Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) has claimed a milestone for its Mediaroom IPTV software ― its first deployment over a cable network.
Originally focused on the likes of early, and large customers, AT&T Inc. (T) and BT Group plc (BT), the software giant recently confirmed that the advertising system it has built is compliant with SCTE 130, a specification created for the cable industry.
AT&T began deploying the Microsoft IPTV software years ago and launched its U-verse TV service in mid-2006.
So it’s no surprise that in a tough economy and with opportunities available abroad, Microsoft has been expanding the focus of its marketing and sales efforts. It announced key new capabilities for Mediaroom at the Consumer Electronics Show last week.
Microsoft says Guangzhou Digital Media Group has formally launched Zhujiang Digital, a connected TV service powered by the Microsoft Mediaroom platform. The vendor says this is the first time Mediaroom has been delivered “over a cable network anywhere in the world.”
The new service, available to residents in the Guangzhou region of China, also includes the first deployment of the Mediaroom Anytime feature set, which supports time-shifted TV.
From launch, Microsoft contends the Mediaroom-powered service will include high-definition content, video-on-demand features and the Mediaroom Anytime feature set.
The vendor says Mediaroom Anytinme can be used to access previously aired shows from the Interactive Program Guide and immediately restart currently airing programs without any pre-planning or prior DVR recording.
