BD-Live software developer RCDb and Videon Central announced today a partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of networked applications on Internet connected Blu-ray Disc (BD) players. The two companies have pre-integrated their software solutions to offer a reference design to BD player manufacturers. The offering enables a BD player to dynamically load and unload applications and connect with a flexible, updateable set of third party services and content offerings controlled by the player manufacturers and their retail partners.

BD Live material is accessed through software embedded into Blu-ray discs. Users must insert BD Live-enabled discs into players to view Web-based bonus features.

RCDb has come up with a disc-free solution that will increase the number of ways studios can offer content to Blu-ray hardware owners.

This technology is expected to be integrated into future Blu-ray set-tops but is not available on existing models.

"Blu-ray Disc players not only deliver the highest quality home entertainment experience, they are also the ultimate ‘over the top’ player for convenience and on-demand viewing in the living room. Our joint solution with Videon Central gives studios another path to the living room and a direct connection to their audience." added Zane Vella, CEO of RCDb.

The solution is available immediately for customer demonstrations. It includes the RCDb Client software and Videon Central middleware running on a fully compliant BD-Live player.