To complement theircollaboration on advanced encoders to support Internet Protocol television (IPTV), Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced that they are working together on IP set-tops for initiatives to support the growing worldwide demand for IPTV technology, including SBC's Project Lightspeed.

The new line of Scientific-Atlanta IP set-tops, which will be integrated with the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform, will support advanced codecs such as MPEG-4 Part 10/H.264 and VC-1 and will include standard- definition (SD), high-definition (HD), and whole home SD/HD digital video recorder (DVR) devices, as well as innovative gateway products that can serve an entire home with a single device. Additionally, these new set-tops will support a "no new wires" strategy for operators, which will enable IP video to be delivered over existing coax cable already installed in millions of homes. To help expedite the global implementation of IPTV services, country- or region-specific versions of the new Scientific-Atlanta set-tops will support U.S. or international standards.

"When it comes to digital video delivery to the home, Scientific-Atlanta has been a consistent innovator in advanced products that enable operators to deliver a high-impact entertainment experience for consumers," said Phil Corman, director of worldwide partner development for the Microsoft TV Division. "This collaboration on IP set-tops combined with our IPTV software and advanced encoding technology initiatives already underway for SBC's Project Lightspeed provides additional momentum to the drive toward the compelling service and revenue opportunities that are possible with IPTV."

"Microsoft is taking a leadership role in enabling a compelling new entertainment experience that can be accessed through the powerful capabilities of the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform," said David Alsobrook, director, IPTV products, IP Subscriber Networks business at Scientific-Atlanta. "Scientific-Atlanta will complement this vision by providing a new generation of extremely powerful, cost-effective IP set-tops which will enable operators to deliver on the promise of IPTV while meeting their business objectives."

New versions of Scientific-Atlanta's IP set-tops planned for the European market will be on display at IBC 2005 in Amsterdam in September.