Akamai Unveils Unique View of the High-Definition Internet
Akamai Technologies, Inc., the leading global service provider for accelerating content and applications online, today announced TheHDWeb, a 'proof-of-concept' portal designed to showcase the experience consumers can have with high definition content online. The Website, available at www.thehdweb.com, showcases content from a variety of industries including music, movies, professional sports, games and news. Akamai customers are now delivering a consistent, high-definition video experience on Akamai's uniquely distributed edge delivery platform that is specifically tuned for optimal delivery of high-definition (HD) files online. As an industry leader and pioneer in online video, Akamai has raised the bar for what a service provider must offer companies in order to deliver this content effectively and efficiently online today.
Companies providing HD content for the initiative include Apple, BBC Motion Gallery, CBS, Gannett, MTV Networks, NBA and more. The proof-of-concept portal will serve as a temporary Internet Programming Guide to HD video on the Web and provide access to a complete HD experience. These companies understand the value that HD content brings their brand and are ahead of the curve by offering HD programming online. "Our audiences love watching their favorite music and pop-culture programs in HD, and at TheHDWeb.com, they can see sneak peaks of how The Hills and Run's House will appear in the near future," said Nick Rockwell, Senior Vice President and CTO, Global Digital Media, MTV Networks. "Akamai's platform and unique network architecture are ideally suited to helping us deliver the exceptional HD experiences that our viewers demand. We look forward to expanding our long-standing and strategic relationship with Akamai, which has been a strong supporter of our major global events like the Video Music Awards." Consumer appetite and interest in premium quality online video has already arrived. Akamai has created a venue for Internet users to fully experience the possibilities of the HD Internet. Bringing together broadband ISPs, content providers, technology providers and consumer electronics manufacturers, this groundbreaking initiative is designed to build the framework to galvanize the industry around the potential of HD online.
