Sign in Subscribe
Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft and Columbia TriStar Team Up to Foster Interactive Television (ITV) Content Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) 2000 trade show has witnessed the launch of the Microsoft TV Interactive Pitch, a creative shootout designed to stimulate the creation and delivery of interactive television (ITV) programming content. Columbia TriStar Television Distribution and Microsoft Corp. have teamed up to provide development support to the winner of this competition. The event aims to tap into the growing demand for ITV, which is expected to transform the way television programming is consumed. Industry partners such as Big Ticket Television, Discovery Channel, HBO & Co., and MSNBC are already offering over 500 hours of ITV content per week to their subscribers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Microsoft TV Interactive Pitch aims to encourage the development of ITV programming content, which is expected to revolutionize the television industry.
  • Columbia TriStar Television Distribution and Microsoft Corp. have partnered to provide development support to the winner of the competition.
  • The event is designed to foster innovation in ITV content development, with 13 companies offering support to the winners, including Chyron Corp., ExtendMedia Inc., and Network Nine Inc.
  • Microsoft TV Platform offers a comprehensive software solution for the television industry, supporting digital TV broadcast standards and interactive content authored according to the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) standard.
  • WebTV Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, is currently offering more than 1 million subscribers its WebTV Network Plus Interactive service, featuring over 500 hours of ITV content per week.
  • The development of ITV programming is happening now, with industry leaders recognizing its value and potential for creating new economic opportunities and enhancing the viewing experience.

Statistics:

  • Over 500 hours of ITV content are being offered per week to WebTV Networks' subscribers.
  • Microsoft TV Platform supports worldwide digital TV broadcast standards, including DVB, ATSC, and ARIB.
  • Microsoft TV Server is a suite of software components offering network operators the tools to provision, manage, and operate a large-scale, commercial-grade enhanced TV service.
  • WebTV Networks has over 1 million subscribers to its WebTV Network Plus Interactive service.

Sources:

  • Columbia TriStar Television Distribution
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) 2000 trade show
  • Big Ticket Television
  • Discovery Channel
  • HBO & Co.
  • MSNBC
  • Chyron Corp.
  • ExtendMedia Inc.
  • Network Nine Inc.
  • WebTV Networks
  • Microsoft TV Platform
  • Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF)
  • Sony Pictures Entertainment

Read more