Microsoft and Telecom Italia plan to conduct a joint test of next-generation television services using the Microsoft TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) software platform. Telecom Italia joins several other telecommunications companies worldwide, including Bell Canada, Reliance Infocomm, SBC Communications, Swisscom/Bluewin and others working with the Microsoft TV IPTV platform.
The platform enables broadband network operators to deliver high-quality video content and services to their customers using their existing and next-generation networks. The platform combines industry and Microsoft innovations to support the secure delivery of a full set of today's pay-TV service offerings, including SD and HD channels, on-demand programming, digital video recording and interactive program guides.
The platform also offers enhanced features, including instant channel changing and picture-in-picture functionality using multiple video streams. With the Microsoft TV platform, users can integrate the delivery of pay-TV services with other broadband services delivered to PCs, game consoles and other devices in the home using a common set of back-office and network systems.
For more information, visit www.microsoft.com/tv.
