Adobe Adds DRM To Flash

Adobe Systems Inc. is adding a new digital rights management (DRM) component to its Flash video technology that will allow users to download and watch content in-browser even when not connected to the Internet.

The new DRM scheme will be supported by an upcoming version of the Adobe Flash player, and will enable Adobe to support a wider variety of business models, including electronic sell-through, rental, and on-demand for streaming or for download.

While Flash is popularly used to stream video, more high quality, long-form content is going to be increasingly downloaded more and content owners want more protection. Adobe Flash Access 2.0, which is a rebranded version of the company’s Flash Media Rights Management Server, will allow content owners to encrypt and deliver videos content to the browser, something that existing Flash DRM doesn’t support. The new DRM technology is expected to be launched in the first half of 2010.

• Adobe unveils Flash Access 2.0 (macworld.com)
• Microsoft gives sneak peek at Silverlight 4 RIA technology (infoworld.com)
• Adobe Extends Rights Management for Downloaded Flash Files (beet.tv)