Digital content has not only evolved to include richer and more diverse material, but new ways of distributing that content. Cloud storage has enabled companies to deliver high definition video to any web-connected customer, enhancing convenience significantly. Continuing the trend of making investments in key areas such as cloud media distribution, Seagate recently announced that it has joined the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE) – a group of movie studios and technology providers that includes Warner Brothers, LG, Samsung and Fox Studios.
DECE developed and currently operates UltraViolet, a cloud storage platform that allows users to upload video collections and access them from any device. An UltraViolet account offers flexibility by allowing users to stream content in addition to downloading it to their desktops, tablets and smartphones.
"Digital distribution beyond DVDs and Blu-ray Discs is not only the way of the future, it is the present and we know that storage is key to this ongoing transition," said Scott Horn, Seagate vice president of marketing. "Seagate sees UltraViolet as a leader in bringing content to consumers in this new digital age and we are excited to be helping them make their vision a reality."
UltraViolet exemplifies the trend toward hardware agnostic solutions and consumer demand for simplified content sharing. A single account can be shared among six users. Another aspect of the platform is personalization. Different members of the same account can customize the interface according to their own tastes, determining which movie titles or genres they see. In addition, UltraViolet users may opt in for personalized recommendations from retailers. The platform has gained considerable traction, attracting more than 750,000 households within the first three months of its release.
