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Microsoft says that the IPTV Edition software platform allows broadband suppliers to deliver engaging, high-quality video content and services to their customers using their existing and next-generation broadband networks. The platform supports standard- and high-definition channels, on-demand programming, digital video recording and interactive program guides. It also offers enhanced features

The advantage to BT of the Microsoft TV platform is that it allows operators to integrate the delivery of pay-TV services with other broadband services to PCs as well as telephones, game consoles, mobile devices and other devices in the home through Microsoft's horizontal integration of its various flavours of Windows.

BT says it expects the first trials of the TV over broadband service in early 2006. If all goes well, a fully commercial service will follow in the summer of 2006.

Gavin Patterson, the group managing director of BT Retail said 'TV over broadband services will play an important role in BT's triple-play offering for consumers. Our approach of over-the-air broadcast and broadband-delivered video-on-demand, interactivity and enhanced support is the perfect solution and complements existing TV propositions already in the UK market.'