News Headline
Microsoft India launches Electronic Programming Guide
|
BANGALORE/MUMBAI: Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd has launched an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) for users of Windows XP Media Centre PCs. Making its debut in India, EPG is an on screen interactive guide to television programs. This new concept will allow viewers to navigate, select, explore and record shows across more than 80 channels in the country, at their own convenience. |
|
The Microsoft Windows XP Media Center PC functions as a PC, TV, Radio, DVD player & Media Player. EPG adds to this functionality, as it serves as an electronic search engine that informs the user of what is playing on which channel and when, for a period of 15 days. Moreover, this time limit can be upgraded on a day-to-day basis, states an official release.  Windows Client Business Group director Rishi Srivastava said, “TV as an entertainment medium provides limitless choices to the consumer today. Presently, their TV consuming time is undirected and cluttered. We believe that the Electronic Programming Guide will help consumers take control of their entertainment experience by helping them watch their favourite program any time, any where.”
|
|
Combined with the DVR (digital video recording) capabilities of Windows XP Media Center, viewers can search for and record not just a single episode but also an entire series. With the help of this easy to use device, users can even create their own collection of favourite movies, soaps and serials. Along with these facilities it also comes with conflict resolution feature. In case, two programs are to be recorded, which are scheduled simultaneously, the EPG will resolve the conflict by automatically searching for the repeat telecast of either of the two programs over the next few days thus, recording them separately with much ease. Srivastava adds, “We believe that Windows XP Media Center combined with the electronic programming guide will be a huge success in India. Consider this, for Rs 30,000 a consumer can now buy a PC that also provides an unmatched TV viewing experience.” For the benefit of the user, microsoft has also agreed to launch an awareness campaign comprising of advertisements and activities to promote this one of a kind concept, which they hope will spiral demand. The company will also partner with additional OEMs, content partners, and other companies in the digital entertainment industry to catalyse the growth of this segment. Currently Windows XP Media Center PCs from HP, HCL and Sahara are available at more than 300 reseller outlets across 30 cities in the country for a price range starting from Rs 30,000. |
The service can be integrated into the Windows XP Media Center PCs and will be available to users free of cost. It has the capacity to automatically download and update every time the user is connected to the internet.
EPG caters to the diverse needs of the viewer by allowing him to locate his favourite shows by simply punching in key words like the name of the program, movie, actors, time, day and date. Besides this, the guide also provides viewers with relevant information like a short description of the program including the start time, plot, duration, censorship classification and genre. In order to make the guide easier to scan, it is possible to hide channels that are not included in their TV service package or the ones that they do not watch regularly.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
