UltraViolet is a cloud-based rights-based lock for movies and television shows that allow consumers to store proof of purchase of licensed content within their accounts to enable playback on different devices using multiple apps from different streaming services. UltraViolet also allows users to share access to their library with up to five additional people. UltraViolet is deployed by the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem, an alliance of 85 companies covering movie studios, retailers, consumer electronics manufacturers, cable television companies, internet service providers (ISPs), hosting providers, and other Internet systems and security vendors, with notable exceptions from Walt Disney Studios, Google, Amazon.com, and Apple.
Video UltraViolet (system)
Operasi
To use UltraViolet, consumers need to create a free UltraViolet account, either through a participating UltraViolet service provider, or through the official UltraViolet website. The UltraViolet account is a Digital Rights Locker where the license for purchased content is stored and managed irrespective of the point of sale. Ultraviolet account holders are allowed to share their library with 5 other users, called members.
Consumers can obtain UltraViolet rights by purchasing a physical disk that includes the UltraViolet activation code, by purchasing movies directly from an electronic retailer (a.k.a. EST, or electronic sales through), or by using a disk to digital service (D2D). Discs to digital services allow consumers to insert DVD or Blu-ray into their computer disk drive, scan to verify ownership, and then add it to their UltraViolet collection for a fee. Some retailers including Vudu and CinemaNow offer this service. Flixster has offered D2D service as well, but it was suspended after Fandango acquired Flixster in early 2016 and another independent movie streaming service, M-GO.
Consumers can then stream or download their UltraViolet content from participating retailers. Participating retailers are listed in the table below.
The UltraViolet digital charger does not store video files, and not the "cloud storage" platform. Only rights to purchased content are stored on the service. UltraViolet only coordinates and manages licenses for each account, but not the content itself. By creating a digital rights locker rather than a digital media storage locker, UltraViolet cuts storage and bandwidth costs that are used when the media is accessed and forward costs to various service providers. In addition, by simply managing rights and content licenses, UltraViolet isolates itself from future technological advancements, allowing users to keep watching the content they have purchased.
Maps UltraViolet (system)
Content partner
Five of Lancegate's "Big Six" and "mini-major" movie studios are members of DECE, and released their content with UltraViolet rights. Movies and other small television studios released their programs and movies with UltraViolet rights, but not members of DECE.
- Primary movie studio
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Universal Studio
- Paramount Motion Pictures Group
- Warner Bros. Entertainment
- Fox Entertainment Group
- Minor Film Studios
- Lionsgate
- The Weinstein Company
- Roadshow Entertainment
- Anchor Bay
- Television Studio
- BBC
- HBO
Walt Disney Studios is not a member of DECE, and does not release any movies with UltraViolet rights. On February 25, 2014, Disney launched a competing digital movie locker system called Disney Movies Anywhere that allows any Disney movie to be purchased or redeemed at participating providers to be played using all other DMA providers. DMA providers including iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, Amazon Video, and Microsoft Movies & amp; TELEVISION. On October 12, 2017, Disney Movies Anywhere expanded to include movies from a number of non-Disney studios, thus forming a full UltraViolet competitor. This service is now called Movies Anywhere to reflect the expanded content coverage.
UltraViolet digital retailer
UltraViolet content is available from some movie streaming services. Some services offer downloads that can be saved to a PC, tablet, game console, or phone to be viewed offline. Below is a table of all the streaming providers and the countries they serve.
Content may also be streamed over the Internet to an unlimited number of devices, depending on the content licensing rights of the streaming provider.
Comparison of streaming providers
Other less-known streaming providers include: Kaleidescape, Verizon Fios On Demand, Videociety, Paramount Movies (Paramount title only), and Nolim Films.
Player support from streaming providers
Downloadability
Some Ultraviolet stream providers offer the ability to download movies and TV shows. They have their own exclusive video format, and they are not cross platform. They must be downloaded and played on their own PC, Mac, iOS, or Android app.
Ultraviolet Common File Format (CFF) was planned, but never launched, by DECE to allow downloaded video files to be copied between devices, stored on physical media (eg DVD, SD card, flash memory) or online backup service. They are designed to be playable on any official UltraViolet device (eg Blu-ray, streaming media player, Smart TV, or mobile device) or software player listed in the Ultraviolet household library.
The simplification of 2015 from the UV ecosystem makes the optional File File Format for studios and streaming providers. Very likely it will not be supported by retailers.
Selected DRM technology
DECE re-approved six DRM technologies to be used in conjunction with the CFF, which has never been launched.
The selected DRM technologies are:
- Google Widevine DRM, selected for its strong position in the set-top box
- Marlin DRM, selected for compatibility with many Connected TV
- OMA CMLA-OMA v2, selected for its strong position on mobile devices
- Microsoft PlayReady, selected for its wide availability on PC and CE devices
- Adobe PrimeTime DRM, selected for its wide availability on PC devices
- DivX DRM
Using MPEG Common Encryption, all of these DRM can be used to play the same file. No need to download another version to use different DRM. The same file works everywhere (for certain screen sizes).
Weakness
- Limited interoperability with existing services
- Some popular digital media stores, including Amazon Video, Google Play, and iTunes do not currently support UltraViolet. However, UltraViolet titles can be streamed on Apple and Android devices using third-party apps from many UV stream providers.
- The number of UltraViolet services becomes less. Some services have been closed.
- Not all movie studios participate in the UV ecosystem
- The Walt Disney company does not grant UV rights with their digital content. Walt Disney launched its own rival digital rights locker called Disney Movies Anywhere (powered by KeyChest) that works with iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Video, and Google Play. On September 8, 2015, Disney Movies Anywhere added support for Amazon Video and Microsoft Movies & amp; TELEVISION. Since 2017, support for Microsoft has been discontinued. In October 2017 Disney announced that it would close Disney Movies Anywhere and migrate its content to a new service called Movies Anywhere, which Disney also owns. Movie Anywhere is a digital movie locker that includes Disney content plus movies from iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, and Fandango Now.
- Early 2012 MGM has released the title of their new home video with UV rights, but they only make a small number of their catalog films available with UV rights, and they do not participate in the Disc to Digital service.
- Not all UV-enabled movies are available for streaming from all UV services
- Due to contractual agreements between studio and streaming services, some titles are only available to be streamed from selected UltraViolet services. Some titles may not be available in the service of your choice.
- Usage restrictions
- It is not possible to download an UltraViolet movie or television show and copy it to another device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Consumers must use third-party applications to download movies on portable devices.
History
2010
In September, Mitch Singer, President of DECE, announced the upcoming launch of the "UltraViolet" system in an interview with Home Media Magazine.
2011
In January, a number of major movie studios announced support for UltraViolet. They are: Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Fox, Universal, Paramount, and Lionsgate. The exception is Walt Disney.
On October 11, the UltraViolet system was launched with the Warner Bros. release of Horrible Boss , the first UV title. Flixster was relaunched as the first UltraViolet streaming service. Sony then released its first two UV titles in December, The Smurfs and Friends with Benefits . Universal was soon followed by the release of its first UV title, Cowboys & amp; Aliens .
In December, UltraViolet was launched in the UK with the release of Warner Bros. Final Destination 5.
2012
At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, Amazon became the first major retailer to announce support for UltraViolet. Amazon has not added UV capability yet. DEG reports that 750k accounts have been created within the first 3 months.
On January 24th, Paramount released its first UV title, Paranormal Activity 3 .
During the company's quarterly earnings call on February 5, Walt Disney CEO, Bob Iger, said that they will wait and see the approach towards UltraViolet.
On April 15, DreamWorks Animation became the seventh studio to join the UltraViolet initiative.
The next day, Vudu (operated by Walmart) became the first major UltraViolet retailer by adding UV rights to thousands of movies available at its digital store. Walmart also launched the "Disc to Digital" service inside the store, with more than 4,000 titles initially.
UltraViolet exceeds 2 million users on May 2.
Lionsgate released its first UV title The Hunger Games on August 18th.
On September 18th, 20th Century Fox released its first UV title Prometheus , with a new "Digital HD" branding, 3 weeks before its DVD road date, and made an additional 600 titles available with UltraViolet rights.
UltraViolet exceeds 5 million users and 7,200 titles on September 20th.
Redbox announced a partnership with UltraViolet for its new Redbox Instant streaming service on October 25th. Ultraviolet support never materialized, and the service closed on October 7, 2014.
On October 30th, Barnes & amp; Noble announced it will launch an UltraViolet electronic video store for its new Nook HD tablet.
On November 20, Disney announced it would close its DisneyMoviesOnline service in late December. Some industry insiders predicted that Disney would abandon its competitors' keychest technology and join the UltraViolet system. However, the DMA launch on February 25, 2014 confirmed that the prediction was already ripe.
Best Buy's CinemaNow became the second major UV retailer on November 24th.
CinemaNow launches In Home Disc to Digital service (in beta) just in time for Christmas.
2013
January 5: DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor launches MGO, a new streaming platform with UV capabilities.
January 7: DEG announces that 9 million UV accounts have been created, and there are 8,500 UV titles available.
January 11: Cineplex becomes the first UltraViolet retailer in Canada.
25 April: Best Buy announces a deal to make Cinema Now service available in Canada.
May 1st: UltraViolet launched in Australia and New Zealand with Warner Bros. movie. The Hobbit .
2 May: Kaleidescape opens UV ready-made video download store.
May 9th 20th Century Fox announced it will offer Digital HD UltraViolet rights with all new films.
June 3: Wal-Mart launches In Home Disc service to Digital as a public beta.
August 7: DEG announces that 10,000 titles are available and 13 million accounts have been created.
September 3: CinemaNow launches Disc to Digital service in Canada.
September 25: Target Ticket launched with UltraViolet capability, and includes 10 free titles for new users.
Nov 20: Ultraviolet launches in France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Warner Bros. Pacific Rim movies.
2014
During 2014, the number of UltraViolet accounts increased substantially, from 15 million in January to more than 20 million in November.
At the beginning of the year, there were 12,000 titles with UltraViolet rights available in the ecosystem.
In mid-January, DECE launched the UltraViolet website completely revamped with new features, such as the ability to remove movies from user collections.
Disney Movies Anywhere was launched on February 25th. DMA is a streaming service powered by KeyChest Disney technology connected to iTunes, which is used to purchase or redeem content for playback through its DMA website.
The next day, Mitch Singer, President of DECE, declared that the new Disney Movies Anywhere service will not disallow Disney offering UltraViolet titles in the future.
At the end of March, Vudu became the first UV retailer to offer Google Chromecast support for UltraViolet content. Flixster followed him a few days later.
In May, Vudu introduced a new feature that lets UltraViolet users share their movies with up to five friends.
Then in May, Flixster became the first UV retailer to support Apple Airplay, ultimately allowing UltraViolet users to watch their UV collection on Apple TV.
On August 11th, NPD released a survey that found that over 14% of digital content purchases come from UltraViolet Users.
In early September, DECE launched a new general redemption site.
MGM began offering UV rights for some catalog titles in early October.
Then in October, Tesco BlinkBox became the first official UV retailer in the UK.
On November 12: KnowHow, a UK streaming film provider, relaunched as CinemaNow and added Ultraviolet support.
Then in November Verizon FIOS on Demand introduces UltraViolet capabilities.
2015
On January 6th, DEG announced that UltraViolet grows 30% in 2014 to 21 million accounts.
The French Carrefour Supermarket chain opens a Digital Video Store with an UltraViolet function called Nolim Films on January 27th.
Target Corporation closed its Target Ticket service on March 7, and allowed users to transfer their purchases to CinemaNow and Disney Movies Anywhere.
UltraViolet exceeds 22 million users on May 25th.
Australian UV Partner EZYFlix.tv is closed on 18 August.
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On January 6th, DEG reported that UltraViolet accounts grew by nearly 20 percent by 2015 to hit more than 25 million with 165 million movies and television shows in the UltraViolet library.
On January 29, Fandango acquired the MGO film service, and plans to launch it again later this year under a new name.
On March 3, Barnes and Noble announced that they will close the Nook Video Store on March 15th.
On March 30th, MGO became Fandango Now and launched Airplay support.
On April 4th, BlinkBox - Owned by TalkTalk stopped supporting PlayStation 3.
On June 29, an update was released for the Nvidia Shield Android TV console that enables support for Vudu apps. Vudu becomes the first UltraViolet service available on popular devices.
On September 1st, the Cineplex Shop stopped offering Ultraviolet service.
2017
On March 20th, JB Hi-Fi NOW Video Services announced that it will close on April 13, 2017.
On March 23, Vudu expanded its Disc to Digital service. Users can now convert their movie library using the Vudu app on their phone. They also announced that the Disc to Digital program will be discontinued on April 1st.
On March 27, the Ultraviolet account grew to 28 million.
In April, it was discovered that the films from Relativity Media, distributed by 20th Century Fox were no longer enabled by UV. If you have purchased/redeemed the movie prior to the removal of UV rights. Movies stay in your UV locker.
In late May, Universal Studios began referring to UltraViolet as simply "Digital HD" behind the Blu-ray release. 20th Century Fox started this practice in 2016. Both UltraViolet movie studios are still enabled in selected retailers.
On July 1, it was reported that UltraViolet surpassed 30 million users.
In mid-July, CinemaNow removed UV support for all movies. The question to Ultraviolet was answered with a response, "CinemaNow does not participate in UV at this time."
On August 1st, the CinemaNow website began redirecting to Filmon.tv, the Live TV streaming service in the UK.
On August 21st, Flixster Video Video announced "On August 28, 2017, Flixster Video will no longer support code redemption or streaming and download content. Switch code and access your Flixster video collection after that date by signing up or logging into Vudu or FandangoNOW."
On August 22nd, Vudu launched their AppleTV app, which became the first app to support UltraViolet movies and TV shows on the Apple TV platform.
On October 12, 2017, it was announced that Disney Movies Anywhere would be expanded to include non-Disney studios under the name Movie Anywhere , with 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Universal and Warner Bros. joined Disney as an early partner, and Lionsgate and Paramount Pictures expressed interest.
On November 28, the Detroit digital release (film) and Patti Cake $ were the last film released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment to receive UV rights, while Kingsman: The Golden Circle was the first to be released without UV rights.
2018
January 2, the first US digital release of 2018 from Universal Pictures released without UV rights. Join 20th Century Fox as the second studio to drop UV rights for a new release.
Starting January 15, 2018, Ultraviolet service will no longer be available on TalkTalk TV.
See also
- Movie Anywhere, Disney's premier digital rights locker.
References
External links
- The UltraViolet website
- UltraViolet FAQ
- UltraViolet wiki
- Vudu
- Flixster Video
- FandangoNow
- CinemaNow
- Verizon FIOS
- Rakuten Wuaki.tv
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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