Motorola and Microsoft Unveil New Interactive Television Solutions at NCTA's Cable 2000

Strategic Insights -

At the annual National Cable Television Association (NCTA) convention, Motorola Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced new digital interactive-television offerings for cable network operators and subscribers based on the Microsoft TV Platform and Motorola's DCT-2000 and DCT-5000+ set-top terminals and interactive digital systems. The companies showcased their latest innovations, including the Microsoft TV Access Channel Server, which enables cable operators to deliver digital-television services such as e-mail, Internet access, and interactive gaming to millions of cable subscribers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Motorola and Microsoft announced new digital interactive-television offerings for cable network operators and subscribers based on the Microsoft TV Platform and Motorola's DCT-2000 and DCT-5000+ set-top terminals and interactive digital systems.
  • The Microsoft TV Access Channel Server allows cable operators to deliver digital-television services such as e-mail, Internet access, and interactive gaming to millions of cable subscribers with Motorola's core interactive digital set-top terminal, the DCT-2000.
  • Broadband cable providers have deployed a range of interactive digital services, including video on demand, Internet access, e-mail, e-commerce, and other services, on the Motorola DCT-2000.
  • Cable providers will soon be able to offer video on demand to customers who deploy DCT-5000+ advanced interactive set-top terminals and the Microsoft TV Advanced client software.
  • The Microsoft TV Access Channel Server is a server-side solution that delivers interactive-television services to customers via existing cable network infrastructure and can be deployed on new DCT-2000 set-top terminals or on already deployed DCT-2000s via software download using Motorola's interactive digital system.
  • The solution is scheduled to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2001.
  • Microsoft and Motorola's advanced solution for interactive television includes the DCT-5000+ terminal, the Microsoft TV Advanced client software, Motorola's interactive digital system, and the Microsoft TV Server, and will offer video on demand from four leading providers: DIVA, Intertainer Inc., nCUBE Corp., and SeaChange International Inc.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft and Motorola have enjoyed a successful collaboration over the past two years to make interactive television a reality for people everywhere.
  • The DCT-2000 features a double-speed processor, increased memory, and higher-end graphics capabilities.
  • The Microsoft TV Access Channel Server is optimized for the DCT-2000 set-top box and allows the cable industry to offer next-generation digital services to millions of DCT-2000 customers.
  • The solution will be demonstrated with the DCT-2000 set-top box in the Motorola booth at Cable 2000.
  • The Microsoft TV Platform supports worldwide digital-TV broadcast standards, including DVB, ATSC, and ARIB.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, May 9, 2000
  • Motorola Inc.
  • Microsoft Corp.