Adobe to accelerate Flash content on netbooks

GPU acceleration for Flash video is coming soon to netbooks

Adobe has revealed that it is working with Nvidia and Broadcom to deliver better support for its Flash technology in a variety of devices to provide users with an improved video experience.

The partnerships will see Nvidia work with Adobe on providing GPU acceleration for Flash Player, while Broadcom will develop hardware-accelerated playback of high-definition (HD) video content using Flash technology

Under the plans, Adobe Flash player will be accelerated across the range of Nvidia's GPU products, including its Tegra system-on-a-chip aimed at mobile internet devices. Having Flash support in Nvidia's mobile graphics silicon is expected to give a boost for video on other mobile platforms such as netbooks.

"Flash Player will leverage the power of the GPU to provide a rich, desktop-compatible web experience on a wide range of devices," said David Wadhwani, vice president of Adobe's Platform Business Unit.

Broadcom is targeting netbooks and nettops, working with Adobe to optimise Flash for its Crystal HD video accelerator designed to complement Intel's Atom processors. This accelerator already features in new netbooks from Acer and HP.

With support for Flash, smooth HD video playback should be possible with low system power consumption and low CPU utilisation, according to Broadcom.

Flash Player with support for Broadcom’s Crystal HD solutions is expected to be available in the first half of 2010.

Separately, RealNetworks has entered into agreements with various partners to license its RealPlayer for Mobile Devices in netbooks.

The media player software will now be available in Ubuntu Linux, and so-called "instant-on" environments for Windows netbooks such as Phoenix Technologies' HyperSpace, and Device VM's Splashtop.