CableLabs(R) Awards Qualification to Motorola Multi-Stream CableCARD(TM).

LOUISVILLE, Colo. -- CableLabs(R) recently awarded qualified status to Motorola for its multi-stream CableCARD(TM) (M-Card(TM)). The M-Card enables consumers of retail set-top boxes and integrated digital television sets to watch and/or record their programming from multiple simultaneous tuners using a single CableCARD (e.g., handling picture-in-picture or simultaneous watch-and-record of multiple digital video channels).

The M-Card device is a key component in the security system between cable operator networks and retail consumer electronics devices. The M-Card will operate in a backwards compatible, single-stream, manner when paired with a single stream device (for example, in a Plug & Play unidirectional device); or in a multi-stream manner when paired with a multi-stream device.

It is expected that M-Cards will be available from major MSOs within the next few months. In addition to developing the specification for the M-Card interface, CableLabs has worked jointly with Digital Keystone, Inc. of Mountain View, California, to create a test tool for testing the M-Card interface on host devices. This host test tool, known as the HPNx PRO(TM), facilitates the work needed by a CE manufacturer to develop and test the multi-stream interface. The HPNx PRO is commercially available from Digital Keystone, and will be utilized by CableLabs for host testing planned for June of this year.

CableLabs Certified(R) or CableLabs Qualified means that the device has passed a series of tests for compliance with the indicated version of a CableLabs' specification and has thus demonstrated interoperable functionality with any other CableLabs Certified or Qualified device. Many of these devices provide other functions or are designed to comply with other specifications, in each case tailored by the manufacturer to meet the growing needs of consumers or cable operators in an evolving communication sector. While CableLabs encourages such innovation and diversity, the phrase CableLabs Certified or Qualified should not be understood as an endorsement of these other attributes (or that the product is certified to other specifications or versions), which are solely the responsibility of the company making the additional claims.

Founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry, Cable Television Laboratories is a non-profit research and development consortium that is dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and to helping its cable operator members integrate those advancements into their business objectives. Cable operators from around the world are members. CableLabs maintains web sites at www.cablelabs.com; www.packetcable.com; www.cablemodem.com; www.cablenet.org; and www.opencable.com.

Digital Keystone is a leading developer of digital entertainment tools and technologies that enable premium content in the home. Top silicon and system providers rely upon Digital Keystone software to deliver breakthrough PC and consumer products. Digital Keystone has offices in Mountain View, California. and Aix-en-Provence, France. For additional information, visit the company's web site at www.digitalkeystone.com.

CableLabs(R), DOCSIS(R), CableHome(R), PacketCable(TM), OpenCable(TM), OCAP(TM), CableCARD(TM), DCAS(TM), M-Card(TM), Go2Broadband(SM) and CableNET(R) are marks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.