Rich Fiscus
25 Jun 2008 12:54
It looks like television shows produced by Sony Pictures may be available in a new form soon. That's because DivX, Inc, creators of the the well-known DivX video codec, have made a deal with Sony Pictues Television International (SPTI) which will allow online retailers to offer downloads in DivX format.
Although better known as the company that spread MPEG-4 video beyond the video enthusiast community with their popular codec, the DivX Certification program has been arguably a much more important development for consumers. Not only are certified DVD and media players capable of playing MPEG-4 video encoded with a wide variety of tools, they're also compatible with the company's own VOD system (and DRM), which is presumably a key factor in the deal with Sony.
"The extension of our relationship with the Sony family will enable consumers around the world to easily and securely access and enjoy high-quality, premium content from the Sony library on a variety of devices beyond the PC," said Kevin Hell, CEO of DivX, Inc. "We are pleased that Sony Pictures Television International recognizes the value of the DivX digital media solution and we look forward to partnering with international retailers to bring this solution to market."
So far there has been no word on where or when Sony programs might be available.