Microsoft has unveiled its TV Foundation Edition, its
latest effort to gain a software foothold in the cable television
market.
The oresident and chief executive officer of US cable operator
Comcast, Brian Roberts, said that his company would use the
software during a trial with some of its subscribers later this
year.
Microsoft also announced that Mexican operator Cablevisión
(CVC), a subsidiary of Grupo Televisa in Mexico, will use Microsoft
software to deliver digital services to subscribers, starting with
the Microsoft TV Interactive Program Guide (IPG) this year and then
rolling out Foundation Edition next year.
"If Comcast goes through with this plan, it's a big deal," said
Gartner analyst Jim Brancheau. "It's a recognition that the
architecture looks good, it's a sign that the door is starting to
open on this market."
When the internet bubble burst two years ago, it became apparent
that manufacturers were not going to roll out advanced set-top
boxes as quickly as they had hoped, and cable operators put a
damper on aggressive plans to roll out digital TV services.
Microsoft's first versions of its TV platform failed to gain any
traction because they were developed at a time when it seemed that
cable operators were going to buy into advanced set-top boxes.
But the TV Foundation Edition is the latest shot in a salvo of
products geared for this generation of set-top boxes, said Ed
Graczyk, director of marketing for Microsoft's MS TV unit.
The first product in this family, IPG, designed to make it
easier for TV watchers to find shows and customise their viewing,
was launched last year.
Foundation Edition allows operators to create "on-demand
storefronts", channels designed to let consumers easily find and
purchase a variety of on-demand offerings.
Foundation Edition also provides authoring tools integrated with
the Microsoft .net Compact Framework TV Edition,so that operators
can broadcast a variety of services and applications including
games, news and weather information services.
Cable companies can use the software to track consumer behaviour
and target special deals and advertising to certain parts of their
audience.
Microsoft has plans to roll out Foundation Edition and IPG in
Europe but has not announced a timetable, Graczyk said, adding
that European cable operators are weathering a financial storm and
are not in a position to roll out new services. Microsoft also
needs to port the software to the European TV signal standard, he
noted.
Marc Ferranti writes for IDG News
Service