An open-standard specification providing end-to-end encryption for IPTV and other rich media is now available for public comment from ISMA (Internet Streaming Media Alliance) through Feb. 10, 2006. ISMACryp 1.1 addresses encryption and message authentication services for video delivered via Internet Protocols, including mobile TV, on-demand video services over DSL and cable, and other emerging applications.

Unlike other protection schemes, content delivered using ISMACryp remains encrypted along the entire transmission line and does not need to be deciphered for redistribution or storage. The specification consequently provides important safeguards against unauthorized access to movies, sensitive business video and other streaming media.

"End-to-end encryption is critical to protecting against unauthorized replication of content at vulnerable points along the delivery stream," said the alliance's ISMACryp v1.1 editor, Pascal Nourry with France Telecom group and its Viaccess subsidiary specializing in Conditional Access System for PayTV and in DRM. "As a global trade association, ISMA members are able to come together and resolve fundamental issues, like these relating to content integrity and security. This industry effort is vital to an open and efficient ecosystem in the emerging IPTV and rich media markets."

Compatible with Other Industry Standards

In developing this approach to authentication, ISMA maintained close liaison with other industry bodies. As a result, ISMACryp is being recommended by DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds), which is a standard for mobile TV devices embraced by the international ETSI body. It also is being considered by other organizations.

ISMACryp can be combined with existing Digital Rights Management technologies, including OMA DRM v2. It applies to a variety of popular codecs, including H.264/AVC and AAC, and provides an encryption framework for ISMA 1.0 and ISMA 2.0 media streams currently used worldwide.

Yuval Fisher, ISMA board member and chief scientist at Envivio Inc., said: "Future ISMA specifications will build on ISMACryp and define a complete DRM system with key management. As a trade alliance dedicated to open standards, we plan to continue developing specifications to support the growing ecosystem."

The current specification is officially named Internet Streaming Media Alliance Encryption and Authentication, Version 1.1, and can be downloaded for free at www.ISMA.tv. Comments are being accepted by e-mail at isma-ISMACryp1.1@isma.tv through Feb. 10. All responses will be reviewed by the ISMA Technical Committee and the final specification is expected to be released to the industry by the 20th ISMA Member Forum on March 6.