It just doesn't seem fair. Once you buy a Blu-ray, you should be able to enjoy it anywhere, right? That could be a reality if UltraViolet catches on.
UltraViolet is a new technology that allows consumers to store Blu-ray and DVD purchases in a "digital locker" for later use. Unlike Digital Copy, however, it's not limited to just one iPod or other portable device (or to devices linked to a single iTunes account). Instead, UltraViolet can stream your content directly to connected TVs, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. No special equipment is needed.
The digital movie technology made its official debut yesterday, with the Blu-ray release of Horrible Bosses. The dark comedy stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell., and Jamie Foxx. If you bought a copy of Horrible Bosses on Blu-ray or DVD, it comes with a code that can unleash that UltraViolet copy. On Friday, Green Lantern will become the second UV-enabled Blu-ray/DVD title. Unfortunately, our request to Warner Bros. for review samples of either title went unanswered so we can't test this feature out in any detail to verify its behavior. But you can be sure we will dig deeper once we have product in hand.
From what we understand, to use UltraViolet you'll need an account -- and registration is currently open (and free) on the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE)'s UltraViolet website. Just enter your name and email, and confirm your registration. According to The Wall Street Journal, users will also need to register with Flixster, which was purchased earlier this year by Warner Bros. Once both accounts are linked, you can redeem the UltraViolet Digital Copy from specially marked Blu-ray and DVD purchases.
Everything in your digital locker can be accessed by up to six different users on 12 different devices. That basically means that dad can purchase Horrible Bosses at home, and one of the kids could be watching it on a tablet in a dorm on the other side of the country.
The DECE plans to also launch an UltraViolet movie store. Currently, there's no word on how it would work and/or who is participating. However, it would most certainly compete with the likes of iTunes and Amazon. Of course, both of those retailers have cloud plans of their own.
That said, we expect UltraViolet to be more than just a flash in the pan. It's kicking off with backing from Universal, Warner Bros. and Sony. Expect future UltraViolet releases to include Warner's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (November 11), as well as Sony's release of The Smurfs (December 2) and Friends with Benefits (December 2).
Buy UV-enabled Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com:
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