CableLabs has agreed to use technology from UpdateLogic to deliver software updates to digital cable boxes and DTV sets.
Southborough, Mass.-based UpdateLogic, has agreed to modify its UpdateTV software update service to be compatible with CableLabs specs and to offer UpdateTV to the consumer electronics industry. CableLabs is a Denver-based consortium of cable companies and cable hardware manufacturers tasked with developing compatibility standards for the cable industry.
UpdateTV will be used to deliver free, automated software updates and patches by "in-band" distribution over cable networks via PBS channels nationwide. UpdateTV is compatible with OpenCable Common Download specification and the ATSC A/97 Software Data Download standard.
"UpdateTV from UpdateLogic really solves the logistical challenge of getting a software update to a subscriber's digital cable device," said Dallas Clement, senior vice president, strategy and development for Cox Communications. "Best of all, UpdateTV is simple and free for the end-consumer."
UpdateLogic previously announced a relationship with National Datacast for distribution of software updates using bandwidth from PBS. In July, UpdateLogic successfully completed field test trials of UpdateTV at select stations within the PBS network and in certain areas served by Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, and Insight Communications. Consumer electronics manufacturers participating in the field trial included Hitachi, Samsung, and Sharp. UpdateTV will be commercially available in 2007.
