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Microsoft Introduces Microsoft TV Foundation
Edition 1.7, one of the First Software Platforms to Support Motorola DCT6400
Series Set-Tops with Integrated Dual-Tuner DVR and High-Definition
Functionality
Enhanced Software
Platform Offers Industry-Leading Digital Video Recording
Functionality
NEW ORLEANS — 3 May
2004 — Today at The National Show, the National Cable &
Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA’s) Annual Convention and
International Exposition, Microsoft Corp. announced Microsoft® TV Foundation
Edition 1.7, the latest update of its digital cable software platform and one of
the first to support the Motorola DCT6412 set-top with integrated dual-tuner
digital video recording (DVR) and high definition functionality. Microsoft TV
Foundation 1.7 provides cable operators with a comprehensive and flexible
solution to deploy, market and merchandize premium services such as video on
demand (VOD) and high-definition television (HDTV), and provides some of the
most advanced support for DVR available today, taking full advantage of the new
dual-tuner capabilities of the Motorola DCT6400 advanced digital set-top
platform. Microsoft TV Foundation Edition 1.7 will be on display at Microsoft
Booth No. 2223.
“We are pleased to have
Microsoft TV support the launch of the Motorola DCT6412 HD set-top with
dual-tuner DVR,” said Dan
Moloney, Motorola executive vice president and president,
Broadband Communications Sector. “The DCT6412 platform supports a variety
of advanced applications, including Microsoft TV Foundation Edition, enabling
operators to offer a single solution for such compelling entertainment options
as HDTV, watch-and-record DVR and video-on-demand.”
Introduced simultaneously with the Motorola
DCT6412 dual-tuner set-top, Microsoft TV Foundation 1.7 enables cable operators
to take advantage of the latest hardware technology on the market. Microsoft TV
Foundation is a powerful and flexible digital cable software platform that is
designed to promote increased consumer satisfaction, loyalty and purchasing.
Foundation 1.7 builds on previous versions to enable a fluid, integrated
subscriber experience across broadcast, on-demand, high-definition and
time-shifted content. The software features a new video window displaying
background programming while consumers are viewing static or recorded screens,
and the most advanced support for digital video recording available today:
Unique video window. Foundation 1.7
features a new scaled video window showing live, delayed, recorded or on-demand
programming when consumers are viewing the guide, recorded TV or informational
screens on compatible set-tops.
Dual-tuner
support. Foundation 1.7 enables simultaneous recording of two programs or
viewing of one live show while recording another.
Most advanced recording options with
improved smart series recording. With Foundation 1.7 consumers can save a
specific number of episodes, extend the start or end times for a show, eliminate
duplicate recordings, record only first-run episodes or reruns, and more. The
software will automatically adjust for changes in program start times.
Smart progress bar. Foundation 1.7
graphically displays recording and viewing progress on screen so consumers can
easily see the duration of a show, how much has been recorded and the exact
point at which they are currently viewing.
Record
from pause/live TV buffer. Foundation 1.7 is flexible enough to accommodate
consumers who decide to record a show after they’ve already been watching
it by saving up to 90 minutes that have already been watched.
Foundation 1.7 also includes an improved
Interactive Program Guide (IPG) supporting up to 14 days of listings for
high-memory set-tops. With the Foundation platform, multiple service operators
(MSOs) also can offer games and information services, including local news,
weather and sports content, bringing new benefits to consumers. The Foundation
platform is customizable by the MSO and scales from today’s thin-client,
high-definition and/or DVR-enabled set-top to future-generation devices,
providing a consistent consumer experience in which cable operators can promote
services as their digital video offering
evolves.
“Microsoft TV is proud to be one
of the first to market with support for the Motorola DCT6412,” said Moshe
Lichtman, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV Division at Microsoft.
“Working with such key partners as Motorola, Microsoft TV continues to
deliver on our promise to continually create new value for network operators and
advance the market through innovative software that enhances and simplifies the
consumer television
experience.”
Microsoft TV Foundation
version 1.7 is Microsoft’s fourth DVR product, and the third with
dual-tuner digital video support. It will be commercially available this summer.
About the Microsoft TV
Platform
Microsoft TV provides software
solutions that help pay-TV operators create new services that delight consumers
and derive more value from digital video 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 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.
# #
#
Media
Contact:
Microsoft TV Team
Weber Shandwick
Seattle
+1-425-452-5400
mstv@webershandwick.com
Microsoft is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual
companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
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