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AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 8, 2000 — Today at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2000, Microsoft Corp. will exhibit its Microsoft® TV platform family of technologies for the first time in Europe. The software is an open, standards-based solution that provides a comprehensive and scalable platform for enabling Enhanced TV services.
The software includes technologies that will enable European network operators to deliver Enhanced TV services to set-top boxes currently on the market as well as new, advanced set-top boxes expected to be rolled out early next year. Industry support for the Microsoft TV platform continues to grow as evidenced by the more than 1,000 companies worldwide — including content developers, tools vendors, independent software vendors (ISVs), independent hardware vendors (IHVs), systems integrators and OEMs — now engaged in various stages of creating technology based on the Microsoft TV platform.
For Home Users
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Microsoft TV Advanced client software for advanced set-top boxes allows network operators to deliver a complete broadband and Enhanced TV experience to consumers. Microsoft TV Advanced supports worldwide standards, and already
15 million units have been committed for deployment by leading cable network operators focused on showcasing the future of Enhanced TV on their networks. -
Microsoft TV Basic Digital allows Enhanced TV services to be delivered to the current generation of set-top boxes based on digital cable, satellite and terrestrial networks. The product has been adapted to many international languages and environments and is available for deployment today. The underlying software has already been deployed in 1.5 million digital receivers in Europe, South America and Asia.
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Microsoft TV Technologies for PC-architected entertainment appliances are a set of software components that enable Enhanced TV applications and services on a new generation of PC-based appliances designed for entertainment. These technologies are scheduled to ship with the next version of the Windows® operating system for the PC architecture. The technologies include support for broadcast and streaming video, audio and data; content protection; ATVEF interactive content and programming; and digital video and audio recording. By developing for Microsoft’s television family, content developers will be able to use Web standards to produce an Enhanced TV experience that targets both set-top boxes and the PC architecture.
At the Head End
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Microsoft TV Server is the head-end solution designed to be the foundation of a network operator’s services and provides the tools to provision, manage and operate a large-scale, commercial-grade Enhanced TV service. Microsoft TV Server is designed to integrate with Microsoft TV Advanced.
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Microsoft TV Access Channel Server software offers network operators a flexible and cost-effective head-end solution for delivering Internet services and Windows-based multimedia content to the current generation of digital set-top boxes.
Support for the Microsoft TV Platform Family Grows
About the Microsoft TV Platform
About Microsoft
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