FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 17, 2001
"Widevine VOD"™ - The Security System for Video-on-Demand Launched at International Broadcasters Conference
Cable, Telecommunications, Media and Entertainment Companies Can Rely On Powerful "Encryption on the Fly"™ Technology of Widevine VOD To Protect Their Highly Valuable Digital Content Broadcast Via the Internet or Private Networks
Seattle, WA, September 17, 2001 – "Widevine VOD"™ - the powerful security solution for distributing highly valuable digital content over the Internet, cable systems or proprietary networks - was formally launched today by Widevine Technologies, Inc.™ Activities associated with this product launch are taking place at the International Broadcasters Convention in Amsterdam, Holland, Sept. 13 - 18, 2001.
The first public demonstration of "Widevine VOD" technology is taking place in collaboration with Macrovision UK, Ltd. (Nasdaq: MVSN) at the IBC show, stand 1.530. "Widevine VOD" provides "encryption on the fly"™ security for the Macrovision Video DRM Ecosystem. In the demonstration, a Fujitsu Siemens set-top box running Stellar One's ConnectTV software engine will stream video utilizing InfoValue's streaming server technology for the delivery of video-on-demand.
"Video-on-Demand services promise to generate significant new revenue for entertainment companies and content providers -- cable companies, telecommunications, satellite -- while consumers stand to benefit more from convenience, digital quality and exciting new entertainment opportunities," said John Beyer, Chief Executive Officer, Widevine Technologies. "Many video-on-demand entertainment and educational services have been cancelled or delayed due to the inability to protect the highly valuable digital content from being copied or stolen as it is distributed over a network or as it is viewed during play-back. So far, attempted security solutions have failed to deliver adequate protection of digital content, the required scalability, nor the flexibility to support VOD, live events and standard broadcast. Now, with 'Widevine VOD,' there is a powerful security solution that enables cable companies, entertainment and media giants, telecommunications firms and others to move quickly with more success toward launching new VOD customer services."
Co-Development Opportunities to Protect Highly Valuable Digital Content
Based on the same "encryption on the fly" technology of Widevine Cypher™, "Widevine VOD" is developed specifically to integrate its sophisticated security and "encryption on the fly" solution video-on-demand networks and services. Currently, "Widevine VOD" is being co-developed for specific VOD products, including set-top box systems, cards, microchip solutions [including application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)] and a variety of hardware-based components.
"Widevine VOD" secures digital content on the fly for distribution to a set-top box, Personal Video Recorder or a hand-held device. It then secures that same content during playback. "Widevine VOD" is highly scalable and relies on standard encryption algorithms (DES-X, others upon request) that continue to withstand public scrutiny, and is in use by the U.S. government and other security conscious entities.
Widevine Technologies "Encryption on the Fly" Security
"Widevine VOD" and Widevine Cypher are the world's first "Encryption on the Fly" security systems for streaming networks. This technology has the capability to secure live events and real-time communications as well as provide a drastically higher level of security for delivering and playing back all digital media. "Widevine VOD" and Widevine Cypher are the first security solutions to provide true "session-based" security, where every data stream or file is uniquely encrypted and keyed for delivery, a process described as "Dynamic Security" by Widevine.
Flexible and Updateable System: As a technology provider, Widevine Technologies develops products that are based on the principal that security must continually adapt to defend against ever-improving attacks. With this in mind, Widevine has designed its modular security systems to be fully upgradeable in a transparent and real-time fashion. Distributors of digital content are now capable of updating client (set-top box) side security, switching encryption algorithms, and generating multiple keys for single VOD events - all on the fly. This creates a moving target for hackers and a far more secure system than previously available.
Media "Payload" Encryption: A highly protected area of Widevine intellectual property is our ability to recognize media formats and selectively encrypt only "payload" data. "Payload" refers to the portion of a media packet that actually contains the true audio and video data. "Widevine VOD" is the only security solution capable of recognizing multiple media formats including Windows Media, Real, Quicktime. "Widevine VOD" support for MPEG 1, MPEG 2 and MPEG 4, trick play (VCR type controls across the network) and personal Video Recorder functionality is under development at Widevine Technologies.
Modular Standards-Based Cryptography: Widevine Technologies employs proven encryption algorithms and key management schemes. Widevine's security systems have a completely modular architecture and are capable of easily supporting other encryption algorithms or key management schemes at the customer's request. Unlike some security providers, Widevine does not force customers into supporting one encryption scheme over another.
About Widevine Technologies, Inc.
Widevine Technologies is a leading communications security and network technologies company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1999, comprised almost entirely of world-class engineers and experts in security and encryption, Widevine develops products that secure the proprietary content and intellectual property of enterprise customers.
Widevine employs entirely new approaches in addressing security challenges associated with digital content delivery. With nine patents pending, Widevine provides the first platform and format independent security system for digital content as it travels through a network and again during playback. For more information about Widevine Technologies, please visit www.widevine.com.
About the International Broadcasting Convention
The International Broadcasting Convention is the world's premier broadcast technology event. The show covers all the key areas of the electronic media business including audio, cable, film, grip, Internet, lighting, multimedia, production, post-production, radio, satellite and transmission. Within the 40,000 square meters (430,400 square feet) of exhibition space visitors will find over 800 companies including every major supplier of broadcast technology.
Media Contact:
Eric Moser
Ruder Finn Chicago (for Widevine Technologies)
Tel: +1 312 329 3908
mosere@ruderfinn.com
All trade names, trademarks, and/or service marks appearing herein are owned by their respective holders. |
