Roving around
We have described Rovi as one of the biggest tech companies you've never heard of so many times in interviews with them that they've adopted it themselves. While Rovi is happy not do be a conspicuous consumer brand, it is increasingly keen to let the tech press know about its many solutions.
The latest one to be unveiled - at IFA 2011 - is called DivX Plus Streaming. Rovi acquired DivX along with the rest of Sonic Solutions back at the end of last year, with the intention of increasing and diversifying its white-label digital content offerings. DivX, of course, lies at the centre of Rovi's video distribution strategy.
DivX Plus Streaming is positioned as a white-label video streaming solution that offers Blu-ray-like functionality, including 1080p support, multiple languages and smooth fast-forward. Rovi will be hoping to sell this service to the manufacturers of products such as HD TVs and set-top boxes.
"Designed for easy, lightweight implementation, DivX Plus Streaming is designed to help make it possible to bring a more advanced streaming experience to over-the-top services," said Corey Ferengul, EVP at Rovi Corporation. "Utilizing proven technology, DivX Plus Streaming can reach a wider range of connected consumer electronics devices, help CE manufacturers drive device sales, and allow content owners and distributors to maintain security while delivering a dynamic entertainment experience."
"DivX Plus Streaming is a solid addition to Rovi's existing portfolio of white-label digital entertainment technologies and tight integration will be welcomed by CE manufacturers," said Colin Dixon, senior partner at The Diffusion Group. "The inclusion of features such as smooth fast-forward, quick stream start and subtitle support are real consumer pain points with existing streaming solutions and will help differentiate DivX Plus Streaming in the market."
Rovi already offers a bunch of white-label digital content services, such as its TotalGuide EPG, and the metadata and written content on Spotify, and with each new launch gets closer to providing a complete package for consumer electronics OEMs. One recently-announced addition to the Rovi customer list is Panasonic, for its TV and video recorder products in Europe.
