Phone Giant BellSouth has announced it has begun trials on Microsoft's Internet Television (IPTV) software to determine whether or not it could be used in their upcoming Video service. The company said initially it will be testing the software in set-top boxes in the lab, and then target some homes for field trials. The company is attempting to find ways to transmit video programming through Internet broadband lines. This adds another influential telecom firm as a potential client for Microsoft. In November SBC Communications agreed to pay Microsoft $400 million to use its IPTV edition for its Internet TV service due this year. IPTV will provide a channel guide, digital video recording and other features in SBC's video set-top boxes.
SBC on Wednesday introduced its upcoming IP video service as "U-verse," which will be sold with high-definition video, high-speed Internet access and voice calling. Microsoft is trying to strike deals with cable and phone companies to ensure its software plays a significant role in the next generation of television set-top boxes. The local phone giants in particular are looking at Microsoft to help break cable's dominance in the living room by providing more features that mix the Internet with TV programming.
Source:
News.com
Source:
News.com
