Windows 7 Gets Free Internet TV via Windows Media Center

Customers that are already running the latest iteration of the Windows client will discover that they are able to access and enjoy videos from the web right into Windows Media Center via what Microsoft refers to as Internet TV. Of course, only certain editions of Window 7 are capable of offering Internet TV to users, namely the SKUs that sport the feature: Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. However, not all that run Windows 7 with Windows Media Center will be able to take advantage of the extra content delivered through Internet TV, because the feature is available only in the US.

“Internet TV lets you watch videos from a variety of providers via the Internet right in Windows Media Center in addition to live and recorded TV (if you have a TV tuner for your PC),” noted Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team. “For Windows 7, Internet TV has been updated with enhancements to the UI and features more content from new content providers. Those providers include the CBS Audience Network, Zune (Full Zune Video Podcast Library available), MSNBC, MSN, and more.”

The promise from Microsoft is that Internet TV will come to Windows 7 users in the United Kingdom. No deadline was offered for the UK version of Windows 7 Internet TV to go live, with LeBlanc revealing only that the feature would make its debut soon. Across the Atlantic, Windows 7 users will be served content from Sky and MSN.

“Internet TV is currently now available for free for people running Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate. The CBS Audience Network and the Zune Video Podcast Library in Internet TV is only be available within the U.S,” LeBlanc added. Microsoft released Windows 7 to the general public on October 22nd, 2009. Following the official GA deadline, the operating system is currently available for purchase worldwide.