Adobe for HD

Adobe has announced a version of the Flash runtime for Internet connected televisions, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and other digital home devices. With a series of partners, including Intel, Disney, Broadcom and Netflix, the intention is to bring HD videos, interactive applications and services, new user interfaces and other rich web content to digital living room devices. It also has a new software framework for building media players that extends the capabilities of the Flash platform. Code-named “Strobe”, the framework will help establish an open industry standard for media players and offer production-ready software components to streamline the development of custom media players.

Content from the BBC’s HD channel is now available on the BBC iPlayer, enabling users to stream HD programmes using Adobe Flash for seven days after first broadcast, or download and watch them within 30 days. The BBC has also announced the full release of the new cross-platform BBC iPlayer Desktop based on Adobe AIR. This follows an earlier announcement by Channel 4 that it is using Adobe Flash player to deliver its 4oD Catch-Up experience on channel4.com. This new service allows viewers to watch full-length programmes either directly in the web page, or via a full-screen display, so consumers can now view programmes on most platforms as long as Flash is installed, meaning Apple Mac and Linux OS users can now join the party.