Microsoft, CableLabs to Enable High-Def Cable TV on Windows PCs

December 12, 2005

Microsoft Corp. and Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs) reached an agreement that will allow Microsoft and PC manufacturers to market digital-cable-ready Windows Media Center-based PCs by December 2006.

The PCs will support a CableCARD module that will enable one-way cable programming, including premium high-definition cable content, on personal computers and on compliant network-connected devices. Microsoft is working with CableLabs to document final approval of Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) as a content protection technology for OpenCable products that receive one-way cable content under the terms of this agreement.

The specified OpenCable architecture allows for multiple DRM systems to be used in the device and ensures content providers of protected delivery of content to the PC. Microsoft Windows Media Digital Rights Management is the first major DRM system to be approved by CableLabs.

CableLabs will host interoperability events to allow vendors working on products based on these specifications to test them in CableLabs facilities and conduct more formalized certification testing. More information about the OpenCable project is available at www.opencable.com.

Source: Source: Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs)