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Mediaroom-based services can now add Mediaroom Anytime, enabling TV viewers to enjoy previously aired programs or restart currently airing shows without preplanning or prior DVR recording; new immersive applications complement the Mediaroom TV experience with content and services from the Internet. LAS VEGAS — Jan. 8, 2009 — At 2009 International CES today, Microsoft Corp. unveiled Mediaroom Anytime, a groundbreaking feature set for the Microsoft Mediaroom multimedia and IPTV platform that allows viewers to truly watch TV on their own time. In addition to existing Mediaroom features, such as video on demand, DVR Anywhere and Remote Digital Video Recording, the … Continue reading Microsoft Mediaroom Gets More Power and Gives TV a Reverse Gear

2008 was going to be the year of IPTV, and while AT&T and Verizon (actually QAM) have made great strides in the IPTV marketplace, Microsoft hasn’t done much to push what was promised on their end (Note: Microsoft powers AT&Ts IPTV DVRs).  Of course the prime example here is the concept of using your Xbox 360 as an IPTV DVR. The concept had been thrown around online for some time, but at CES 2008 Microsoft made it official and announced they were working with BT in the UK to bring the functionality to life.  That’s about the last time I … Continue reading ‘08 Disappointments: Xbox IPTV

Microsoft Mediaroom Unveils Next-Generation Advertising Platform for IPTV Services New adjunct offering enables targeted and measurable advertisement insertion for Mediaroom service providers from one complete platform. AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Sept. 12, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the Microsoft Mediaroom Advertising Platform at the IBC2008 conference. The new adjunct offering lets broadband service providers deploying the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol television (IPTV) software platform offer targeted, measurable and interactive advertising spots all from one comprehensive platform. Service providers will benefit from operational flexibility and simplification with an end-to-end solution that enables integrated, cross-platform advertisement deployments. Marking the first instance of … Continue reading Microsoft IPTV Press Releases from IBC2008

A few days ago I talked about a new plug-in called Remind Me which pops up reminders in Media Center for user defined events.  My main issue with the plug-in was no way to import events from something like Outlook, but as of today you can import from Outlook 2003 and 2007! Missing Remote has a nice review of MCEfm, a Last.fm plug-in for Media Center.  Verdit?  It’s approved for everyday use by Mike so you might want to check it out. Gizmodo has an overview of Microsoft IPTV platform, MediaRoom and how it beats cable and satellite services.

Microsoft Announces New Support for Silverlight by Content Companies Worldwide Today at the NAB Show 2008, Microsoft Corp. announced significant momentum for Microsoft Silverlight resulting from new customers adopting Silverlight to deliver richer, more interactive media experiences on the Web. Building on recent support from major content providers such as AOL and NBC Olympics.com on MSN, Microsoft announced new adoption of Silverlight by media and content companies worldwide, including Madison Square Garden (MSG) Interactive, Tencent, Abertis Telecom, Terra Networks Operations, SBSi, MNet and Yahoo! JAPAN. “It’s exciting to see broad industry recognition and rapid adoption of Silverlight across the world,” … Continue reading Microsoft at NAB Show 2008

Powerful Sigma Designs SMP8654 Media Processor improves cost/performance range for Microsoft Mediaroom deployments. LAS VEGAS — April 14, 2008 — Sigma Designs (Nasdaq “SIGM”), a leader in digital media processing system-on-a-chips (SoCs) for consumer electronics, and Microsoft Corp. today announced a collaboration to enable the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform to operate on next-generation set-top boxes using the new Sigma SMP8654 SoC. The solution will provide a high-performance, cost-effective design that will give service providers the ability to offer innovative connected TV services, such as PC-to-TV photo and music sharing and also DVR Anywhere, which gives … Continue reading Sigma Designs and Microsoft Collaborate on Advanced IPTV System-on-a-Chip for Microsoft Mediaroom

Microsoft is finally getting set to take HDTV in Media Center outside of the US!  Our first hint was a few months ago in a job application where Microsoft stated they were working with European satellite TV providers.  This just screamed Sky to me, and with Media Center get H.264 and DVB-S(2) support in the next Media Center release it was just a matter of time until things started to materialize more. The next step has been taken in the form of another job application, this one laying to rest that Microsoft will indeed be taking HDTV outside of the … Continue reading Microsoft Finally Seeking to Globalize HDTV in Media Center

CES just started a few hours ago, but I already feel like it can start being wrapped up.  This years show just hasn’t had the pop it needed, and it all started with Microsoft’s lackluster keynote.  Unlike pervious years, fancy demos of new products and concepts didn’t take center stage.  Instead most of the show centered on Bill leaving.  The whole Connected Home/Experience/Digital Decade concept didn’t make a big slash, despite it being the main topic.  Media Center had its 15 seconds of fame with half a dozen mentions in the keynote, yet no product demos or anything on stage. … Continue reading CES Wrap-up Part 1

Microsoft’s service provider customers add two new IPTV subscriber households per minute. LAS VEGAS — Jan. 6, 2008 — Today at 2008 International CES, Microsoft Corp. announced that its Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform is delivering video entertainment experiences to more than 1 million set-top boxes worldwide and its service provider customers are adding two new IPTV subscriber households every minute. The Mediaroom platform is on pace to reach 1 million subscriber homes in the first quarter of 2008. These milestones demonstrate the growing consumer demand for IPTV and connected television experiences that go beyond traditional … Continue reading Microsoft Mediaroom Delivers Connected TV to More Than 1 Million Set-Top Boxes

Microsoft’s award-winning Mediaroom IPTV platform introduces exciting new features that connect consumers with their favorite shows and people from any TV in the home. LAS VEGAS — Jan. 6, 2008 — Today at 2008 International CES, Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of DVR Anywhere on the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform, giving digital video recording (DVR) consumers the flexibility to watch their recorded TV programs on any TV in their home, further enhancing the platform’s powerful connected TV capabilities. In addition, Microsoft also announced it is working with leading programmers, including Showtime Networks Inc. and Turner … Continue reading Microsoft Mediaroom Brings Connected TV to Life