InterVideo Brings Windows Media to Linux

As part of the company's ongoing efforts to expand the reach of Windows Media, Microsoft has tapped InterVideo to port the audio and video technology to Linux platforms. InterVideo is best known for its multi-media software including WinDVD and WinProducer.

Microsoft plans to bring Windows Media codecs, streaming protocols and DRM support to Linux, but the ports will only be available to manufacturers building consumer devices. Linux desktop users and other software vendors will not be able to make use of the ported Windows Media components.

Redmond's plan is to target set-top boxes, portable media players and digital video recorders that are being built upon Linux. Companies such as TiVo have succeeded in using Linux to develop low cost hardware, but thus far these devices have not been able to play Microsoft's Windows Media formats.

"We believe most of the major consumer electronics companies are looking at the Linux platform as a stable, low cost solution for multimedia functionality and InterVideo's superior technology and strong track record of multimedia innovation are an ideal fit," said InterVideo CEO, Steve Ro. "In addition, InterVideo will now be able to add support for the popular Windows Media Format for all of these devices."

InterVideo says the Windows Media ports are available now to manufacturers, along with the company's DVD, DVR/PVR, MP3 and video editing applications designed for embedded Linux devices.