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Next-Generation Digital Set-Top Boxes will be able to Play Content from Other Devices in the Home (15/2/2008)

Samsung Electronics to Use the Macrovision Connected Platform

For consumers and device enthusiasts looking for the next device for their digital home, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Macrovision(r) Corporation (NASDAQ:MVSN) are bringing together their technologies to create next-generation set-top boxes with the capability of downloading, finding and managing digital content seamlessly throughout the home. Macrovision's announcement in November 2007 of a licensing agreement with a leading set-top-box manufacturer inaugurated the relationship between the two companies.

In this relationship, Macrovision provides the Macrovision Connected Platform, a comprehensive and flexible software solution that makes it easier for consumer device manufacturers to develop consumer entertainment products with the capability to acquire, manage and play back digital content, such as music, photos and video from other digital entertainment devices. The Macrovision Connected Platform will enable Samsung Electronics to create digital set-top boxes that can connect to other devices such as PCs and networked storage devices and allow consumers to experience a new way of enjoying their content. The set-top box developed by Samsung is expected to be available to consumers in late 2008.

This latest development further indicates that the digital home and the seamless transition of content from one device to another is becoming a reality. "The set-top box is becoming increasingly important as a hub in the digital home," said Michael Wolf, director for ABI Research. "The agreement between Macrovision and Samsung is an example of how companies are working together to enable whole-home distribution of personal and entertainment content."

The agreement between the two companies outlines Samsung's licensed use of the Macrovision Connected Platform Software Developers Kit as an embedded digital media server and digital media player. Samsung will combine the Macrovision Connected Platform with their open cable applications platform to create a set-top box solution.

"The industry is focused on enhancing the consumer experience through advanced connected products," commented Eric Free, EVP and general manager of the Embedded Solutions Business Unit at Macrovision. "Jointly with Samsung we expect to improve the overall experience and flexibility in enjoying digital content. Our embedded software takes the complication out of transferring and playing content on the network from one device to another."

The Macrovision Connected Platform includes application software for media players and media servers, middleware that is a component of the Digital Living Network Alliance standard and is compliant with the Universal Plug and Play standard, and flexible application programming interfaces.

www.macrovision.com