Microsoft = High-Definition Content

Microsoft and high definition are becoming somewhat of synonymous concepts. The correlation is built by the Redmond company's VC-1 video encoding technology and tools, offered as a solution to deliver superior performance and quality in scenarios involving everything from HD optical discs to broadband streaming services, to video on demand and to content pushed via portable devices, or through IPTV. In this context, Microsoft applauded the generalization of the technology, as in excess of 85% of all HD DVD titles made available on the U.S. market were produced with VC-1. Now, the Redmond company is yet again bringing the encoding technology into the limelight since the initial announcement related to VC-1 at the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters conference in April.

"As digital delivery matures, high-fidelity display devices proliferate, and consumer expectations continue to rise, content providers are recognizing the value of delivering superior-quality video to their customers," said Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president of the Consumer Media Technology Group at Microsoft. "The Microsoft VC-1 Encoder SDK gives solution providers access to features and capabilities developed through years of experience with the Hollywood encoding facilities, generating the award-winning video quality seen on HD DVD today."

And Microsoft announced yet another step designed to further evolve the implementation of VC-1. In this regard, IBC2007 was the stage were additional support from leading solutions providers was introduced for the Redmond company's VC-1 Encoder software development kit (SDK). Anystream, Envivio, Inlet Technologies, Memory-Tech, Rhozet (Harmonic Inc.), Tarari and ViewCast all unveiled products with VC-1 at their core.

"Leading companies in digital delivery services and compression tools have taken advantage of the substantial quality and performance improvements delivered through the new SDK and are building next-generation offerings that efficiently produce pristine video imagery for a variety of distribution and consumption scenarios. Additionally recognizing the benefits of faster encoding and the value of delivering best-of-breed video quality to their customers, leading content providers have adopted the new VC-1 Encoder technology through the use of new products and tools," Microsoft added.