Verimatrix Announces Mobile TV Content Security Solution for Pay-TV Operators

SINGAPORE--(Marketwire - June 16, 2008) - CommunicAsia - Verimatrix, the company setting the standard in content security technologies that enhance the value of pay-TV networks, today announces the full profile of its comprehensive VCAS™ for Mobile TV solution to enable operators to deliver a seamless pay-TV service over mobile phones and other mobile Internet devices (MIDs). Verimatrix will be demonstrating VCAS for Mobile TV at CommunicAsia 2008, booth 3D4-01b.

VCAS for Mobile TV enables pay-TV companies to respond to the growing consumer trend of watching television or video content when and where they want. Triple and quadruple-play service operators can deliver cost-effective mobile services that incorporate robust security and digital rights management (DRM) without requiring specialist security hardware. The standards-based solution secures video within home media distribution, streaming or downloaded applications and the emerging mobile broadcasting networks.

According to Mark Kirstein, president and co-founder of MultiMedia Intelligence, "The standards and business models for mobile TV are still developing for network operators, broadcasters and content owners. Leveraging its success in software-based IP content security, Verimatrix is bringing a unique approach to secure the delivery of premium content that consumers are willing to pay for. VCAS for Mobile TV considers the different delivery networks and various devices that must work in concert to satisfy consumer demand and ultimately generate revenue."

VCAS for Mobile TV is the only solution designed to take full advantage of the hybrid nature of commercial mobile video platforms, where a mobile TV broadcast network can be combined with an IP data connection via a mobile data network or local WiFi access. A hybrid mobile network not only supports cost-effective content security, but also creates a compelling platform for interactivity and video to e-commerce linkage, allowing both content owners and pay-TV operators to generate further revenue or customer interest. For example, when watching a mobile broadcast a consumer can be directed to a website for further product information, to participate in a contest, or to make a purchase.

This unique approach leverages standards-based support for secure broadcast, streaming and file distribution services using common VCAS server authentication and key management.

To broaden the base of devices that triple- and quadruple-play operators can support, Verimatrix includes its MultiRights™ component within the mobile TV solution. MultiRights addresses transparent rights management across a range of off-the-shelf devices with different native DRM support. For example, a mobile phone with Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) DRM would be authenticated to play specific content by MultiRights in parallel with VCAS-enabled clients. MultiRights dramatically underscores the Verimatrix commitment to create a transparent multi-screen experience for operators and subscribers.

Bob Kulakowski, CTO of Verimatrix commented, "Pay-TV operators should rightfully expect a content security supplier to support their three screen approach with one convergent headend system, and we've been able to accomplish that with VCAS for Mobile TV. VCAS for Mobile TV, along with MultiRights, is designed to enable new opportunities rather than limit them with narrow standards or silo-type network approaches. Limits on usability, imposed by restrictive business models, typically discourage consumer adoption of new services and are therefore rarely profitable for the operator."

VCAS for Mobile TV is built on the same proven core of software-based security technologies as VCAS deployed in both IPTV and DVB hybrid applications. The solution is designed to follow Verimatrix's 3-dimensional approach to content security, which factors requirements from a network, protection and device standpoint. This enables their customers to maximise commercial opportunities, respond effectively to market trends as well as providing robust protection within one solution.

Key features of VCAS for Mobile TV include:

--  Supports Multiple Networks and Standards - Broadcast delivery over DVB-
    IPDC, unicast streaming of VOD/clip-based content over 3G/GPRS networks,
    integration of a mobile handset within a home WiFi network and securing
    delivery of memory card based content files, which may be pre-recorded or
    converted from other pay-TV delivery systems.
    
--  Partner Ecosystem Support - Headend integration has been completed
    with encoder equipment from Envivio with others in progress. Electronic
    Service Guide (ESG) integration with Tata Elxsi's multi-standard field
    proven Mobile TV Middleware has been completed with others in development.
    
--  Integrates with Open Handset Platforms - Supports secure on-demand
    streaming and memory card file distribution applications on mobile
    platforms with open programming environments such as Symbian, Linux and
    Windows Mobile. VCAS for Mobile TV supports a common key management model
    across broadcast, streaming and file-based applications.
    
--  DRM Interoperability - Integrated MultiRights server-side support for
    secure distribution of content to off-the-shelf mobile platforms using
    standards such as OMA, Marlin and Windows DRM. MultiRights supports cross-
    platform, cross-format content delivery and a seamless experience for the
    subscriber in a multi-vendor universe.
    

For additional information, a VCAS for Mobile TV whitepaper is available via the Verimatrix website (www.verimatrix.com).

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 telecommunications 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. VCAS was designed for two-way and hybrid networks to protect content and enhance revenue streams, while combating digital piracy wherever it occurs within the distribution chain. The company's content security experts maintain close relationships with the major studios and broadcasters to help address the challenges facing pay-TV networks of today, and those of tomorrow. Verimatrix customers benefit with most favorable access to premium content, enabling the richest, most versatile viewing experience for their digital video subscribers. For more information on why VCAS is the most widely deployed IPTV content security system with tier one operators, please visit www.verimatrix.com.

Notes to Editors

About Tata Elxsi

Tata Elxsi is the technology arm of the Tata Group, one of India's largest and most respected business conglomerates with US$ 76.3 billion in market capitalization. The company's core practice areas cover embedded product design services, industrial design & engineering, animation & VFX services, and systems integration services.

High quality, cost effective, time-to-market solutions across the product design lifecycle. Bangalore-headquartered Tata Elxsi serves verticals such as networking & communication, automotive, consumer electronics, media & entertainment, semiconductors, and scientific instrumentation. Tata Elxsi Addresses product engineering & technology needs of product and system companies, offering a unique proposition of licensable IPs, Mobile TV middleware and is an active premium member of forums such as bmcoforum.

Tata Elxsi draws on its knowledge base of over fifteen years in delivering product design with large talent pool of over 3500 technologists, and a global presence through 6 design centers and 20 international offices.