sep oct joomag | Page 8

News

News

Secure Service Key enables virtual platform

Embedded software solutions specialist Twise , shared software pool DTVKit , and federated online directory of audiovisual media services the Service List Registry , are working together to unlock the television experience with a Secure Service Key .

They say a simple stick plugged into the USB port of a compatible television can enable a coherent and consistent user experience , without needing another separate box . Once installed , it enables a dedicated operator application providing a branded customer proposition .
The Secure Service Key permits packages of channels and online services to be assembled as a virtual platform , complete with an integrated programme guide that a service provider can configure remotely .
Each Secure Service Key has a unique identifier that unlocks encrypted services , allowing custom free or pay packages to be viewed on retail television products .
Cable , satellite , or terrestrial pay-television channels can be combined and integrated with on-demand services and other applications .
Unlike HDMI dongle devices , the Secure Service Key has minimal processing requirements and is powered directly by the port into which it is plugged .
The familiar USB format is compact and inexpensive , opening up new business models and distribution opportunities :
• Existing platform providers can modernise their offering and reduce the hardware cost of customer devices .
Cable , satellite , or terrestrial paytelevision channels can be combined and integrated with on-demand services and other applications .
• New operators can
virtual
establish a
platform aligned with their brand , without significant capital investment .
• Television manufacturers can partner with service providers to create recurring revenue opportunities .
• The Secure Service Key can be sold separately as a retail offer or mailed directly to customers .
The Secure Service Key system is based on open standards , including DVB CI Plus , HbbTV , and DVB-I .
The solution combines the capabilities of Twise , DTVKit , and the Service List Registry . They respectively provide expertise in plug and play conditional access systems , open-source software systems for televisions , and a cloudbased service management platform .
“ The Secure Service Key uses a standard USB interface , making it inexpensive to produce and distribute , and super easy to install ,” explained Xavier Teil , the chief executive of Twise . “ This extends the use of CI Plus beyond its traditional European markets , making it globally applicable .”
“ With over 200 million devices already powered by DTVKit software worldwide , we are pleased to support CI Plus licensees and the USB form factor enabled with CI Plus 2.0 ,” commented Nick Thorne , the technical director of DTVKit .
“ The open standards-based software platform as a service can be rapidly configured by a service provider through a secure web interface ,” added Dr William Cooper , the chief executive of the Service List Registry . “ We can enable simple service selection for users with a Secure Service Key .”
BBFC , Netflix extend collaboration
The British Board of Film
Classification ( BBFC ) has
renewed its existing rating
agreement with Netflix . The
partnership allows Netflix
to generate age ratings and
content advice in line with
BBFC Classification Guidelines .
The agreement , which
initially commenced in
February 2019 , has been
extended for an additional
four years . This means that
the BBFC ’ s iconic age rating
symbols , which families know
and trust , will remain in place
across 100 % of content on
Netflix in the UK until at least
late 2028 . The BBFC regularly
audits content rated by
Netflix to ensure accuracy and
consistency .
The BBFC ’ s partnership
with Netflix is an important
way in which the BBFC fulfils its mission to support safer viewing experiences for UK audiences , wherever and however they choose to watch content . Research collected as part of the most recent BBFC Classification Guidelines consultation , which took place throughout 2023 and involved 12,000 people , revealed that more than eight in ten people want a consistent age rating system across cinema , physical media and video-on-demand / streaming platforms .
This research also found that 99 % of people recognise at least one BBFC age rating symbol , with 78 % recognising them all . Additionally , 90 % of parents and caregivers , 91 % of teachers , and 88 % of teens aged 16-19 say that they trust BBFC age ratings all or most of the time .
“ We ’ re incredibly proud
of our partnership with Netflix , the first streamer to enter into a self-rating partnership with the BBFC ,” declared David Austin OBE , Chief Executive , BBFC . “ Our groundbreaking work together has made a significant contribution to child protection and audience empowerment in the UK , and we ’ re delighted that it will continue for at least another four years .
“ BBFC age ratings reflect the needs and expectations of UK audiences . Our recent Classification Guidelines research highlighted that trust and confidence in our work is higher than ever . People expressed just how much they value seeing recognised guidance when streaming content at home . This collaboration is a goldstandard example of industry best practice , and one we
hope to replicate with others in this space for the benefit of families across the UK .”
“ Our members are our number one priority , and we ’ re committed to delivering an experience that not only meets but exceeds their expectations ,” Benjamin King , Senior Director , Public Policy - UK & Ireland , Netflix . “ That ’ s why , as the first streaming service to voluntarily carry BBFC age ratings on 100 per cent of our catalogue , we ’ re proud to extend our rating agreement with BBFC for a further four years .”
“ This partnership builds on our wide range of parental controls including PINprotected profiles , maturity filters , profile locks and viewing history , empowering parents to make the right viewing choices for their families .”
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