Village Gamer

Mississauga – Microsoft Canada Co. announced today that MuchMusic, a division of CTV Limited, has selected Microsoft® Silverlight™ browser plug-in to give people across Canada one of the best seats in the house for this Sunday’s 2009 Much Music Video Awards (MMVAs) in Toronto when the cameras start rolling at 9pm EDT.

This year, anyone watching the MMVAs on a computer running Microsoft Silverlight will have access to Backstage Live, a unique, online video experience based on Silverlight that will stream the event live in high-definition – a Canadian first. Backstage Live lets viewers select from six different views powered by 21 cameras located throughout the event venue, so they can enjoy planned live on-stage performances from the Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas, take part in exclusive behind-the-scenes celebrity interviews, peek into the VIP and press rooms, or join in the action from backstage or in the crowd.

As well, viewers can take advantage of the Alt Show cams to enjoy a “second screen” experience, letting viewers access TV footage framed in an alternate shot with different cameras. People using Backstage Live can also chat with friends live via Facebook and Twitter.

“The MMVAs are all about the fans, and Backstage Live gives them an entirely new way to experience the show,” said Brad Schwartz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Much MTV Group, CTV Inc. “Microsoft Silverlight technology is helping us make one of biggest shows of the year even more exciting by providing an interactive, online experience that re-defines what it means to broadcast on the Web.”

“Web presence is about more than just a Web site – it’s about extending the online experience into the everyday lives of consumers,” said Mark Relph, Vice President, Developer and Platform, Microsoft Canada. “The MMVAs and Backstage Live are a great example of this, and we’re proud that Silverlight is helping to bring Canadians closer to one of the biggest entertainment events of 2009.”