Verimatrix announces that its Verimatrix Video Content Authority System for IPTV has been deployed to protect IPTV services to Bharat Sanchar Nigam customers. The state-owned telecommunications operator has embarked on a nation-wide launch in conjunction with Smart Digivision Private, and is planning to serve more than three million IPTV subscribers in 93 cities over the next three years.

The subscribers will have access to more than 140 television channels and an extensive on-demand movie library with premium titles at no extra cost. Verimatrix's leading software-based content security solution outperformed alternatives due to its ability to support a fully layered content protection strategy and a strong partner ecosystem. One component of that strategy is VideoMark, Verimatrix's leading end-to-end forensic watermarking solution for digital video. VideoMark is an effective and accurate way for the operator to trace illicit re-broadcasting and content copying, directly addressing a potentially major source of revenue loss.

The award-winning VCAS for IPTV has been designed to take advantage of IP-based, bi-directional networks by leveraging mature, proven two-way Internet security protocols, a Public Key Infrastructure public/private key pair system and X.509 digital certificates. Verimatrix's downloadable security system for IPTV clients is not only more secure, it enables less expensive set-top box hardware and can be updated or renewed as required to combat the pirates attacks. VCAS for IPTV has been integrated with SeaChange's middleware and VOD server for BSNL's service.

"IPTV is changing the pay-TV landscape in India because of its ability to provide high-quality, premium interactive content in a cost-effective manner," said Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer. "BSNL's deployment is a great example of how IPTV can enhance subscriber's viewing experience with innovative one-to-one services with a stellar channel line-up. We are happy to help enable this experience through our next-generation content security solutions."