Microsoft Integrates TV with Xbox 360

Microsoft Integrates TV with Xbox 360

Software giant Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) announced a new solution that will allow consumers to watch television streaming from the internet on its popular Xbox 360 video-game console.

The Redmond, Wash.-based firm announced at the international Consumer Electronics Show on Monday that it will bring its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) software platform to its game console, allowing owners the ability integrate live programming alongside other Xbox functionality.

By integrating these industry-leading solutions, we are delivering on our promise to drive innovation and enable new connected entertainment experiences for consumers in a way that only Microsoft can, said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division.

Microsoft said television services will be accessible in tandem with its Xbox Live social gaming network, which provides services such as voice chat, text and voice messaging, while watching TV.

Additionally, users can do things generally associated with digital television, including accessing video on demand, digital video recording and high-definition television.

IPTV on Xbox 360 is expected to be available to consumers by the end of the year. It will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services over broadband networks based on the IPTV Edition software platform.

AT&T in the United States, BT Group PLC in the United Kingdom, Deutsche Telekom in Germany, T-Online in France and Swisscom in Switzerland have all confirmed use of Microsoft's IP platform.

Shares of Microsoft rose 18 cents, or 0.61 percent, in mid-day trading on the Nasdaq exchange.