Windows Vista will get its own Personal TV Channel system, courtesy of Philips. The Dutch consumer electronics manufacturer is currently right on track to making a downloadable version of the Personal TV Channel system tailor fitted on the Windows Vista operating system available as early as next year. The best thing about the offer of Philips Electronics for Vista, is that the product will be delivered as a free download. Jeroen Cappendijk, the Business Development Manager of the Personal TV Channel revealed that Philips currently plans to offer the product to system builder and original equipment manufacturers in order to come preinstalled on Vista computers.

Essentially, Personal TV Channel system is a customizable video recorder application designed to continually grow by learning the users' preferences. But the Personal TV Channel will not only serve the users' favorite content but also personalized commercials, in this context being nothing more than yet another vessel for targeted advertising.

"Integrated into a regular set-top box, this technology makes it simple to enjoy the wealth of content available on TV, video-on-demand services and Internet today. It automatically learns your preferences and favorite TV programs and uses that to add new, personal channels to your TV. Personal TV Channels shows only the content you're interested in - it avoids frustrated zapping. And you can enjoy it whenever you want. Because of this technology you will never miss your favorite program anymore. Using Personal TV Channels is as easy as changing channels on a regular TV," Philips revealed.

The IFA international consumer electronics show in Berlin will be the stage where Philips will showcase the prototype for the Personal TV Channel system. "The set-up is really easy. You just create a channel and select a program. The system monitors your zapping habits and automatically refines your channel," revealed Cappendijk as cited by the Washington Post. "Some consumers want to see commercials for certain products or services, like cars or vacation trips. The system can select commercials that meet their personal profile." One aspect that will be interesting to keep an eye out for is the integration between the Philips system and Windows Vista's Windows Media Center.