MUMBAI: Paving the way to integrated digital cable-ready HDTVs with two-way interactive capability, LG Electronics recently showcased a TV platform in the US.

The LG plasma HDTV has achieved certification status as Ocap-enabled interactive digital television set, including the multi-stream CableCard (M-Card) system, from a recently concluded certification by Cablelabs.

LG‘s 42-inch OpenCable plasma HDTV set (42PC1DN) was honoured with a 2007 CES Innovations Award -- features built-in Ocap technology, M-Card capabilities and interactive capabilities, as well as high-definition content and interactive services like Video-on-Demand and Pay-Per-View. The LG 42PC1DN has been honoured as a 2007 CES Innovations
Award recipient.

This retail device can connect directly to a local cable TV system, and receive current advanced interactive cable TV services, as well as be ready for future interactive applications --without the need for a separate digital set-top box (STB). Ultimately, a common US platform for delivering interactive cable applications would be enabled by implementing the OpenCable specification, a process in which LG is an active contributor.

The company adds that it is committed to commercialising retail interactive digital cable-ready TVs and STBs to accelerate the rollout of OpenCable and Ocap across the North American Cable industry. LG says that it has now have advanced devices capable of receiving and displaying advanced cable services such as program guides and video-on-demand (Vod) without requiring separate cable STBs.

In parallel with ongoing inter-industry standardisation efforts, it will continue working with the cable industry to commercialise this platform.

LG‘s close collaboration with Cablelabs and cable TV operators has enabled the company to develop products that run cable services including an interactive programme guide, Vod and other interactive applications and services. "At the same time, LG is continuing to explore additional new features to maintain product leadership and be a market differentiator.