IPTV Services Launched for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) Customers With Verimatrix Content Security System

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - March 16, 2009) - Verimatrix, setting the standard in content security technologies that enhance the value of pay-TV networks, today announced that its Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) for IPTV has been deployed to protect IPTV services to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd's (BSNL) customers. The state-owned telecommunications operator has embarked on a nation-wide launch in conjunction with Smart Digivision Private Ltd. (SDPL), and is planning to serve more than three million IPTV subscribers in 93 cities over the next three years.

The subscribers will have access to more than 140 television channels and an extensive on-demand movie library with premium titles at no extra cost. Verimatrix's leading software-based content security solution outperformed alternatives due to its ability to support a fully layered content protection strategy and a strong partner ecosystem. One component of that strategy is VideoMark™, Verimatrix's leading end-to-end forensic watermarking solution for digital video. VideoMark is an effective and accurate way for the operator to trace illicit re-broadcasting and content copying, directly addressing a potentially major source of revenue loss.

According to Sanjay Jain, CTO at SDPL, "In order to compete in this market, we needed to offer differentiated services that would gain long-term loyalty with our customers. Verimatrix's proven security solutions and integration partnerships enabled us to successfully launch our IPTV service -- more quickly and cost-effectively."

The award-winning VCAS for IPTV has been designed to take advantage of IP-based, bi-directional networks by leveraging mature, proven two-way Internet security protocols, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) public/private key pair system and X.509 digital certificates. Verimatrix's downloadable security system for IPTV clients is not only more secure, it enables less expensive set-top box hardware and can be updated or renewed as required to combat the pirates attacks. VCAS for IPTV has been integrated with SeaChange's middleware and video-on-demand (VOD) server for BSNL's service.

"IPTV is changing the pay-TV landscape in India because of its ability to provide high-quality, premium interactive content in a cost-effective manner," said Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer. "BSNL's deployment is a great example of how IPTV can enhance subscriber's viewing experience with innovative one-to-one services with a stellar channel line-up. We are happy to help enable this experience through our next-generation content security solutions."

About BSNL

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is the world's 7th largest telecommunications company providing a comprehensive range of telecom services in India: wireline, CDMA mobile in India, GSM mobile, Internet, Broadband, carrier service, MPLS-VPN, VSAT, VoIP services, IN Services etc. BSNL is fully owned by the Government of India. BSNL and MTNL (the other state owned Telecom Operator) account for over 90% of the fixedline telephones in India. BSNL also leads the Broadband Market with more than 56% market share.

About Verimatrix

Verimatrix sets the standard for software-based content security and revenue enhancement technologies in pay-TV networks, with a global customer base of service providers. The Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) offers a suite of next-generation technologies that has been independently audited and ranked as the global leader in IPTV content protection. The company's 3-Dimensional Content Security approach, built around VCAS, enables secure delivery of content to multiple devices across multiple networks using multiple layers of protection techniques. Maintaining close relationships with major studios, broadcasters, industry organizations and partner ecosystem helps address the challenges facing pay-TV networks of today, and those of tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.verimatrix.com.