Microsoft unveils Mediaroom 2.0

Microsoft has revealed details of version 2.0 of its IPTV platform Mediaroom.

Mediaroom 2.0, which can be tested by operators from next month, will enable IPTV providers to deliver content to more devices using a single cloud-based infrastructure. It will support services including cloud digital video recording, on-demand features, interactive applications and access to both operator-hosted content and externally hosted content such as broadband TV. Microsoft said operators’ services can be deployed on multiple screens including the TV, Windows Media Center, web browsers, Xbox 360 and compatible smartphones.

Also new with Mediaroom 2.0, service providers will be able to offer their existing on-demand TV service to their entire broadband customer base using their existing set-top box inventory, thereby expanding their service footprint beyond the reach of the IPTV network. Service providers will also be able to offer subscribers access to their on-demand programming remotely using a range of web browsers running on Windows-based PCs and Macs and, in the near future, on compatible smartphones.

Mediaroom 2.0 also adds support for Microsoft Silverlight and Microsoft Internet Information Services Smooth Streaming.