Microsoft launches Mediaroom Anytime, and works with emuse and BBC Worldwide to create ground-breaking "Top Gear" application.
LAS VEGAS - Jan. 8, 2009 - At 2009 International CES today, Microsoft Corp. unveiled Mediaroom Anytime, and also demonstrates new immersive concept applications.
Mediaroom Anytime is a groundbreaking feature set for the Microsoft Mediaroom multimedia and IPTV platform that allows viewers to truly watch TV on their own time. In addition to existing Mediaroom features, such as video on demand, DVR Anywhere and Remote Digital Video Recording, the new Mediaroom Anytime features take time-shifted TV to the next level, enabling viewers to access previously aired shows directly from the Interactive Program Guide or immediately restart currently airing shows without any preplanning or prior DVR recording.
At 2009 International CES, Microsoft also unveiled new immersive concept applications that complement the Microsoft Mediaroom TV experience with content and services from the Internet. These applications, show new ways for viewers to engage with and personalize the TV experience.
One such application was developed by emuse around the BBC's award winning flagship motoring show "Top Gear." This application allows fans to access and interact with content found on http://www.topgear.com . Viewers may also use interactive features and video on-demand functionality to download episodes of the show.
"emuse is proficient working on the Microsoft Mediaroom Presentation Framework and has a significant track record in doing so" said Patrick Rainsford CEO emuse "We are confident that our demonstration application for "Top Gear" will illustrate clearly the competence we have developed in the environment. The renowned TV show is excellent content to be working with and Presentation Framework provides the building blocks needed for creating innovative and intuitive user experiences for TV" he concluded.
"Television is no longer a one-way broadcast experience. With powerful software and network connectivity TV is evolving to deliver richer, more immersive ways for consumers to watch anything, anytime and anywhere," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Connected TV Business Group at Microsoft
In addition, Microsoft announced that the Mediaroom platform has reached nearly 2.5 million subscriber homes worldwide, an increase of more than 1.5 million new connections in the past year alone.
The ongoing subscriber momentum for Mediaroom-powered services demonstrates a growing demand from consumers for new ways to watch TV beyond what traditional cable and satellite providers offer today. As this demand increases, Microsoft continues to bring new life to its vision for connected TV by unlocking additional avenues for consumers to experience TV on their own terms.
About Microsoft Mediaroom
The award-winning Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia software platform is driving the future of television by enabling broadband service providers to deliver new connected TV and entertainment experiences to consumers worldwide. Microsoft Mediaroom provides new ways for consumers to experience TV as part of their connected, digital lifestyle, while also creating new business opportunities for broadband service providers, hardware manufacturers, content creators, advertisers and application developers. Over 20 of the world's leading service providers across four continents have selected the Microsoft Mediaroom platform to drive their digital TV services. More information on Microsoft Mediaroom and the opportunity to deliver the best in TV plus all your media in one place is available at http://www.microsoftmediaroom.com .
About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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Weber Shandwick for Microsoft, (425) 452-5400, mstv@webershandwick.com
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