Digital Technology and UltimateTV Enables Viewers to Take Control of Their TVs

July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- We are at the brink of the Age of Digital Television, and its arrival signals more choice and freedom for consumers than ever, as demonstrated by the recent introduction of UltimateTV(R) service from Microsoft. It's hard to believe how far we've come. About 80 years ago, the first practical television device was invented by Philo T. Farnsworth, a Utah-born inventor who conceived of the idea at the age of 14. Some 50 years ago, when television was first becoming a must-have household appliance, everyone knew their ABCs -- and NBCs and CBSs -- but beyond that, options were few and far between. Cable was something attached to your phone, satellites were competitive tools in the Cold War, and interactivity was something that went on in the bedroom.

Times have changed. The advent of digital technology, specifically the digital video recorder -- or DVR -- is changing television viewing from a passive hobby into an active pursuit. Viewers can now record the shows they're interested in and view them whenever their schedules permit.

"DVRs are changing the way people use their TV sets," said Tim Bucher, vice president of Consumer Products for UltimateTV at Microsoft. "Excuses like 'I wasn't home when it was on,' 'I ran out of tape,' and 'I was watching something else so I couldn't record it' are now as out of date as your parents' first TV set."

UltimateTV service from Microsoft is the first and only service that integrates digital video recording, live TV controls, interactive television and Internet access with DIRECTV(R) programming in one complete package. With two tuners,* viewers can watch two live shows at the same time or watch one show while recording another.

Included among the features are the ability to pause live television, view instant replay with one touch, jump ahead and view frame by frame in slow motion, and rewind and fast-forward at up to 300 times the original program speed. And with up to 35 hours of recording time,** viewers can build their own personal programming libraries.

UltimateTV also provides Internet access, so viewers can surf their favorite Web sites, check e-mail and participate in interactive TV programs from the comfort of their living rooms.

All this great technology is the perfect solution for inspiring domestic tranquility. There's no longer any need to fight over who gets to watch what when. "Are we saying that UltimateTV saves marriages? You never know ... ," Bucher said.

UltimateTV, and digital video recorders, will continue to progress rapidly, and consumers will continue to reap the benefits.

"All of this is just the beginning," Bucher said. "UltimateTV is committed to constant improvement, and many additional advances are on the way. We look forward to taking DVRs beyond anyone's wildest imagination."

A subscription to DIRECTV programming and UltimateTV service is required for full functionality of the DIRECTV receiver. Equipment and DIRECTV programming are sold separately. Requires a monthly subscription to the UltimateTV service and is subject to acceptance of the terms of service upon registration. UltimateTV services are available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, long-distance charges may apply. To check local access, call (877) ULTIMATE (858-4628).

* For dual tuner functionality, this receiver requires connection of two (2) satellite inputs from a dual LNB DIRECTV System dish antenna.

** Actual recording capacity depends on type of programming being recorded.

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SOURCE Microsoft