Netflix Becomes More Interested In HTML5

 

One of the popular names in online video provision expressed interest in migrating at least part of its service to HTML5, Netflix. Netflix currently uses Microsoft's own Flash alternative, Silverlight, but it is becoming more interested in HTML5, according to a post by Netflix' Adrian Cockcroft. The obstacle in the way of a wholesale embrace of the new multimedia standard is the lack of a digital rights management system within the HTML5 spec.

Cockcroft stressed his focus on HTML5 for the creation of the user interface but stressed the need for a DRM solution within HTML5:

"I was thinking of HTML5 features that let us build very cool user interfaces with drag-and-drop, canvas transforms etc. for the web site, and for embedded TV devices specifically. The Silverlight player is used for PC/Mac playback only, and the basic HTML5 Video doesn't have a viable DRM solution at this point”

He continued to explain that:

“HTML5, which is raising the bar for cross browser support for advanced user interface features, and is now supported by a large and rapidly growing percentage of the visitors to netflix.com...In addition many TV based devices now embed webkit, which is the HTML5 compatible technology that underpins the Safari and Chrome browsers."

The company is also recruiting a Senior User Interface Engineer to help put out Netflix in HTML5. The job posting states the following:

“Come to Netflix where we are using HTML5 based web technologies to move ecommerce directly onto to televisions in our customers’ living rooms,”

The company has already embraced the iPad, bringing its videos (h264 encoded) to the device through its own app. Stay tuned for more information by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.