Testing tru2way and failing

Lots of news in the Blogosphere yesterday about a failed tru2way certification test at CableLabs when IP Democracy's Cynthia Brumfield reported that Panasonic's first attempt at certification uncovered multiple flaws.  Quoting an unnamed source close to the testing,

the first certification test of the technology is a "disaster of spectacular proportions."

I'm told by the folks at CableLabs that it's not unusual for new technology testing to uncover multiple significant flaws.  That's what testing is all about. 

Although I'm impressed with Cynthia's ability to get the scoop right in the middle of a household move, I don't believe that these results will have any material impact on the rollout of tru2way, whether it causes a slight delay or not.  Panasonic will evaluate the results of the tests and they will adjust their technology before they sell their first device.  Isn't it better that these flaws were found in a lab instead of in consumers' homes? 

But something else happened yesterday when this story was posted.  Someone from CableLabs posted a comment directly on IP Democracy's blog,

it is important to understand that it is common for devices to require multiple test runs before achieving CableLabs certification. Manufacturers generally account for such timing in their product plans. CableLabs conducts multiple test waves throughout the year in order to accommodate additional testing.

and someone else from Comcast posted one too:

We are confident in the technology and are on track to introduce this software platform and services at retail later this year in select markets.

Having a certification process for new technology is the responsible thing for the cable industry and consumer electronics manufacturers to be doing.  Leaking the early results of those tests was unfortunate but I'm impressed that that CableLabs and Comcast responded rapidly, directly and openly to the story. 

Here's to life in the 21st century!