NDS Launches VideoGuard Connect: The Pay-TV DRM

*NDS launches VideoGuard Connect™ the next generation DRM for multi-platform pay-TV
*VideoGuard Connect integrates with existing Pay-TV broadcast platforms, allowing operators to provide the same subscriptions and purchases across both broadband and broadcast delivery systems
*VideoGuard Connect provides unique service and content protection on a variety of platforms and is interoperable with existing broadcast systems to provide a unified solution
*Enables a broad range of linear, on-demand and home networking services on the most popular media devices
*Selected by DIRECTV and BSkyB to protect premium OTT services on multiple devices, at home and on the go

LONDON, UK – IBC, September 9th-13th, Stand 1.A71–NDS today announced the launch of its next generation DRM solution for multi-platform pay-TV, VideoGuard Connect™. VideoGuard Connect provides end-to-end protection of an operator’s service, utilising the unique security capabilities of each individual platform.

A complete content and service protection solution that builds on over two decades of premium content protection expertise, VideoGuard Connect is designed to help TV operators to seamlessly extend their pay-TV services to connected media devices. It enables the secure ingestion, delivery and consumption of premium content over both managed and OTT networks whilst maintaining subscription privileges across devices.

With VideoGuard Connect, the DRM for multi-platform pay-TV, platform operators are able to deploy linear channels, on-demand content and download services on the most popular devices, delivered over the open Internet utilising content delivery optimisation technologies from NDS.

Nigel Smith, VP and Chief Marketing Officer, NDS, said: “VideoGuard Connect allows TV operators to incorporate OTT into a more compelling and complete suite of TV services without compromising the security or reliability of the platform. Highly rated by an independent security audit and approved by all of the major US studios, VideoGuard Connect enables our customers to extend their businesses into the OTT space and onto multiple devices.”

He added “VideoGuard Connect is the evolution of twenty years’ experience in content protection and entitlement management to ensure that as the industry evolves and new devices and delivery mechanisms enter the market, the subscriber experience remains seamless.”

The premise for VideoGuard Connect is to enable TV operators to capitalise on the opportunities presented by multi-platform pay-TV. As such it enables a significantly wider range of business models, such as download rentals, expanded subscription packages and content bundling with the ability to enrich the user’s entertainment experience. Content purchased on the broadcast platform can be made immediately available on the broadband platform — and vice-versa – owing to the integration of VideoGuard Connect with the operator’s existing broadcast platform.

VideoGuard Connect enables a unified security solution for pay-TV platforms. Providing a security profile customized to the specific capabilities of the device and functionality tailored to the requirements of each pay-TV operator, VideoGuard Connect provides a rich roadmap and ongoing support for the introduction of new services and devices; in addition, VideoGuard Connect provides the headend tools to support integrated management and workflow functions that are needed to provide full operator control over content distribution and consumption.

Interoperable with solutions such as the NDS Unified Headend, the NDS Service Delivery Platform and partnered with NDS’ expertise in content security, VideoGuard Connect provides a versatile, holistic approach to multi-platform content protection; supporting the most popular devices including embedded devices, the PC, Mac, games consoles, iOS (iPad, iPhone) and Android mobile and tablet devices.

VideoGuard connect, the DRM for multi-platform pay-TV, was selected by BSkyB, the UK and Ireland’s leading multi-channel, multi-platform television service provider, to secure their recently launched Sky Go service on iOS devices, including the iPad and iPhone. Sky Go provides flexible access to Sky content across multiple devices. For further information, view the announcement regarding the deployment of VideoGuard Connect for BSkyB (http://www.nds.com/press_releases2011/BSkyB_VideoGuardConnect_310811.html)

In addition, DIRECTV, one of the world’s leading providers of digital television entertainment services,, has selected VideoGuard Connect to protect and enable its multi-platform OTT and home networking services. For further information, view the announcement regarding DIRECTVs selection of VideoGuard Connect (http://www.nds.com/press_releases2011/DIRECTV_VideoGuardConnect_310811.html)


About NDS
NDS Group Ltd. creates the technologies and applications that enable pay-TV operators to securely deliver digital content to TV STBs (set-top boxes), DVRs (digital video recorders), PCs, mobiles and other multimedia devices. Over 80 of the world’s leading pay-TV platforms rely on NDS solutions to protect and enhance their businesses. VideoGuard® is the world’s market-leading conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) technology, currently deployed on 155 million active devices, and safeguarding pay-TV service revenues exceeding $50 billion. NDS middleware, including MediaHighway® which enables a host of advanced services for subscribers, has been deployed on 185 million devices. NDS DVR technology, centred around XTV™, leads the global industry with 41 million units deployed. (Deployment figures as of 30th June 2011).

Headquartered in the UK, with over 5000 employees, NDS remains committed to investing in R&D with over 75% of its employees dedicated to pioneering work at development centres in China, France, India, Israel, Korea, UK and US. NDS has also implemented a host of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and helping digital TV subscribers reduce energy consumption.

NDS Group Ltd. is a private company owned by the Permira Funds and News Corporation. See www.nds.com for more information.

Read about the latest developments at NDS and in the pay-TV industry in World Vision.(http://www.nds.com/worldvision/fifty_one/)