Enhanced TV Services and Platforms

Microsoft’s enhanced TV platforms include both the server software necessary for network operators to deploy enhanced TV services and the embedded software built into set-top boxes (STBs) or televisions that enables end-users to access the services.

Specific platforms include the following:

WebTV. Uses proprietary technology and a thin client running on an STB with no hard drive. WebTV Classic runs on this platform. Occasionally licensed to third-party network operators.

WebTV Plus. Uses a client, based on Windows CE and some proprietary WebTV technology, running on an STB with hard drive, and proprietary back-end delivery software. Occasionally licensed to third-party network operators.

Microsoft TV (MSTV). Microsoft’s preferred platform for third-party network operators. Consists of four separate products, all highly customizable by network operators:

• MSTV Server. Server software that allows network operators to deploy a wide variety of enhanced TV services over nearly any transport