Widevine announced that Best Buy has chosen Widevine to be a preferred provider of adaptive streaming, virtual DVD-like controls and digital rights management (DRM) on Insignia connected products such as Blu-ray Disc (BD) players, televisions and media devices.
For more information visit: www.widevine.com ; www.bestbuy.com ; www.insigniaproducts.com
Unedited press release follows:
Best Buy Selects Widevine as a Preferred Provider for DRM and Adaptive Streaming
Widevine to Provide Video Optimization and DRM for Insignia Branded Devices Sold at Best Buy Stores
SEATTLE, WA–(August 31, 2010) – Widevine, a provider of digital entertainment solutions, today announced that Best Buy has chosen Widevine to be a preferred provider of adaptive streaming, virtual DVD-like controls and digital rights management (DRM) on Insignia connected devices. Widevine’s video optimization and DRM technologies will allow content owners and service providers to deliver content directly to Insignia devices in an over-the-top or TV Everywhere environment. Insignia devices such as televisions, Blu-ray players and media players are sold at Best Buy stores and brands around the world.
“We are excited to include Widevine’s technology in our Insignia products,” said Patrick McGinnis, director of exclusive brands for Best Buy. “We always strive to provide our customers with the best possible solution. The customer experience delivered through Widevine’s video optimization platform will ensure that we not only give our customers a high-quality device, but also a pleasant viewing experience no matter what media they are viewing on their device.”
Insignia devices that include Widevine’s software platform are expected to start shipping in Q3 2010. In addition, CinemaNow, Best Buy’s new digital video service, utilizes Widevine technology to deliver video directly to internet-connectable devices from Insignia and other brands.
“The amount of content being delivered over-the-top directly to connected consumer devices is increasing every day,” said Brian Baker, CEO, Widevine. “Content owners and service providers will want to offer their content on devices that they know will provide their viewers the highest level of video quality. By including our technology on their Insignia devices, Best Buy is giving video providers the assurance that viewers will have an exceptional viewing experience.”
Widevine’s video optimization and DRM technologies are utilized by major Internet content services and large cable, satellite, and telecommunication companies launching TV Everywhere strategies. The company’s software platform optimizes the entertainment experience for live and on-demand content delivered over any network to any device. The solution is natively supported in nearly all types of network-connected consumer electronics including televisions, Blu-ray players, mobile devices, gaming systems and more.
About Insignia
Insignia is a Best Buy exclusive brand designed to provide customers with high quality and dependable technology products at an affordable price. Insignia’s inspiration for innovation in quality, design and performance is largely driven by customer input and employee insight. The Insignia line features a wide range of products including televisions, Blu-ray players, digital imaging products, home theater solutions, audio products and more. Insignia products are available exclusively at Best Buy, Future Shop and Five Star retail locations, and online at www.bestbuy.com or www.insigniaproducts.com.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $49 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy; Best Buy Mobile; Audiovisions; The Carphone Warehouse; Future Shop; Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star; Magnolia Audio Video; Napster; Pacific Sales; and The Phone House. Approximately 180,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2010, we donated a combined $25.2 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work.
About Widevine
Widevine provides digital media solutions for the delivery of digital entertainment to any device. Hundreds of service providers and device manufacturers 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.