UltraViolet

UltraViolet
Name	UltraViolet
Type	Digital locker
Owner	DECE (Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem)
Launched	October 2011
Discontinued	July 2019

UltraViolet was a digital locker service that allowed users to store and access their digital media content, such as movies and TV shows, from various Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate. The service was launched in October 2011 by the DECE (Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem), a consortium of over 80 companies, including Intel, Microsoft, Comcast, and Best Buy. UltraViolet was designed to provide consumers with a convenient way to access their digital media content across multiple devices, including Apple devices, Android devices, and Roku streaming players. The service was also supported by major retailers, such as Walmart and Amazon.

Introduction

UltraViolet was introduced as a digital rights management (DRM) system that allowed users to purchase and store digital media content in a cloud-based locker. The service was designed to provide consumers with a flexible and convenient way to access their digital media content, without the need for physical media, such as DVDs or Blu-ray discs. UltraViolet was also intended to provide a platform for studios and retailers to offer digital media content to consumers, while also protecting their intellectual property rights. The service was supported by major Hollywood studios, including 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, and MGM Studios. Additionally, UltraViolet partnered with companies like Samsung, LG, and Vizio to offer its service on various devices.

History

The concept of UltraViolet was first announced in 2008 by the DECE consortium, which included companies like Cisco Systems, IBM, and Verizon Communications. The service was initially launched in October 2011, with the support of several major Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures. In the following years, UltraViolet expanded its content offerings and partnered with additional studios, such as Lionsgate and Universal Pictures. The service also integrated with various devices and platforms, including Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Google TV. Furthermore, UltraViolet collaborated with companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to offer its content to a wider audience.

Technology

UltraViolet used a digital rights management (DRM) system to protect the intellectual property rights of content owners. The service employed a cloud-based locker system, which allowed users to store and access their digital media content from multiple devices. UltraViolet also used a unique identifier, known as a "digital copy," to authenticate and authorize access to digital media content. The service supported various digital media formats, including MPEG-4 and H.264, and was compatible with multiple devices, including Apple iPad, Android tablets, and Roku streaming players. Additionally, UltraViolet utilized Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight to provide a seamless viewing experience across different devices.

Content Availability

UltraViolet offered a wide range of digital media content, including movies and TV shows from major Hollywood studios. The service provided access to new releases, as well as classic titles, from studios like Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Pictures. UltraViolet also partnered with independent studios, such as Lionsgate and MGM Studios, to offer a diverse range of content. The service allowed users to purchase or rent digital media content, and also offered a "disc-to-digital" program, which enabled users to convert their physical media, such as DVDs or Blu-ray discs, into digital copies. Moreover, UltraViolet collaborated with companies like Redbox, Blockbuster, and Best Buy to offer its content to consumers through various channels.

Reception and Impact

UltraViolet received mixed reviews from consumers and industry experts. Some praised the service for its convenience and flexibility, while others criticized its complexity and limited content offerings. The service was also criticized for its DRM system, which some users found restrictive and inconvenient. Despite these challenges, UltraViolet gained a significant user base, with over 30 million registered accounts. The service also played a role in the growth of the digital media market, which has become a major segment of the entertainment industry, with companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video dominating the market. Furthermore, UltraViolet's impact was felt by companies like Disney, Fox, and Comcast, which have since developed their own digital media platforms.

Shutdown

In January 2019, the DECE consortium announced that UltraViolet would be shutting down on July 31, 2019. The decision was attributed to the growing popularity of alternative digital media platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, which have become major players in the entertainment industry. The shutdown of UltraViolet marked the end of an era for the digital locker service, which had been a pioneer in the digital media market. The service's closure also had implications for the entertainment industry, with companies like Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Pictures needing to find alternative platforms to distribute their digital media content. Additionally, the shutdown of UltraViolet affected companies like Vudu, Google Play, and iTunes, which had partnered with the service to offer digital media content to consumers.

Category:Digital distribution platforms