The Digital Transition Advances: CableLabs Verifies First Plug & Play Devices.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LOUISVILLE, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2004

In a significant advancement of the digital transition, the CableLabs(R) Verification Panel announced today that three digital television (DTV) manufacturers have successfully passed the Joint Test Suite (JTS) tests for verifying unidirectional digital cable products (UDCPs), or so-called "Plug & Play" devices.

The manufacturers achieving verified status are Sony(R), Hitachi(R), and LG Electronics(R) (who make the Zenith(R) brand of TVs).

Under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Plug & Play Rules, manufacturers must have their first DTV model tested at either CableLabs or at a qualified test facility. The testing is performed to show compliance with the JTS that was mutually agreed to by certain consumer electronics manufacturers and cable operators. The Verification Panel comprises senior technical experts from the cable companies.

Upon achieving a verified status, a manufacturer may self-verify DTVs against the agreed tests thereafter, in accordance with the FCC rules. The FCC rules require that the manufacturer must ensure that all subsequent models of UDCPs comply with the tests, and the manufacturer must maintain records indicating such compliance. The manufacturer must also submit documentation to CableLabs verifying compliance for each self-verified model.

"CableLabs' completion of this first Plug and Play Test Wave, and the successful verification of three manufacturers, underscores cable's support for the digital transition," said Dr. Richard R. Green, President and CEO of CableLabs.

"Verification testing is an important step in providing quality advanced digital cable services to our subscribers," added Mike Hayashi, Senior Vice President, Advanced Engineering and Subscriber Technology at Time Warner Cable, and Chairman of the Verification Panel. "The manufacturers successfully passing the verification tests have worked hard, and should be congratulated," he added.

Dallas Clement, SVP Strategy & Development for Cox Communications, Inc. noted that: "CableLabs should also be congratulated for running an efficient, objective and non-discriminatory testing program. This verification process is an important step in insuring quality cable products and services. I welcome the efforts of all involved."

Verification indicates that the DTVs have shown compliance with the JTS, but does not certify conformance with all applicable specifications, FCC rules, intellectual property licenses, or any other legal requirements applicable to UDCPs.

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; www.onlycablecan.com; http://www.cablelabs.com/udcp/ and www.opencable.com.

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