Microsoft is finally getting set to take HDTV in Media Center outside of the US!  Our first hint was a few months ago in a job application where Microsoft stated they were working with European satellite TV providers.  This just screamed Sky to me, and with Media Center get H.264 and DVB-S(2) support in the next Media Center release it was just a matter of time until things started to materialize more.

The next step has been taken in the form of another job application, this one laying to rest that Microsoft will indeed be taking HDTV outside of the US.  The job application asks if those applying are “passionate about the GLOBAL (emphasis theirs) consumer experience” and that they “thrive on innovation and...are taking our technology to the rest of the World. Be a part of the team that brings advanced HDTV to the PC!”

It’s too bad that a large percent of Media Center users have been so passionate about that global experience and have yet been ignored for six years.  That said, I strongly believe that things are finally going to start moving along.  Providing the framework for things like H.264 is huge for TV sources outside the US.  As DVB-S support will now be in Media Center, the question is will providers outside the US like Sky adopt the platform?  I’ve had conversations with some other MVPs like Ian Dixon who paint the clear picture of commercial implications getting of the way of providers like Sky jumping in.  There have been some ways to get DVB-S within Media Center for a while now, but I hope we can see official support that provides encrypted access as a part of Microsoft global initiative. 

Another consideration here is IPTV, and it could be the starting point for it in Media Center.  Deployments of Microsoft’s IPTV platform are much greater outside the US where nearly 20 service providers are currently using it (this compared to only 1 in the US).  I’ve always seen it as foolish for Microsoft to develop for IPTV in the US, a market that only includes a couple hundred thousand with AT&T service.  Outside of the US however, the picture looks much brighter.   Once again, H.264 support plays a huge role here to (as does VC-1).

Digital terrestrial service is another bullet on the list.  With Freeview getting ready to go HD I hope that Microsoft is working on DVB-T2 support, which will be used to broadcast the new channels.  Once again this content will be delivered in H.264 which Microsoft already has working in Media Center.

Sadly, I have no idea on ship times for this.  The framework is set to be there for satellite services and H.264 video, but there are still a lot of questions marks.  The job application is very nice and shows that Microsoft is actively looking to pursue support outside the US.  Windows 7 might be the key for global HDTV support, and while it can never come fast enough I hope that we can get Microsoft to comment on what they plan on adding before it launches.

This brings up another question, is Windows 7 set to be what Vista was supposed to be in terms of Media Center promises?