Microsoft used the IBC show in Amsterdam to unveil its Protected Broadcast Driver Architecture—its new international platform for integrating broadcast television for computers.
Microsoft said its PBDA component is the first "hardware ecosystem" to incorporate nearly any free (or pay-TV) service into its Windows Media Center while applying stringent content protection (read that "copyright") that most TV and cinema content providers demand. Much of the content will be HD.
PBDA, which supersedes the current Broadcast Driver Architecture, was initially mentioned as a future concept back at NAB2005, according to NAB. PBDA includes a secure channel between the hardware tuner device and the Windows Media DRM (digital rights management) system. The DRM system, in turn, makes content susceptible to authorized applications only—notably recording and playback.
Early PBDA supporters announced at IBC include: AVerMedia; Buffalo; Hauppauge Computer Works; I-O Data Device; NEC Electronics Corp.; NXP Semiconductors; and ViXS Systems.
