Metrological Media Innovations is integrating technology from Widevine in its software. Metrological makes hybrid systems for offering integrated broadcast and web content. Widgets on the TV screen provide access to online "over-the-top" content, using the remote control to navigate. Broadcast content is delivered through traditional channels: cable, satellite, DTT or IPTV. The technology, Mediaconnect TV, can be integrated into set-top boxes, TVs, media players, Blu-ray players and other consumer devices, and is offered by Metrological on a white-label basis. The Yuixx box from Conceptronic, one of first commerical devices to use the technology, runs on the Metroconnect operating system and Intel CE3100 processor.
The technology from Widevine provides two functions: digital rghts management (DRM) and 'video optimisation'. DRM is important for the media companies, who want to protect their premium content. The deal is important also because Widevine is a member of the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE), in which Fox, NBC Universal, Paramount, Warner Bros and Lionsgate are also members as content producers. The DECE partners aim to make all content available 'in the cloud', rather than on traditional storage media such as DVDs, so that consumers have access wherever there's a broadband connection and on any given screen. DECE is currently working with technology partners such as Neustar, Adobe and Motorola on a 'digital rights locker' for every subscriber. A ‘common file format’ is also planned, and, as mentioned, all the conent must be protected by DRM. DECE has approved five types of DRM technology, including Widevine's and others from the likes of Microsoft and Adobe.
Widevine technology is also used by American operators developing the 'TV Everywhere' concept. This aims to provide TV subscribers, particularly cable users, with the ability to watch the content to which they subscribe on any screen. Integration of the Widevine technology in the Metroconnect OS also supports a better image quality. This brings us to the question, are consumers interested in this kind of technology? If yes, how can the market be developed? We consider the following as some of the important success factors:
- Content. The advantage of OTT content available on a large TV screen is clear.
- Quality. Media players suffer still from a slow response time and only average image quality. For this, Intel's fast CE3100 processor, as well as Widevine’s ‘video optimisation’ are important.
- Easy access. How can users access OTT content easily other than with a remote control? This is why widgets were developed, similar to apps for mobile phones and short cuts on a desktop. Intel is working on this with both Yahoo! and Metrological, and others such as LG and Panasonic are also active. They are producing a 'widget gallery' (a sort of app store) that offers access to content from specific partners.
- DRM, or copyright protection. As outlined above, this is an essential element. Without the full cooperation of the content industry, which is already largely united in DECE, there is no chance of success. The industry is still waiting on Disney, which is working outside DECE on its own 'digital locker' system, KeyChest.
- Ecosystem. Metrological has chosen for a white-label approach, keeping the entire hardware sector as a potential customer. The technology (Mediaconnect TV) can be integrated in a TV or set-top box, as well as media player or Blue-ray player. This keeps all the company's options open. An important question in TV land is whether the set-top box will remain over the long term, or will move to the electrical room or be built into the TV. A clear answer to this is not yet possible.
Our conclusion: Mterological has made a few smart decisions, choosing the Intel technology, DRM from a DECE partner and a white-label distribution model. Now it's up to the consumer and whether he really is waiting for a hybrid STB that can delvier both broadcast and broadband content.
