Microsoft announced that it has delivered a system called the Protected Broadcast Driver Architecture (PDBA), which is a global platform allowing broadcast TV on the PC. PDBA was made possible by the recent release of Windows Media Center TV Pack.

The TV Pack allows a new hardware ecosystem to support broadcast TV on the PC. The system as a whole promises broadcasters strong protection to help entice pay TV broadcasters to allow their programming on PCs.

"For the first time, we're enabling those in the PC-TV community to build tuners and integrate almost any broadcast service into Windows Media Center themselves regardless of geographic location or television standard -- we've removed a major roadblock by delivering one consistent platform for the industry," said Geoff Robertson, general manager for Windows Media Center at Microsoft. "The tremendous response we're already seeing for the platform means PC OEMs, broadcast service providers and tuner-makers can now collaborate and embrace the PC as a first-class citizen for delivering more high-quality free or pay content to consumers in their local markets. This is a major milestone for us and our partners as we continue our efforts to deliver the highest-quality, personalized TV-watching experiences available to people everywhere."

Via Microsoft