ATIS Validates VueKey Solution to Meet FCC Directive for Separable Security for IPTV

WASHINGTON — ATIS announced today that its IP-Based Separable Security Incubator (ISSI) has proven the viability of an access card broadly compatible with set-top boxes and televisions that enables IPTV companies to ensure the security of high-value content. The VueKey™ is an enhancement of the CableCard® standard to enable Internet Protocol (IP) flows that are network-technology-agnostic. Because the card utilizes the existing CableCard design, the time and cost for adaptation will be minimal for vendors creating the components that will deliver IPTV.

Recently held interoperability testing conducted by ISSI members CCAD, Cisco, and Motorola found the VueKey™ solution is a viable approach to meet separable security directives set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Docket 97-80. It accomplishes separable security and is harmonized with, and backwards compatible to, the existing unidirectional CableCard standard.

In recognizing the commitment and expertise brought to this project by ISSI member companies, Mike Nawrocki, Verizon, ISSI Chair said “It’s remarkable that in just over one year, ISSI has not only developed the VueKey™ specification, but has validated the solution in an interoperable environment. This solution will ultimately benefit the consumer, as new IP-based services transform the market.”

“The proven effectiveness, compatibility and compliance strengths of the VueKey™ mean that it will take less time for IPTV solutions vendors to adopt the solution for market use,” said Susan Miller, ATIS President and CEO. “This translates into faster delivery of IPTV services into the home.”

The ISSI has worked with the ATIS IPTV Interoperability Forum (IIF) for further standardization work related to this new technology, specifically on the use of a common trust hierarchy and platform security for both IPTV hosts and the VueKey™. An American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard is expected. In addition to the IIF, recognized globally as the leading developer of requirements, standards, and specifications for IPTV, other relevant groups (e.g., CEA, DVB and ITU-T) may be involved in this process as appropriate.

About the IP-Based Separable Security Incubator

The ATIS Incubator Solutions Program provides the industry with a “fast-track” process for resolving technical and operating issues. The ATIS IP-Based Separable Security Incubator (ISSI) seeks to support solution development for the “Integration Ban” for Multiple Video Service Providers (MVSP) to separate the security functions of their networks from the navigational aspects. The ISSI member companies are: Alcatel-Lucent, CableLabs, Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc.; NDS Group, Ltd.; LG Electronics, MobileComm U.S.A, Inc.; Verimatrix, Inc.; Verizon; CCAD, LLC; Motorola, Inc.; CISCO Systems; Widevine Technologies; Nagravision and Sony Electronics.

The VueKey™ solution is the first of two issues the ISSI is addressing in response to objectives set forth in FCC Docket 97-80. The second is a common target platform for a downloadable security function which makes this security function replaceable with a software upgrade and meets the security criteria defined in Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 140-2.