MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics and Comcast Corporation have announced a multi-year digital cable set-top box (STB) purchase agreement.
Beginning in 2007, Comcast will purchase 200,000, and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, an additional 500,000, OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) compliant digital cable STBs that will be capable of running Advanced Video Codecs such as all facets of Mpeg- 4 including H264 as well as Mpeg-2.
In addition, these devices are designed to leverage DOCSIS 2.0 and USB 2.0 to enable advanced interactive applications.
Comcast has also entered an agreement with Panasonic for enhanced Ocap HD-DVR STBs and Ocap software license.
These devices are part of Comcast's newly developed series of digital cable set-top boxes, referred to as "RNG," which are the result of Comcast's efforts to develop next-generation devices that bring greater efficiencies to today's cable infrastructure while adding advanced functionality.
Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. executive vice president Byoung Youl Yu, said, "Samsung is eager to demonstrate our commitment to deploy a new generation of set-top box solutions. We are delighted to play an integral role in this fascinating move forward in quality video technology offerings by Comcast."
Samsung Electronics America, Inc senior vice president sales and marketing ( US Consumer Electronics and North American Corporate Marketing) Peter Weedfald added, "Samsung values the importance of providing a complete line of cable-compatible Consumer Electronics products. Aligning the Samsung brand with Comcast creates a powerful union benefiting both companies."
Comcast executive vice president new business development Steve Silva said, "This agreement with Samsung underscores our commitment to providing consumers with an outstanding home entertainment experience. These all-digital boxes will offer customers the advanced services that our industry-leading interactive network makes possible, including video on demand, and the ability to integrate with other consumer media devices."

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Panasonic, Comcast announce deal for enhanced Ocap HD-DVR STBs and Ocap software license