Farncombe and Intertrust implement common encryption for IP multicast

Farncombe and Intertrust Technologies have implemented a common encryption system for IP multicast. The move potentially enables IPTV companies to adopt a ‘Simulcrypt’ model over their networks combining both Conditional Access (CA) and Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies, thereby enabling seamless secure content distribution to a variety of devices using different content security solutions.

The implementation is the result of a joint development between the two companies. Farncombe carried out the architecture design and integration while Intertrust provided its Content Packaging Tools and Marlin content protection solution. Farncombe says the move will help to remove the barriers dividing the DRM domain, generally used to protect on-demand services, and the CA one, usually limited to securing broadcast services.

Marlin is an open standard content security technology created in 2005 by Intertrust, Panasonic, Philips, Sony and Samsung. To date, over 200 million devices are Marlin-enabled, with the Marlin standard being selected for broadcast, IPTV, PC, mobile, and embedded systems in national initiatives such as YouView (UK), Tivù (Italy), HD Forum (France) and the IPTV FORUM (Japan).

Intertrust’s Content Packaging Tools are part of a suite of easy-to-use technologies that provide Marlin DRM functionality for services and devices. They allow existing video content to be packaged into the Simulcrypt-compatible Marlin Broadband Transport Stream (BBTS) format.

“Farncombe has always pushed for interoperability, both through its past chairmanship of the DVB Simulcrypt committee and its current involvement in projects such as the creation of a Marlin/Playready DASH secure streaming test suite for France’s next-generation DTT platform, TNT 2.0,” comments Farncombe Managing Partner Jean-Marc Racine. Gilles Boccon-Gibod, SVP Technology and Chief Architect at Intertrust Technologie, adds: “With Farncombe’s integration and testing abilities and our tools, we are proud to deliver a ground-breaking implementation for IP Multicast scenarios on multiple devices that can benefit the digital TV community.”