Cox Launches Whole Home, Tru2Way DVR Service With Cisco Set-Tops
Cisco has teamed with Cox Communications to deliver the new Cox “Plus Package,” featuring high-definition (HD) whole home digital video recorder (DVR) service with Cisco Explorer next-generation set-top boxes. The Cox Plus Package also includes Cox’s new Trio tru2way interactive program guide and an expanded lineup of HD channels. Each Cox plant must be upgraded to 1 GHz for customers in that market to receive the additional programming.
The Plus Package is scheduled to be available to customers beginning in the second quarter of 2010 and to be rolled out to Cox’s entire customer base by year-end.
Cox’s whole home DVR offers three times the storage capacity of standard DVR service and features the Cisco Explorer 8642HDC DVR and the Cisco Explorer 1642HDC digital-only (non-DVR) interactive multimedia gateways. The HD-DVR and gateway devices are connected using Internet Protocol (IP) and Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) technology to minimize the need for new wiring in the home.
With tru2way, consumers can experience a more interactive TV experience. Tru2way software serves as a “universal translator,” so retail devices like HDTVs can receive a full range of digital cable services, including interactive guides, video on demand, and new applications and services yet to be deployed. Using their remotes, viewers will be able to access interactive entertainment and information – including games, shopping, music, news, weather, local information, sports, advertising, voting and polling, banking and other services – embedded in particular programs.??
Cox will be the first cable operator to introduce whole home DVR service with tru2way capabilities in multiple markets. Cox plans to deploy Cisco next-generation set-top boxes overlaying an existing Motorola technology environment in the second quarter. This is also the first time that Cisco set-top boxes will be widely deployed in both Cisco and Motorola sites across the Cox footprint using tru2way.?
