Bell, Microsoft team on broadband TV
TERRY WEBER
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Bell Canada and software giant Microsoft Corp. announced plans Thursday to test the use of broadband networks to deliver the phone company's Bell ExpressVu service to Canadian homes — a move the pair billed as a first-of-its-kind effort in this country.
The plan involves using Microsoft's new Internet Protocol TV technology — which compresses television signals — to send ExpressVu programming over Bell's broadband network.
If successful, the trial could open up new markets for Bell's service, which is now available to Canadian homes through direct-to-home satellite.
The timing of the trial was not announced. Microsoft plans to demonstrate a prototype of its IPTV technology at a conference in Geneva this weekend.
“It (Microsoft's technology) will allow Bell Canada to maximize the value of its network and its Bell ExpressVu digital programming service,” Moshe Lichtman, vice-president of Microsoft's TV division, said.
Microsoft also announced a similar pact with India's Reliance Infocomm Ltd. on Thursday.
Microsoft's IPTV — which also supports high-definition television, next-generation digital video recording and video on demand — uses video compression technology to dramatically reduce the bandwidth needed to transmit programming. That, Bell said, will allow it to deliver “broadcast quality video services to a variety of devices over its broadband network.”
“Microsoft TV's IPTV is designed to support standard and high-definition channels, on-demand programming, and interactive program guides, plus future service offerings which leverage two-way, interactive platforms,” the companies said.
Bell is a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc. BCE also controls Bell Globemedia, owner of The Globe and Mail and the CTV television network.
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