A consortium of the world"s largest computer and electronics companies on Tuesday established ground rules for building compatible electronic devices that can share movies, music and other media.
But the group quickly acknowledged that even greater challenges, including agreeing on how to protect digital content from theft, had to be overcome before consumers can create, manage and share content on any electronic device.
Many of the 145 global companies, including Sony Corp and Microsoft Corp, are deeply wedded to proprietary ways of storing and processing digital media content. The group, however, found consensus in common and existing standards for audio, video and Internet communications.
Products that meet the specifications of the Digital Living Network Alliance will be awarded a logo that will let shoppers know that such a device will work with other certified products. The first compatible electronics could start appearing on store shelves by the end of this year.