The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) said it has begun two new Certification programs that will make home networking easier.

That should be good news for the cable industry, which appears to be throwing its weight behind the DLNA approach, as evidenced by the deeper involvement of CableLabs.

The operation is now providing a consumer Software Certification and Protected Streaming Certification program. 

DLNA is now certifying software that is sold directly to consumers through retailers, websites and mobile application stores.  With DLNA Certified software, consumers can upgrade products from within their home networks that may not be DLNA Certified and bring them into their personal DLNA ecosystems. This helps in bringing content such as videos, photos and music stored on DLNA Certified devices to a larger selection of consumer electronics, mobile and PC products.

"DLNA has a vision for the connected consumer experience – one where content flows easily across products, regardless of manufacturer," said Nidhish Parikh, chairman and president of DLNA. "DLNA Certified software helps to fulfill this vision by allowing consumers to access their photos, music and videos from a greater range of products.  We are also bringing commercial video directly to DLNA Certified® products with our new Protected Streaming Certification. As we continue to grow the categories of DLNA certifications, we are truly furthering the fully connected, digital lifestyle."