01/08/2009

AP Press Release

AP debuts Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV concept applications for TV viewers

LAS VEGAS -- The Associated Press today unveiled two new concept applications for Microsoft Mediaroom-based connected TV services that gives TV viewers a new way to blend original news content with rich interactive services from the Internet. The concept applications are designed to complement the traditional TV viewing experience with more immersive and engaging capabilities.

AP built a fast, flexible and automated AP news ticker widget with ES3™, a Canadian software development company specializing in applications that leverage broadband Internet. The ticker delivers headlines directly through the Mediaroom TV Dashboard - an application that enables subscribers of Mediaroom-powered services to access local news and information instantly while watching other TV programming content.

At the same time, AP is debuting AP red carpet events -- a celebrity news application featuring up-to-the-minute information, photos and video clips from the hottest red carpet events. Both the AP news ticker widget and AP red carpet events applications could be accessed through a Mediaroom-powered service at a service providers' discretion.

International CES attendees can see demos of both AP concept applications on the Microsoft Mediaroom platform, which is on display at booth No. 7144 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center through Jan. 11.

"With Microsoft Mediaroom, AP is crossing a significant milestone in its mission to explore new digital outlets for AP and its member news organizations," said Jeffrey Litvack, general manager for mobile and emerging products for AP. "By breaking ground in the digital home entertainment space, we are pushing forward with the development of AP products tailored to the consumer’s connected, digital lifestyle. With these applications, viewers could simultaneously access breaking news from across the nation without missing a second of their favorite television program, movie, live entertainment or sporting event."

“The definition of TV is changing as we move from traditional linear consumption to a two-way experience that’s on the viewers’ terms -- when and where they want it,” said Christine Heckart, general manager of marketing for the Connected TV Business Group at Microsoft Corp. “Microsoft’s collaboration with AP offers a glimpse into how Mediaroom can power content scenarios that embrace this change to deliver richer, more engaging TV experiences for consumers.”

AP’s entry into the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) space follows its recent success in the burgeoning mobile market with the Mobile News Network (www. apnews.com). The Mobile News Network is the first product resulting from the AP Digital Cooperative and covers the entire 100 top designated market areas and boasts a growing number of content contributors -- more than 1,000 news organizations signed up to provide local news stories.

About The AP

The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the largest and most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.

On the Net: www.ap.org

Contact:

AP Global Product Development
Lynn Trono, Linden Alschuler & Kaplan
ltrono@lakpr.com
212.899.4743