Redmond (WA) - Microsoft’s rival to the universal Flash media format, Silverlight, is now officially available, marking the beginning of what could be a heated Web video format war.

Silverlight, which works with all major browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari, can deliver everything from mobile video to high-definition content, says Microsoft.

"Silverlight is the only solution in the market today that enables content creators to tap into the broad ecosystem for Windows Media technologies while taking the Web’s rich interactive application experience to new levels," said senior Microsoft VP Bob Muglia.

The platform uses Windows Media as the driving force behind playback of video content, and utilizes a new proprietary digital rights management (DRM) system.

The format was announced earlier this year, and Microsoft has already gained partners in Netflix, Major League Baseball, and Entertinamnet Weekly, to name a few.