Covered Macrovision technologies include Macrovision’s original analog copy protection (ACP), new enhanced capabilities for ACP aimed at new uses such as video-on-demand and pay-per-view (ACPe), and other rights signaling technologies (CGMS-A, the US over-the-air “Broadcast flag” and others).
“Microsoft values Macrovision’s leadership on media copy management and analog rights signaling technologies, and has taken the licenses necessary to ensure a seamless experience for consumers, and an effective platform for software developers in regards to managing and consuming video content,” said Brad Brunell, General Manager of IP Licensing at Microsoft. “This licensing agreement reaffirms Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to respect and value intellectual property because licensing leads to innovation and investment.”
This agreement opens the door for PC, set-top box, and other device manufacturers employing Microsoft software to license new Macrovision ACP capabilities, with confidence that the Microsoft operating system software will be compatible with all the possible uses of the world’s leading analog copy protection and rights signaling technologies. This also levels the playing field for PCs, set top boxes and other consumer electronic devices receiving high value pay-per-view and video-on-demand content.
“Macrovision and Microsoft have a similar vision of the networked home where consumers have freedom to choose when and where they are entertained, as copyrights are used consistently as agreed by consumers and the rights owners,” said Steve Weinstein, vice president and general manager, Entertainment Technologies Group, Macrovision Corporation. “With this agreement, the networked home moves one step closer to realizing that vision.”
