Adobe publishes Media Player 1.0

Adobe has released version 1.0 of its Adobe Media Player (AMP) as a free download. The 1.4 MB AMP requires Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR). AMP plays flash videos online and off, independent of web browsers. Adobe's "AMP Catalog" already offers a few episodes of CSI: New York and CSI: Miami from CBS, and content from Universal Music and MTV Networks for free. In the next few months, content from MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, Spike and other sources is to be added.

Like Hulu, the American on-line streaming service, video advertising breaks will be added to long videos. Hulu videos can currently only be seen by the US audience – or rather by those with a US IP address – but the Adobe Media Player allows content to be viewed outside the US as well, at least for the moment. Shows can be selected from a list of networks or a comprehensive list of genres.

Adobe plans to establish its player as a video distribution platform. Content partners will be able to add their own brand to the AMP and offer commercial content in addition to free shows and shows funded by advertising. The player also supports Adobe's Flash Media Rights Management. Recently, Adobe launched the dedicated Flash Media Rights Management Server.

(trk)