Microsoft Silverlight aids faster online video
Netflix among early supporters of new Web browser plug-in
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 4/17/2007
APRIL 17 | Microsoft Corp. has introduced a new Web browser plug-in for delivering high-definition and interactive video over the Internet. The company unveiled the technology, called Silverlight, at the National Assn. of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas this week.
Early supporters of the new platform include Netflix, Sonic Solutions, Brightcove Inc. and Limelight Networks.
Silverlight will integrate into existing video technology to provide higher quality online video with lower delivery costs.
The application works on Mac and Windows computers and browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari.
“With 6.3 million members now and millions more in the next few years, Netflix needs rapid and reliable scalability so all members can enjoy DVD-quality movies immediately on our instant-viewing feature,” said Neil Hunt, Netflix chief product officer. “We depend on Microsoft Windows Media technologies, and we’re excited about Microsoft Silverlight as a platform to enable instant watching of great content for all our members on multiple platforms.”
Silverlight uses Windows Media Video and the VC-1 codec, making it compatible with content already available online and allowing it to support high-definition and mobile content.
The new plug-in also features digital rights management support for Microsoft PlayReady content access technology, which will play on both Windows and Mac computers.
