BBC Worldwide announces first four Blu-ray / DVDs with UltraViolet digital copies
Coming nearly on the anniversary of its US launch, the UltraViolet digital locker system is getting a boost in the UK from BBC Worldwide. The BBC's commercial wing is releasing four Blu-ray / DVD titles that are UltraViolet-enabled and is partnering with Warner-owned Flixster to allow users to redeem their copies. The digital versions are available via streaming and downloading for viewing on or offline, and the first four titles queued up consist of Doctor Who Series 7 Part One, Rollercoaster, a new Top Gear special and Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild. UltraViolet was already live in the UK, and recently announced it's spreading to cover Canada, Ireland and Australia. We'll see how users like the signup process with its multiple logins, but a quick check of previous Blu-ray releases didn't show any iTunes or Windows Media digital copies at all so at least they'll appreciate the option.
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BBC Worldwide announces first UK Ultraviolet-enabled DVD titles
Date: 09.10.2012Last updated: 09.10.2012 at 09.08
Category: BBC Worldwide
BBC Worldwide Consumer Products today announces that it will be releasing its first UltraViolet-enabled DVD and Blu-Ray titles in the UK in time for Christmas 2012.
Click to tweet: BBC Worldwide announces first UK #Ultraviolet-enabled DVD titles http://bbc.in/SJbgOg via @BBCWpress
The four UV-enabled titles; Doctor Who Series 7 Part 1, John Bishop's new stand up title Rollercoaster, the new Top Gear special commission and Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild – the forthcoming retrospective on Sir David Attenborough's sixty years in natural history broadcasting – will be released from late October onwards. Both the DVD and Blu-Ray for each title will be UV-enabled.
UltraViolet (UV) technology will give purchasers of BBC Worldwide's physical DVDs the additional right to a free digital copy of the programme or show which can be easily redeemed and subsequently seamlessly accessed via an ever-increasing array of devices including computers, tablets and smartphones. Streaming and download access are supported to enable both online and offline viewing.
Claude London, Digital Director for BBC Worldwide Consumer Products comments: "We're thrilled to be announcing our first UV-enabled DVDs and embrace this new era for home video - the UltraViolet era. We hope UV will empower consumers to build digital entertainment libraries and continue to enjoy BBC Worldwide releases either at home or on the move. We will continue to work as part of the UV consortium and with our supporting partner Flixster on further releases for early 2013".
Centred on interoperable cloud-based account management and content delivery, UltraViolet has been developed through DECE (Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem) – an open cross industry consortium including the major movie studios, technology providers, consumer device makers, entertainment retailers and video service providers.
For its initial slate of UV-enabled titles, BBC Worldwide has teamed up with content delivery partner Flixster which will also act as the supporting site for consumers to redeem the digital copy of their purchases. Details concerning the redemption process will be provided on a leaflet, designed in collaboration with other participating studios, which will be in the DVD case. Post-launch, users will be able to visit a BBC Worldwide site for further information after which they will be automatically transferred to the relevant Flixster location.
