Freeview has given its approval to the Microsoft Windows Media Center, providing digital TV content to PCs running Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. Although devices such as USB sticks have made it possible to view live TV on computers for some while, this is the first time Freeview has put its name to a particular product.
In addition the Windows Media Center TV pack adds personal video recorder functions including the ability to pause and rewind live TV.
In a statement highlighting the DTT platform’s technical prowess, Freeview said UK shipments of Sony’s PlayTV, 85,000 in its first week, demonstrated the desire to have digital TV throughout the home. It also drew attention to the London DVB-T2 trials of high definition television.
“With Freeview on PS3 and Media Center and HD just around the corner, being a Freeview viewer is now more exciting than ever. We’re delighted people will be able to watch Freeview on PCs and gaming devices in other rooms in the home,” said Freeview MD Ilse Howling.
It is important for Freeview to keep up the technology momentum as digital switchover highlights the choices available to the consumer.
