PRESS RELEASES
November 2009
RCDb Licenses BD-Live Software to Netflix for PS3 Instant Streaming Disc
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – November 10th, 2009, Related Content Database (RCDb) announced today that it has entered into a technology licensing and services agreement with Netflix, Inc. to jointly develop the instant streaming Blu-ray disc that enables Netflix members to instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes on their Sony PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.
The Netflix instant streaming disc for PS3 represents a major technical advancement for BD-Live and the Blu-ray format. The free instant streaming disc leverages BD-Live to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system. Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. Members can choose a movie to watch from their instant Queue or play directly from a variety of personalized categories. They also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream.
RCDb’s BD-Live software enables rapid development of connected Blu-ray features and helps both content owners and software developers to efficiently unlock the capabilities of the Blu-ray format. RCDb and its partner MX Productions also provided Netflix with BD-J software development services and advanced Blu-ray format consulting.
“Netflix is dedicated to delivering a simple and elegant experience to its members,” said Netflix Vice President of Engineering Greg Peters. “The instant streaming disc for PS3 is the fastest and easiest way for Netflix members to enjoy instantly watching movies and TV episodes on the TV via the PS3. RCDb was integral in helping us deliver this experience.”
“We are excited about breaking new ground with Netflix”, said RCDb CEO Zane Vella, “Blu-ray is now mainstream and BD-Live provides an important bridge between physical discs and premium digital content distribution.”
RCDb is a global leader in open BD-Live software and services that enable network connectivity, social networking applications, commerce transactions and digital content distribution for Blu-ray discs, players and connected devices. RCDb BD-Live software powers hundreds of Blu-ray titles and enterprise class network services for leading Hollywood studios and record labels.
The Netflix PS3 Instant Streaming disc is now available to Netflix members and PS3 system owners who visit www.netflix.com/ps3.
About RCDb
Related Content Database, Inc. (RCDb) is a leading provider of software and services for network-connected Blu-ray discs, players and other connected devices. Founded in 2006, RCDb provides fundamental infrastructure, products and services upon which Blu-ray content owners, web services developers and connected devices manufacturers can rapidly and efficiently build compelling value added services. www.rcdb.net
Press contact:
Ph 323-933-3399 x4202
Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc. RCDb is a trademark of Related Content Database, Inc. PlayStation and PS3 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
September 2009
RCDb and Videon Central Partner to Transform the Blu-ray Disc Player into a Multi-purpose HD Network Set-top Box
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – RCDb and Videon Central announced today a partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of networked applications on Internet connected Blu-ray Disc (BD) players.
The two companies have pre-integrated their software solutions to offer a complete reference design to BD player manufacturers. The offering enables a BD player to dynamically load and unload applications and connect with a flexible, updateable set of third party services and content offerings controlled by the player manufacturers and their retail partners.
RCDb is a global leader in open BD-Live software and services that enable network connectivity, social networking applications, commerce transactions and digital content distribution.
Videon Central is a leading supplier of digital video product solutions and BD middleware providing major semiconductor and device manufacturers with firmware integration, resource management, network services and core optical disc functionality.
“By bringing our solutions together, we deliver a compelling experience to connected Blu-ray Disc players. The partnership with RCDb enables seamless access to internet delivered services and content for the consumer and in turn allows the manufacturer to build best-of-breed, high value, differentiated products” said Todd Erdley, CEO of Videon Central.
“Blu-ray Disc players not only deliver the highest quality home entertainment experience, they are also the ultimate ‘over the top’ player for convenience and on-demand viewing in the living room. Our joint solution with Videon Central gives studios another path to the living room and a direct connection to their audience.” added Zane Vella, CEO of RCDb.
The solution is available immediately for customer demonstrations. It includes the RCDb Client software and Videon Central middleware running on a fully compliant BD-Live player.
About RCDb
The Related Content Database Inc. (RCDb) is a leading provider of software and services for network-connected Blu-ray discs, players and other connected devices. Founded in 2006, RCDb provides fundamental infrastructure, products and services upon which Blu-ray content owners, web services developers and connected devices manufacturers can rapidly and efficiently build compelling value added services.
About Videon Central, Inc.
Videon Central is a leading supplier of digital video solutions for the CE market. Videon provides intellectual property, engineering design, system integration, and product qualification services to major semiconductor and original equipment manufacturers. In addition, Videon is an original design manufacturer with experience in the creation of custom products from high-end home theater to in-flight entertainment systems, such as: DVD and Blu-ray Disc players, LCD displays, servers, and audio/video distribution equipment.
June 2009
RCDb names Hervé Utheza as President
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 29th, 2009. The Related Content Database, Inc. today announced that Hervé Utheza has joined as its new President.
Mr. Utheza brings 17 years of experience and history in the digital television, consumer electronics and broadband worlds. He held various executive positions at Thomson-RCA, OpenTV, Liberate Technologies (now part of Comcast), and place-shifting software provider Orb Networks.
“The digital transition is happening, and here to stay, but monetization metrics for digital can be greatly improved”, Mr. Utheza said. “Consumers primarily care about content, and already understand the value of a movie ticket, a DVD disc, a promotional discount coupon. They are also familiar with traditional hardware product categories: a TV, a DVD player, a game console, a mobile phone. Enabling those product categories with the RCDb platform means tying them and the digital media they deliver to real life content, products, services and promotions. That is the answer to helping studios and content owners embrace digital technologies”.
RCDb offers a software and BD Live services platform powering connected experiences through Blu-ray disc. The RCDb client provides IP networking and services update management capabilities, while the RCDb server manages the delivery of pre-integrated, dynamic content and services offering across users, devices, and platforms.
“As RCDb continues to build the future of the Blu-ray platform – and more -, we are looking at licensing opportunities and how we can help the market leverage the growing installed base of Blu-ray DVD players connected to the Internet” said Zane Vella, Founder and CEO of RCDb. “Hervé brings extensive software licensing experience and a keen understanding of the technology landscape. He has been instrumental in licensing software which now runs in more than 125 million TV households, and we both look forward to making great advances in the Blu-ray platform together”.
ABOUT
The Related Content Database Inc. (RCDb) is a leading provider of services and software for network-connected Blu-ray discs, players and other connected devices. Founded in 2006, RCDb provides fundamental infrastructure, products and services upon which Blu-ray, web services developers and connected devices manufacturers can rapidly and efficiently build compelling value added services.