Convention update: Want television interactivity? Meet tru2way
The CableNet showcase on the exhibition floor here in New Orleans is displaying examples of a plethora of new technologies. It's a good opportunity to see what's coming next in cable television and broadband.
In my post last Friday, I said that I was looking forward to seeing the true2way
products and applications that have been developed for this new platform. Cable operators are hoping to deliver the message to developers that we are, "open for business" when it comes to encouraging people to develop interesting applications for the digital television platform.
Tru2way is a Java-based software platform that resides on a cable set-top box or television that allows developers and cable operators to add interactivity to the television watching experience. With tru2way technology, viewers will no longer passively watch television programs, they will have the opportunity to interact with their television.
CableLabs, which is a co-sponsor of the CableNet showcase, was distributing tru2way starter kits for application developers yesterday. The starter kit offers a peek at what tru2way may bring to cable television. Here are a few application examples that are included in the kit:
Zodiac Interactive has developed an application called TVPhoto that allows users to access Flickr photo sharing on their television. Imagine being able to manipulate and share those family photos on your high definition television.
Biap Systems has developed Ebay on TV, an application that users can use to access Ebay's online auction system from their television. Want to monitor your Ebay bids while you're watching your favorite show? With tru2way, you'll be able to keep an eye on both.
The starter kit also outlines the potential for shifting television content to your mobile device. Like that music video you're watching on MTV? With tru2way, you can tell your television to download that song or video to your portable music device.
Tru2way ready set-top boxes are already available from a few manufacturers and a few cable operators are beginning the process of rolling out those set-top boxes to their customers. Tru2way-ready HD televisions are just starting to emerge.
Tru2way promises to provide exciting new ways for cable customers to use their television. Here at The Cable Show in New Orleans, CableLabs is actively promoting the new platform and the possibilities it will bring. If you're interested in more information, I recommend visiting the tru2way web site or the tru2way application developer's site.
That's great news Michael. I'm so pleased to see the level of innovation that is now possible with the new Tru2Way Standard. As a high level customer interested in the latest electronic toys and gadgets, I'm really excited to see some new interfaces and applications to come across my HDTV.
I hope you don't mind, but I've linked to your blog over at my Cable Show 08' thread at broadbandreports.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20471342-The-BIG-Show-Cable-Show-08-May-1820#20510314
Can't wait until some of this great technology and software become available to the consumer.
Posted by: cypherstream | May 20, 2008 at 10:55 AM
"The starter kit also outlines the potential for shifting television content to your mobile device. Like that music video you're watching on MTV? With tru2way, you can tell your television to download that song or video to your portable music device."
Wouldn't this technology interfere with the copyright & anti-piracy laws in place for digital music? Or would there be a charge to download the video/music content from the TV to a MP3/Ipod player?
Posted by: Shannon Berryhill | May 21, 2008 at 07:07 PM