Samsung, Rovi Make Waves at CES

7 Jan, 2011 By: Chris Tribbey

LAS VEGAS — Samsung and DreamWorks Animation teamed up at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show on 3D, and 2011’s CES saw them expand on that relationship.

During a keynote at the show in Las Vegas, DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg joined Samsung Visual Display President Boo-Keun Yoon in announcing that the two companies are collaborating on 3D research and development, expanding their marketing initiatives, and continuing their 3D Blu-ray Disc exclusivity arrangement, with DreamWorks giving Samsung the bundled rights to Megamind and at least one other 3D title.

“We have seen firsthand over the last 18 months why Samsung is the consumer electronics industry leader and a pioneer in bringing high-quality 3D experiences into the home in a meaningful way,” Katzenberg said. “We look forward to continuing our valued strategic alliance and furthering our reach in enabling audiences to bring more of their favorite DreamWorks Animation content to life at home.”

The two companies are also looking into a new streaming 3D VOD service for Samsung Smart TVs this year.

Other news at CES:

• Panasonic announced it was working with the Japanese government to develop guidelines for viewing 3D content, in order to address potential health concerns. Nintendo earlier this month had announced that young children should not use its upcoming 3DS handheld due to eye health concerns, and LG Electronics said it’s 3DTV technology is being changed to address potential health concerns.

• Rovi Corp. launched its Rovi Media Cloud service, a suite of Internet entertainment services for consumer electronics companies, service providers and application developers, that covers advertising, content recommendations, and application developers.

“It’s not a small feat for us, and we’re really excited about it,” said Rovi chief evangelist Richard Bullwinkle. He said the service will allow clients to access complete metadata information on most any connected device.

Rovi has launched a developer portal (developer.rovicorp.com) for developers to learn more about the service.

Additionally, Rovi said Samsung Electronics has begun using Rovi’s advertising service using Rovi Media Cloud, and Bullwinkle promised more major consumer electronics companies would soon follow.

• Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, said in his keynote that the American consumer electronics industry is expected to grow 3.5% to $186 billion in 2011.

“As you listen to the phenomenal leaders speaking, as you inhale the sights and senses of the show floor and as you take in the experience of the CES, you may conclude as I already have, that at this CES we have more innovation and cause for celebration than at any event in our history,” he said.

• Hulu CEO Jason Kilar confirmed that Hulu Plus will soon be available on Android and Samsung smart phones, while Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen announced that Samsung Smart TVs will support Adobe Air and Adobe Flash technology.