Netflix will launch Silverlight for HTML5

The popular U.S. video service Netflix could make a 180 ° turn in abandoning the Microsoft Silverlight technology for HTML5. An experience he has tried with its compatible version for ARM.

The popular U.S. video-on-demand streaming Netflix, preparing a technological change in the coming months: abandon Microsoft Silverlight technology to opt for HTML5. An operation that has already carried out when, last month, Google had the service on a Samsung Chromebook running an ARM processor.

But Silverlight "offers a high quality streaming experience across browsers, Microsoft announced the end of life of Silverlight 5 in 2021, we need to find a replacement, at one time or another in 8 years to come, "explained Anthony Park and Mark Watson from Netflix. However, they state that they want to "share the progress made with HTML5," a sign that the work had already begun several months.

They also point to the disadvantage of the browser plugins (manual installation, limited compatibility, etc..) Have pushed to turn to HTML5. This latest technology, even if it lacks a bit of technological maturity, can also bring another big advantage to Netflix: natural DRM management. The streaming function inherent in HTML5 will be accompanied by several functions named "Premium HTML5 Video Extensions" that allow:

• manage flows streamed via JavaScript,
• encrypt DRM,
• propose an extension of cryptography that will allow Netflix to ensure that all communication between the JavaScript code and servers remain secure.  

According to Netflix, the first two functions have been implemented in the version for Chrome OS, but the cryptographic function is not yet brought into the browser.