For more information, contact John I. Taylor, 847 391 8181, http://www.zenith.com.
Zenith Demonstrates ""Retail Ready"" Digital Cable Box
As retail availability of set-top boxes for digital cable systems approaches, Zenith Electronics Corporation demonstrated its retail-ready digital cable set-top box and HDTV interface at the 2000 International Consumer Electronics Show last week. ""The combination of a flexible digital platform and Zenithís strong brand and consumer electronics distribution capabilities will help push toward retail availability of industry-standard set-top boxes this year,"" said Bill Luehrs, President, Zenith Network Systems. In the CES demonstration, Zenithís new ZDT-2020 digital set-top box was connected to the industry-standard ATSC remodulator digital interface for a cost-effective RF connection with digital and HDTV sets. The box is designed to work with OpenCable POD (point of deployment) modules of various security suppliers. Luehrs said the ZDT-2020 features an interoperable POD interface and provides a platform for many of todayís advanced third-party program guides and on-screen navigators. It supports digital video and audio and real-time, reverse-path communications to provide the user a gateway to interactive services such as VOD, Internet access, e-mail, home shopping, and more. In addition to the retail-ready digital cable set-top box, the ""Cable View"" area of Zenithís CES booth also featured digital satellite products sold to international markets. They include the Zenith ""World Box,"" which is fully compatible with NDS software, conditional access and headend systems, and the new Zenith ""Multiple Dwelling Unit"" digital receiver, designed for simple installation in apartments and other multifamily dwellings using existing wiring. About Zenith Based in Glenview, Illinois, Zenith is a long-time leader in electronic entertainment products and a primary developer of digital HDTV. Zenith completed its operational and financial restructuring last year, emerging in November 1999, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, a global leader in electronics and digital technologies. Visit Zenith on the World Wide Web at www.zenith.com.