Warner Bros to offer Harry Potter downloads via UltraViolet
updated 09:00 pm EST, Thu November 10, 2011
Download now available via Flixster
Warner Brothers is ready to offer copies of its Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2 movie to download or stream on the UltraViolet platform. People who buy the Blu-ray/DVD combo, which goes on sale tomorrow, will be able to download an additional copy via Flixster apps for iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices.
UltraViolet is designed to allow legitimate buyers of physical discs to obtain digital downloads or watch streaming feeds of the same film after providing verification of the original purchase. Warner Brothers' initial releases through the service only provided the streaming functionality, however, without allowing users to download copies for offline viewing.
The studio defended itself, claiming the limitation was due to a system bug rather than an intentional restriction. All of the company's titles will be available for download and streaming in the future.
As a content-protection standard, UltraViolet has been met with a range of criticism. Viewing rights are limited to six users and 12 devices in total, while studios can reserve the right to pull streaming rights after a certain period of time. [via CNET]
