CinemaNow, Macrovision offer ‘Connected Platform’
Technology allows users to download titles over a home network
By Ned Randolph -- Video Business, 1/3/2008 12:01:00 AM
JAN. 3 | Movie download service CinemaNow and digital solutions firm Macrovision announced a deal to allow users to download CinemaNow titles onto consumer electronics devices and share them over a home network, using Macrovision’s Connected Platform technology.
Macrovision develops middleware for device manufacturers such as network-ready TVs, set-top boxes and computers that can then form a home network over the Internet with Connected Platform technology.
The partnership with CinemaNow allows the movie download service integration with any Macrovision-enabled consumer electronics device, said Richard Bullwinkle, Macrovision's chief evangelist and senior director of products.
"Anyone who builds a device that works with our middleware can automatically work with CinemaNow. That allows for much quicker time to market and much less work on CinemaNow's part," he said.
A customer who registers a Macrovision-enabled device on CinemaNow.com can download a TV show or movie directly onto the device and share it with other devices on the home network, from a digital TV to handheld media player.
For instance, a customer can order a CinemaNow movie downloaded directly onto their living room set-top box and watch the second half of the movie on their portable player in bed, said Bullwinkle.
“CinemaNow is dedicated to providing access to great entertainment wherever our customer is, in the living room or on the go,” said Curt Marvis, CEO of CinemaNow. “Making sure our service is readily available on as many devices as possible is part of that mission, and that’s why we’re collaborating with Macrovision.”
Connected Platform is a component of the Digital Living Network Alliance standard and is compliant to the Universal Plug and Play standard.
“CE manufacturers are realizing that content is king and their devices are only as good as the content that they can access,” said Eric Free, executive VP and general manager of Macrovision’s Embedded Solutions business unit. “Through teaming up with CinemaNow, we’re providing CE manufacturers with new services that simplify the process of acquiring content for the home and enriching consumers’ experience with digital entertainment.”
Macrovision will demonstrate the service at the Consumer Electronics Show next week.
