AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 10, 2004 — Today at IBC2004, Microsoft Corp. and TANDBERG Television today announced completion of the integration between the TANDBERG EN5920 encoder with the Microsoft® TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform. The TANDBERG Television encoder and Microsoft TV IPTV platform support the Windows Media®
Video 9 Advanced Profile codec, enabling broadband operators to offer live, broadcast television programming at lower data rates while maintaining broadcast-quality video. It is the first availability of real-time Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile hardware encoding designed to enable broadband network operators to offer competitive IP-based digital television services using the Microsoft TV IPTV platform.
The announcement marks the continued collaboration between Microsoft and TANDBERG Television to advance the delivery of next-generation television services. The companies announced their collaboration in August 2002 to offer professional broadcast solutions supporting Windows Media 9 Series for the telecommunications and professional broadcast industries. TANDBERG Television subsequently launched its EN5920 encoder for Windows Media 9 Series in April 2003. A key result of this collaboration is the ability to provide broadband operators with IP-based television solutions. A first of its kind, the integrated solution enables volume deployment of live broadcast content and represents a key component in the end-to-end delivery of IPTV services using Microsoft TV.
“The integration between the TANDBERG EN5920 encoder and the Microsoft TV IPTV platform heralds an exciting step forward for IPTV,” said Tim Sheppard, director of strategic development at TANDBERG Television. “It allows operators to develop more effective and competitive solutions, permitting more channels to be transmitted in bandwidth-limited pipes and more customers to be reached in DSL and DOCSIS systems. The end result is an exciting and enhanced TV experience for consumers.”
The TANDBERG EN5920 encoder uses the Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile codec, which was developed for broadcast applications and has been submitted to the Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers (SMPTE) as an industry standard. By integrating this capability with the Microsoft TV IPTV platform, operators can now deploy live broadcast channels at a fraction of the data rates required for MPEG-2, while maintaining the same video quality.
“Broadband network operators around the world are aggressively pursuing the promise of ‘triple play,’ the combination of voice, video and data services in one solution,” said Lynne Elander, general manager of marketing for the Microsoft TV Division at Microsoft. “The combination of the Microsoft TV IPTV platform and TANDBERG Television’s real-time encoder brings this promise one step closer to commercial reality, opening exciting new revenue opportunities for all broadband operators.”
Microsoft TV and TANDBERG Television are conducting technical trials of their integrated solution with broadband operators in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, and expect volume deployments to begin in early 2005.
About TANDBERG Television
TANDBERG Television (Oslo: TAT) creates products and systems for the delivery of high-quality live video and on-demand content across cable, DSL, fiber, IP, satellite and terrestrial networks. Recognized as a market leader, the company provides systems integration and global support capabilities through its sales and 24-hour support operations in the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. TANDBERG Television’s customers include many of the major broadcasters, network operators and content owners around the world. For more information visit http://www.tandbergtv.com .
About Microsoft TV
Microsoft TV provides software solutions that help digital TV operators create new services that delight consumers. Designed to help cable providers and telecommunications companies derive more value from digital video and network infrastructure investments, the Microsoft TV product family supports a range of digital video services including interactive program guides, digital video recording, high-definition TV and on-demand programming. The Microsoft TV platform works across a full range of set-top boxes and TV devices. More information about Microsoft TV can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/tv .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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