Silverlight 2 ships with Deep Zoom... and DRM

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 14 Oct 2008 at 08:46

Microsoft has launched the second version of its web multimedia platform, Silverlight.

The new version includes a bevy of new features for adding polish to websites and online applications, as well as the introduction of digital rights management (DRM) into the software.

The latest additions include Microsoft's highly impressive Deep Zoom technology, which was demonstrated to PC Pro earlier this year. Deep Zoom allows users to hone in on ultra-high resolution photography, whilst minimising the bandwidth requirements by only loading the parts of the image that are being viewed at the time.

Silverlight 2 also adds a new set of built-in controls, including ScrollViewer, Calendar and ListBox, which Microsoft claims will allow developers to build applications more quickly.

Microsoft claims Silverlight 2 boasts unparalleled support for multiple different programming languages, including Visual Basic, C#, Managed JavaScript, IronPython and IronRuby. The new version also "includes APIs that enable the creation of better asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) applications," according to the software giant.

However, DRM has once again reared its ugly head, with support for Microsoft's PlayReady technology. "Silverlight DRM builds on Microsoft's extensive expertise in developing DRM technologies, delivering robust protection for key Silverlight scenarios including live streaming, on-demand streaming and progressive downloads for connected experiences," the company claims.

The new version will be available for download from the Silverlight website today. Those who have version 1 of the software installed will be automatically upgraded.