Irdeto secures MEDIA BROADCAST's portable USB pay TV device

Irdeto Secures MEDIA BROADCAST’s New Portable USB Device for Pay TV Content

AMSTERDAM — Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform security, today announced that it has been selected by MEDIA BROADCAST as the end-to-end security provider for its new USB device, which will enable live HD content to be viewed on PCs by German customers. MEDIA BROADCAST already offers its new freenet TV digital terrestrial television (DTT) and hybrid services through STB and CI Plus modules, but this USB device for PC and Mac is the first of its kind for paid access services in this market. It will be available to consumers in Germany in early 2017.

The new device will use the Irdeto Cloaked CA solution, enhanced and customized for a portable plug and play device of this nature. This boosts the performance, security and reliability of the device, while also securing the link between the users’ PC or Mac and the USB device. The hardware for the portable device is provided by SMiT Holdings Limited, the leading global supplier of conditional access module (CAM) devices.

“As consumer viewing habits evolve, it is crucial for us to always innovate and offer compelling services that meet their needs, such as full HD and the best programs at the best price. Research has shown significant demand from German citizens to watch Terrestrial TV on portable devices – more than 4.5 million households currently use DVB-T on a mobile device, and almost 2 million of those on a PC or laptop,” said Kerstin Köder, Head of freenet TV at MEDIA BROADCAST. “Robust security is essential for us to offer both live and on-demand premium content to consumers across devices and channels, and working with Irdeto and SMiT enables us to advance the experience for our customers.”

The deal signals the extension of an existing relationship between MEDIA BROADCAST, Irdeto and SMiT, following the provision of security for MEDIA BROADCAST’s freenet TV launch earlier in 2016. Irdeto will be offering the Cloaked CA-enabled USB devices to operators as a stand-alone offering from early 2017.

“Our continued support of MEDIA BROADCAST as it pioneers new TV services is a real testament to the innovation and flexibility that can be developed with a secure platform,” said Richard Frankland, VP Sales, EMEA at Irdeto. “Strong security is crucial for operators and content owners who offer premium live and on-demand content, especially when exploring new devices and platforms for delivering that content. Our goal is to offer peace of mind for operators as they look to upgrade their services in exciting ways.”