Microsoft's new IPTV platform: Mediaroom

June 19, 2007 — Microsoft has announced the availability of Microsoft Mediaroom, the latest update to its IPTV software platform, featuring new multimedia capabilities.

The Microsoft Mediaroom Application Development toolkit has also been introduced, which provides service providers and third-party developers with tools to create TV-based applications that run on the platform.

With this latest release, Microsoft is renaming its IPTV platform Microsoft Mediaroom. Building upon existing Microsoft IPTV features, such as enhanced digital video recording, video on demand, high-definition television and instant channel zapping, the Microsoft Mediaroom platform introduces; Personal media sharing, enabling consumers to listen to digital music and view digital photographs stored on PCs elsewhere in the home on the television; Multimedia Application Environment, offering support for Web services and applications, enabling service providers to deploy features such as video-on-demand portals, casual games and interactive TV services; Enhanced MultiView capabilities, allowing consumers to see multiple channels, programs and camera angles on one screen.

The launch of Microsoft Mediaroom also marks the general availability of DTT capabilities on the platform, allowing service providers in regions with DTT programming to offer IPTV services.

“Microsoft is committed to providing our IPTV customers with the very best software platform so they can take full advantage of their intelligent, two-way IP networks, and begin deploying richer and more personalized TV and connected entertainment experiences,” said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV business at Microsoft. “With personal media sharing and new application development capabilities, Microsoft Mediaroom brings the consumer television experience to a new level, enabling the best in TV, plus access to all your media in one place.”

“In the highly competitive television market, a well-regarded brand can be a very strong asset,” said Christine Heckart, general manager of worldwide marketing for Microsoft TV. “By leveraging Microsoft Mediaroom as an ingredient brand, service providers can take advantage of the worldwide awareness, positive attributes and consumer preference for Microsoft-based solutions.”

“As the digital TV services market continues to grow, service providers will search for competitive differentiators that set them apart in terms of features and overall consumer experience,” said Michelle Abraham, principal analyst at In-Stat. “A compelling and competitive feature set, powered by one of the strongest consumer brands in the world and the ability to create unique applications and services, is the recipe to convert consumers’ demand into service revenues.”