Panasonic, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony, Toshiba tie up on next generation secure memory solutions

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Panasonic Corp, Samsung Electronics Co, SanDisk Corp, Sony Corp and Toshiba Corp have reached an agreement in principle to collaborate on a new content protection technology for flash memory cards such as SD Cards and various storage devices.

Under the Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative, the five companies will start preparing for licensing and promotion of HD (high‐definition)‐capable security for SD Cards and embedded memory for use in advanced consumer applications such as tablets and smartphones.

This content protection solution will be robust enough to protect HD content. A high level of content security will be realized through the use of the initiative’s technologies, including unique ID (identification) technology for flash memory and robust copy protection based on public key infrastructure.

The five companies believe this technology will enable various HD content applications such as HD network download, broadcast content to go and HD Digital Copy/Managed Copy from Blu‐ray Disc media. With these applications, users can enjoy HD content on a wide range of devices, including Android‐based smartphones and tablets, TVs and Blu‐ray products.

The five companies believe that they each can make substantial contributions that, when combined, will enable them to start licensing the new secure memory technology early next year. The five companies expect to see adoption of flash memory products and various embedded flash memory solutions using this technology in the market in 2012.

“Panasonic has always been an innovator in providing the best possible content viewing experience in the living room through development of Blu‐ray and Blu‐ray 3DTM technologies and products,” said Yoshiyuki Miyabe, Corporate CTO, Panasonic Corporation. “With our new secure memory solution, we are excited to create a strong link between the living room experience and the mobile experience. Now consumers can enjoy watching premier content, such as movies, on the go with their smartphones and tablets.”