our preferred hardware for HD Netflix streaming and Amazon's nascent HD Video on Demand service. And, well, using a TiVo is just fun in a way that no other DVR ever is -- those booping noises still provoke smiles all around.

But here's the thing: it's been ten years since TiVo first introduced the Philips-built HDR110 at NAB, and while the company's name has since become synonymous with time-shifted digital video recording, it's not because its products have achieved runaway success. In fact, it's the exact opposite: most consumers choose to get by with awful cable- or satellite-company DVRs, and TiVo's only just barely pulled a full year of profitability, two factors that have kept it firmly on deathwatch since 2005. Not only that, but while TiVo might have pushed the DVR into the mainstream, it hasn't meaningfully innovated since -- apart from HD output and the aforementioned streaming services, you'd be hard-pressed to tell a brand-new TiVo HD from an original unit by using it for five minutes. Worse, the entire DVR category's essentially remained stagnant as well -- one study found that the average DVR-enabled family records just 15-20 percent of the TV they watch, a startlingly low number by any measure.

So look -- it's not working, guys. We're happy that Comcast is now offering the TiVo interface in certain markets as a paid option, and we'll be pleased as punch when those long-promised new DirecTiVo units ship out, but the simple fact of the matter is TiVo can't continue to rely on the same strategies and ideas that haven't worked for the past ten years. What TiVo needs is a new plan -- and we've got five simple ideas that might help kickstart the company and the DVR market for the next ten years. Read on for more.

Continue reading Ten years of TiVo: how far we haven't come

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Ten years of TiVo: how far we haven't come originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cox prepping a multi-room DVR for sometime this year

Steven Kim — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:26:00 EST

Cox Communications will be bringing its own multiroom option to its DVR lineup, but it's keeping quiet about some significant details -- namely, the debut market and timing. Aside from our inability to get excited about a feature that may not be coming to our service area for an undetermined price, Cox is at least hitting some key points for the new multiroom option, including support for HD, larger hard drive capacity and sharing content around your home using MoCA technology. Tru2way was not mentioned specifically for the "next generation guide" software also promised for the DVR, but we wouldn't be surprised to see that make the cut. So yeah, Cox is ticking off some checkboxes, and we'll keep hoping for a really good cable company DVR; but as most folks who have compared a TiVo with the cable co DVR will tell you, usability isn't necessarily spelled out in the feature list.

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Set-top boxes, Cable

Cox prepping a multi-room DVR for sometime this year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The slow rollout of interactive TV

Richard Lawler — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:33:00 EST

The rollout of tru2way and other interactive TV initiatives by the cable companies seems to finally be gaining some momentum, but while we've largely addressed our disappointment with the speed of adoption on the hardware side, the New York Times is questioning why we haven't (and likely won't in the very near future) seen more interactive software. In an age where everything has an app store, the fragmented nature of the cable systems and confusing interconnected platforms reduces the opportunities for developers to jump in, and though Comcast jumped out promoting its Yahoo! widget powered tru2way future, no solid timeline for availability leaves very little to look forward to.

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Cable

The slow rollout of interactive TV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola, Time Warner mixing up multiroom, tru2way cable setups due later this year

Richard Lawler — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:39:00 EST

Ok, we've seen multiroom setups, mostly from IPTV providers, and tru2way has had a limited rollout so far, but Time Warner Cable and Motorola are teaming up to be the first to bring the two together in customers homes. Follow Me TV is already available on FiOS, but the Dolby Digital Plus-supporting DCX3400-M DVR we saw at CES in '08 and DXC-3200M set-top box will make it happen on cable, shifting high definition video around the house via Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) connections. Hopefully tru2way's interoperability lets customers choose what equipment makes up their home video network, not just the cable company, but we should find out more after launch later this year.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Motorola, Time Warner mixing up multiroom, tru2way cable setups due later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola, Time Warner mixing up multiroom, tru2way cable setups due later this year

Richard Lawler — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Cable

Motorola, Time Warner mixing up multiroom, tru2way cable setups due later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Macrovision shows new Passport tru2way guide and multi-room features

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST

At the Cable Show this week Macrovision is showing off its new tru2way Passport software, which we have to say is pretty cool looking. Of course it isn't the coolest looking software we've seen, but it is the best looking tru2way option so far and at least it is widescreen. But maybe in what might be bigger news to Comcast ~~fans~~ customers around the country -- or anyone who uses the Passport of iGuide software really -- is the that like the Passport tru2way software, the new Passport and iGuide software will also support multi-room viewing. So you'll finally be able to have your content follow you around the house and automatically pick up where you left off. Unfortunately like other solutions based on the Motorola boxes it's limited to two tuners throughout the house -- because a DVR can only act as a server and not as a client -- and we'd bet our old friends at the cable company will continue to only offer DVRs with puney 160GB hard drives, which really makes it hard for most families to get by with a single DVR.

Gallery: Macrovision shows new Passport tru2way guide and iGuide multi-room viewing

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Set-top boxes

Macrovision shows new Passport tru2way guide and multi-room features originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic again giving tru2way a boost at Cable Show '09

Richard Lawler — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:15:00 EST

Panasonic has consistently been one of the companies backing tru2way with the most hardware, and this year's Cable Show is no different. First up, its tru2way compatible plasma HDTVs are now on sale in Atlanta, with additional rollouts planned for the rest of '09 -- put host city Washington D.C. on the list for sure, since since Comcast has hooked the booth up to a live feed for demonstrations as previously seen in Denver. Don't have the scratch for a whole new TV just to experience the new tech? Say hello to the PCH2180 Advanced Multi-tuner tru2way set-top receiver (pictured) that's now shipping, an HD-DVR ready for multistream CableCARDs and includes a DOCSIS modem, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and VC-1 compatibility plus MoCA networking capabilities. Panasonic's taken the time to tie it to a prototype Easy Touch multitouch remote (video embedded after the break) that we were digging at CEATEC and CES alike, with this kind of investment the NCTA might be able to make us forget January's disappointment.

Gallery: Panasonic EZTouch multi-touch remote

Continue reading Panasonic again giving tru2way a boost at Cable Show '09

Filed under: DVRs, Remotes, Set-top boxes, Panasonic

Panasonic again giving tru2way a boost at Cable Show '09 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cable customers can get SlingLoaded too with the T2200S tru2way DVR

Richard Lawler — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:06:00 EST

Want a taste of the SlingLoaded DISH Network 922 DVR (pictured), without switching to satellite? Echostar, as expected, is ready to show off a tru2way compatible version of its latest box, the T2200S, this week at the Cable Show '09. The T2200S contains the 1TB hard drive, expandable storage and of course, Sling Media's placeshifting technology ready to send live or recorded TV to your Internet connected device of choice. Since it's tru2way, it's also capable of running either the SlingGuide software, or whatever middleware is chosen by the provider, and enabling remote video diagnostics, hopefully making many truck rolls unnecessary. Like the 922, we've no price or release date yet but hopefully all that work on tru2way and M-CARD means whether or not our cable company signs up, we'll still have the choice of purchasing one at retail.

Update: Looks like the box is planned to start testing June, and go into production in Q4 of 2009, the specs from the PR are after the break. [Thanks, Justin]

Continue reading Cable customers can get SlingLoaded too with the T2200S tru2way DVR

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others

Cable customers can get SlingLoaded too with the T2200S tru2way DVR originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cox planning to roll out tru2way STBs this summer

Steven Kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST

Although it flew beneath the radar at this year's CES, tru2way looks to be spooling up the PR machine in advance of The Cable Show in April. Leading the charge, Cox Communications has announced its agreement to use NDS tru2way software starting this summer; and since the field of tru2way-equipped TVs is slim pickings, you know the delivery mechanism -- set top boxes. Grousing aside, technology has to move forward, so Cox is going to start introducing Cisco (Scientific-Atlanta) and Motorola manufactured boxes with NDS software, with plans to do a market-by-market rollout later this year and continuing in 2010. We're all for more media-rich experiences on the TV, but not nearly as enthusiastic as we were about getting rid of STBs altogether. Absent TV manufacturers hopping onboard the tru2way en masse, this situation is taking on some CableCard overtones.

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Cable

Cox planning to roll out tru2way STBs this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plenty of tru2way demos planned for The Cable Show in April

Richard Lawler — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:51:00 EST

Yes, we were disappointed by the lack of tru2way at CES. Luckily, next month's The Cable Show should give a bit of a lift, with interactive program guides, games, chat, web browsers and more on display. Samsung is the most notable hardware name we noticed on the list, but with only set-top boxes, home networking and portability apps on the menu our question of when its compatible TVs may go one sale will likely remain unanswered. Check out the release for the full listing, whether 2009 is the year of tru2way or not should certainly be more clear once the show is underway from April 1-3.

Filed under: Industry, Samsung, Cable

Plenty of tru2way demos planned for The Cable Show in April originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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