One Of The Most Exciting Initiatives In The World Of Digital Entertainment Is Due To Make Its Debut Next Year

September 16, 2010

UltraViolet (the consumer name for the system being enabled by the DECE consortium) is an industry initiative which promises consumers the 'Holy Grail' of content anywhere, at any time, and across multiple devices. "A key aspect of UltraViolet is the fact that the consumer will know exactly what to expect - the basic UltraViolet offering is the same whichever service provider you buy your content from, and there is the UV logo on services, devices and physical media to tell them where the UltraViolet promise applies," said Tim Wright, Sony Pictures' Director for Technology. In one of the first public presentations on UltraViolet, Wright will provide ESCA delegates with an overview and status update on this potentially game-changing initiative. Once a consumer has purchased an UltraViolet-enabled disc or download from their preferred retailer, the system's digital rights locker enables them, and other registered members of their household, to access digital copies that can be securely downloaded to devices in their 'home domains' or streamed to any other compatible device. "This is exactly what consumers have been saying they want during our regular surveys and focus groups," said Andrew Snoad, Director of Survey Research at Futuresource, "and this could be key in getting more consumers to pay for digital content." UltraViolet is supported by more than 60 companies representing all aspects of the industry, from content owners, digital service providers and retailers to telcos, CE manufacturers and technology companies. Some of the fine detail is still being worked out but UltraViolet's backers are looking forward to the introduction of products and services in the coming year.

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