Bluewin, a division of Swiss telecoms group, Swisscom, is set to become the first European commercial trialist of the new Microsoft television system, which will initially provide 600 homes with 25 channels via broadband telephone lines.
As well as receiving multiple new channels from September, participants will also have access to five pay-television channels and a video-on-demand function, which allows users to pause live broadcasts.
To be one of the 600 homes taking part in the tests, participants will need a set-top box and an ADSL broadband line. Bluewin will then transmit a signal down the customer’s telephone line to their set-top box, the signal is then converted and can be viewed on practically any television set.
Trialists need not worry, however, about missing their favourite television programme because someone telephones for them. The live-pause function on the set-top box allows time-shifted playback programmes, even as the programme is being broadcast.
The report from Swisscom says, ‘This video recorder function adds something quite new to the traditional TV experience. With the aid of an integrated TV guide, users can choose their favourite channels. Recording TV programmes becomes child’s play as you no longer need to program your recorder using complicated key combinations. A simple touch of a button is all it takes.’
Tim Fritzley, vice president of sales and services for Microsft TV said: “As the first operator in Europe to trial pay-TV services powered by the Microsoft TV IPTV platform, Bluewin is now able to offer its DSL customers competitive, next-generation TV services, both broadcast and on-demand combined with innovative communications and information services.
Related Links
