Microsoft launches EPG service to Pause Live TV

New Delhi, May 5: Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd today launched the Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) for users of Windows XP Media Centre PCs, which will allow them to record television shows across 80 channels in the country.

''This service, which has been launched for the first time in India, will be available free of cost, and will be integrated into the Windows XP Media Centre PCs. It will enable users to control their TV entertainment experience, and can be downloaded in their computers,'' Windows Client Business Group Director Rishi Srivastava told reporters here.

Microsoft had launched the integrated PC platform in India with functionality of a PC, TV, Radio, DVD and media player, as well as the ability to Pause Live TV, nine months back.

''Our partners have sold more than 80,000 units of the Windows XP media Center PCs, since its launch nine months ago, and with services such as EPG, we are confident of doubling this number next year,'' Mr Srivastava said.

EPG serves as an electronic search engine that informs the user of what's playing on what channel and when for a period of 15 days.

This time limit can be upgraded on a day to day basis.

Viewers can navigate, select, find and record shows at their convenience.

Besides, thr EPG also provides rich programme descriptors, which will describe the programme/movie plot, start time, duration, actors, directors and genre.

UNI