SureWest Communications says it will use Microsoft’s Mediaroom IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) software platform to deliver TV service. The area will include SureWest’s Sacramento, California market where the company has an existing fiber-optic and copper line network.
The service is expected to be available to new customers by year’s end. The advancements will also allow SureWest to provide television service to an additional 25,000 existing phone and internet customers by the second quarter of 2010.
Some of the features use of the new Microsoft Mediaroom platform will allow include: Whole Home Digital Video Recorder (DVR); the ability to watch and record up to four channels at one time; applications such as DVR remote scheduling and Caller ID on TV; HD VOD (Video On Demand); Media-sharing to link photos and music from a PC to the TV; and integration of internet applications.
“The flexibility designed into Mediaroom will best serve the future needs of customers as well. The technology allows us to provide services in new ways that will further blur the lines between traditional TV, Internet and telephone,” said Bill DeMuth, Senior VP and CTO of SureWest.
