As part of the recent Jurassic Park 3D Blu-ray edition, Universal included a redemption code for the new UltraViolet (UV) licensing system.  Before receiving this disc I had only the fuzziest of notions as to what UV entailed, and like many people in possession of a BD player, external hard drive and an (over)active Netflix account I wasn’t sure another viewing platform was really warranted.  At any rate, for those interested in the new system here is how to go about activating your UV account and making the first steps towards compiling a brand spankin’ digital collection.

First off you visit the distributor’s UV site, which in my case was www.ultravioletuniversal.com.  Then you enter the redemption code that comes with the disc, the name of the store where you made your purchase, and your UltraViolet retailer of choice.  For this latter three options are available in Australia – EzyFlix.tv, JB Hi-Fi Now Video,  and Flixster – and one will be recommended for you depending on where you purchased the movie (in my own case I chose Flixster as it’s already installed on my TV as part of my wireless Blu-ray package). 

After making your choice you’ll be redirected to your chosen UV retailer’s individual website.  You’ll need to enter the redemption code again, then register an account with Flixster, EzyFlix or JB which will also comprise your UltraViolet account.  Agree to the T&Cs and Privacy Policy, confirm your email address, and you’re away.

Sort of.  I must say I found the streaming extremely ineffectual, and even with a decent broadband connection the movie was continually stopping to buffer.  The Flixster android app is excellent and makes the option of watching on a smartphone extremely appealing, yet in my own case the movie either buffered continuously without playing or repeatedly resulted in an error message.  I tried using both my home Wi-Fi and my service provider’s connection, but was unable to find much joy here.  The film did stream through my internet-connected television, but the quality was by no means 1080p and in any case it wasn’t in 3D.

UV sounds great in theory.  The redemption process is pretty straightforward, and the option of streaming to a tablet or smartphone is particularly appealing to those of us with long commutes (or short attention spans).  The option of viewing movies on any internet-connected television without the need to tow around a disc or an HDD will likewise be welcome for many.  Once stored, files can be streamed on any suitable device with an active internet connection, downloaded for ‘permanent’ viewing or shared with up to five other members of your household for them to enjoy on their own chosen devices.  In addition to Universal the majority of the world’s leading entertainment companies such as Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros and Roadshow all participate in the UV program, as do technology companies like Panasonic and Motorola, with Disney and Apple being the only really noteworthy holdouts at this stage.  All good news.

My own initial foray wasn’t particularly successful, however, and I have to say I’m pretty happy with the viewing methods at my disposal at this point.  I also mentioned the option of downloading permanently in inverted commas because the insert in my Universal BD states ‘Downloading and  streaming of UltraViolet content  is subject to retailer’s terms and conditions, which may be limited to 3 downloads and free unlimited streaming only for the first 12 months after redemption.’  Some will find UV a welcome addition to their home entertainment experience, but I have to say I wasn’t sold.