Microsoft
Wednesday announced it will combine its WebTV service with Scientific-Atlanta Inc.’s
Explorer 2000 digital set-top box and interactive network.
The joint venture is designed to offer cable systems and
subscribers a combined product and service. Financial terms were not
disclosed.
Under the agreement, Scientific-Atlanta will integrate WebTV with
Scientific-Atlanta’s conditional access, head-end network systems and other
technologies. This will enable cable operators to
offer the service seamlessly integrated with cable video programming
through standard set-top boxes.
In addition, cable operators will be able to co-brand the service and add
specific content for a customized offering.
“Scientific-Atlanta has had long-standing success in the cable industry, as
Microsoft has had with software technology,” said Michael Harney, corporate
vice president and general manager, Digital Subscriber Networks,
Scientific-Atlanta.
“Together we have the necessary services, features and tools to support a
long-term broadband service that will help multiple
system operators serve their customers in a complete and customized way.”
The two companies also announced they will collaborate on the design of a
next-generation set-top box that will run the Windows CE operating system
and be based on the Microsoft WebTV
television software platform.
“Microsoft is committed to working with the cable industry to provide new
technologies to cable customers,” said Steve Perlman, president, WebTV
Networks, Inc.
“Our relationship with Scientific-Atlanta is helping us to further our
goals, while ultimately benefiting our customers and consumers.”