At NAB 2008, Beet.TV interviewed Microsoft’s Steve Sklepowich about the Move-Microsoft strategic partnership, and Sklepowich expressed why Microsoft is so excited to be integrating Move’s exceptional technology with Silverlight. He said, “Move has raised the bar for streaming today on the Web. They have just a really gorgeous adaptive streaming technology with some very interesting ad insertion models as well as a very interesting HD experience. [. . .] Silverlight brings a next-level of interactivity—DVD interactivity—together with [Move's] high-quality adaptive streaming experience. ”

More details about the Move-Microsoft partnership coming soon.

Today Move Networks announced plans to integrate the Move media player with Microsoft’s Silverlight technology.  Because of this integration, developers (and viewers) will enjoy greater flexibility and quality in their streaming video.

Microsoft Silverlight, a cross-browser, multiplatform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web, will now integrate Move Networks’ video streaming technology that allows videos to start faster, play smoothly with no buffering, and deliver high quality video resolution.

As online video usage continues to grow exponentially, Move Networks’ technology combined with Microsoft Silverlight’s open, flexible development platform will give media companies and developers the ability to quickly develop and deploy unique online television offerings. Within one environment, developers will be able to seamlessly integrate unique branding and navigational elements within, around and on top of the highest quality online video on the net.

We are excited to push the boundaries of online video streaming!  The announcement was made today at MIX and on Microsoft’s site. 

According to analyst Chris Morrison at Venture Beat, Move Networks has differentiated itself from standard video streaming platforms (such as Flash and Windows) “in terms of its quality.” And Shelly Palmer recently said in MediaBytes that Move offers “without question the best online video experience” he has seen.

However, Move isn’t the only streaming provider that claims to stream video with high quality. So, what’s the difference? Move defines quality as (1) fast starts, (2) continuous playback, and (3) high fidelity. Our experience and reporting systems tell us that users stay more engaged with the video and visit the Web site more often if these three elements are maximized. Our streaming solution ensures that video is adapted to every kind of platform, regardless of bandwidth or processing power. Our reporting and analytic services show that when these are maximized, viewing lengths are extended. Most recently, our stats indicate that we have extended maximum viewing length from under 15 minutes to over 50 minutes. The bottom line: quality leads to increased viewership and is a must for advertisers. This makes perfect sense—media’s history demonstrates over and over that quality is the key to viewership. More on this idea another time . . .

Move is interested in hearing what you have to say about video quality and what creates a high-quality viewing experience for you.