ITU Telecom World 2003

October 15, 2003
Reliance Infocomm, Microsoft TV to jointly work on next-gen IPTV services

UNITED STATES -- Microsoft Corp. and Reliance Infocomm Ltd. plan to work together to create, test and deliver next-generation IP-based TV services using an upcoming IPTV solution being developed by Microsoft TV.

The technology will enable Reliance Infocomm to leverage its nationwide high-speed infrastructure to deliver a unique set of next-gen TV services that take full advantage of its state-of-the-art network. The relationship also will enable the companies to test the benefits to Indian households of leading Microsoft technologies such as Windows Media 9 Series, Microsoft .NET and Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft's IPTV solution will enable telephone and cable companies to deliver engaging, high-quality video content and services to their subscribers using two-way broadband networks. The solution is will combine industry and Microsoft innovations to support the services that pay-TV operators offer, including standard- and high-definition channels, on-demand programming, and interactive program guides, with enhanced features such as instant channel changing. The solution also will enable new next-gen services that include picture-in-picture functionality using multiple video streams.

Amit Khanna, official spokesperson, Reliance Infocomm, said: "We are happy to work with Microsoft to create and test a solution that will help us offer a variety of services for a rich TV experience. This understanding highlights the strategic relationship between Reliance Infocomm and Microsoft to provide next-gen broadcast TV and video-on-demand services to our Indian consumers."

Moshe Lichtman, corporate vice president, Microsoft TV Division, added: "Microsoft TV's IPTV solution allows Reliance Infocomm to maximise the value of its network. Reliance Infocomm has the strategic vision to look to the future and next-gen TV services, and recognises the value that software can add to the IPTV and advanced video services market. We are pleased to kick off our new IPTV efforts by announcing this alliance with one of India's largest private-sector enterprises."