Microsoft delays interactive TV OS delivery

AT&T and United Pan-Europe Communications NV, Europe's largest cable

operator, should have considered Microsoft’s consistent record for being late

on delivering new operating system software when they agreed to use the software

giant’s set top box software.

This week Microsoft announced it will not be able to ship the operating

software for interactive TV set top boxes in time for UPEC’s planned October

roll-out. And, the delay will also slow AT&T's trials of the technology.

AT&T has planned to ship 7.5 million set top boxes with Microsoft’s

technology.

In a blow to Microsoft, AT&T is expected to start shipping set top boxes

using a competing solution instead. Those would include set top solutions from

Oracle, PowerTV, Liberate Technologies, and openTV. After Microsoft has

completed development, AT&T is expected to still ship most of its boxes with

the Microsoft software.