Adobe extends flash platform to digital home

NEW DELHI, INDIA:Adobe Systems Incorporated, a provider in software services, today announced the extension of the Adobe Flash Platform to connected digital home devices with an optimized implementation of Flash technology that delivers high definition (HD) video and rich applications to Internet-connected televisions, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and other devices in the digital living room.

Major System on Chips (SoC) vendors, OEMs, cable operators and content providers including Atlantic Records, Broadcom, Comcast, Disney Interactive Media Group, Intel, Netflix, STMicroelectronics, The New York Times Company, NXP Semiconductors, Sigma Designs, and others announced support for the optimized Flash technology today, said a press release.

The Adobe Flash Platform for the Digital Home is available immediately to OEMs and the first devices and SoC platforms with support for the optimized Flash technology are expected to ship in the second half of 2009, it added.

It enables the delivery of HD Web videos to digital home devices via the Flash Video (FLV) file format. Consumers would be able to enjoy rich, interactive viewing experiences and amazing new ways to engage with HD content on televisions.

David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president, Platform Business Unit at Adobe said, “consumers are looking to access their favorite Flash technology-based videos, applications, services and other rich Web content across screens. They are looking forward to working with partners to create these new experiences and deliver content consistently across devices whether consumers view it on their desktop, mobile phone or television.”

A preview of Adobe Flash technology for digital home devices is being shown in the Adobe booth (SL3320, South Hall) and during Adobe’s NAB Super Session today.

“As a new contributor to the Open Screen Project, Disney shares Adobe’s vision of extending HD video and rich, engaging experiences across multiple screens,” said Bud Albers, CTO and executive vice president at Disney Interactive Media Group.

He added that the Adobe Flash Platform-based applications and services plays an important role in delivering the latest Disney content via the Web, mobile phones and other consumer electronics. As a leading innovator for media and entertainment, they are excited about the opportunities of Flash based applications and services coming to televisions.