Thomson Signs CableLabs® License for Two-Way Digital Cable Products in North America

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Thomson has signed a license agreement with CableLabs for its CableCARD™-Host Interface License Agreement (CHILA) specifications and associated intellectual property.

The CHILA specification defines the interface between a digital cable receiver or set-top box and the CableCARD module distributed by the cable operator, thus providing a standard platform for two-way interactive devices. By signing the agreement, Thomson will be able to build products such as set-top boxes and customer premises equipment with a CableCARD™ removable security interface that may be sold to cable subscribers via retail channels. These products would be capable of receiving and displaying advanced cable services such as program guides and video-on-demand (VOD). CHILA is a key component of the effort initiated by North American cable operators to deploy more innovative cable devices in their market. Additional interactive services will be made possible by the deployment of OpenCable™ Application Platform (OCAP™)-compliant middleware as specified by CableLabs.

“Thomson brings to the cable industry a long history of innovative products,” Dr. Richard R. Green, President and CEO of CableLabs said. “We look forward to working with Thomson to bring 2-way interactive products to market expeditiously,” he added.

This agreement follows on the heels of Thomson's new residential cable product line-up launched last month comprising a triple-play residential gateway, a hybrid cable-IP set-top box and VoIP wireless cable modem designed to enable cable operators to seamlessly deliver voice, video, and data applications to their customers. The agreement underscores Thomson's Two-Year Plan ambitions to expand its client base and increase the range of innovative products and solutions it can offer.

“Thomson's pioneering DOCSIS® cable modem solutions and position as a major modem provider to North American MSOs is firmly underpinned by our leadership in digital set-top boxes (STBs) and broadband modems worldwide. We have recently established solid commercial relationships with major MSOs in Europe, Asia and Latin America, who are leveraging our STB technologies to provide their customers with the ultimate in broadband services. Embracing CHILA and OCAP is the most logical next step in our development. These specifications are one of the most important industry standards emerging for the cable industry and the licensing agreement is a major milestone in Thomson's growth strategy for the US cable market,” said Frédéric Kurkjian, Vice President, Worldwide Cable Business Unit within Thomson's Access Platforms & Gateways activity. “Committing to build our next generation of cable access solutions on the accepted, open standards set out in the OpenCable specifications will help us bring new and exciting products to this dynamic marketplace.”

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