Internet Home Alliance is embarking on a new study to see how technology can ease another time-consuming home chore: laundry.

Following are the contributions each participating company is making to the Laundry Time pilot:

-- Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading marketer and manufacturer of major home appliances, is providing front-loading, regular capacity washers and dryers and technical support.

-- Hewlett-Packard, the leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses, is providing Digital Entertainment Centers and customer support services.

-- Microsoft, the worldwide leader in software, services and technology that help people and businesses realize their full potential, developed the Laundry Time software and is furnishing the pilot team with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, general technical support and coordinating cell phone service.

-- Panasonic, a leading technology and manufacturing company committed to providing innovative products and services to enrich lifestyles, provided development around the transceivers, televisions and consumer insight research.

-- Procter & Gamble, a consumer products company with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, provided consumer insights, focus groups facilities, consumer screening and development lab facilities.

The results of Laundry Time, which will be available to Alliance members in the fall of 2006 and the public in early 2007, will help the participating companies and other Alliance members develop and launch new connected home products and services.