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The new service, available to residents in the
"This is an exciting moment for consumers in
At a launch ceremony on
"With the launch of Zhujiang Digital Interactive TV service, the Guangzhou
Digital Media Group is delivering a personalized and connected alternative to
existing TV services," Yahua said. "Powered by the Microsoft Mediaroom
platform, the new service will allow residents in
From launch, the Mediaroom-powered service will include the following key features:
-- High-definition content for live, recorded and on-demand TV -- Mediaroom Anytime, which can be used to access previously aired shows from the Interactive Program Guide and immediately restart currently airing programs without any preplanning or prior DVR recording -- Powerful video-on-demand features enabling users to view shows whenever they want
Guangzhou Digital Media Group also has taken advantage of the capability within Mediaroom for rich interactivity and the ability to seamlessly blend Web content and services with broadcast TV. The company has already engaged a number of local enterprises to develop interactive TV applications to complement the TV viewing experience. The applications being developed will enable Guangzhou Digital Media Group to offer its viewers new ways to communicate, share media and personalize the TV experience. Locally built TV applications that will be available at launch as part of the service include the following:
-- Local news Web sites on TV provide information from government Web sites displayed on TV. -- Local sports and entertainment multimedia news lets viewers watch video clips, view pictures, vote on favorite shows and check text messages via the TV. -- Local government e-mail service enables subscribers to view e-mails sent out by local government. -- Information service allows subscribers to check their local social security information. -- TV e-commerce permits customers to pay their phone bill or traffic tickets through the TV.
The Guangzhou Digital Media Group plans to use the new Mediaroom Presentation Framework to launch a number of other innovative applications in the future, including online shopping and the ability to search for local information such as the latest on restaurants, hotels, entertainment and traffic news.
Microsoft Mediaroom has a global customer base of service provider customers including AT&T, BT and Deutsche Telekom, delivering connected TV services to nearly 2.5 million subscriber homes worldwide.
Guangzhou Digital Media Group (http://www.gzcatv.net), formerly Guangzhou
Radio and Television Network Limited, is the largest cable TV operator in
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.microsoft.com/mediaroom.
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.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.