NTV-PLUS Adds Verimatrix Software-Based Security to IPTV Wholesale System in Russia

VCAS for IPTV Provides Flexible Wholesale / Retail Security to Provide Ultimate Choice for Broadband Providers and Subscribers

MOSCOW and SAN DIEGO, CA — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) for IPTV will be deployed on the NTV-PLUS wholesale network to secure video for the “IPTV NTV-PLUS” service via local broadband network operators. NTV-PLUS, a leading Russian satellite broadcaster covering all of European Russia, Siberia and Ukraine with more than 2 million subscribers, is adding Verimatrix’s cardless security solution to support a wider range of hybrid set-top boxes (STBs) that provide more choice and flexibility for local broadband resellers.

VCAS for IPTV wholesale / retail solution provides a centralized security architecture and interface to enable the delivery of premium content. Leveraging Verimatrix’s significant STB ecosystem where VCAS security has already been pre-integrated with hundreds of models, NTV-PLUS can offer multiple tiers of STBs at different price points to appeal to the widest range of broadband operators and consumers. The NTV-PLUS service currently features more than 140 standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels.

“Entering the IPTV market is a major initiative for us and we wanted a partner that not only understood the particular security challenges that exist on IP networks, but also had experience with distributed wholesale models,” said Aleksey Zhuravlev, marketing director of NTV-PLUS. “Using a software-based security solution from Verimatrix helps keep our IPTV project cost-effective for operators and hassle-free when it comes to digital rights management.”

VCAS for IPTV supports a combination of central and local linear content provisioning, including centralized or distributed subscriber management, mixes of middleware systems and STBs to meet specific local needs of its IPTV retailer community. These architectures are designed to support an enhanced subscriber experience, with rich content offerings in a seamless lineup, while enhancing overall distribution integrity and reducing operational costs with a unified content security model.

“The NTV-PLUS deployment demonstrates that IPTV continues to grow and features innovative delivery models that take advantage of hybrid and IP networks,” said Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer, Verimatrix. “We are experiencing an increasing number of traditional pay-TV operators with smart card-based systems selecting VCAS to support their two-way, multi-screen strategies. Our software-based approach improves their competitive position and more easily secures revenue across a wider-range of services.”

SmartLabs, Russia’s leading developer of digital interactive TV solutions, is the systems integrator that developed the platform jointly with NTV-PLUS.