DLNA Drives Connected Consumer Experience in 2011

LAS VEGAS, January 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Alliance Unveils Software Certification and Protected Streaming Certification Programs at International CES 2011

INTERNATIONAL CES 2011 -- The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) continues to drive the connected consumer experience in 2011. The Alliance has Certified more than 9,000 TVs, PCs, mobile phones, printers and other products for interoperability. Now, DLNA has begun two new Certification programs that will make it even easier for consumers to enjoy and share their digital videos, photos and music across a broader range of popular products: a consumer Software Certification and Protected Streaming Certification program.

"DLNA represents the industry's best opportunity to create a viable open market for interoperable, connected consumer electronics," said Peter King, director of the Connected Home Devices service in the Digital Consumer Practice at Strategy Analytics. "We recently forecasted that the number of DLNA Certified(R) device models will rise to nearly one billion products sold in 2014. With the addition of the Software Certification (http://www.dlna.org/industry/why_dlna/overview/DLNA_SoftwareCertification_Quotes_FINAL.pdf) and Protected Streaming Certification programs, we expect to see a continued acceleration in the awareness and adoption of DLNA in 2011."

DLNA is now certifying software that is sold directly to consumers through retailers, websites and mobile application stores. With DLNA Certified(R) software, consumers can upgrade products from within their home networks that may not be DLNA Certified(R) and bring them into their personal DLNA ecosystems. This helps in bringing content such as videos, photos and music stored on DLNA Certified(R) devices to a larger selection of consumer electronics, mobile and PC products.

"DLNA has a vision for the connected consumer experience - one where content flows easily across products, regardless of manufacturer," said Nidhish Parikh, chairman and president of DLNA. "DLNA Certified(R) software helps to fulfill this vision by allowing consumers to access their photos, music and videos from a greater range of products. We are also bringing commercial video directly to DLNA Certified(R) products with our new Protected Streaming Certification. As we continue to grow the categories of DLNA certifications, we are truly furthering the fully connected, digital lifestyle."

The first DLNA Protected Streaming products were recently Certified by DLNA. The new DLNA Protected Streaming Certification program leverages Digital Transmission Content Protection over Internet Protocol (DTCP-IP) to securely share commercial movies between products in a consumer's home network. The program, which helps to preserve the rights and interests of copyright owners and content providers, has been recognized as an international standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) (http://www.dlna.org/news/pr/view?item_key=5df2f1f83d0edbce2ab1d51b1992742109e45dfb), the world leading organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

DLNA Certified(R) products are tested by one of five Certification labs, located around the world, which are accredited to perform interoperability testing services as part of the requirements set by the DLNA Certification and Logo program. DLNA Certified(R) software will be demonstrated at International CES 2011 Central Plaza booth CP3. Additional information can be found on the DLNA website http://www.DLNA.org or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dlnacertified.

About DLNA

Members of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) share a vision of an interoperable network of personal computers (PC), consumer electronics (CE), mobile devices and service providers in and beyond the home, enabling a seamless environment for sharing and growing new digital media and content services. Founded in 2003, the group established and maintains a platform of interoperability based on open and established industry standards that, when used by manufacturers will support the sharing of media through wired or wireless networks. More than 200 multi-industry companies from around the world have joined DLNA, committing the time and resources necessary to achieve their vision. DLNA's 2010 Promoter Members included: ACCESS, AT&T, AwoX, Broadcom, CableLabs, Cisco, Comcast, DIRECTV, Dolby Laboratories, DTS, Ericsson, HP, Huawei, Intel, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Pioneer, PROMISE Technology, Qualcomm, Rovi Corporation, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Technicolor, Toshiba and Verizon. Additional information about the Alliance, its participating companies and membership benefits is available at www.dlna.org.