LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics and Charter Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) today announced a strategic partnership for the joint development and promotion of Two-Way Digital Cable TV. Gee Sung Choi, CEO & President of Samsung Digital Media Group, and Carl Vogel, Charter President and CEO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Samsung-Charter Two Way Digital Cable NIU Joint Development and Promotion) to cooperate on developing the technology and collaborate on marketing efforts to accelerate the sale of digital TVs embedded with XHT bi-directional digital cable receivers and compliant devices (XHT HDTV and other XHT related devices).

Through this agreement, both companies intend to deploy a low-cost Network Interface Unit (NIU) and XHT HDTV that would enable two-way digital cable services, including IPG (Interactive Program Guide), iPPV (impulse Pay Per View) and VOD (Video on Demand), to increase the number of Charter High Definition Digital Cable Customers. The joint development and promotional efforts regarding the XHT HDTV are expected to accelerate the provision of Charter High Definition Digital cable services, as well as increase the market share of Digital TVs for Samsung Electronics in the North American market.

XHT is a home networking technology that incorporates the use of IEEE1394 (called Firewire) cable that securely transmits multiple HD signals, respects DRM (Digital Right Management) and utilizes an Internet communication protocol in order to easily control and simply access to multiple HDTVs and audio/video devices with a single remote control.

According to Gee Sung Choi, "XHT is technology that can revolutionize the concept of next generation digital TV. Through this joint effort with Charter, Samsung will help to accelerate the provision of North American HD digital cable service and take the leadership position in deploying the XHT technology which is the core technology in digital TV networking."

"Through this strategic alliance, both Charter and Samsung are leveraging our positions as global leaders in the deployment of Digital TV and Interactive Services," Mr. Vogel said. "Our objective is to increase the number of Charter High Definition Digital Cable Customers. Acceleration of the sale of digital TVs embedded with XHT bi-directional digital cable receivers and compliant devices, widely believed to be the next generation digital network technology, will help us achieve this objective."

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, N.J., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and telecommunications products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung's Consumer Electronics Division, Information Technology Division, Samsung Telecommunications America, Samsung Electronics Canada and Samsung Electronics Mexico. Please visit http://www.samsung.com for more information.

About Samsung Electronics

SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2003 parent company sales of US$36.4 billion and net income of US$5.0 billion. Employing approximately 88,000 people in 89 offices in 46 countries, the company consists of six main business units: Corporate Technology Operations, Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is the world's largest producer of color monitors, color TVs, memory chips, TFT-LCDs and VCRs.

About Charter Communications

Charter Communications, Inc., a broadband communications company, provides a full range of advanced broadband services to the home, including cable television on an advanced digital video-programming platform via Charter Digital(TM) and Charter High-Speed(TM) Internet service. Charter also provides business-to-business video, data and Internet protocol (IP) solutions through Charter Business(TM). Advertising sales and production services are sold under the Charter Media® brand. More information about Charter can be found at http://www.charter.com.