Verimatrix, the leading developer of IPTV content protection and security solutions, today announced further deployments of its Verimatrix Content Authority System (VCAS) with two independent telecommunications carriers: CC Communications and ETEX Communications. Both innovative independent carriers are offering new triple-play services and compelling bundled packages for their customers.

"We are continuing to have success with pioneering independent carriers that are looking for a competitive edge in their markets," said Tom Munro, CEO, Verimatrix. "Our content provider-approved security solution, that protects live broadcast and Video-on-Demand content, scales from hundreds to millions of subscribers."

VCAS is as a software-based content protection solution built on the principles of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and X.509 digital certificates. Verimatrix has pioneered the use of digital watermarking throughout the content delivery chain. Verimatrix' patent-pending, user-specific Videomark(TM) allows operators to provide a verifiable chain of custody throughout the content distribution chain. In the event that content should leak from a network, Videomark provides the ability to trace the source of leakage back to the specific set-top box (STB) that was used to play out the content. Furthermore, VCAS protects the operator's revenue stream.

CC Communications, one of the early providers of IPTV and triple-play services in 2002, recognized the need to include encryption on its platform to secure its growing number of Video-on-Demand (VOD) movie titles. Its OnNow! digital television service offers more than 60 of the most popular channels, plus four premium cable networks and its Movies on Demand capabilities. The carrier delivers these IP services over its dual fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and copper ADSL 2+ networks. CC Communications, which is owned and operated by Churchill County in Northern Nevada, is ranked 116 in size out of 1,324 independent telephone companies.

"We are in a competitive market, so we got into the IPTV business early. Since then, consumers have experienced price stabilization and more competition for better services in the area," said David Tilley, broadband supervisor for CC Communications. "Verimatrix made our decision easy due to its tight integration with our existing partner, Myrio, and its persistent encryption capabilities -- all delivered at the best price."

ETEX Communications, founded more than 50 years ago as a telephone coop, is currently upgrading its dual FTTH and copper ADSL networks to build redundancy as the company prepares to offer its version of IPTV in January 2006. The company decided to offer IPTV services mainly in response to customer demand, as residences and business in the area have a lack of quality television services. Plus, ETEX saw power in diversification and bundling services, which can save its subscribers $60 to $300 annually. "Verimatrix offered the best integration with the rest of our IPTV platform at the best value," said Charlie Cano, engineering manager at ETEX.