Sonic Solutions and MOD Systems have announced a strategic partnership to arm retailers with a complete, multi-platform system for digitally delivering premium entertainment.
The system will integrate RoxioNow, Sonic's platform for the over-the-top Internet delivery of entertainment to connected devices, with MOD Systems' solution for self-service digital download kiosks.
According to a release, participating retailers would be able to provide consumers convenient in-store and connected-device options for purchasing digital film and television titles that then can be easily accessed from a wide range of devices, including PCs, laptops, Blu-ray players, HDTVs and smart phones. Sonic and MOD Systems will announce additional details of their initiative later this year, pending the securing of appropriate license rights from content owners.
"Today consumers have a variety of physical and digital entertainment purchase options, both in-store and online, but without a bridge that connects them together," said Anthony Bay, chairman and CEO of MOD Systems. "Together with Sonic, we're taking a major step toward meeting the long-standing vision of the entertainment industry by giving consumers easy access to digital entertainment, whether in-store, online, at home, or on the go, all sold and supported by the retailer brands consumers trust."
The integrated solution supports approved digital content distribution standards, and is being designed to be compatible with Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE), an industry consortium developing a digital content distribution ecosystem that will provide consumers with an easy way to access, purchase and play digital content.
"DECE's goal is to deliver protected content in such a way that consumers enjoy a 'buy once, play anywhere' experience," said Mitch Singer, president of DECE. "By participating in DECE, aligning their digital platforms with the framework of DECE, and preparing for the eventual adoption of the DECE specifications, Sonic and MOD are taking a step that will benefit consumers."
The companies' combined solution would allow retailers to offer consumers access to a wide array of digital entertainment for purchase from online digital download and streaming storefronts, as well as self-service, touch-screen kiosks that load to Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. Consumers will have the flexibility to play the content, including new movie releases and next-day television shows, at home and on the go. Content on SD cards from kiosks is delivered in the GreenPlay format, which can be played on any Windows PC and a growing number of GreenPlay-compatible consumer electronics devices. Entertainment from online storefronts will be streamed or downloaded to portable and connected devices through the RoxioNow entertainment platform.
"While we've seen a significant increase in the number of consumers embracing over-the-top video services, many still turn to physical storefronts as their destination for entertainment," said Dave Habiger, president and CEO, Sonic Solutions. "Leveraging kiosks to provide an in-store way for consumers to purchase entertainment in a digital form will help educate more consumers to the convenience and flexibility digital entertainment can afford them."
