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MICROSOFT RELAUNCHES DIGITAL CABLE PLATFORM

Microsoft, which failed in first attempt to crack cable market with Windows CE platform for set-top boxes, introduced new Microsoft TV Foundation Edition at NCTA show in Chicago Mon. New platform, which gained initial design win with Cablevision digital cable TV system in Mexico, will target video-on-demand (VoD), among other services, by delivering “consistent VoD user experience” regardless of provider, Microsoft said. It also offers support for range of cable STBs including Motorola products, and allows cable operators to customize device.

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Software giant’s relaunch follows series of failed efforts including agreements with AT&T and Comcast several years ago for Windows CE-based platform that never expanded beyond tests. Microsoft also made multiple investments in European cable operators in late 1990s that yielded few results. It bought 5% of United Pan-European Communications (UPC) in 1999 only to have cable operator switch to another software provider. And Microsoft has appeared in recent months be moving toward shedding 23.6% stake it acquired in British cable and telecom operator Telewest, which has struggled under weight of $7.7 billion in debt.

Meanwhile, Pioneer unveiled Voyager 4000 HD-DVR that combines personal video recorder with dual-tuner HD STB. Device allows HD and analog TV signal to be encoded on hard drive simultaneously, allowing viewers to watch one program while recording another. It also enables consumer to configure output screen resolutions based on type of display being used, Pioneer said. STB also comes with IEEE-1394 and DVI connectors. Pioneer also introduced Passport Echo software that’s designed to work with STB’s PVR, including enabling viewer to set menu preferences, prioritize video stored on hard drive and pause action during live program.

Zenith and parent LG Electronics also signed licensing agreement for Sony’s Passage technology, software that provides interoperability among multiple conditional access systems and equipment. Passage software allows LG and Zenith equipment to operate with existing vendors’ products on digital cable networks. It supports open standards and allows choice of conditional access systems and headend equipment, Sony said.

On programming front, Starz Encore announced plans for new HD premium movie channel spread into 2 time zone feeds. Starz On Demand, company’s VoD service, also will make select movies available in HD, company said. Sharper Movies HD will consist of commercial-free films transmitted in widescreen format with 1080i resolution and Dolby Digital sound. Starz HD will include east and west feeds in 1080i widescreen and Dolby Digital, while Starz Hi Res will be available in 480i.