Microsoft Tests TV Over Bell Canada Wire

[Gregg Lengling]

Microsoft and Bell Canada said they are collaborating on the testing and deployment of a TV service based on new Internet Protocol television (IPTV) technology, a developing wired-based service that will utilize Bell ExpressVu digital programming.

The companies said they will jointly explore delivery of TV programming over Bell Canada's broadband network through the use of the Microsoft TV IPTV technology. Eugene Roman, group president of systems and technology at Bell Canada, said the effort is part of an overall video strategy "to find more ways to deliver Bell ExpressVu digital programming services to customers on their terms, whether through satellite or wireline."

Microsoft TV said its planned IPTV solution will use video compression technology, enabling Bell Canada to deliver broadcast-quality video to a variety of devices over its broadband network. The IPTV solution is designed to support standard and high-def channels, on-demand programming and interactive program guides, as well as future service offerings that leverage two-way, interactive platforms, the company said.

Bell ExpressVu is the satellite TV unit of Bell Canada, serving more than 1 million Canadian customers.