Audio Video News

Thanks to an agreement announced September 8 by Philips Electronics NV and software giant Microsoft Corporation, "Enhanced TV" is coming your way. "Philips will license Microsoft TV software and collaborate with Microsoft on the development of a range of set-top boxes based on the Microsoft TV software and Philips Nexperia–based hardware platform," said the joint press release.

"Windows TV," as some folks are calling it, will offer "interactive content for richer viewer participation," Internet access via television, and will include a "personal TV service" built around Philips hard-disk digital video recorders, allowing users to customize their viewing by programming the recorders with electronic programming guides.

Think of the system as an elaborately programmed VCR that lets you talk back to the programs and advertisements you're watching. Among the many possibilities for Enhanced TV are "personal video recording, e-commerce, online games, interactive television programming, instant messaging, Internet browsing, e-mail, electronic programming guide, home networking, residential gateway, pay-per-view and video-on-demand capabilities."

"To offer consumers the right combination of hardware and software, services and applications, we must put the right alliances in place," said Rob van Oostenbrugge, chairman of Philips Digital Networks. "Microsoft, with its solid expertise in software and services, is a natural partner for Philips. Together, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of broadband services via Internet-enabled and intelligent appliances for the mass market."

Jon DeVaan, senior VP of Microsoft's TV Division, echoed van Oostenbrugge's sentiments. "Microsoft and Philips are working together to bring Enhanced TV to consumers," he said. "Microsoft and Philips make a powerful Enhanced TV alliance. With Philips' proven track record in the consumer retail industry, where one in two households owns a Philips product, and Microsoft's expertise in standards-based Internet technologies, we are poised to bring Enhanced TV to consumers around the world."

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