Comcast, the leading cable operator in the U.S., will launch a trial of Microsoft TV software for delivering new digital TV services to its customers. Initially, Comcast will conduct a limited trial of the Microsoft TV Interactive Program Guide (IPG) beginning this fall in Seattle using Motorola DCT2000 set-top boxes. Microsoft TV is a family of standards-based client (set-top box) and server software that can be used for as video on demand, On-Demand Storefronts, interactive program guides, managed content services, digital video recording, enhanced programming, e-mail, instant messaging and other services.
Separately, Time Warner Cable agreed to perform a trial of the Microsoft TV Interactive Program Guide (IPG) software using Motorola DCT2000 set-tops. The trial will take place in Beaumont, Texas, where Time Warner has approximately 100,000 subscribers.
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- In June 2003, Microsoft unveiled a new digital TV software platform aimed at cable operators. Microsoft TV Foundation is positioned as an end-to-end solution to help cable operators promote services such as video on demand (VOD), while providing viewers with an interactive program guide (IPG). Microsoft’s TV Foundation can run on a range of set-top devices, including the Motorola DCT1700, DCT2000, DCT2500, DCT5100 and DCT6000 product lines. Companies announcing support for the platform include Motorola, SeaChange, Concurrent Computer Corp, MetaTV, Two Way TV and Advanced Digital Broadcast. In addition, Sigma Designs, National Semiconductor and selected application developers are working with Microsoft TV to develop future products and technologies. Cablevisión, Mexico’s largest cable operator, intends to roll out services powered by Microsoft TV beginning in the second half of this year. The company expects to have 450,000 subscribers in Mexico City using the system within the next year. Cablevisión will deploy the services on Motorola digital set-tops.