Brightcove readies its video platform for the iPad, announces HTML5 support

It seems like Apple’s refusal to integrate Adobe Flash support into the iPad may be contributing to widespread changes across the web. Take for example Brightcove, maker of one of the leading online video platforms, who announced today that it will be supporting HTML5 video in its “Brightcove Experience” software.
The news means that sites using Brightcove’s video platform will be able to deliver video content to Apple’s iPad, as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch — none of which support Adobe Flash, the current standard for online video.  Major sites like the New York Times and Time are already taking advantage of the company’s HTML5 video support, and have used it to  develop iPad-ready versions of their websites that will be ready for the iPad’s launch.
HTML5 is the latest revision of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the programming language that makes up most of the web. It’s being looked at as a challenger to Adobe Flash in many ways, since it allows for web animations and video without the use of a plugin. Many sites are currently pursuing HTML5 video players, including YouTube and Vimeo.
Brightcove says that it will be working on its HTML5 implementation throughout the year to include features like a branded video player environment, advertising, analytics, and social media sharing. Eventually, it will receive all of the features that the company’s current Flash platform includes. The company isn’t planning to give up on Flash video support anytime soon, it just sees the importance of supporting HTML5 video in addition.
Given the many big-name customers Brightcove serves, its move towards HTML5 video will impact the web significantly. Many sites were already moving towards HTML5 support, but Brightcove’s adoption of the format, along with the upcoming release of the iPad, will make HTML5 even more trendy.

Tags: Flash, HTML5, ipad, video
Companies: Brightcove