As an early supporter of Blu-ray, we were instrumental in enabling most of the first Blu-ray players to market. For the first time, consumers were able to enjoy the highest-quality high-definition movies in their homes, setting new standards for audio and video quality.

The Blu-ray player market is continually offering new features, including:

• Using BD-Live to support social networking sites, enabling consumers to update their status while watching the movie, discuss the movie, invite buddies to director-led community film screenings, etc.
• Movies with IMDb and MovieIQ databases, enabling consumers to look up cast and crew information while watching the movie.
• Use of iPhone^® or iPod^® touch devices to control the Blu-ray player, including the ability to access a Blu-ray disc's details such as cover art and actor information, and search for additional related video clips online.
• Use of Gracenote's MusicID-Stream™, which allows consumers to access information on a song or artist playing in a movie or video simply pressing a button on their remote control. Gracenote then returns rich information on the song, such as artist, genre, and album cover art.
• Downloading of new subtitles and audio tracks as they become available.
• Streaming of on-line movies, TV shows, videos, radio stations, etc. (over-the-top or OTT content).
• Playing of content stored on the home network (computer or network storage) or USB hard drive.
• 3D video, enabling consumers to experience a new level of 3DTV viewing experience in the home.
• Video processing to further improve video quality of Blu-ray movies, DVDs, etc. Currently on premium players, this feature will filter down to mainstream players.

New features coming shortly include:

• Ability to make Managed Copies, enabling consumers to enjoy their content any where at any time. The Managed Copy content may be optimized for a variety of consumer devices, including mobile phones, portable media players, etc.
• Integration of Blu-ray purchases and downloaded/streamed versions, enabling easy access of the same movie through a set-top box, HDTV, mobile phone, or any other device that's part of the ecosystem.
• Ability to display 3D photos on a 3DTV.
• Ability to do 2D to 3D video conversion.

Our family of architecture-compatible Secure Media Processors optimized for Blu-ray player applications, complete Blu-ray player SDK, and wide variety of reference designs enable fast development of a mainstream or premium Blu-ray player with a wide variety of feature options:

• Streaming of on-line movies, TV shows, and videos (over-the-top or OTT content).
• Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA^®) support enables consumers to locate and enjoy content anywhere on their home AV network and effortlessly move or stream this content between DLNA-connected devices.
• VXP^® video processing to improve Blu-ray video quality and offer highest-quality DVD upscaling.
• Z-Wave^® RF remote control.
• 802.11n, HomePNA^®, or HomePlug^® home AV networking.

We can also assist in integrating Blu-ray player functionality into a HTIB (Home Theater In a Box), AV receiver, or media player.

Our development kits and reference designs enable the rapid development of a mainstream or premium Blu-ray player with a wide variety of feature options, or choose a production model from one of our ODM partners.

Linux

We offer, and provide the support for, a complete Blu-ray player software stack that is designed to quickly and easily enable our customers to add additional features. Our Blu-ray player software stack has passed the BDA Verification Test, ensuring customer's players can easily pass the Verification Test.

Typical Blu-ray Player Linux SDK

Software Partners

Sigma Designs is working with the following software companies to provide a more complete solution for our Blu-ray player products.

		ACCESS is a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile and beyond-PC markets. ACCESS delivers unique solutions that bring value to its customers and partners and which help make life easier, more productive, and more enjoyable. http://www.access-company.com
		ActiveVideo Networks is the world leader in cloud-based interactive services that are redefining television (iTV 2.0). Available in nearly 5 million homes, ActiveVideo immerses viewers in an engaging experience that combines Web video, Web 2.0 functionality, and traditional television. http://www.activevideo.com
		Adobe® Flash® Lite™ enables OEMs and service providers to differentiate their devices via customized applications and user interfaces, a more complete web experience, the delivery of high-definition content, and rich applications for Internet-connected devices. http://www.adobe.com/products/flashlite/
		Allegro Software Development Corporation is a leading provider of software toolkits that are used by manufacturers to enable their products to be used on the Internet. The Allegro toolkits offer rapid integration and provide a range of simple through sophisticated application value to the embedded world. http://www.allegrosoft.com
		ANT is the leading provider of client software solutions and services to the digital media industry. It develops open-standards-based client software and applications to enable operators to exploit digital media across a broad range of consumer electronics devices and set-top boxes. http://www.antplc.com
		Avtrex has created core software components for digital home entertainment devices. These applications can be customized and integrated into HDTVs, set-top-boxes, Blu-ray players, DVD recorders, home media servers, network gateways, and more. As an OEM software provider, Avtrex has focused on portability and customizability to allow seamless integration with our clients existing technical infrastructure. http://www.avtrex.com
		AwoX provides OEMs with network media solutions that enable consumer electronics products to stream video, music, and photos seamlessly using digital audio and video devices in people’s regular home networks as well as from commercial, Internet-based services. http://www.awox.com
		CodeSourcery builds software tools that enable its customers to get the most out of hardware platforms ranging from embedded devices to supercomputers. CodeSourcery's products and services deliver on the promise of open-source software and open standards. http://www.codesourcery.com
		DigiOn is a software developer with experience in the development of multimedia, storage, and networking products, and has established a firm position in the home network field. DigiOn products have been adopted by CE device and PC manufacturers both inside and outside of Japan. http://www.digion.com
		DivX is a leading digital media company that enables consumers to enjoy a high-quality video experience across any kind of device. We create, distribute, and license digital video technologies that span the "three screens" comprising today's consumer media environment — the PC, the television, and mobile devices. http://www.divx.com
		Located in Tokyo Japan, Entis provides product planning, development, and consultation services in the state-of-the-art digital media technologies both in software and hardware. Entis can provide valuable consultation and development services in various ways that meet customer requirements. http://www.entis.co.jp
		Espial Group Inc. is a leading provider of on-demand software to telco, cable, and hospitality operators as well as to consumer electronics manufacturers. Its middleware, browser, and video-on-demand solutions provide superior service delivery, advanced service innovation tools, and the ability to serve a wide range of market segments - including over-the-top, IPTV, hybrid IP, multi-dwelling unit, and enterprise. http://www.espial.com
		Fujisoft provides integrated solutions, from LSIs for information and communications devices such as mobile telephones and digital home electronics to board design, control and embedded software development, and evaluation. Since its founding in 1970, Fujisoft has grown into one of Japan's leading independent system integration companies. http://www.fsi.co.jp
		HDI Dune develops and sells software and hardware solutions for media players, Blu-ray players, and IPTV and VoD set-top boxes. Digital Signature solutions of the company are widely used in the biggest European retail networks. http://dune-hd.com
		Kopera Software develops software platforms for digital consumer products, addressing the growing software needs of the advanced home entertainment and networked consumer product markets worldwide. Kopera works closely with the world's premier consumer electronics silicon providers and system manufacturers to create robust, feature rich products including AV receivers, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, home media streaming systems, video enabled mobile phone handsets, and other innovative devices. http://www.koperasw.com
		Novatec is a leading software and hardware provider with the most integrated solutions encompassing DTV, IPTV, PVR, Interactive TV, Personal Media Contents, and optical disc applications. It is the first and only company to provide such broad range of software/hardware solutions in Japan with comprehensive engineering services. http://www.novatec.co.jp
		Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones, and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance, and small size, while giving users a faster, safer, and more dynamic online experience. http://www.opera.com
		Oregan Networks is a leading provider of embedded solutions for digital home entertainment devices, comprising digital media streaming, home networking, TV browsing, and user interface technology. Consumers today expect to be able to access communications and entertainment services anytime, anywhere, and on any device. http://www.oregan.com
		Qt allows open source and commercial software developers to code less, create more, and deploy everywhere. Qt enables developers to build innovative applications and user interfaces once and then extend the innovation across all major desktop, consumer electronic, and other embedded platforms without rewriting the code. Qt underpins Nokia's strategy to develop a wide range of products and experiences that people can fall in love with. http://qt.nokia.com
		Wipro Technologies, a division of Wipro Limited, is one of the largest product engineering and support service providers worldwide. Wipro provides comprehensive research and development services, IT solutions and services, including systems integration, information systems outsourcing, package implementation, software application management, and datacenter managed services to corporations globally. http://www.wipro.com

3D Video Partners

Sigma Designs is working with the following 3D Video companies to provide a more complete solution for our Blu-ray player products.

		RealD is the global leader in 3D technology, leveraging 30 years of expertise to create the most stunningly realistic and enjoyable digital 3D experience in theaters worldwide, cutting-edge visualization tools for professionals, and technology for tomorrow's 3D TVs and other display screens today. http://www.reald.com
		SENSIO Technologies develops and markets Stereoscopic 3D digital compression, decompression, and display formatting technologies. Its solutions are deployed on a global scale by content creators, game developers, broadcasters, specialty channels, and digital cinemas. Its flagship technology, SENSIO® 3D, allows the high-quality distribution of 3D content through conventional existing 2D broadcast networks (cable, satellite, IPTV, etc.). http://www.sensio.tv

Over-The-Top (OTT) Partners

Sigma Designs is working with the following Over-The-Top (OTT) companies to provide a more complete solution for our Blu-ray player products.

		Netflix is the world's largest online movie rental service, with more than 11 million subscribers. Netflix is partnering with leaders in consumer electronics to bring to market a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to members' TVs. http://www.netflix.com
		Yahoo! Connected TV brings the best of the Web right into your living room. Connected TV integrates Yahoo!'s most popular services with the latest in big-screen home entertainment. So, there's no more crowding around a laptop to share family photos. And news, traffic, and weather updates are just a press of the remote away. http://connectedtv.yahoo.com/

Content Protection Partners

Sigma Designs is working with the following content protection companies to provide a more complete solution for our Blu-ray player products.

		The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) is a specification for managing content stored on the next generation of prerecorded and recorded optical media for consumer use with PCs and CE devices. AACS complements new innovations in the next-generation of optical discs, and enables consumers to enjoy next-generation content, including high-definition content. http://www.aacsla.com
		Rovi's BD+ enables studios to protect high definition Blu-ray Disc content and deliver a seamless, high-quality consumer experience. BD+ uses self-protecting digital content (SPDC) technology to provide a layer of title-specific copy protection for Blu-ray content. Through BD+ Blu-ray copy protection, content owners can control and manage content. http://www.rovicorp.com/products/content_producers/protect/bd_plus.htm
		Verance Corporation is a leading developer of technologies and solutions that protect, manage, and enhance the use of media content. Verance holds a significant portfolio of proven audio watermarking technologies that have been deployed globally in a variety of business and consumer application areas. Verance’s audio watermark technology is the worldwide industry standard watermark for copyright protection of recorded music, film, and television content and is a component of the Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, and SD-Audio formats. http://www.verance.com

Industry Associations

Sigma Designs is an active member in many standards organizations and industry associations to enable our Blu-ray player solutions to quickly support new features and standards.

		The 3D@Home Consortium was formed in 2008 with the mission to speed the commercialization of 3D into homes worldwide and provide the best possible viewing experience by facilitating the development of standards, roadmaps, and education for the entire 3D industry - from content, hardware and software providers, to consumers. http://www.3dathome.org
		The objectives of ARIB are to conduct investigation, research & development, and consultation of utilization of radio waves from the view of developing radio industries, and to promote realization and popularization of new radio systems in the field of telecommunications and broadcasting. http://www.arib.or.jp/english/index.html
		The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. The ATSC member organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. http://www.atsc.org
		AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) is a format for the recording and playback of high definition video, jointly developed by Sony and Panasonic. The format allows recording high definition video onto 8cm DVD discs, SD/SDHC memory cards, Memory Stick cards, and HDDs. http://www.avchd-info.org
		The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for promoting and developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc – the next-generation optical disc format for storing high definition movies, games, photos, and other digital content. http://www.blu-raydisc.com
		The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) unites 2,000 companies within the consumer technology industry. Members tap into valuable and innovative members-only resources: unparalleled market research, networking opportunities with business advocates and leaders, up-to-date educational programs and technical training, exposure in extensive promotional programs, and representation from the voice of the industry, CEA, promoting and advancing member needs and interests. http://www.ce.org
		Members of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) share a vision of an interoperable network of personal computers (PC), consumer electronics (CE), mobile devices, and service providers in and beyond the home, enabling a seamless environment for sharing and growing new digital media and content services. http://www.dlna.org
		The Digital Video Broadcasting Project (DVB) is an industry-led consortium of over 250 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, regulatory bodies, and others in over 35 countries committed to designing open technical standards for the global delivery of digital television and data services. http://www.dvb.org
		The DVD Forum is an international association of hardware manufacturers, software firms, content providers, and other users of Digital Versatile Discs. The Forum's purpose is to exchange and disseminate ideas and information about the DVD Format and its technical capabilities, improvements, and innovations. http://www.dvdforum.org
		The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has played a key role in building today's vast interconnected infocommunication networks spanning telephone, radio, television, satellite systems, mobile, and wireless communications and Internet technologies. http://www.itu.int
		The MPEG Industry Forum is an independent and platform neutral not-for-profit organization representing more than 20 international companies and organizations from diverse industries with the goal to facilitate and further the widespread adoption and deployment of MPEG and related standards in next generation digital media services. http://www.mpegif.org
		The OESF (Open Embedded Software Foundation) is a non-profit organization for developing Android-based set-top boxes and CE products. OESF members are developing new driver software and libraries, as well as frameworks and applications for different business categories. http://www.oesf.jp/en/
		The SD Association is a global ecosystem of more than 1,000 technology companies charged with setting interoperable SD standards. The association encourages the development of consumer electronic, wireless communication, digital imaging, and networking products that utilize market-leading SD technology. http://www.sdcard.org
		As an internationally recognized and accredited standards-setting body, SMPTE develops standards, recommended practices, and guidelines, and spearheads educational activities to advance engineering and moving imagery. Since its founding in 1916, the Society has established close to 600 standards, including the Digital Cinema Standards, which paved the way for digital movie theaters. http://www.smpte.org
		The USB-IF was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology. The Forum facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB peripherals (devices), and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of products that have passed compliance testing. http://www.usb.org