Panasonic has reaffirmed their commitment to support the next-generation tru2way technology in their future televisions, as discussed here at CEDIA Expo. The open tru2way platform was developed by CableLabs, an organization charged with the technical research and development for the cable TV industry, in partnership with Panasonic and other CE hardware vendors.
Since computers and the internet have given consumers a previously impossible level of interactivity, TV has had to keep pace with more innovative, user-friendly services. Tru2Way represents a partnership between hardware manufacturers like Panasonic and the service providers to supply a bi-directional TV/communication experience that will go beyond traditional channel guide grids or pay-per-view/on-demand options, all performed over the single TV cable. Just as compelling, the technology will be built into the TV itself, removing the need for a set-top box, a significant boon to the sleek flat-panel world. Panasonic intends to deliver HDTV models this year which incorporate the tru2way technology. Intel meanwhile has announced their plans to design and build a "system-on-a-chip" version which could be implemented in other hardware.
The big six cable U.S. operators have all pledged their support on the service side of the equation, namely Cablevision, Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, Charter and Bright House Networks. All told they bring with them more than three quarters of cable customers nationwide. These consumers will have access to new tru2way features which will continue to evolve as the market grows and as developers think up new ways to utilize the highly versatile Java-based technology.
