CONNECTIONS announced today that Peter Barrett, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager of Engineering for the Microsoft TV division, will deliver the opening keynote, IPTV - The Future of Television, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at CONNECTIONS: The Digital Home Conference and Showcase, which will take place at the Santa Clara Convention Center, May 2-4, 2006.

Barrett will bring his expertise in Internet protocol television (IPTV) and advanced digital TV software to CONNECTIONS(TM): His keynote will focus on the transformative power of IP technology on the TV viewing experience, including the business models that support these revolutionary changes.

CONNECTIONS(TM), produced by Parks Associates in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association, is the largest executive conference and showcase dedicated to advanced digital lifestyle solutions for residential and mobile environments. This year's conference topics include digital entertainment, mobile platforms & services, home networking & infrastructure, home management & digital health, and broadband & IP services.

According to Parks Associates, nearly 13 million households worldwide will subscribe to IP video offerings at the end of 2006, and nearly 70 million households will subscribe by the end of 2010.

"To understand the markets for digital living, you have to understand the impact of the Internet on video services," said Stuart Sikes, President of Parks Associates. "Peter Barrett brings a wealth of experience from this digital entertainment sector, and our CONNECTIONS attendees will greatly benefit from his insight."

Barrett was instrumental in the Microsoft TV division's successful launch of its IPTV Edition and Foundation Edition software platforms, with leading cable and telecommunication companies such as AT&T, BT, Comcast and Verizon embracing these products.

For information about CONNECTIONS, visit http://www.connectionsconference.com.