Chris Lanier : IPTV, Home Server

Is This Microsoft's Future Media Platform/Service?

chrisl — Thu, 24 May 2007 01:35:00 GMT

Dave Zatz wants to know what this odd trademark application is about filed by Microsoft in Australia, and frankly so do I. Long Zheng first pointed it, and I have to say that nothing here really makes sense without stretching the imagination pretty far.

First of all, Microsoft is trying to trademark an image, the “arrowheads diverging from disc” as they put it. This is followed by the most obscure classification of what it might relate to. Among them, “Computer software for delivery of broadcast-quality video and television programming over broadband, cable, satellite and wireless networks; computer software for providing video-on-demand services; downloadable films and TV programs provided via video-on-demand” and much more. It basically includes a summery of everything involved in delivery of content and then playback and personal distribution of that content.

Here’s the full list of the various “Good and Services” that it would/could provide.

Computer software for delivery of broadcast-quality video and television programming over broadband, cable, satellite and wireless networks
Computer software for providing video-on-demand services
Downloadable films and TV programs provided via video-on-demand
Computer software for transmitting personal photos, video and music over broadband, cable, satellite and wireless networks
Computer software for digital video recording
Computer software for providing a programming guide to display available video and television broadcasts and downloads
Broadcasting services, providing video and television programming over broadband, cable, satellite and wireless networks
Video-on-demand services via broadband networks
Entertainment services
Providing information concerning television and video programming
Providing online user guides featuring information on television and video programs available over broadband, cable, satellite and wireless networks and available via video-on-demand services
Provision of non-downloadable films and TV programs via a video-on-demand service
Distribution of television shows, movies and videos for others

First of all, I’m not a big trademark know-it-all, but why did Microsoft apply for this in Australia?

Many have suggested this might be Microsoft’s counter to Joost, or some type of addition to their IPTV platform. I really have no idea, so here are some random ramblings about it. It seems to early to go after Joost, so I'm ruling out a direct product to compete with Joost.

Whatever all of this is will likely revolve around VC-1 to deliver this “broadcast-quality video.” Using VC-1 opens up this service or product up to various Microsoft devices including Vista PCs, Zune and Xbox 360. I feel like whatever it is will have the word “Anywhere” in the name. “Windows Live _______ Anywhere” seems like it would work nicely (maybe even a part of the Xbox LIVE Anywhere?)

So, my best guess for what this could be is some sort of whole home and/or whole life entertainment solution. It’s everything, anywhere, anytime. It’s a Slingbox-Media Center-Live Marketplace-“Social” experience. It works on your Vista PC, Zune, Xbox 360, Windows Mobile phone, etc.

It would be truly “Connected Entertainment.” Now, what are the chances of the above? I have no idea. It seems like Microsoft would need to partner with a few people to make this work, mainly for a way to provide all that content “over broadband, cable, satellite and wireless networks.”

To me that doesn’t seem like a simple addition to their IPTV platform, it sounds like a whole different concept based on being able to provide your media anywhere you are and at the same time opening the door for content providers to get their media out the door in new ways. Maybe it mixes in Windows Home Server to be the center of distribution from inside the home. Maybe it also would give Media Center users that SoftSled by any other name that we have been looking for. Maybe this is the key to connecting all of Microsoft’s half-baked products into a single unified product offering.

Only time will tell. What does it sound like to you?

Consumer Electronics Show Roundup (Part 1)

chrisl — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:23:00 GMT

So much stuff so far at CES that the main page of my blog has already rolled over. Here is a quick rundown of what has happened so far

CES Keynote/Microsoft

Windows Home Server

CableCARD

AMD/ATI

AMD Ignites Consumer Passions With New AMD LIVE! Notebook PC, Home Cinema and Media Server

HP MediaSmart HDTV with Media Center Extender Built-In

Embedded Automation

Embedded Automation’s New mCentral Simplifies Digital Home Integration

Sony

Sony Delivers Living Room PC With Blu-Ray Disc Technology (and CableCARD)

Microsoft's CES Press Releases

chrisl — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:06:00 GMT

Microsoft Integrates IPTV Software Platform With Xbox 360, Creating All-in-One Digital Entertainment Device | At the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. today announced a new solution that will bring together two of its leading entertainment products, the Xbox 360 gaming console and the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform, to create a unique digital entertainment offering. IPTV on Xbox 360™ is expected to be available to consumers by holiday season 2007 and will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services over broadband networks based on the IPTV Edition software platform. The solution was unveiled during Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates’ CES keynote address Jan. 7.

The integration of a video gaming console with Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services is intended to deliver a first-of-its-kind entertainment experience. IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to give consumers all the advantages of an advanced TV service along with the benefits of next-generation gaming, as well as unique new capabilities that the integrated solution brings. Xbox Live, the largest online social network in the living room, will be seamlessly integrated into the experience, providing consumers with a wide range of community-based features, such as voice chat, sending and receiving text and voice messages, and accessing Xbox Live Marketplace, all while watching TV. For example, while a TV viewer is enjoying his favorite football game, he can receive a message from a friend inviting him to a join voice chat while watching the game, or to play a game of their own with EA SPORTS “Madden NFL 07” on Xbox Live.

Read Full Press Release

Microsoft Hardware’s Innovative Industry Firsts Earn Top CES Honors | his week at the 2007 International CES in Las Vegas, Microsoft Corp. will showcase its award-winning peripherals, the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 and the Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000, both named CES Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering Awards Honorees on the basis of their innovative designs and advancements in peripheral engineering, including industry firsts and technologies that complement Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows Vista, as well as the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

Microsoft is responding to the changing ways consumers are interacting with their PC, and both the Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 and the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 are being honored for incorporating innovative technologies and stylish designs that allow users to be more productive and move effortlessly from work to play. These devices, along with the full line of Microsoft Hardware mice, keyboards and LifeCams, will be fully compatible with Windows Vista once the operating system is available to retail customers.

Read Full Press Release

Microsoft and Broadcom Deliver Combined Hardware and Software Platform for More Cost-Efficient HD DVD Players | Today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. and Broadcom Corp. announced a joint effort to support a hardware and software reference design for more cost-efficient HD DVD playback. The new platform uses Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 and Broadcom’s BCM7440 system-on-chip solution, allowing consumer electronics manufacturers, original design manufacturers and systems integrators to more easily and affordably deliver HD DVD playback. Several of the more innovative, high volume electronics companies that plan to use this new hardware and software platform to speed the production of HD DVD players include Lite-On IT Corp. and Zhenjiang Jiangkui Group Co. Ltd./ED Digital.

In less than a year, HD DVD is already transforming the way people watch movies. With several hundred thousand HD DVD players in homes and more than 240 movie titles to choose from, studios are taking full advantage of the pristine video and audio quality and the ability to add interactive features to blockbuster films. HD DVD movies have received reviewers’ top ratings among high-definition media, and consistently outsell and outrank similar titles of competing optical disc formats.^* To keep up with demand, major studios have announced more than 300 HD DVD movies for 2007.

Read Full Press Release

Microsoft Technology Brings HD DVD to the Mainstream | Today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. showcased the growing momentum behind HD DVD through its contribution of core technologies. Microsoft helped deliver the highest-quality video with the VC-1 codec, advanced interactivity with HDi™, and a streamlined and affordable platform for player manufacturers through the use of Microsoft^® Windows^® CE 6.0.

More than 150 HD DVD titles were authored this year with the VC-1 encoding tool, due to its outstanding picture quality. Titles such as “Batman Begins” from Warner Home Video, “King Kong” from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and “Mission: Impossible III” from Paramount Home Entertainment were all recognized by the industry for their reference quality while still allowing more room on the discs for advanced interactive features enabled by Microsoft’s HDi technology. As an official SMPTE standard, VC-1 is already the codec of choice for three major Hollywood studios, and it is also being used for digital downloads by leading services including the Xbox Live^® Marketplace for high-definition videos.

Read Full Press Release

Short Bits: Bill Gates CES Keynote

chrisl — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 02:53:00 GMT

Media Center SportsLounge with FOXSports.com combines live television, real-time scores and online sports media. Also, Windows Vista (premium versions) will have new content from existing partners and new ones, including, Nickelodeon, Showtime and Starz.
HP TouchSmart PC, Vista-inspired PC with touch-screen experience to desktop computing, entertainment hub, etc. Designed for everywhere, family room or living room. [Engadget Pics/Info]
Sony VAIO VGX-TP1, stylish PC for entertainment experience. Watch live and recorded TV and movies or surf the Web from their sofa using the wireless keyboard or remote control. [Engadget Pics/Info]
Xbox 360 with Microsoft TV IPTV Edition, expected to deliver world-class TV experiences such as digital video recording capabilities, with gaming, movie viewing, and even voice and video communications. Expected by holiday season 2007, offered by providers that are deploying TV services based on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform. [Engadget UI Gallery]
10.4 million Xbox 360 console-sold mark. Strong sales of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player and strong demand for downloadable movies and television.
Windows Home Server, software product to connect multiple PCs, digital devices and printers to help easily store, protect and share their rapidly expanding collections of digital content and entertainment. Later this year, HP plans to deliver the HP MediaSmart Server, powered by Windows Home Server. Automatic backup feature, remote access to data using Windows Live. Serve as a platform for independent software vendors to build innovative products for the digital home. [Engadget Pics/Info]

Microsoft Unveils Wave of New Products and Services at CES

chrisl — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 02:39:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 7, 2007 — Speaking at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates and Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division President Robbie Bach showed how the company is delivering a new generation of connected experiences that are inspired by the universal desire to create community and share interests and passions with friends and family.

Gates and Bach announced several new products and services that include new Windows Vista™-inspired PCs, never-before-seen Windows Vista features, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)-enabled Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, and a new partnership with Ford Motor Co. that will extend digital experiences to the car. The company also unveiled Microsoft^® Windows^® Home Server, which provides a central place to help store, protect and access all the digital content in the home.

“As the magic of software makes it easier for people to be creators, publishers and consumers of digital content, it is expanding the way we think about community and entertainment,” Gates said. “From your living room to your car, we’re delivering a wave of new software products and services that make it easier for you to manage your day-to-day lives, express your ideas and share your interests.”

Windows Vista: New Features Revealed as Countdown to Launch Begins

With less than a month to go until the Jan. 30 consumer launch of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system, thousands of PC manufacturers and system builders across the globe are preparing to deliver new PCs designed to run the new versions of Microsoft’s flagship Windows and Office products. By Jan. 30, more than 1.5 million devices will work with Windows Vista and more than 2,000 products will be Certified for Windows Vista, helping to make Internet and networking connections, home entertainment and business tasks faster, easier and more secure than ever.

As a part of his keynote address, Gates provided a first look at a number of Windows Vista features and announced several new content partnerships that will enable people to explore their interests and express their creativity with greater freedom than ever. For example, Windows DreamScene™, available to Windows Ultimate customers through Windows Ultimate Extras, transforms the PC desktop from static background wallpaper into a full-motion, personalized video canvas. Windows Media Center SportsLounge in conjunction with FOXSports.com seamlessly combines live television, real-time scores and online sports media to keep people close to their favorite games, teams and players. Premium versions of Windows Vista will also offer brand-new content from existing partners and new ones, including, Nickelodeon, Showtime and Starz.

Gates also unveiled a series of exciting new Windows Vista-powered PCs that ranged from innovative desktop designs and ultra-portable models, all scheduled to be available Jan. 30, including the following:

The HP TouchSmart PC, a Windows Vista-inspired PC that introduces the convenient touch-screen experience to desktop computing, serves as a fast and easy-to-access information, communication and entertainment hub designed to fit wherever life happens: in the kitchen, family room or living room.

The Toshiba Portege R400 is a Windows Vista-inspired signature mobile PC that incorporates innovative connectivity and display technologies to provide timely access to e-mail and appointments via Active Notifications and is built on Windows SideShow technology.
Sony VAIO VGX-TP1 is a stylish PC that delivers a high-performance entertainment experience so users can enjoy their favorite live and recorded TV and movies or surf the Web from their sofa using the wireless keyboard or remote control.
The Medion UMPC is an ultra-mobile PC that provides multiple input options such as a keyboard, a pen and touch capabilities and features the new Origami Experience, a user interface that optimizes entertainment and communications on the smallest class of personal computers running Windows Vista.

“Windows Vista is the catalyst for a variety of new hardware devices being made available to consumers,” Gates said. “The result will be an incredible set of new connected experiences that link our interests, our communities and our desires in ways that extend across home, work and play.”

With its powerful graphics capabilities, advanced parental controls, and connectivity to the Live games and entertainment network, Windows Vista promises to capture the imagination of 200 million hardcore and casual PC gamers alike. Titles such as “Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures” (Eidos Interactive Ltd./Funcom) and “Crysis” (EA Partners/Crytek) take advantage of DirectX^® 10, and offer some of the smoothest, most lifelike visual experiences available on any gaming platform today. Microsoft also showed off “Shadowrun” (Microsoft Game Studios) and “Halo^® 2 for Windows Vista” (Microsoft Game Studios), the first of many titles that will enable gamers on Windows Vista to connect with their friends on Xbox 360 through the Live network. And for casual gamers, the company demonstrated a cross-platform game of “UNO!,” with some players joining from their Windows Vista-based PCs and others joining from their Xbox 360 consoles.

“Windows Vista marks the biggest investment from Microsoft around Windows games since Windows 95, making games easier, safer and more fun to play on the PC,” said Gates. “For consumers, we believe gaming is one of the top reasons to upgrade to Windows Vista.”

The development of Windows Vista and the 2007 Office release are the result of an unprecedented collaboration between Microsoft and its customers and partners. After more than 5 million beta downloads of Windows Vista and the 2007 Office release, the two products were designed with the help of millions of customers worldwide, including 50 families from seven countries taking part in the Life with Windows Vista program.

Xbox 360 and Microsoft TV: Together Expanding the World of Games and Entertainment

In a move that will combine the power of Xbox 360 with Microsoft TV IPTV Edition, Bach provided an early look at a new service, IPTV on Xbox 360. The offering is expected to deliver world-class TV experiences such as digital video recording capabilities, with gaming, movie viewing, and even voice and video communications. Tapping into an expanded set of entertainment experiences, users will be able to watch their favorite sporting event live while chatting with their friends, for example, or participate in a match on Xbox Live^® while they record a TV program in the background. IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to be available to consumers by holiday season 2007 and will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services based on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform.

“Our goal is to make entertainment more personal, more interactive and more social,” Bach said. “IPTV on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are powerful examples of ways we are bringing together the worlds of gaming, TV viewing and community to make it easy for people to access and discover their favorite content and share their personal experiences with the communities they are part of.”

Microsoft TV IPTV Edition continues to strengthen its position in the market with deployments under way with five of the world’s largest service providers and trials with 11 additional companies, representing a footprint across 14 countries on four continents.

Bach also showcased the strong momentum behind Xbox 360 and highlighted the company’s success in delivering high-definition viewing experiences with HD DVD. Exceeding expectations by hitting the 10.4 million-console-sold mark this holiday season, Xbox 360 is the leading next-generation games and entertainment platform. It is also the largest social network in the living room, with 5 million Xbox Live members.

In addition, strong sales of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player and strong demand for downloadable movies and television programs are a clear indication that increasing numbers of consumers see Xbox 360 as an ideal device for connecting to a broad range of entertainment experiences. In just over a year, people have downloaded more than 100 million pieces of content to their Xbox 360 consoles, which include game content, television shows and movies.

Connecting Digital Devices and Experiences at Home and on the Road

During his keynote address, Gates announced Windows Home Server, a new software product for families with multiple PCs that want to connect their home computers, digital devices and printers to help easily store, protect and share their rapidly expanding collections of digital content and entertainment. Later this year, HP plans to deliver the HP MediaSmart Server, powered by Windows Home Server.

Windows Home Server was created to help consumers deal with the explosion in digital content. For example, 273 billion digital images were captured worldwide in 2006.¹ Today, more than 40 million homes in the U.S. have more than one PC² and one in three homes in the U.S. has an MP3 player.³ Windows Home Server automatically backs up home PCs and provides a central location for storing a family’s photographs, music, videos and documents. Using a personalized Windows Live™ Internet address, people will be able to remotely access digital content on Windows Home Server when they are away from home. At CES, companies such as AMD, Inventec Corp. and Quanta Computer Inc. will demonstrate hardware reference designs for Windows Home Server. Windows Home Server will also serve as a platform for independent software vendors to build innovative products for the digital home.

Gates also announced a partnership between Microsoft and Ford to deliver Sync, a voice-activated, intelligent means to connect personal electronic devices to vehicles, including a wide range of mobile phones, storage media, and portable music players such as Zune™ and others.

Sync, developed by Ford and based on the Microsoft Auto platform, will offer hands-free phone dialing, address-book synchronization, and other features such as the ability to read text messages through the car’s audio system. Drivers can also control their digital music players using voice commands or controls on the steering wheel. In addition, the Microsoft Auto software is easily updatable, so Sync can integrate new devices as they are introduced, with a simple software upgrade.

With Sync, Ford is using Microsoft Auto to give drivers greater control by unifying their mobile phones and portable media players into a single voice-operated in-car system. Sync is planned to be available in the second half of 2007 in 12 models of 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks and will expand to all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks by the 2009 model year.