The agreement will enable Comcast Cable to use Microsoft TV Foundation 1.7 software to display program choices for up to five million of its customers. The Philadelphia-based cable company, a division of Comcast with more than 21 million subscribers, has the option of extending the software to other consumers later.
Microsoft's digital video recording (DVR) software supports a dual tuner that allows simultaneous recording of two TV programs. It also supports advanced interactive TV services such as digital video recording, video on demand and high-definition television. Its channel guide keeps listings for 14 days, when used in tandem with high-memory set-top boxes.
It can work across a wide variety of TV devices installed by multiple service operators, including a DCT 6412, a set-top box with dual-tuner capability recently launched by Motorola.
Microsoft TV Foundation Edition 1.7 is Microsoft's fourth DVR product and the third with dual-tuner digital video support. It will be available this summer.
