Microsoft Announces Integration of MSN Video into Windows Media Center

Today, 4 June, Microsoft announces the addition of MSN Video Player to Windows Media Center in Windows 7. In the UK, MSN Video Player offers over 1,000 hours full
length TV shows (with many available in HD) for free which consumers can now watch in Windows Media Center on their PC and on the big screen with a remote control, providing access to TV entertainment wherever and whenever they want.

The way in which UK consumers interact with TV is changing: they want great programming on their terms and are increasingly embracing video-on-demand.According comScore Video Metrix, 87 per cent of UK web users watch video online (March 2010). MSN Video Player, which attracts almost a million unique users each month, coupled with Windows Media Center, which has more than 25 million users worldwide, makes for a strong service for consumers. Users will be able to enjoy programmes such as Peep Show Doctor Who, Skins, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Embarrassing Bodies, Waterloo Road, Wife Swap, Doc Martin, Bad Girls, Footballers' Wives and Secret Millionaire.

This integration of MSN Video Player will add to the great line up of internet and broadcast TV content in Windows Media Center.

Already available to users is live and on-demand TV from Sky and with the addition of an inexpensive TV Tuner the option to use Windows Media Center as a digital video recorder to watch, pause and record live terrestrial or satellite TV including Freeview.

Windows Media Center makes it easy to find and watch broadcast and internet TV in one place with a consistent user interface and playback experience. New TV features in Windows 7 include keyword search, integrated TV guide for broadcast and internet TV content, Turbo Scroll and is touch-enabled.

Since the launch of Windows 7 the number of Windows Media Center users worldwide and in the UK has more than doubled.

For more information visit www.windowsmediacenter.com