VeriSign, the leading provider of digital infrastructure for the networked world, and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, have teamed to produce an online showcase to demonstrate the next generation of entertainment distribution, tying together a seamless consumer experience across TV, online and mobile devices.

Featuring quality motion picture and television content produced by Lionsgate, the new showcase is powered by VeriSign’s highly scaleable and secure digital infrastructure. In addition, another VeriSign partner, Organic, Inc., a digital communications agency, produced the creative and compelling user interface. A beta version of the showcase is available for viewing at the VeriSign NAB booth (C2546) and at http://www.verisign.tv. 

Microsoft has unveiled Microsoft Silverlight, a new cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web. Early supporters of the new platform include Akamai Technologies, Brightcove, Eyeblaster, Limelight Networks, Major League Baseball and Netflix. Microsoft Silverlight, previously called Windows Presentation Foundation Everywhere (WPF/E), integrates with existing Web technologies and assets to provide higher-quality experiences with lower costs for media delivery…

I know, I know.  You think Internet video is so last year now that the Google/YouTube transaction is behind us, but according to recently released information from comScore Video Metrix, the number of unique U.S. streamers reached nearly 123 million in January 2007.  That is an 11% increase over the 110 million in August of 2006.