You are here: silicon.com > Networks > Broadband & ISPs

Gates and Murdoch team up for video-on-demand

Microsoft and BSkyB get cosy at CES

Tags: microsoft, ces, video on demand, bskyb

By Jo Best

Published: 5 January 2006 14:50 GMT

Microsoft head honcho Bill Gates has revealed the software giant is getting into bed with the Rupert Murdoch-owned BSkyB.

In his keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Gates said the pair are to team up to offer video-on-demand (VoD) to Microsoft Media Center users.

"They've got over 8 million subscribers in the UK who will be able to do those downloads and use those great capabilities," Gates said.

The video-on-demand offerings will be available Sky's broadband customers, which the broadcaster acquired when it snapped up ISP Easynet for £211m, in order to find new outlets for its entertainment products.

Microsoft is also working with DirecTV, Murdoch's BSkyB equivalent in the US, on a similar scheme.

Add comment

Print story with

Email story

I hope the Microsoft/Sky Video on Demand is *MUCH*...
Anonymous

It takes about three hours at home! It is not that...
Anonymous

Click here to see all

Microsoft looks to beat Google with the desktop

Microsoft makes new friends in China

Gates wows Vegas with Vista keynote

Bill Gates sings at CES for one last time

Gates plans a server for every home

In silicon.com

Commentary

Peter Cochrane Peter Cochrane's Blog: How the telcos could save themselves Doomed network operators could thrive with a bit of innovation

Peter Cochrane Peter Cochrane's Blog: Facebook saves teen from prison Another unexpected impact of social networking

Latest News

Illegal downloaders crackdown: Digital Economy Bill to cut them off

UK web snooping plans: Full steam ahead

Make haste with the analogue-digital switch, urges EC

'UK must up privacy safeguards following Phorm'

Full steam ahead for plans to cut off file-sharers

Jobs

Toolchain / Compiler Development Engineer - South West

Ideal skills: Compiler design, compiler development, compiler optimisation, toolchain development, team leading, C, C++, project management, EDA, ...

Lead Electronics Engineer/ Project Manager

They have a track record which stretches back over 40 years in the delivery of tailored engineering solutions to a diverse market, has lead this ...

Vanguard CCO Senior Analyst

Sap FI Consultant/CCO Senior Analyst - SAP-AR - FSCM Consumer Goods/Entertainment/FMCG A Senior Analyst/ SAP FI Consultant is required to join one of ...

Special Report Focus

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.