Microsoft Debuts New Digital TV Platform for Cable Operators

Microsoft unveiled a new digital TV software platform aimed at cable operators. Microsoft TV Foundation is positioned as an end-to-end solution to help cable operators promote services such as video on demand (VOD), while providing viewers with an interactive program guide (IPG). By using Foundation, a cable operator partnering with a content company could create a virtual channel that brings together the company's content, including games and on-demand offerings.


Operators can create On-Demand Storefronts for video, and offer games, information services (such as news, weather and sports), email access on TV, and instant messaging. The solution consists of client and server software, as well as related developer tools. Microsoft's TV Foundation can run on a range of set-top devices, including the Motorola DCT1700, DCT2000, DCT2500, DCT5100 and DCT6000 product lines. Companies announcing support for the platform include Motorola, SeaChange, Concurrent Computer Corp, MetaTV, Two Way TV and Advanced Digital Broadcast. In addition, Sigma Designs, National Semiconductor and selected application developers are working with Microsoft TV to develop future products and technologies.


Cablevisión, Mexico's largest cable operator, intends to roll out services powered by Microsoft TV beginning in the second half of this year. The company expects to have 450,000 subscribers in Mexico City using the system within the next year. Cablevisión will deploy the services on Motorola digital set-tops.


Last week, Microsoft signed Cable Labs' OpenCable agreement and announced plans to enhance the OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) software project with its own .NET technology. Microsoft agreed to contribute pertinent intellectual property to OCAP, which is a middleware software layer that allows applications to run on any cable TV system in North America.
http://www.microsoft.com/tv/