Cisco has teamed with Cox Communications to deliver the new Cox "Plus Package," featuring high-definition Whole Home digital video recorder 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 interactive multimedia gateways. The HD-DVR and gateway devices are connected using Internet Protocol and Multimedia over Coax Alliance 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.

Highlights:

Cox Plus Package:

• The launch of the Cox Plus Package offering marks a series of "firsts" for Cox, Cisco and the cable industry:
• 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 existing technology from another supplier in the second quarter -- proving that the vision for tru2way and set-top box platform interoperability is a reality.
• This is also the first time that Cisco set-top boxes will be widely deployed in both Cisco and other suppliers' sites across the Cox footprint using tru2way.

Cisco Next-Gen Set-Tops: Helping Consumers Experience "The Connected Life"

• he Cisco Explorer 8642HDC DVR and 1642HDC multimedia gateways offer a host of innovative features. Service providers may opt to use these new multimedia gateways to offer any of the following to their customers as part of their service:
• Video on the Internet & HDTV: Internet video can be rebroadcast on HDTV, while stored DVR content can be passed over the Internet to the PC or laptop, in and outside the home, so users can decide when and where to watch.
• Mobility: Content enjoyed within the home can be programmed to be viewed on mobile devices.
• More storage space: Options for 160 to 500 gigabytes of hard-disk space offer more room for users to store HD programs and movies
• More power: Three times the processing power with new Cisco application-specific integrated circuits support HD graphics and enhanced interactive applications for games and other entertainment.
• Picture in Picture: Watch two programs at once with picture-in-picture capabilities.