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GridNetworks using Widevine DRM for OTT delivery service

February 24, 2009 — 10:14am ET | By Pete Wylie

Tools

Widevine Technologies and GridNetworks announced a partnership today that will use Widevine DRM technology to secure online video content delivered to the living room by GridNetworks's GridCast TV service. Widevine's DRM technology could prove to be in high demand if this partnership proves to be effective, as cable companies such as Comcast have recently expressed interest in making cable content available online. These companies have been reluctant to do so for fear of piracy and revenue cannibalization, both of which strong DRM technology could prevent.

"As we work to make GridCast TV the industry standard for viewing Internet video directly on TVs DRM has become increasingly critical," said GridNetworks CEO Tony Naughtin. "Widevine's multiplatform DRM allows us to add more value to our solution-and it allows GridNetworks to serve the largest media companies with the most popular titles."

Widevine's DRM solution is compatible with all major online video file formats, including H.264, Flash, Windows Media and Microsoft Silverlight. According to the company, it protects GridCast TV content delivered to the PS3 and Xbox 360, which have a "reach" of 40 million viewers, according to the company.

While it's doubtful that GridCast actually delivers content to 40 million viewers, its selection of Widevine shows that the DRM solution is scalable. DRM solutions could get a lot more attention going forward as content owners and distributors moving to put their content online will view DRM as an essential business decision to protect revenue streams.

For more:
- see the press release here