Looking to clear up some extra space for that Wii, XBox, SlingBox, Roku Netflix (NSDQ: NFLX) box, DVD player or Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) TV? Rejoice: Sony (NYSE: SNE) has signed on with six cable firms to develop technology for interactive cable that doesn’t require a set-top box. Network partners include Comcast Corp. (NSDQ: CMCSA), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) Cable Inc., Cox Communications, Charter Communications Inc. (NSDQ: CHTR), Cablevision Systems Corp (NYSE: CVC). and Bright House Networks. Okay, perhaps it’s a little to early to rejoice, as it’s not clear when, exactly, this will come to market or whether it will really take on. And as Gizmodo points out, Sony isn’t the first TV company to adopt support a system based on the Tru2Way standard, though it probably is the one with the most consumer electronics industry heft. Release.

SEE ALSO: Comcast Launching Portable DVR; Interoperable Across Other Cable Cos

WSJ: “Sony and the cable operators will adopt a Java-based application called tru2way as the nationwide interactive standard, which will allow for the manufacture of new “plug-and-play” interactive devices that can be used with TV sets. The technology could also make it easier for consumers to receive the full range of cable-based services on other devices, such as laptops, MP3 players, and cellphones.”