2008 International CES was the stage where Microsoft announced that it was breathing new life into the traditional television experience. The Redmond company unveiled a new level of connected TV capabilities via Mediaroom. With the integration of DVR Anywhere in Mediaroom, users will be able to access and watch digital video recordings from various TVs in their homes. Mediaroom is, of course, Microsoft's Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform. And with the addition of DVR Anywhere capabilities, users will enjoy extensive flexibility when it comes to simultaneously watching recorded programs on multiple TVs in the same household, while concomitantly recording more content.

"With DVR Anywhere and the promise of new applications that can further extend Microsoft Mediaroom's potential in the future, Microsoft is delivering on its promise to make the television experience truly social, personal and connected. Consumer demand for connected TV is here, and Microsoft Mediaroom continues to offer new ways for viewers to experience TV as part of their connected, digital lifestyle while also enabling the very best digital TV service available anywhere", revealed Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Connected Television Division at Microsoft.

Still, the Redmond company's news for Mediaroom did not stop with DVR Anywhere. Additional offerings are cooking for the IPTV platform, courtesy of programmers such as Showtime Networks , TNT and CNN. Microsoft promised that such collaborations would deliver fresh connected TV applications and scenarios. And on top of this, the My Pad application will permit social networking users to connect to online hotspots via their TVs.

"Consumers are coming to expect connected TV services from their TV provider. With Microsoft Mediaroom, consumers are promised new ways to extend their TV experience beyond the living room, making the TV a major hub of the connected entertainment lifestyle. This innovation enables carriers to differentiate video offerings based on very compelling connected functionality rather than simply competing on price", stated Pete Dailey, senior research analyst with Stratecast Research.