security

Due to the large volume of news generated by the IFA, IBC and CEDIA trade shows--and because the [itvt] editorial team has been working on TVOT NYC Intensive 2011--we are covering stories in this issue in round-up/summary format. We anticipate that it will take us several days to catch up with all the recent news: so if your company has sent us a press release or briefed us on an announcement, and you don't yet see your news covered in this issue, please bear with us.

Content protection and video optimization specialist, Widevine, and OTT specialist, Boxee, said Wednesday that they will collaborate to make Widevine's adaptive streaming, virtual DVD controls and DRM technologies available in consumer electronics devices containing Boxee's software platform. As a result, the companies say, Boxee customers will be able to access more high-quality, premium content than ever before. "We are excited to work with Boxee, one of the most innovative media center platforms available today," Widevine CEO, Brian Baker, said in a prepared statement. "Currently the Widevine platform is available in over 250 million CE devices worldwide and we continue to widen our footprint in the global CE device market.

Content protection and video optimization specialist, Widevine, said Tuesday that EchoStar's EchoStar Technologies and Sling Media subsidiaries have selected its DRM solution for the protection of content delivered by EchoStar's SlingLoaded set-top boxes (i.e. set-tops equipped with Sling Media's TV placeshifting technology, which allows users to watch and control their home TV remotely via desktop PC, Mac, laptop and a range of smartphones).

The [itvt] editorial team is on the road this week, so we are covering most stories in round-up/summary form, and we anticipate that there will be some additional interruptions of our regular news publishing schedule beyond that. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience to our readers.

Content security specialist, Widevine, revealed Wednesday that its video optimization and DRM platform for over-the-top and TV Everywhere services delivered to retail consumer electronics devices is being used by Netflix to secure the latter's "Watch Instantly" instant streaming service; and also announced the commercial availability of version 4.4.4 of the platform.

According to the company, features offered by the new release include:

Here is a round-up of some other recent interactive TV-related stories that we didn't have room for in this issue:

Content protection specialist, Irdeto, said Tuesday that video rental company, Netflix, has licensed its Cloakware embedded security technology as part of its suite of content protection tools for its "Watch Instantly" instant streaming service. "We have always been committed to offering our members the greatest convenience, selection and value for instantly watching TV episodes and movies across a wide range of consumer electronics devices," Bill Holmes, Netflix's VP of business development, said in a prepared statement. "As we looked to proactively enhance our content offerings, Irdeto with its Cloakware security technology, was a natural choice to support our commitment to digital content protection."

Content security specialist, Widevine, said Tuesday that Funai Electric Co.--which manufactures consumer electronics sold in the US under the Philips, Magnavox, Sylvania and Emerson brands--will incorporate its adaptive streaming technology, virtual DVD/Blu-ray-like controls and DRM solution on its Internet-connected HDTV's, Blu-ray players and other connected devices.

DRM and video optimization solutions provider, Widevine, said Monday that its adaptive streaming, virtual DVD/Blu-ray features and DRM technologies are being integrated with Metrological Media's Metroconnect operating system for use on Metrological's new hybrid/OTT device, Mediaconnect TV, in order to ensure that "subscribers enjoy highest-quality, over-the-top video content" on the device.

Video content security and optimization specialist, Widevine, said Monday that it has secured $15 million in new funding from Liberty Global, Samsung Ventures (the venture capital arm of Samsung Group) and an unnamed "third corporation" described in a Widevine press release as "the world's...second largest satellite provider." The company, which has raised close to $52 million to date, says that its technologies are playing a "central role" in the delivery of video over-the-top to Internet-connected retail consumer electronics devices and in the "TV Everywhere" strategies of cable, satellite and telephone companies (note: the "TV Everywhere" distribution model seeks, via authentication technology, to ma