Windows Media Chosen by Verizon Wireless to Power V CAST28 January 2005
Microsoft Corp. and Verizon Wireless today announced that Verizon Wireless,
the nation's leading wireless provider, has chosen the Microsoft(R) Windows
Media(R) Format to power V CAST, the nation's first 3G consumer wireless
broadband multimedia service, delivered over Verizon Wireless' high-speed 3G
EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) network. Starting Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless V
CAST customers can stream and play back exciting audio and video clips using
Windows Media, the highest-quality digital media format available for
streaming and download-and-play applications. Using technology from Microsoft,
PacketVideo and thePlatform for Media Inc., V CAST customers can enjoy the
first-of-its-kind wireless broadband entertainment experience in the nation.
"During customer sneak previews of V CAST in Washington, D.C., and San
Diego, Verizon Wireless customers were very impressed with the high quality,
clarity and consistency of the video clips they viewed with Windows Media,"
said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon
Wireless. "The compression and quality benefits of Windows Media combined with
the reach and capability of our 3G EV-DO network are allowing us to deliver
the premier wireless multimedia entertainment service available today."
"We are excited that Verizon Wireless chose Windows Media to power V CAST,
which sets the standard for wireless multimedia services in the United
States," said Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president of the Windows(R)
Digital Media Division at Microsoft. "Video clips on V CAST are consistently
streamed at 15 frames per second, capturing the graceful pass of a tiny
football among a myriad of players, or a weatherman showing storm cloud
movements on a geographical map. The advent of this dynamic service highlights
Microsoft's leadership and commitment in providing its partners with the best
technologies for audio and video playback over wireless networks."
V CAST wireless multimedia content will be available to Verizon Wireless
customers in the Get It Now(R) virtual store for $15 monthly access, in
addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan.
"Microsoft worked closely with experienced partners, including thePlatform
and PacketVideo, to deliver a complete end-to-end solution from the handset
player to the infrastructure," said Neil Sharma, business development manager
in the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft.
On Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to access V CAST on
three new phones: the LG VX8000 from LG Mobile Phones, the SCH-a890 from
Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and the CDM-8940 from UTStarcom
Personal Communications. The phones come preloaded with PacketVideo's media
player and content catalog for consistent user experience and ease of
navigation. The PacketVideo player, built with integrated Windows Media
playback, features an easy-to-use interface that allows users to rewind or
fast-forward streams, download clips for local playback, and effortlessly
navigate between video segments.
By capitalizing on the comprehensive functionality of thePlatform media
publishing system, Verizon Wireless can easily aggregate video for delivery
over the V CAST service. thePlatform media publishing system also will enable
V CAST subscribers to set preferences for their favorite content, receive SMS
alerts as new content becomes available, and view new video clips within their
favorite genres. thePlatform also enables V CAST users to receive a summary of
their video purchases through their monthly statement.
Source: PR Newswire
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