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Adobe unveils new software tools, adds iOS-compatible streaming video option

Terrence O'Brien
Former Managing Editor
Updated ·9 min read

At the International Broadcasters Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam yesterday, Adobe unveiled a slew of new software solutions, including Adobe Pass, Flash Access 3.0 and Flash Media Server 4.5. Pass allows cable operators and other content providers to provide streaming TV from multiple sources through a single sign-on solution, while Access is content protection platform that can now deliver streaming video to mobile devices. But, it's Media Server 4.5 that has been garnering the most attention from the press, thanks to its support for iOS. Now don't get too excited, you still can't actually use Flash on your iPhone. But, the latest version of the software provides the option to stream video using the Apple-friendly HTTP Live Streaming format. So, still no Kongregate for iPhone users, but partners like MediaPlatform can now put live webcasts on your iPad. Check out the PR after the break.


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ADDING MULTIMEDIA Adobe Announces Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 and Adobe Flash Access 3.0
New Ways to Deliver and Protect High-Quality Video Online and On-device Simplify Streaming Media and Content Protection for Superior Video Experiences Across Desktops and Devices Including iOS, Android and Playbook

SAN JOSE, Calif. & AMSTERDAM, Sep 08, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Adobe Systems Incorporated ADBE -1.88% today announced at the IBC 2011 Conference and Exhibition significant new releases of industry-leading streaming video solutions, including Adobe(R) Flash(R) Media Server 4.5 and Flash Access(R) 3.0 software. With Flash Media Server 4.5, media publishers can extend their already broad mobile reach via Flash-enabled devices, with the new ability to deliver video content to Apple's iPad and iPhone devices, enabling them to reach the widest audience possible. Adobe Flash Access 3.0, a robust content protection and monetization solution, will enable content owners to deliver on-demand content with massive scale and strict studio-level security across a broad range of devices, following the upcoming release of Flash Player 11 and Adobe AIR(R) 3.

At the IBC 2011 Exhibition, Adobe will demonstrate its streaming video solutions including the Flash Media Server family, Flash Access, the Open Source Media Framework (OSMF) and Adobe Pass, Adobe's content authentication solution for TV Everywhere, at its stand (Hall 7 Stand 7.G27) in the RAI Convention Center, Sept. 9-13 in Amsterdam.

"Adobe has a deep heritage in providing video solutions for delivering content online and on-device. With Flash Media Server 4.5 and Flash Access 3.0, we're enabling businesses to reach more customers and more devices, helping them increase the impact of video experiences, enhance their brands and ultimately, drive business success," said Pritham Shetty, vice president, Video Solutions, Adobe.

"When your business is based on delivering live, broadcast-quality video streams for high-profile events to massive audiences across the world, having strong technology backing you is vital," said Ben Rolling, vice president of development for AEG Digital Media, the leading provider of complete webcast management and media services for live streaming events and online video. "Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 improves the stability of our video streams, decreases load times, and helps us better manage encoding and bitrates for an improved end-user experience on mobile devices and online. We can trust that it will deliver rock solid video streams and please our clients, advertisers and viewers, whether we're streaming the royal wedding or the Grammy Awards."

Premium Video Streaming with Flash Media Server 4.5

Flash Media Server 4.5 expands on its mobile delivery options with the addition of iOS support and enables content owners to create HTTP content on the fly to reduce costs brought on by device proliferation. New features of Flash Media Server 4.5:

-- Delivery to iPad and iPhone enables businesses to use the same media and live streams to deliver full adaptive bit-rate experiences to platforms supporting Flash, as well as Apple devices, including iPad and iPhone.

-- Integrated Content Protection simplifies deployment and reduces infrastructure cost, enabling seamless streaming for advertising-funded online video.

-- On-demand Stream Packaging eliminates the need to prepare and protect assets ahead of time, reducing complexity and storage costs and simplifying publishing for businesses so they can use one set of source video to reach multiple downstream devices.

Premium Video Monetization and Content Protection with Flash Access 3.0

Flash Access 3.0 builds on Adobe's strong traction in video delivery by extending support to reach mobile devices. This allows content providers to securely deliver and monetize content with a single back-end workflow, delivering rich, engaging experiences on desktop, connected TVs, Blu-ray players, tablets and smartphones. New features of Flash Access 3.0:

-- Support on Mobile Devices will include Android tablets and smartphones, as well as other mobile devices, allowing video programmers to leverage the same content delivery, protection and monetization infrastructure to target mobile devices, following the upcoming release of Adobe Flash Player 11 and Adobe AIR 3 (set to be available later this quarter).

-- Scalable License Delivery and in-band Key Rotation enables Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) and programmers to offer television experiences over IP, whether over the open Internet or on a managed network, at massive scale. With Flash Access 3.0, it is now possible to securely deliver multiple TV "channels" to millions of subscribers with a cost-effective premium content protection solution.

-- Compatibility with Industry Standards including UltraViolet, an industry-standard, cloud-based digital rights locker system that will allow consumers to create personal virtual video libraries and access them across multiple devices. Flash Access has been approved for use with UltraViolet, set to be released this fall. Flash Access 3.0 and the upcoming versions of Flash Player 11 and AIR 3 will be able to be leveraged by content retailers, service providers and device manufacturers to create full UltraViolet experiences, including playback for the UVVU Common File Format.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Flash Access 3.0 is offered at per unit CPM pricing. Adobe Flash Media Streaming Server 4.5 is offered at US$995. Adobe Flash Media Interactive Server 4.5 is offered at US$4,500. Adobe Flash Media Enterprise Server 4.5 pricing can be quoted by contacting Adobe. Products can be ordered today at www.adobe.com/go/fms and are available immediately.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com .

(C) 2011 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Flash, Access, and AIR are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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MediaPlatform Brings Adobe(R) Flash(R) Webcasting to the iPad(R)
Empower Mobile Information Workers With First Enterprise HLS Webcasting Solution for iPads

LOS ANGELES, CA, Sep 08, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- MediaPlatform, the enterprise video software company, today announced that its WebCaster software is the first to deliver live webcasts on the Apple iPad(R) using HTTP live streaming (HLS). WebCaster enables iPad users to view and interact with live presentations that integrate video streaming from Abode(R) Flash(R) Media Enterprise Server 4.5 and PowerPoint(R) slides. Enterprises adopting this technology benefit from giving their information workers greater mobility and remote participation in events, while leveraging the powerful network efficiencies and universal nature of Flash.

"Getting Flash video on to the iPad is an absolute 'must have' for so many of our large enterprise clients," said Andrew Irving, director of Webcasting at Mediaco, one of Canada's largest event production companies. "The MediaPlatform iPad solution is an important innovation that fits with our mobile webcasting vision."

Tablet computing is growing rapidly in corporations. Estimates of iPad adoption by large enterprises range between 65 and 80 percent. On those tablets, video is seen as a boon to mobile information workers and their managers. A recent survey by Interactive Media Strategies revealed that 51 percent of corporate users would "view business video more frequently" if they had access to it on a tablet. By adding iPad support, MediaPlatform is fulfilling its commitment to live webcasting on a full range of tablets. The company has offered webcasting to Android devices since earlier this year.

In Adobe Flash Media Enterprise Server 4.5, which became generally available today, Adobe added support for HLS, a protocol developed to stream live and recorded video using standard HTTP connections. HLS is the only streaming format compatible with the iPad, where Flash is not supported. MediaPlatform has worked closely with Adobe over the past 18 months, developing the only enterprise video tool that enables enterprises to take advantage of multicast fusion on the Flash Platform -- and using the beta version of Flash Media Enterprise Server 4.5 to make WebCaster compatible with iPads.

"Enterprises need their employees to be able to access webcasts and other corporate video from whatever device, browser and platform they're using," said Greg Pulier, president, MediaPlatform. "Our introduction of interactive, live HLS webcasting to the iPad satisfies this enterprise need while delivering all the technological and network benefits of the Adobe Flash Platform to the corporate IT department."

MediaPlatform's WebCaster -- available in cloud-based and on-premises versions -- enables enterprises and digital media producers to produce, broadly distribute and monitor interactive live and on-demand webcasts that feature streaming video, PowerPoint(R) slides, audio, surveys, polls and screen demoing.

About MediaPlatform, Inc. MediaPlatform, Inc. delivers best-in-class webcasting and media management technology to global enterprises and digital media producers. MediaPlatform's webcasting software enables high-impact presentations for lead generation, corporate communications and training. The company offers organizations the ability to take advantage of scalable cloud-based computing, as well as on-premises deployment, to present and manage rich media. With media management tools built on its platform, the company helps clients derive long-term archive value from their investment in media content. www.mediaplatform.com www.twitter.com/webcaster

Abobe(R)Flash(R) is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. iPad(R) is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPoint(R) is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.