Sony: Strong indications for UltraViolet in France, Germany
July 5, 2013
By Colin Mann
Following the announcement that digital content ownership ecosystem UltraViolet is set to launch in France and Germany later in the year, a senior executive at Sony, one of its main backers, has suggested its take-up in those territories will be good.
Speaking at the Futuresource Entertainment Summit 2013 in London, Magnus Hollo, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment, admitted that it was “early days” in UltraViolet’s introduction in the UK, but that encouraging signs were coming from the US, the first launch market. “It’s turning a corner in the US, there are 10 million registered accounts, some 10 per cent of US households,” he revealed, adding that it had been made easier and more accessible. He also noted “encouraging results” in Australia and Canada. “We’re waiting for the UK to happen in the same way.”
Although unable to report any companies actually having signed up in France and Germany, “early discussions in both territories is very strong,” he said.
Fellow panellist Colin Lomax, MD, Starz, suggested a considerable degree of education was needed to ensure its widespread adoption. “If we don’t crack it as an industry soon, we’ll have lost it,” he warned.