Texas Instruments just called First!… on Netflix, that’s. The Watch Instantly app for Android has an HD streaming future coming soon to OMAP 4 -equipped devices attributable to the SoC’s inbuilt safety features. The announcement marks the 1st time any Netflix partner has received ‘Netflix Silicon Reference Implementation certification,’ a clumsily-titled, yet essential requirement for end-to-end protection of mobile streamed 1080p content. The chip’s M-Shield security tech “runs at the OMAP processor [without the desire for] a dedicated chip or extra CPU cycles,” so you’re free to multi-task that dual-core (we assume) to its verge of collapse. And since that you can never be too safe, TI’s also thrown in its onboard WiLink 7.0 solution — an industry first — that uses WEP, WPA and WPA2 to maintain the unsecured funny business at bay. The best downside to all this joyous high-definition news: it only runs on Gingerbread, so current LG Optimus 3D owners are out of luck until things arise to hurry. Hit the break for some densely-worded silicon accolades.
Complete with M-Shield™ security technology, OMAP 4 platform enables first secure full HD streaming experience for Netflix on mobile devices to huge screens
DALLAS, July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today became the primary partner to succeed in the Netflix Silicon Reference Implementation (SRI) certification for the Netflix HD application on Android. TI’s OMAP™ 4 platform, complete with M-Shield™ security technology and TI’s quad-radio WiLink™ 7.0 connectivity combo solution, met the Netflix requirements for mobile content streaming, including the power to run as much as full high-definition (HD) 1080p video within strict security features. This milestone reflects the strength of TI’s M-Shield technology at the OMAP 4 platform and marks the 1st time Netflix has certified its 1080p streaming application with end-to-end protection on a mobile device.
With its dual ARM® Cortex™-A9 MPCore foundation featuring TrustZone®, TI’s OMAP 4 platform sets the bar for multimedia-rich Netflix experiences on today’s mobile devices. It employs parallel processing for higher performance and higher power efficiency, and includes engines that drive consumer-demanded capabilities reminiscent of full HD 1080p 30fps multi-standard video and more. A part of the OMAP 4 platform, TI’s M-Shield security technology protects premium content and mobile devices from attacks while streaming with the Netflix application. The M-Shield solution implements a hardware-protected, trusted execution environment (TEE), which runs at the OMAP processor, yet doesn’t require a dedicated chip or extra CPU cycles. This permits M-Shield and OMAP architecture to supply optimal playback time, while maintaining low CPU loading so it’s free to run other applications.
Additional streaming security was achieved by using Wi-Fi-based WEP, WPA and WPA2 protocols, portion of TI’s WiLink 7.0 solution-the industry’s only single chip to incorporate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, GPS and FM technologies.
Smartphones and tablets running the Netflix application at the OMAP 4 platform may also connect with larger, HDMI-supported televisions because the OMAP platform’s security includes HDCP encryption over the HDMI connection itself.
“Netflix already has a rich heritage of streaming to PCs, Macs, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs, iPhone and iPad, and lots of set-top-boxes, so we sought a semiconductor partner which can bring our service to the wider mobile environment smoothly and securely,” said Bill Holmes, Vice chairman Business Development, Netflix. “TI’s OMAP architecture and M-Shield security will set the stage for a high-performance, low-power, secure platform so that it will help Netflix members instantly watch unlimited TV shows and films on Android devices.”
“TI is proud to be the primary to attain this coveted certification and to supply the answer that ensures a powerful balance of performance, security and tool efficiency as Netflix experiences migrate to the mobile world,” said Fred Cohen, director of the OMAP User Experience team, TI. “Our OMAP processors deliver rich, life-like experiences on mobile devices, while our M-Shield technology stands because the guard dog, protecting customer, content provider and consumer assets. It is the better of both worlds, driving new growth opportunities for Netflix within the Android marketplace.”
TI worked with Trusted Logic to develop the secure middleware component (SMC), that is the OMAP version of Trusted Logic Trusted Foundations™. The SMC executes Trusted Logic TrustedShow™ and an OMAP-optimized implementation of the Netflix-required Microsoft PlayReady™ DRM scheme.
“This Netflix certification represents another milestone in our successful work with the TI team,” said Olivier Leger, VP and General Manager, Trusted Logic. “We’re thrilled to bring probably the most advanced features – including premium content distribution and streaming – to numerous consumer products in a secure, secure manner. Netflix users and stakeholders will make the most of our proven technology, now optimized for TI’s M-Shield, and the very best experiences on their mobile devices.”
Support and availability
The OMAP 4 platform’s Netflix certification supports Android 2.3 (“Gingerbread”) today, with support for extra Android versions planned for this year. Devices with the OMAP 4 processor-driven Netflix application pre-installed may be launched inside the near future.
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