Cable industry R & D consortium CableLabs and Redmond, WA-based software giant Microsoft announced this morning a landmark deal that will allow Microsoft and PC manufacturers to bring to market digital, including HD, cable-ready Windows Media Center-based PCs by the holiday season in 2006. The Media Center PCs will allow customers to receive one-way video programming on their computers as well as other compliant, connected platforms, including the XBox.
The content will be protected by Windows Media Digital Rights Management, so far the only major security technology to complete the DRM due diligence required by CableLabs, although the consortium is open to other DRM systems so long as they meet certification. [Note: earlier version of this item incorrectly stated that Microsoft’s DRM had been certified by CableLabs].
This is a huge, huge deal. It in essence reflects the cable industry’s recognition that PCs, and even more importantly mobile devices such as the XBox, are siphoning viewers away from the TV set, to the detriment of cable operators. In a statement, CableLabs CEO Dick Green said:
“The cable industry is very interested in having the PC serve as another means to allow consumers to enjoy cable programming. By working with Microsoft and the IT industry, we have come up with a solution to enable consumers to enjoy the wide range of entertainment options they want.”
Cynthia Brumfield at 11:10 AM|Comments(0)
Blogs We Read
