Windows Vista Open To Broadband Universe

While software-geek society greeted the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft’s much-hyped new PC software, with mostly bored skepticism (CNET called it “warmed-over Windows XP”), the new souped-up operating system could have major implications for the digital media business.

Ranging from jump-starting TV and Web convergence to pumping life into the company’s foundering search product, Vista promises to push the broadband envelope. However, the near-term trick for the software giant will be convincing consumers they want and need to use all of its new functions.

Besides providing users with all the typical computing basics, Vista is designed to let them easily watch TV shows on their PCs and view PC content on their big, high-def screens (as long as they have a premium version of the product and buy a special adapter).