Digital broadcast technologies supported as part of this infrastructure include IP-based delivery of streams and files using digital television channels. IP-based Datacasting could be used for example for the distribution of live Windows Media Video 9 streams, delivery of file-based application software, distribution of cached A/V content (targeting the large storage available in PCs), and others.
Although several companies have already deployed systems to support a variety of broadcast services in PCs, there is a need for a comprehensive integration that provides uniform platform features and uniform download protocols to all those companies interested in exploring the opportunities behind broadcast services and Microsoft platforms.
With this objective in mind, Microsoft and several leading industry partners have initiated the creation of a Windows Datacasting Working Group that will provide technical guidelines, protocols, specifications, and direct feedback to Microsoft.s engineering units for the deployment of a homogeneous integrated broadcast architecture.
The opportunities created by an integrated broadcast infrastructure are bounded only by the limits of our own endeavors. It could be used, for example, to provide updated parking information to all incoming drivers prior to the realization of a major sporting event. It could also be used to provide common scene backgrounds to participants in networked games. It could be used to provide emergency-services information to large population segments following some local or national crisis. Microsoft is committed to accelerate its support for an integrated broadcast infrastructure to bring exciting opportunities for new services and new paradigms for the television and media industries of the XXI century.
For more information please send email to dwginfo@microsoft.com Partner companies participating in the formation of a Windows Datacasting WG