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: ces, video on demand, bskyb, microsoft

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

Bill Gates Keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2006

In silicon.com

Commentary

Steve Ranger Editor's Blog: The naked truth about DSL Is it time to rethink broadband pricing?

Natasha Lomas ¿Dónde está el iPhone 3G? Comment: It's clear who calls the shots in this relationship...

Latest News

Zittrain: Android holds the key to free future

Femtocells: Europeans clueless on mobile access tech

Sainsbury's to pay out £300k for online outage

NHS broadband network speeds patient diagnosis

ISPs face fresh threat from file-sharing laws

Network Rail on track with IP

Jobs

Manager of Business Infrastructure Projects

Role Description Delivering and managing a portfolio of projects in technology associated with business systems infrastructure, this role requires ...

Hardware Electronics Engineer, Newcastle - 36,000

Electronics, Embedded, Analogue, Digital, Embedded Software, Newcastle The Job, My Newcastle client are enjoying substantial growth in the consumer ...

Product Manager - London, with Travel

was acquired by Ticketmaster, and is now an independently run but wholly owned subsidiary of the world largest Ticketing company. Fans can buy and ...

Special Report Focus

CIO50 2008
The silicon.com CIO50 2008 profiles the most influential and innovative tech chiefs in the UK across all industries and organisation size, from the biggest FTSE100 companies to high growth dot-com start ups and the public sector. The list was voted on by the UK CIO community and a panel of experts. Find out more in our latest special report.