UltraViolet is the newest brainchild of a large consortium of tech companies. By acting as a "digital movie locker," UltraViolet wants to help customers see a movie they have purchased on multiple devices. UltraViolet has a huge list of supporters, but a competitor called KeyChest is already on the horizon.

UltraViolet makes use of cloud computing

You will find a large number of big media companies in the UltraViolet consortium. The basic idea is that a cloud-based account at UltraViolet --uvvu.com -- will track and record film purchases. The digital token they get from registering their media purchases could be used on many devices. You can watch a movie that you purchased at Best Buy with your Comcast account. Buy a Blu-ray DVD, then play the film on your smartphone. The goal of the UltraViolet account is cross-compatibility between systems.

Challenges facing UltraViolet

A format war between UltraViolet is already shaping up. Disney is developing their own digital rights management system codenamed KeyChest. With a huge movie library that consists of Marvel Entertainment and Pixar studios, Disney controls a large number of movies. The Walt Disney Business has Steve Jobs as a board member. Apple did not sign onto the UltraViolet system, and Apple's iOS technology may not allow app developers to use their system.

Which Digital Management System will end up in use?

There could be a couple of years where both formats will exist, if we are to use indications of previous format wars. In all likelihood, whichever format the pornography industry chooses will end up winning. Most similar music-industry systems have failed because of either customer backlash or corporate support. User interface, library, and customer support are all going to be deciding factors for KeyChest or UltraViolet.