Microsoft Announces DRM for Silverlight: Watch Instantly for the Mac?

Macworld reports that Microsoft announced at NAB a DRM solution for Silverlight, the cross-platform and cross-browser video streaming technology.

On Monday, Microsoft also unveiled details of a new DRM technology for streaming live content called Silverlight DRM. The technology is based on Microsoft’s PlayReady technology and is expected to be available later this year when Microsoft releases Silverlight 2.

Microsoft said Tuesday that Silverlight DRM will be compatible with Windows Media DRM 10 content and is aimed at protecting content that is streamed live or on-demand. The company is giving NAB 2008 attendees demonstrations of Silverlight DRM in its booth at the conference.

Since Apple won't license Fairplay, Netflix needs another studio-approved video streaming solution. Last May Netflix demonstrated a version of Watch Instantly running under Silverlight, but Netflix needs DRM to make Watch Instantly available for other browsers or the Macintosh.

Thanks to Luke for sending this in.

Comments

[Plus]

I wish videos would make a comeback. Those things were cool and simple.

[Spencer]

but Netflix needs DRM to make Watch Instantly available for other browsers or the Macintosh.

I would dispute the use of the word "needs" there.

[Brian]

Spencer, I think by saying "needs" it means that they will need DRM in order to appease the studios. No DRM=No Watch Instantly as far as studio licensing agreements are concerned.

[lifterus]

@Spencer, it's foolish to think that a streaming all-you-can-eat service could exist without DRM. The anti-DRM "movement" stems from content you purchase. Like iTunes tracks you buy shouldn't have DRM since CDs don't. But the Netflix service does not fall into that category.

As far as Silverlight, there's a lot more to look forward to than just Mac and browser support. The worst thing about Watch Instantly is if you want to resume a movie in the middle (like if you fell asleep). The Silverlight demo for Netflix shows chapter points. That would awesome if they add that.

[Lee]

TV networks and Hulu seem to manage streaming video just fine. There are other sources, and Netflix has made an active choice not to use them.

[Chris]

The difference being that netflix relies on studios for content whereas "TV networks and Hulu" already control their own content.