What is the GreenPlay format?
GreenPlay is an open standards-based digital content format for securely storing and playing premium content from kiosks on SD memory cards.
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Why is the GreenPlay format necessary?
Premium content requires studio approved security. For this reason, and to ensure the best user experience possible, MOD Systems created the GreenPlay format which uses open standards to enable consumer electronics devices and PCs equipped with a secure SD card slot to support playback of secured premium content such as movies and television episodes.
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What does GreenPlay format provide that’s not already included in the SD video specifications?
MOD Systems has created additional meta-data extensions which vastly improve the user experience of browsing and playing movies from SD card.
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What are the device requirements?
To play GreenPlay formatted content requires a secure SD memory card reader which supports CPRM, and GreenPlay Player application (manufacturers may embed in devices by way of the MOD Systems GreenPlay SDK). For devices without secure SD card readers, or those featuring USB support only, several leading flash memory manufacturers plan to provide secure USB-to-SD readers, in addition to MOD Systems GreenPlay SD Card Reader.
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How is DRM handled by GreenPlay?
GreenPlay provides consumers with a physical digital media carrier that binds content to the SD card and provides portability between compatible devices, which is only possible with SD memory cards. The specific DRM MOD Systems utilizes is a part of the Secure Digital Association (SDA) video standard known as CPRM for SDSD. Benefits of this approach are that content is bound to the card at the time of loading at the kiosk, and playable on any compatible device. Using this studio approved security, device registration is not required, which makes CPRM for SDSD ideal for any device that does not support network connectivity or is disconnected from the Internet.
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How many devices are compatible today?
There are nearly 200 million PCs in the market today which support GreenPlay content via an inexpensive USB-to-SD card adapter. MOD Systems is working closely with leading PC manufacturers to ensure over time all internal SD card slots support CPRM which will eliminate the need for an external adapter. The GreenPlay Media Player, co-developed with Sonic Solutions utilizing its RoxioNow entertainment platform, enables playback on any Windows PC running Windows 7, Vista or XP. GreenPlay utilizes the Secure Digital Association (SDA) standard known as Secure Digital (SD) video which uses H.264 video and AAC audio encoding wrapped in an M2TS container. For embedded devices, MOD’s SDK allows for simple implementation on a wide range of target platforms and operating systems. CE products supporting GreenPlay include portable and digital media players including reference designed products suitable for custom branding (OEM) from MOD Systems.
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How do I make sure my devices are compatible? How long does it take to get a device certified? Are there development firms who build the player software?
MOD Systems has developed a GreenPlay Software Development Kit (SDK) which allows CE and PC OEM and ODM companies to embed GreenPlay in PCs, portable digital media players, set-top boxes, TVs, Blu-ray players and more. The GreenPlay SDK is based on open SD standards, making it easy for consumer electronics device manufacturers to support the secure playback of premium content in the GreenPlay format. Details on how to obtain the SDK and begin an implementation are located at www.greenplay.net/sdk. Licensees of the GreenPlay SDK are required to participate in a testing and certification process to ensure the highest consumer experience is maintained. If required, MOD is able to provide turnkey NRE development.
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What are the GreenPlay Compatible logo program process, timeline and requirements?
Once manufacturers have built a GreenPlay compatible playback device, they are eligible to receive “GreenPlay Compatible” certification. Manufacturers need to submit devices for testing (details can be found on www.greenplay.net). Once approved, the device can feature a “GreenPlay Compatible” logo. The greenplay.net website has a searchable list of all compatible, certified playback devices. For specific marketing and in-store bundling opportunities, please talk to your MOD representative.
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What about devices that support and play other types of content, beyond movies and TV shows?
MOD’s digital download kiosk is capable of dispensing all kinds of digital content, including video games, ebooks, mobile applications, and software. MOD Systems will support retailers by adding appropriate formats for the intended CE devices as they become available.
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Do you support digital locker integration?
MOD Systems is an active member in DECE and has relationships with leading providers of streaming premium content. We believe a robust digital ecosystem that is compelling to consumers and meets the multiplicity of use-case requirements necessitates both streaming and physical delivery models. For this reason, MOD’s system is capable of fully integrating with digital service providers.
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