ProfKaboom
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Interesting news
For those of you who live under SBC's thumb...
SBC Communications Selects Microsoft TV For Advanced IP Television Service
Targeted For 2005, Service Will Change Entertainment For Millions
San Antonio, Texas, Redmond, Washington, November 17, 2004
SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) today announced an agreement with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) to provide next-generation television services using the new Microsoft® TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition software platform.
The SBC IPTV deal with Microsoft, valued in excess of $400 million over 10 years, is the first of its kind for any U.S.-based telecommunications provider.
"Our service will change the way people experience TV. Finally, customers will watch what they want, when they want — from a virtually unlimited and interactive content selection," said Edward E. Whitacre Jr., SBC Communications Inc. chairman and CEO. "We will deliver integrated communications and entertainment services to enhance the digital lifestyle of our customers."
SBC Labs has been testing an IP-based television service built on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition platform since June 2004. SBC companies and Microsoft will begin field trials in mid 2005 and plan commercial availability of the IP-based television platform in late 2005.
In the first quarter of 2005, construction is expected to begin on the SBC Project Lightspeed, the company's initiative to deploy fiber closer to customer locations to provide new, feature-rich, IP-based services, including IP television, voice over IP (VoIP), and ultra-fast Internet access. Project Lightspeed is expected to reach 18 million households by year end 2007.
"Project Lightspeed and the Microsoft and SBC relationship underscore what the future holds for consumers: a virtually unlimited opportunity for innovative, cross-device services and entertainment experiences enabled by the marriage of powerful broadband networks with the magic of software," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "The selection of Microsoft TV as the IPTV services platform provider for SBC recognizes Microsoft's leadership position in the rapidly emerging IPTV industry and the benefits it will bring to customers."
Microsoft TV IPTV Edition also provides strong security features and efficiency in delivering standard and high-definition TV programming to multiple TV sets in the home over the SBC fiber-enhanced network, while leaving ample bandwidth available for ultra-fast Internet access and VoIP services.
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11/18/2004, 11:35 am
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Djarum
Registered: 01-2004
Location: Bloomington, IN
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Re: Interesting news
Does anyone remember WebTV? It didn't take off either.
--- >> Moved to EQ2 >>
Django Bloomingtune of Mistmoore -- Kerran Troubador
Djarum Bloomingheart of Mistmoore -- Barbarian Paladin
"They still call me DJ."
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11/18/2004, 12:30 pm
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ProfKaboom
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Re: Interesting news
Yes, will be interesting to see what they do with this updated IPTV protocol. Won't be long before the analog telephone line is a thing of the past.
---
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11/18/2004, 12:36 pm
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Dambro
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Re: Interesting news
quote: Djarum wrote:
Does anyone remember WebTV? It didn't take off either.
I used WebTv for many years and loved it for what it was, a net surfing chatroom.
--- Dambro ~ The Order of the Sleepless Knights
Davlannan ~ Vertically Challenged
Groovy ~ Troubador of the Tethelin Walkabouts
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11/18/2004, 1:00 pm
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Ryverwynd
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Re: Interesting news
Just what I want. Another reason for my cable to be out.
--- Ryverwynd Level 15 Kerra Druid
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11/18/2004, 1:23 pm
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