A Linux-oriented entertainment networking software specialist has been acquired for $43.5 million. Mediabolic, which sells DLNA and UPnP-compliant media-sharing middleware to vendors of Linux-based network storage and playback devices, has been acquired by Macrovision, which specializes in the distribution of copyright-protected products, such as software and multimedia content.

Macrovision is best-known for its “InstallShield” software installers, which have long supported Linux and other popular operating systems. The company also sells DRM products for DVDs and VOD (video-on-demand). It expects the acquisition to contribute to its bottom line in 2008, while diluting earnings up to 10 cents per share in 2007.

Mediabolic late last year launched an interesting remote firmware update service aimed at set-top box vendors. The service can push firmware upgrades to deployed devices at the vendor's request, without requiring user initiation or participation.

Mediabolic is best known for its DLNA– and UPnP-compliant media server stack. The stack enables network-based storage devices to transparently advertise their multimedia contents and control APIs to remote media players and control devices. The stack supports Linux-based devices, and has been licensed by various home network-attached storage (NAS) device vendors, including Seagate and Buffalo. (Buffalo's popular Linux-based “TeraStation” is pictured at right.) The stack has also been licensed or demonstrated on Linux-oriented NAS device reference designs by silicon vendors such as Freescale, PMC-Sierra, Broadcom, Toshiba, IBM, and possibly others.

Mediabolic also offers a Linux-based Network Media Player design, and acquired additional Linux-oriented products through its purchase of Digital 5 earlier this year.

Macrovision to continue with Linux

A Macrovision spokesperson told LinuxDevices that the company plans to support Mediabolic's current product direction. “Linux will remain a big part of the overall effort. Innovation and leveraging of Linux will continue to be part of Mediabolic as it is integrated into Macrovision, and for the foreseeable future,” the spokesperson said.

Fred Amoroso, CEO of Macrovision, stated, “Consumers want to interact with media and digital content whenever and wherever they want. Mediabolic is a key enabler of that. Mediabolic's software is a strong fit with our roadmap to help content owners transition from the world of physical media to the digital world.”

Dan Putterman, CEO of Mediabolic, stated, “Mediabolic has successfully enabled CE manufacturers to play a new and meaningful role in the ways that people access and experience Internet-based content. We believe the opportunity to liberate content from the PC and move it throughout the home will become more important. By joining Macrovision, we will be in an even a better position to help CE manufacturers, content owners and consumers benefit from the emergence of digital media.”

Morikazu Sano, SVP of sales at Buffalo, a major Mediabolic licensee, stated, “Over the past 18 months, Buffalo and Mediabolic have partnered in developing four digital media-centric product families, and we are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with them.”

 
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