MUMBAI: Software major Microsoft is making a major play into the television and home entertainment markets by using the medium of mobile devices.

At the ongoing international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada the company made announcements about how it will
significantly increase the flow of digital video to its Windows mobile-based devices, such as Portable Media Centers, Smartphones and pocket personal computers.

The deal with personal video recorder (PVR) manufacturer Tivo will let people transfer recorded television from their Tivo boxes for viewing on portable devices that use Microsoft software.

Tivo service executive VP and GM Brodie Keast said, "We share the same excitement about innovation and entertainment as Microsoft. When we launched Tivo, it changed the way people thought about when they would watch their favourite shows - from prime time to anytime. When Microsoft launched Portable Media Centers, it changed the way people thought about where they want to watch their favorite shows -- from the living space to any place. This deal gives both of our customers the best of both worlds -- the opportunity to watch their favorite programming anytime, anywhere."

Meanwhile MTV Networks (MTVN) and Microsoft announced a strategic agreement to cooperate on several long-term digital media initiatives, including bringing MTVN entertainment programming and brands such as MTV, VH1, CMT and Comedy Central to Portable Media Centers. As part of the alliance, MTVN will develop programming and entertainment offerings to be made available through multiple new distribution points, including microprogramming for Portable Media Centers. This will include news features, musical performances and other entertainment content.

With the support of Microsoft, MTVN will roll out these new digital entertainment offerings over the course of 2005. MTVN will utilise key Microsoft technologies, including Windows Media Audio and Video and Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10.

The new services that the alliance will deliver will include a PlaysForSure-compliant MTVN digital music service with
portable subscription capabilities available in Windows Media Player 10's Digital Media Mall and regular MTVN content for download to Portable Media Centers.