Ultraviolet film and TV service is poised for UK launch

A SERVICE called Ultraviolet, which is intended to diminish online 'piracy' by offering digital films and TV shows that can be watched on any device, is poised for launch in the UK.

The Ultraviolet service is backed by Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures and Fox and offers a digital library of films and TV shows. Once you have bought the content, you can play it on up to 12 devices without having to pay again.

According to the Guardian the service's 75 backers include companies such as Tesco, Samsung, Nokia, Sky and LoveFilm. Ultraviolet says its system is open, unlike more restricted services offered by Disney and Apple.

Users will get a code to purchase a Blu-ray or DVD disc that they can then use for downloading or streaming a digital version of the show. Ultraviolet says on its web site that users can also buy the content digitally if they prefer, it just has to be marked with an Ultraviolet logo.

The first content owner to announce a film release on Ultraviolet is Warner Bros, which will launch Final Destination 5 on 26 December.

We think the Ultraviolet service is a step in the right direction, as the UK needs somewhere we can legitimately buy copyrighted content in digital formats.

However, the upcoming launch of Netflix seems a little more exciting, especially since we will likely be able to stream unlimited media content for a set monthly fee. µ