14 DAY TRIAL // The latest update to Microsoft's Internet Protocol television (IPTV) software platform brings to the table the promise of enhanced entertainment and a marketing-friendly rebranding. NXTcomm was the stage for the debut of the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and Multimedia Platform. In this regard, the Redmond Company emphasized the new collection of connected entertainment experiences delivered by the revamped IPTV platform. With additional multimedia capabilities, improved dynamic MultiView, new Multimedia Application Environment and full support for digital terrestrial television, Microsoft Mediaroom is set as the new standard of IPTV entertainment.
"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."
But Microsoft has also opened Mediaroom to third-party content. Via the Microsoft Mediaroom Application Development toolkit, the Redmond Company delivers a collection of tools designed for building TV-based content on its IPTV platform. For Microsoft, overhauling the existing IPTV platform is equivalent to adding media sharing, support for multiple picture-in-picture and the multimedia application environment. Microsoft is pouring a consistent amount of efforts into its digital TV services offerings as the market is still young and the company aims to establish a dominance from the start.
"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."