tru2way

OVERVIEW
CableLabs' tru2way® Program benefits cable operators, content providers, advertisers, application developers, device manufacturers, and consumers by providing:

A common nation-wide middleware platform for programmers, advertisers, and application developers to deliver new interactive services.
A ubiquitous middleware platform that abstracts diverse set-top boxes (STBs) so cable operators can deliver one version of their guide and other applications.
Increased STB vendor diversity and lower STB costs.
Reduced costs for device manufacturers.
A home networking solution to reach both cable set-top boxes and non-cable devices such as game consoles and tablets in the home.
A pathway to future video technologies such as internet protocol (IP) delivered content.

The tru2way Program (also known internally as the OpenCable™ Project) includes a family of specifications comprising:

Baseline core functional requirements for digital cable ready "host" devices;
A "middleware" component comprising a set of common application programming interfaces (APIs);
The hardware interface between the host device and a removable security module (the "CableCARD™");
Copy protection and security requirements; and
Optional extensions for host devices, including Home Networking and DVR.

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TRU2WAY PLATFORM
The tru2way Platform was developed to provide a national footprint reaching across multiple cable operators to deliver interactive services, programming, and advertising. The main component of the tru2way Platform is a middleware specification. Middleware is software that provides an interface between applications and whatever system software a manufacturer chooses for a host device. The platform is based on the widely accepted Java™ technology. By abstracting away the device operating systems to a common set of middleware APIs, application developers can write an application once and run it on all tru2way compliant devices.

The tru2way platform also includes optional extensions, most notably for home networking and DVR functions. The home networking extension is based on the multi-industry Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) specifications. As such, any tru2way-enabled device with the home networking extension can interoperate with a wide variety of DLNA-compatible devices in the home-PCs, handhelds, TVs, tablets, etc.

TRU2WAY BUNDLE
To improve interoperability, CableLabs has instituted a "bundle release" approach to the tru2way development process. Specifications are verified by a reference implementation (RI) to ensure implementability and the RI is validated by a test suite to ensure compliance. The bundle consists of all three components-specification, reference implementation and test suite.

CableLabs has also released a Software Development Kit (SDK) that allows application developers to develop and run their applications on a PC environment using the CableLabs RI. The SDK provides developers a low-cost application development platform that does not require access to a cable system and that runs on both Windows and Linux PC platforms.

ON-GOING EFFORTS
Cable operators are actively deploying tru2way based set-top boxes made by a growing number of STB manufacturers. CableLabs is continuing to support interoperability events and other activities that allow vendors to work together to advance their tru2way implementations and improve interoperability with the CableLabs specifications and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance®) devices.

For additional information, please contact CableLabs at 303.661.9100 or send us an e-mail message.

NEWS & PRESS
05/23/11 DLNA Advances Playback of Commercial Video across DLNA Certified® Products
04/18/11 CableLabs® Tru2way® Home Networking Interop Demonstrates Premium Content Sharing among Home Network Devices

BRAND GUIDELINES & TRADEMARK LICENSING
The tru2way® brand represents the consumer-facing television technology platform from CableLabs. It's the new name for OpenCable and for OCAP™ (OpenCable Applications Platform), the cable industry's common software solution for two-way digital TV devices. Please download the tru2way brand guidelines for more detailed information on the proper use of the tru2way trademark. Licensing is required for use. Please see the tru2way trademark licensing application form for more information.

TRU2WAY SPECIFICATIONS
The Tru2way specifications, including hardware and middleware elements, are set forth in the OpenCable™ Host Device Core Functional Requirements (CFR) specifications which are available to the public free of charge.

TRU2WAY REFERENCE IMPLEMENTATION & SDK
Application Developers and device manufacturers may access the CableLabs Reference Implementation and SDK.

Tru2way® is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Copyright © 2011 Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CableLabs manages the www.tru2way.com web site. www.cablelabs.com