Sony, U.S. Cable Firms to Make TVs without Set-Top Boxes

New York, May 28, 2008 (Jiji Press) - Japan's Sony Corp. <6758> and six major U.S. cable operators have agreed on the joint development of digital television sets that will allow consumers to dispense with set-top boxes, a U.S. industry group said Tuesday.

The six firms are Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc., Cox Communications Inc., Charter Communications, Cablevision Systems Corp. and Bright House Networks, according to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.

Sony and the U.S. operators will unify standards for digital video distribution and promote digital cable-ready products compatible with interactive services such as video on demand, the association said.

The six companies provide services to more than 82 pct of all U.S. cable subscribers, according to the association.

JCN.