RCom & Microsoft In Pact To Bring IPTV To Indian Market
Reliance Communications (Rcom) and Microsoft Corp have signed up a strategic partnership contract to bring Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services in the Indian market. Anil D Ambani, chairman, Reliance Communications, and Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft will jointly made the above announcement at a press conference in Mumbai. The IPTV service, powered by the award-winning Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV software platform, will let Rcom to offer completely new, connected and individualized TV experiences for Indian users, with advanced features, including digital video recording (DVR), video on demand (VOD), instant channel changing and personal media sharing. IPTV subscribers will be capable of watching popular standard definition (SD) content plus high-definition (HD) content by just clicking a single button at their homes, and get pleasure from a connected entertainment experience. The companies will launch the IPTV service by the end of the existing fiscal (March 2008). Mr. Ambani said, “As consumers today are becoming more sophisticated, they are demanding more compelling and personalized entertainment to suit their individual needs and preferences. Until now, TV has been a broadcast, 'one-size-fits-all' experience. Backed by powerful Microsoft Mediaroom software, IPTV promises to offer our subscribers more choice, control and convenience, and at the end of the day, a unique and more satisfying user experience. We're excited to partner with Microsoft to unlock the potential of television and offer Indian subscribers the very best TV and connected entertainment experiences." "Reliance is about to change the way consumers experience television," Ballmer said. "TV is the only major digital device that has been left out of the networking revolution, and Microsoft and Reliance are now making the TV a first-class citizen in the connected entertainment landscape. By connecting the TV to an intelligent two-way network and adding powerful software, new connected and personalized experiences will become possible here in India." IPTV is in an early stage in India, and the two companies have been working on the IPTV platform since 2003. Ravi Venkatesan, chairman of Microsoft India said, “In addition to the obvious benefit that will come to the consumers, this offering will also benefit the media industry at large. Whether it is the content providers, the platform owners or the advertisers, they will get better value for their money. This is critical for the long-term growth and sustenance of the television industry.”
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