Microsoft has released the beta version of its Microsoft Mediaroom Presentation Framework to nearly 150 companies globally, including content providers, application developers and telco service provider customers like AT&T and BT.
The Presentation Framework beta will let service providers build and deploy rich IPTV-based services and applications, themselves or with third parties, that allow for the seamless blending of a show’s broadcast and Web elements. Service providers can repurpose and leverage content already available on the Web, which saves everyone time and money.
Applications could include a personal media portal on the TV, real-time social and communication capabilities, or news/sports applications featuring multiple camera views.
As part of the new initiative, Microsoft announced a strategic partnership with VimpelCom-Communications (VimpelCom) to deliver personalized TV services for consumers in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States through Corbina TV. The Corbina TV digital service will be powered by Microsoft’s Mediaroom IPTV multimedia software platform. Corbina TV will be the first Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV service in Russia and operated by Corbina Telecom, a subsidiary of VimpelCom.
Corbina TV will be delivered as part of a triple-play package to Corbina Telecom subscribers through purchase of a Motorola set-top box, where consumers can chose between one with 160GB hard disk or one without a hard drive.
Among the advanced features for subscribers are video on demand, digital video recording (DVR), instant channel changing, and fast search to quickly and easily look up shows using keywords.
For more information, visit www.microsoft.com.
