Microsoft Mediaroom arrives in China

Nixon goes to China, Microsoft Media room's IPTV platform goes to cable in China. More specifically, Guangzhou Digital Media Group is running its TV service using Mediaroom.  

Earlier this week, Guangzhou Digital said it is committed to connecting its 2.5 million subscribers to Mediaroom within three to five years.  

Microsoft is psyched about the deal because it is A) The first Mediaroom-using TV service to launch in China, and B) The first time Mediaroom has been delivered over a cable network; normally it appears on a set-top box or through the Xbox 360.

Zhujiang Digital, Guangzhou Digital's TV service, will include HD content for live, recorded and on-demand TV, and"Mediaroom Anytime," a feature to access previously aired shows and immediately restart currently airing programs without any prior planning or DVR recording. 

The new service will also showcase Mediarooms's ability to include web content and services with broadcast TV. Guangzhou Digital has engaged a number of local companies to develop interactive TV apps, including local news websites, local sports and entertainment multimedia news, local government e-mail service, and TV e-commerce.

For more:
- Ars Technica calls it on Mediaroom goes to China. Article.

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