ntl begins CR3 rollout on Langley platform

A new version of software for ntl:home set-top-boxes began rolling out across part of ntl's digital cable network on Tuesday.

Dubbed "LCR3" - Langley Code Release 3 - the software will enable enhanced interactive applications to be used on the "original ntl" digital cable network, also referred to as the Langley Platform. The software began rolling out on the "ex-CWC" network, or Bromley Platform, in August 2002. To a certain extent, the new release unifies the code base across both networks, as both implementations of CR3 are based on version 1.2 of middleware from Liberate Technologies. The unification will make it more practical for eTV developers to produce applications for the digital cable service; Telewest Broadband's digital cable service also uses this version of middleware.

The new version of software, which rolled out in Swansea on Monday, does however contain other major revisions. Pink has been entirely removed from the ntl EPG, replaced instead by ntl's latest corporate blue colour. Functionality has also been signficantly altered, with the channel guide now displaying in a horizontal time-grid format. A new mini-guide is accessed by pressing the left or right arrow keys, replacing the 'browse' functionality. 'Browse' now brings up a programme summary.

Another advantage to the new software is that of robustness. Because the entire system is now effectively powered by the interactive service (early versions of CR3 referred to an 'iEPG,' which means that the electronic programme guide is powered by listings contained in the interactive service, rather than being transmitted using the MCNS protocol, bringing speed and reliability enhancements), the risk of a box spontaneously crashing upon entering interactive applications is now substantially reduced.

Screenshots of the new service are welcomed; please email them to cableshots@digitalspy.co.uk, and we'll upload them to the information area. Screenshots of the CR3 software running in ex-CWC areas are available here on DS. Also, please join in with the ongoing discussion in our ntl:home forum!