Coolroom comes to Media Center

Today Coolroom announced a new premium content channel on Media Center (I think its UK only at the moment)

The application is a Vista Media Center application (with a XP version coming later) and will show up in the TV+Movies and Music sections of Online Media in Media Center.

I haven’t tried it myself yet, but I will report back when I have. It is create to see UK development coming for Media Center, we have seen some great US Vista Media Center application and I am looking forward to trying this application. Miomni is the technology that powers Coolroom

Have a look at some of the screen shots:

Details from the press release:

Media Center launches immersive entertainment for film buffs at the touch of a button

Reading – UK – 28 August 2007 – Microsoft® Media Center today launches Coolroom, the UK’s first premium content and e-commerce service on Microsoft Windows Vista. The service is aimed at film fans who want to enjoy digital entertainment on TV from the comforts of their own sofa. 

Hosted in the UK using Miomni® technology, Coolroom is a digital entertainment channel offering full-feature movies and music, available via the Media Center’s Online Spotlight channel on Windows Vista and Windows XP. Consumers can preview and download premium content to own or rent, including Hollywood movies and music downloads.

Connecting through a Microsoft Media Center-enabled PC or by securely streaming via either an X-Box 360 or Intel Viiv device, consumers using Coolroom can preview, download and enjoy content of their choice wherever and whenever they wish.

The Coolroom Media Center service also works in conjunction with the Coolroom online portal (www.coolroom.com). Consumers registering online are automatically supplied a personal PIN to use when signing in to download from Media Centre.  Downloaded content from Coolroom online is also easily accessible directly through the Media Center interface.

The website also hosts the ‘3D Coolroom’, a virtual 3D loft apartment where users can watch additional content from cinema featurettes and clips to cast interviews from the latest download releases as well as interact with product placed brands.  Users can customise and own their 3D Coolroom by uploading and displaying personal media such as pictures and videos.

“We are extremely proud to be expanding the Coolroom service as the first entertainment retail channel launched on Microsoft Media Center in the UK,” said Rupert Fleming, Managing Director. “Microsoft Media Center provides a significant distribution channel for Coolroom and most importantly, offers consumers the greatest in flexibility and ease in downloading and ultimately enjoying digital entertainment around the home.”

“With the added benefit of cross-platform compatibility, Coolroom is flexible and easy-to-use,” added Mike Haigh, UK Windows Client Product Manager. “It’s a great way for consumers to enjoy and experience personalised digital content. Used with Windows Vista, it definitely gives real ‘wow’ value – allowing them to view content from anywhere within the home.”