Akamai aims to bring HDTV to the Web

Akamai on Tuesday unveiled a network for high-definition video designed to deliver content via Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight and Apple's iPhone. The goal: Deliver an HDTV experience online.

The company, which delivers video and applications, via a 50,000 server network that moves content closer to Internet users, said Akamai HD will support live and on-demand HD streaming with personalization features.

Akamai's HD platform, which will be demonstrated later today, will be designed for what the company calls "the most popular runtime environments": Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight and the iPhone.

Among the key features of Akamai HD:

• Adaptive bitrate streaming: The network adjusts its HD bitrates and monitors bandwidth levels for uninterrupted playback.
• Immediate response: Viewers can interact with the video player and shift times instantly.
• HD video player: Akamai is offering an open standards player.
• Player authentication: Ensures only authorized players can access content.

In a statement, Paul Sagan, CEO of Akamai, said that the Internet is quickly moving to HD-quality video and needs to hit broadcast-size audiences quickly.