Irdeto, the proven expert in content security for digital TV, IPTV and mobile, and a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers, announced today that it is securing SureWest Communications' High Definition TV (HDTV) over IP (Internet Protocol) services in its Fiber-to-the-Premise network.

SureWest Communications, a leading independent telecommunications holding company, is using the Irdeto IPTV content security solution to prevent piracy, protect its revenues and ensure timely content delivery. This is the first service provider deployment in the U.S. of HDTV over IP.

SureWest's IPTV network in the Sacramento, California, region is growing rapidly. The new HD IPTV service offering will deliver more than 260 channels, including 17 high-definition, 24 international, 45 music channels and 75 premium channels. SureWest also provides movies on demand and major studios' theatrical releases.

"As more customers subscribe to broadband services, demand for advanced IPTV programming will increase rapidly. HDTV is just one of the many popular services that SureWest will be offering to our customers," said Bill DeMuth, SureWest's vice president and chief technology officer. "Security is a necessary element for the success of all of our IPTV programming services including our most recent HDTV roll-out. Our implementation of Irdeto's IPTV content security solution three years ago has allowed us to quickly expand our service offerings, resulting in positive revenue streams and customer loyalty."

Irdeto IPTV is the flexible solution for the encryption of broadcast and VOD content to IPTV subscribers. In addition to its easy-to-use headend control system, the solution offers a choice of either a state-of-the-art upgradeable smart card or an easily-deployable secure software client for use in the subscriber's set-top box. These and other Irdeto solutions are deployed at more than 300 operators worldwide.

"SureWest has long been on the cutting edge of IPTV services and this is yet another attractive service Irdeto is helping them to secure and offer their subscribers," said Graham Kill, CEO of Irdeto. "We congratulate SureWest on their vision and success as the North American pioneer in IPTV and will continue to support them to launch new and innovative products."

Please visit Irdeto at TelecomNEXT, booth #1938, March 21-22, 2006 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.