Tut Systems, Inc., an industry leader enabling the delivery of next-generation data and video services over broadband networks, and Tut Systems, Inc.Verimatrix, the leading provider of content protection and security for the IPTV industry, announced that MBO Video LLC/Cim-Tel Cable, LLC of Mannford, OK is deploying next-generation IPTV services utilizing Tut Systems’ Astria content processor (CP) and the Verimatrix Content Authority Systems (VCAS). The MBO Video win is the latest in a series of mutual customer wins, but the first in which Tut Systems acted as the prime vendor for the VCAS solution under a recently signed reseller agreement.

Tut Systems’ Astria® Content Processor (CP) platform serves as the core video processing system for MBO Video’s 192 channel MPEG-2 digital headend, currently serving 10 video service providers throughout the states of Oklahoma and Missouri. MBO Video’s recent announcement to add MPEG-4 AVC video to their headend will yield better picture quality while significantly lowering the bandwidth required for today’s MPEG-2 video. The addition of VCAS enables MBO Video to protect video content delivered to multiple downstream operators using one centralized server to both encrypt and watermark premium content.

"MBO Video has been very satisfied with all aspects of the Verimatrix solution," said Gene Baldwin, Vice-President and General Manager of MBO Video. "The Verimatrix solution combined with Tut Systems long history of providing turnkey IPTV solutions made this partnership the ideal choice for our expanded IPTV product."

"Tut Systems is excited to partner with Verimatrix as we look to expand our total systems integration capabilities to include conditional access and content protection technology, which is becoming a system requirement for delivering premium content over IP infrastructures," said Craig Bender, Vice-President of Corporate Development for Tut Systems. "Our joint work at MBO Video will serve as a benchmark in the industry for deploying a high quality and secure end-to-end IPTV network."

"As IPTV continues to gain momentum in the U.S., the need for content security and the ability to protect against theft of service is becoming more critical - for both encryption and watermarking that can identify piracy at the individual set-top box," said Steve Oetegenn, EVP of Global Sales and Marketing, Verimatrix. "Our successful partnership with Tut Systems, a highly respected headend solutions provider and integrator, is further evidence that operators of IP networks are looking for tightly integrated solutions that can be deployed cost effectively with cutting-edge technology."