Philips and Microsoft Build iTV Cable Set-Top Boxes

As I've mentioned before, the elusive set-top box comes in many flavors. Newest on the menu is a box developed by Philips and Microsoft that's being demonstrated at IBC 2001 . The new box is based on Philips' Nexperia Digital Video Platform (DVP) and the Microsoft TV Advanced software platform, and incorporates Philips' CryptoWorks conditional access system. The two companies tell us that the combined solution, running on a Philips set-top box, gives cable operators the ability to download new applications and upgrades to the set-top box over a network (sounds pretty secure, huh?). The Microsoft TV interactive software platform supports a variety of enhanced TV applications, high-speed Internet access, a customisable user interface, digital video recording, multiplayer gaming, an electronic program guide, Windows Media streaming audio and video, and home networking. Of course, having the box won't do you any good if your service provider doesn't send you any electronic goodies downstream.