SDA India is an online resource for Software, Development,IT, Architecture, Open Source, Mobile, Security, Databases, Delphi, C, OS, Asp, .Net, Php, Xml, Java

Microsoft and BT have announced a joint IPTV service for UK gamers via the Xbox 360, removing the need for an additional set-top box. BT Vision, which is an IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) service, delivers it’s media content using the Internet, rather than a satellite or cable connection.

The deal with Microsoft, which already provides the Mediaroom platform behind Vision, will see BT's full range of pay TV available and "seamlessly integrated" with the rest of Xbox Live. Console owners will have to subscribe to BT broadband to access Vision, of course.

The Xboxers won't be able to receive or record live TV through the console because it lacks a Freeview tuner. As with all BT Total Broadband subscribers the free standard V-box set-top box will be available as well, however, and can stream live or recorded TV to the console over a home network.

"For the first time consumers in the UK will be able to experience the advantages of an advanced TV service together with the benefits of next-generation gaming," said Dan Marks, chief executive of BT Vision. “Our aim is to provide BT Vision on multiple platforms -- giving customers greater convenience, control and flexibility over what they watch, when they watch, and how they watch TV. It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360.”

BT Vision has been available in the UK since December 2006. It allows BT subscribers, who pay a minimum 17.99 pounds a month subscription to receive on-demand media over a broadband connection, as well as standard free-to-air digital TV.

Films currently retail at 1.99 pounds to 2.99 pounds per rental, TV shows at 0.79 pounds, and music videos at 0.29 pounds, whereas unlimited themed-content packs are priced at 6 pounds a month. Currently, this content is displayed only via BT's 'V-box' hardware, a device that also lets users watch and record live Freeview TV.

"This is an exciting moment in home entertainment," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Connected Television Division at Microsoft. "Last year at CES, we announced Xbox 360 on Microsoft Mediaroom as a powerful platform capable of enabling new entertainment experiences for consumers, and we are pleased to team with BT to bring this service to market."

This move adds to the range of entertainment services Microsoft is offering via the Xbox 360, such as music and movies.

The service from BT Vision will become available to Xbox 360 users from around mid 2008, and will be available to existing and future Xbox 360 owners.