Adobe Extends Flash to TV, Set-Top Boxes

SAN JOSE/LAS VEGAS: Adobe Systems Inc. is expanding its Flash technology—the leading platform for online content—to Internet-connected TV sets, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and other devices, facilitating the delivery of high-definition web video, games and more to the television screen.

“Adobe Flash Platform for the Digital Home will dramatically change the way we view content on televisions,” said David Wadhwani, the general manager and VP of the platform business unit at Adobe. “Consumers are looking to access their favorite Flash technology-based videos, applications, services and other rich web content across screens. We are looking forward to working with partners to create these new experiences and deliver content consistently across devices whether consumers view it on their desktop, mobile phone or television.”

A number of platforms have lined up their support for the new Flash technology, including Comcast, Disney, Intel and Netflix. The first TVs, set-top boxes and other devices supporting the new platform are expected to ship in the second half of the year.

At NAB, Adobe also unveiled a software framework, code-named Strobe, that will help establish an open industry standard for media players and accelerate the creation and delivery of high-quality video and interactive experiences for web audiences. The framework is intended to allow developers to add features such as advertising, user tracking and social networking into custom players for content owners. 

“With Strobe, we’re delivering an open framework that enables media companies to focus on their core competency, creating great content that people want to see, instead of developing their own video players from scratch,” said Jim Guerard, the VP and general manager of dynamic media at Adobe. “Adobe is committed to driving web innovation and now with Strobe, we are helping to create an open framework for media players, enabling developers and media companies to focus on developing, delivering, and monetizing content so they can extend their online media efforts.”

Approximately 80 percent of online videos viewed worldwide are delivered using Adobe Flash technology.