Funai Selects Widevine to Enable TV on Its Connected Devices

Widevine platform to optimize and secure video for Funai’s Sylvania, Philips, Magnavox, and Emerson devices

SEATTLE, WA — Widevine, a provider of digital entertainment solutions, today announced that Funai Electric Co. Ltd., manufacturer of consumer electronics sold in the United States under the brands Philips, Magnavox, Sylvania and Emerson, will incorporate Widevine’s adaptive streaming, virtual DVD/Blu-ray-like controls and DRM solution on their Internet connected devices such as HDTVs and Blu-ray players. With Widevine’s video optimization and DRM platform, telecom, cable, satellite and Internet providers will be able to deliver a high-quality “TV Everywhere” experience directly to Funai platforms.

The Widevine platform is deployed by major Internet content services and large cable, satellite and telecommunication companies launching “TV Everywhere” strategies. Widevine’s video optimization tools provide a high-quality entertainment experience on content streamed over the Internet, including instant startups, no buffering and trick play capabilities such as rewind, fast-forward and bookmarking for multi-location viewing. Widevine’s multiplatform DRM solution keeps content secure, no matter what Funai device content is delivered to.

“Widevine is excited to work with Funai to provide video optimization and DRM on its Sylvania, Philips, Magnavox, and Emerson branded platforms,” said Brian Baker, Widevine CEO. “Video operators will now be able to deliver their services directly to popular Funai devices with the knowledge that their content will remain secure and their subscribers will have the best viewing experience possible.”

“Funai is pleased to offer Widevine’s video optimization and DRM on our wide range of Internet-connected devices,” said Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Associate Director of Funai Electric. “We recognize that more and more consumers want to watch content delivered over the Internet via their connected Funai HDTVs and Blu-ray players. By working with Widevine, our customers will be able to get the premium content they want, on the Funai devices they most desire.”

Widevine-ready Funai devices are expected to start shipping in Q3 2010.