Dutch cable providers offer innovative TV recording service

SEPTEMBER 8, 2006 – Irdeto, a world leader in content security and a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers (NASDAQ: NPSN and JSE: NPN), will provide the security for new Personal Video Recorder (PVR) services brought to the Dutch market by the second largest cable operator Essent Kabelcom and by Casema.

Essent Kabelcom and Casema are among the first cable operators to offer such a service in Europe which, until now, has only been offered by satellite providers. The cable operators have chosen Irdeto to secure their new offering which will be available in Q3 2006.

A PVR service requires a higher level of security as ‘live’ digital content is being handled next to pre-encrypted content. The Irdeto solution allows Essent Kabelcom and Casema to offer its customers an advanced personal video recorder that supports secure encrypted storage of recorded content as well as the ability to push pre-encrypted premium video on demand content to the hard drive. A PVR service adds digital video recorder functionality to digital television. Users will be able to pause and rewind live television, choosing to replay scenes in slow motion, record a favourite programme or a whole series, at the touch of a button. A typical PVR system can record around 80 hours of content on an internal hard disk, and has far greater capacity than a DVD.

“Irdeto has a proven track record in supporting successful PVR launches,” said Graham Kill, CEO of Irdeto. “Irdeto has experienced a similar launch for MCA, based in South Africa, and has also provided security for live broadcast feeds, which use the same reliable systems that are used for ensuring the security of recorded content.”

“We are moving into a new television and media landscape, “ said Gijs Van, programme manager at Casema’s Strategy & Marketing department. “The Personal Video Recorder empowers people to personalise and control their TV viewing experience”.

“The Personal Video Recorder will end the era of the VCR,” said Marc Maters, manager business line radio and television of Essent Kabelcom. “The PVR offers speed, supreme picture quality and freedom in programming. The flexibility and capacity offer real added value in watching television. In the grand scheme of things we’ve only just begun with High Definition Television. Together with the development of the PVR this means a revolution in the way people watch and experience TV.”

“Essent Kabelcom and Casema are partnering with some of the best-known brands in consumer devices such as Siemens, Samsung and Philips which means that consumers will have a choice of brands and features to choose from. The devices are simple to use, feature proven technology and incorporate high levels of security through Irdeto’s technology – essential for such a service,” concluded Kill.

About Irdeto

Irdeto, headquartered near Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers (NASDAQ: NPSN and JSE: NPN), is a world leader in content security, and provides comprehensive solutions for digital content protection in digital TV, IPTV and mobile environments. The company’s support, sales and R&D offices are located worldwide with corporate headquarters near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Irdeto offers both hardware- and software-based solutions. The company works with an impressive list of leading industry partners to create end-to-end solutions for any pay-media business. Irdeto’s goal is to help operators increase content revenue by offering best-of-class security solutions supporting a wide range of revenue models. With the acquisition of Philips CryptoTec, Irdeto now has more than 300 customers around the world. To contact your regional office or retrieve further information on the company, please visit www.irdeto.com.

For further information please contact:
Madelon Kaspers
Corporate PR & Media Manager Irdeto
Tel: +31 23 556 2218
Email: mkaspers@irdeto.com