Widevine announced that it has signed a global agreement with LG Electronics to incorporate Widevine’s live and on-demand adaptive streaming, virtual DVD controls and digital rights management (DRM) into LG connected devices.
For more information visit: www.widevine.com ; www.lge.com
Unedited press release follows:
Widevine to Provide Adaptive Streaming and DRM for LG Electronics
Global Agreement Makes Widevine’s Video Optimization and DRM Platform Available on More LG Devices, Worldwide
SEATTLE, WA and SEOUL, KOREA–(October 13, 2010) – Widevine, a provider of digital entertainment solutions, today announced that it has signed a global agreement with LG Electronics (LG) to distribute Widevine’s live and on-demand adaptive streaming, virtual DVD controls and digital rights management (DRM) on LG connected products. Widevine’s DRM and adaptive streaming software are already included in 2009 models of LG Blu-ray players and home theaters shipped in the United States. This agreement enables LG to expand distribution to more devices, on a worldwide basis.
“LG’s decision to extend its relationship with Widevine clearly demonstrates the business value of our technology,” said Brian Baker, CEO, Widevine. “More and more companies are realizing that embedding Widevine into their devices ensures that their customers are able to view premium content over the device of their choice, keeping them happy and thereby reducing turnover. This has a significant impact on our customers’ bottom lines, and provides an edge in today’s competitive marketplace.”
As one of LG’s preferred partners, Widevine’s video optimization and DRM platform will now be included on a wide variety of additional LG products, including connected TVs. Widevine’s video optimization technology ensures that consumers using LG products receive an excellent quality of viewing experience for both live and on-demand content. Widevine’s DRM keeps premium content secure, regardless of the LG device it is delivered to.
“Our commitment to developing the best electronics possible for our customers extends all the way to the content they are able to access with their LG products, so it makes sense for us to expand our relationship with Widevine,” said Baeguen Kang, Director of LCD TV R&D Lab, LG Electronics. “We want our customers to be able to access and enjoy a wider variety of high-quality entertainment over the Internet and from their service provider, and we believe this agreement makes that possible.”
Widevine’s technologies will enable LG to support TV Everywhere and over-the-top delivery initiatives from Internet content providers and large cable, satellite, and telecommunication companies.
The Widevine client will be shipped on millions of LG products in 2010.
About Widevine
Widevine provides digital media solutions for the delivery of digital entertainment to any device. Hundreds of service providers use Widevine’s multiplatform DRM and video optimization solutions for securing high quality video and audio. Today, millions of consumers enjoy digital entertainment secured and optimized by Widevine on retail consumer electronics devices and legacy STBs from all major consumer brands. With over 60 patents Widevine is an industry leader and innovator of content protection and video optimization technologies.
Widevine is a privately held corporation headquartered in Seattle, WA, whose investors include Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), Charter Ventures, Constellation Ventures, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd (DNP), Liberty Global (NASDAQ: LBTYA), PaceSetter Capital Group, Phoenix Partners, Samsung Ventures America, TELUS (NYSE: TU), and VantagePoint Venture Partners.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 80,000 people working in over 115 operations around the world. With 2009 global sales of 55.5 trillion Korean Won (43.4 billion US Dollars), LG comprises of five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner of Formula 1™ and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event.