The Secure Content Storage Association (SCSA) wants to make it easier for consumers to share downloaded 4K Ultra HD and HD content across multiple devices.
The technology, called Vidity, would enable consumers to store, copy, play and share downloaded digital files among such devices as laptops, smartphones and tablets. The technology could also be used in Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the first of which are expected to be available late this year or early next.
The Los Angeles-based organization released licensing specifications today to companies that sign the SCSA adopter agreement.
Current SCSA members Samsung, Fox, Seagate, Western Digital, and MGO already offer Vidity-compatible products with support for 4K UHD and HDR (high dynamic range) content, SCSA said. With licensing of complete specifications available for the first time, Vidity-equipped products can now be made available to consumers to support such capabilities as copying and moving content between devices as well as “other cross-platform playback capabilities,” the group said.
Compared with other content-sharing technologies, Vidity doesn’t require consumers to log into accounts or connect to the Internet for playback, the group noted.
For its part, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) recently began licensing the technology for Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray players and discs, and the specs allow for an optional “digital bridge” that could incorporate SCSA technology. The optional bridge would let users make a local bit-for-bit copy of a disc, if authorized by the content creator, in a player’s embedded memory or on a connected USB drive, BDA executive Dan Schinasi previously told TWICE. The BDA’s U.S. promotions committee chair said the bridge would let users view content on other TVs, tablets, laptops and the like, and the discs and players could support SCSA options.
David Huerta, the SCSA’s GM and executive director, offered additional Vidity details in response to TWICE questions. To check out that Q&A, click here to visit TWICE.com.
