This is interesting… not sure how it’s going to play out though..
Sonic Solutions and Widevine today announced they are enabling the delivery of premium movies on USB flash memory devices. The self-contained CinemaNow USB Movie Drives(TM) will include an integrated media player as well as the necessary video codecs to enable instant high-quality PC playback of movie content offline. Once connected to the Internet, consumers can add the title to their Roxio CinemaNow Digital Locker to access it on other ecosystem devices such as networked Blu-ray Disc players and connected televisions. Sonic expects the first drives to begin appearing at retail in the 4th quarter.
Widevine is providing Hollywood-approved digital rights management technologies to enable secure multiplatform playback while maintaining a convenient and positive entertainment viewing experience for consumers. Widevine and Sonic are collaborating on device-optimized content preparation and delivery.
“Our technologies are helping to ensure consumers get the Hollywood new releases they want along with the playback flexibility they crave,” said Brian Baker, Widevine CEO. “The CinemaNow USB Movie Drives will be an ideal solution for Netbook and mobile phone manufacturers that want to enhance and differentiate their product offerings with premium entertainment.”
Once consumers connect to the Internet, the title on the USB Movie Drive is added to their Roxio CinemaNow Digital Locker where it can then be viewed on as many as four additional CinemaNow-compatible devices. Rather than delivering the same file used for USB playback, a unique file is delivered that has been optimized for the capabilities and display characteristics of the selected device.
“Delivering content on USB drives is the latest example of how Roxio CinemaNow is enabling access to digital Hollywood hits across the broadest possible range of devices,” said Dave Habiger, president and CEO, Sonic Solutions. “Teaming with industry leaders such as Widevine is allowing us to overcome the technical hurdles of digital rights management and platform optimization behind the scenes, so all the consumer experiences is convenient, hassle-free entertainment viewing.”
The Roxio CinemaNow USB Movie Drives are expected to be available at retail locations nationwide later this year. Sonic is also targeting bundling agreements with mobile phone manufacturers and netbook PC makers.
Sonic has relationships with more than 250 content providers and a content portfolio that includes entertainment from all major Hollywood studios and independent distributors. Roxio CinemaNow offers a massive selection of premium video entertainment for rental or purchase, including new releases from major Hollywood studios often on the same day the DVD is available in stores. CinemaNow’s cloud-based media services power devices from multiple manufacturers, forming a connected ecosystem that consumers can use to seamlessly choose, move and view video entertainment.
The CinemaNow ecosystem currently includes PCs, connected TVs, set top DVRs, Blu-ray Disc and mobile media players from leading manufacturers such as Archos, Dell, HP, LG, Microsoft, Nintendo, Pioneer, Samsung and TiVo. As well as being available on a range of consumer electronics, Roxio CinemaNow is currently powering internet movie stores for Lionsgate, Warner Bros. and Blockbuster.
About Widevine
Widevine provides digital media solutions for the delivery of digital entertainment to any device. Hundreds of service providers use Widevine’s multiplatform, multiformat DRM and video optimization solutions for securing high quality video and audio. Today, millions of consumers enjoy digital entertainment secured and optimized by Widevine on retail consumer electronics devices and legacy STBs from all major consumer brands. With over 55 patents Widevine is an industry leader and innovator of content protection and video optimization technologies. Widevine is a privately held corporation headquartered in Seattle, WA, funded by Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) , Charter Ventures, Constellation Ventures, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd (DNP), PaceSetter Capital Group, Phoenix Partners, TELUS (NYSE:TU) and VantagePoint Venture Partners.
For more information: www.widevine.com. About Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ:SNIC) is powering the digital media ecosystem through its complete range of Hollywood to Home(TM) applications, services, and technologies. Sonic’s Roxio products enable consumers to easily manage and enjoy personal digital media content as well as premium Hollywood entertainment on a broad range of connected devices. A wide array of leading technology firms, professionals, and developers rely on Sonic to bring innovative digital media functionality to next-generation devices and platforms. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.