Comcast Rolls Out Microsoft Cable Software

Comcast plans to begin deployment of Microsoft TV Foundation Edition software in Washington state on Nov. 15.

The launch of Microsoft TV Foundation Edition in Washington will support the advanced digital cable services that Comcast offers to more than 1 million cable customers. Today marks the first majorU.S. deployment of Foundation Edition and Comcast’s launch of dual-tuner digital video recording (DVR) services in Washington.

With the launch of dual-tuner DVRs supported by Foundation Edition, Comcast customers can enjoy the ultimate control of their home entertainment experience by recording their favorite programs digitally. They also can pause and rewind live television broadcasts, build a customized list of recordings by using the DVR’s repeat-recording capability to record multiple episodes of favorite shows, and record high-definition television programming.

Comcast’s deployment of Microsoft TV Foundation Edition software, which includes an interactive program guide (IPG), offers customers increased value, because the platform is capable of supporting DVRs and further enhancements for video-on-demand (VOD) usage. For example, the software enables integrated VOD titles in the IPG listings so viewers can access on-demand programming without navigating through VOD menus.

Microsoft TV Foundation Edition software will be available immediately on new advanced digital set-top boxes with dual-tuner DVR technology. The software will be automatically downloaded in phases to all other set-top boxes in Washington state over Comcast’s digital network in the next few months.

Foundation Edition 1.7 helps cable companies maximize revenues by providing a better, more integrated customer experience and better merchandizing opportunities for premium TV offerings including HDTV, VOD, DVR and managed content services. It gives multiple service operators the opportunity to upsell new and existing services, while improving consumer satisfaction and retention. It also provides consumers with easy access to interactive games and information portals such as local weather, sports and news.