BT And Microsoft Reveal Plans To Launch Internet TV
Communications company, BT, has revealed plans to deliver TV over broadband connections in the UK via Microsoft TV internet protocol television (IPTV), expecting to offer the service to customers in the summer of 2006.
The Microsoft TV IPTV software enables broadband network operators to deliver engaging, high-quality video content and services to their customers using their existing Microsoft and next generation broadband networks.
The platform offers features including standard, and high definition channels, on demand programming, digital video recording, and interactive program guides. Microsoft’s software also allows users to enjoy instant channel-changing and picture-in-picture functionality using multiple video streams.
Commenting on the deal, Gavin Patterson, group managing director of BT retail said: “BT and Microsoft share a common vision for converged entertainment in the home. TV over broadband services will play an important role in BT’s triple-play offering for consumers.”
Patterson continued: “Our approach of over-the-air broadcast and broadband delivered video-on-demand, interactivity and enhanced support is the perfect solution and complements existing TV propositions already in the UK market.”
Moshe Litchman, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV division at Microsoft added: “BT is a great example of one the world’s leading network operators choosing Microsoft TV as the software platform for it’s digital TV and converged entertainment package. Microsoft TV IPTV edition will enable a full suite of integrated entertainment and communication services that will set the bar for what consumers will expect.”
Last week, BSkyB took its first tentative steps towards unveiling its high definition (HD) TV service. Sky’s site, which will soon launch in full at www.sky.com/hd, gives information on the new service, which Sky hopes will begin broadcasting next year, offering increased quality for its broadcasts and supporting the latest high quality plasma screen TVs (seeSky Gives Sneak Peak Of HDTV Launch).
British broadcasters have been slow to adopt HD broadcasts, however, the BBC recently trialed the technology on selected programmes, while cable operator, ntl, has begun testing its first high definition TV services via new ADSL2+ IPTV technology (see NTL Trials High Definition TV With Ultra Fast Broadband).
BT: 0207 469 2337 www.btplc.com
Microsoft: 0870 60 10 100 www.microsoft.com/uk