DLNA Begins to Certify Software Sold Directly to Consumers

The 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show has become a veritable stage where various hardware and software products are promoted, and DLNA decided to take advantage of consumer attention.

Knowing that consumers from all around the world would be paying attention to what CES 2011 brings, The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) announced two new certification programs.

DLNA Certified products are tested by one of five Certification labs located around the world.

Now, DLNA has started to certify software that is directly sold to consumers through websites, mobile application stores and retailers.

The means by which this has been achieved are two new certification programs that the Alliance just launched.

Said endeavors are a Consumer Software Certification and a Protected Streaming Certification program.

DLNA Certified software will let customers upgrade products that, although part of their home networks, lack such certification.

The main purpose is to make it easier to share content, like videos, music and photos, between more consumer electronics, PCs and mobile products, instead of having them restricted to those devices that were built with DLNA certification from the start.

Meanwhile, DLNA Protected Streaming products securely shares commercial movies between products in consumer home networks while preserving rights and interests of copyright owners.

"DLNA has a vision for the connected consumer experience – one where content flows easily across products, regardless of manufacturer,” said Nidhish Parikh, chairman and president of DLNA.

“DLNA Certified software helps to fulfill this vision by allowing consumers to access their photos, music and videos from a greater range of products,” he added.

“We are also bringing commercial video directly to DLNA Certified products with our new Protected Streaming Certification. As we continue to grow the categories of DLNA certifications, we are truly furthering the fully connected, digital lifestyle,” Parikh went on to saying.

It is unknown how soon one can expect to see DLNA-certified consumer software reach the market, but demonstrations should already be happening at CES 2011 Central Plaza booth CP3.