TV Technology Moves Forward with Philips and Microsoft

By
iApplianceWeb
(09/19/01, 10:40:19 AM EDT)

Philips Digital Networks and Microsoft have combined forces to develop a next-generation advanced iTV cable set-top box solution. The combination is based on Philips' Nexperia Digital Video Platform (DVP) and the Microsoft TV Advanced software platform and incorporates Philips' CryptoWorks conditional access system.

The system was designed to aide network operators in deploying a wide range of interactive television services and applications on their networks quickly and easily. The package, running on a new Philips set-top box, gives cable operators the ability to download new applications and upgrades to the set-top box seamlessly over the network.

Because the combined Philips and Microsoft TV platform is built on open standards, the extendable architecture allows for a wide variety of third party applications and services to be developed efficiently and independently using existing skills and development teams.

Nexperia DVP, based on the TriMedia processor, is a processor package with a scalable platform architecture that addresses a wide range of digital video applications and the potential for interoperability between digital devices. This scalability will also enable the set-top box to receive high-quality IP-based streamed audio and video content. The Nexperia DVP's architecture facilitates the download of future standards, and at the same time enhances the forward-thinking capabilities of the Microsoft TV platform.

Microsoft TV is an interactive TV software Platform, allowing network operators to choose the components that best fit their needs from the widest range of software options. The platform supports a variety of enhanced TV applications, high-speed Internet access, a customizable user interface, digital video recording, multiplayer gaming, an electronic program guide, Windows Media streaming audio and video, and complete home networking services.

Links:
Philips Digital Networks
MicrosoftTV