VCAS for DVB

When the first Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards based networks were deployed some 10 years ago, the profound benefits of digital broadcasting over analog overshadowed the fundamental limitations of the technology, and the capability to offer true interactive services - such as Video-on-Demand - was merely a dream.

Today such advanced services can be created cost-effectively with scalable VOD systems and powerful interactive set-top boxes. However, the potential delivery of VOD content over satellite or terrestrial networks faces serious constraints due to the inherent limitations on scalability of bandwidth (broadcast spectrum).

Moreover, the growing trend towards on-demand personalized services – "prime time on my time" – is now irreversible and proven with one-to-one network connections using the well established and widely supported Internet Protocol.

The scene is therefore now set for combining DVB and IPTV delivery technologies within a Hybrid Network, which takes advantage of the strengths of each:

• An RF-based broadcast network for one-to-many simultaneous content delivery,
• A scalable IP network for the interactive one-to-one services.

By taking advantage of the hybrid network approach the opportunity exists to offer an expanded range of services, unified into a seamless subscriber experience, while the service operator improves both its competitive position and revenue potential. However, to make these exciting hybrid offerings a commercial reality a key optimization is to be able to use a unified protection system for content delivered through both elements, DVB and IP, of the network. Fortunately, the new breed of content security architecture used within the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™), employing cryptographic and e-commerce technologies proven on the Internet, supports such a unified approach.

VCAS can also be extended to offer smart card-less security for one way architectures.

The Verimatrix solution to content security on these network architectures offers unique value through:

• Software-based content security for cost effective deployment and flexible response to attacks
• Unquestioned content security for IPTV – independently audited – 0 Exposures
• MultiCAS – standards-based unified security across broadcast and IPTV networks
• Best security perimeter for IPTV and hybrid networks
• Industry leader in user-specific watermarking
• Broad range of STB and PC client choices
• Flexibility in HW and SW system partners
• Widest deployed system in Tier 1 operators globally

In addition, the Verimatrix software-based content security approach can offer a more sophisticated level of content protection, compared to the legacy and piracy-prone smart card-based systems, through a combination of innovative and patent pending technologies.

Learn more about VCAS for DVB.