Microsoft has updated and revamped its IPTV software platform offering with the newly launched Microsoft Mediaroom.

Mediaroom Offers new multimedia capabilities, including in-home personal music and photo sharing, dynamic MultiView (multiple picture-in-picture) capabilities, Multimedia Application Environment for development of interactive services and advanced applications, and digital terrestrial television (DTT) support.

Microsoft also introduced the Microsoft Mediaroom Application Development toolkit, which provides service providers and third-party developers with tools to create TV-based applications that run on the platform.

Building upon existing Microsoft IPTV features the revamped platform now offers personal media sharing that enables consumers to easily listen to digital music and view digital photographs stored on PCs elsewhere in the home on their televisions.

The Multimedia Application Environment offers support for Web services and applications, enabling service providers to use advanced features such as dynamic video-on-demand portals, casual games and interactive TV services.

The Enhanced MultiView capabilities will allow consumers to see multiple channels, programs and camera angles on one screen.