Downloadable DRM Fusion Agent software from INSIDE Secure is being used by Osaka-based Pixela Corporation to meet premium content protection requirements for a new Android- based set-top box (STB) developed for Jupiter Communications (J.COM), a Japanese cable TV provider. The INSIDE software is compatible with Android on any platform, supports multiple playback methods and the PlayReady standard. It enabled Pixela to develop a set-top box that meets the security requirements of premium content providers to protect the delivery of HD content to J.COM subscribers’ home TVs.
Motoyuki Ikeda, manager, first software division at Pixela Corporation, said: “We relied heavily on INSIDE’s vast experience with DRM security technology on Android platforms. This enabled us to significantly reduce our development time and effort while developing this set-top box for J.COM. INSIDE already has a successful relationship with J.COM, which helped boost our credibility. Its DRM technology has the approval of all the major Hollywood content providers for delivering HD-quality content, which removed another major hurdle.”
Using Pixela’s Android-based set-top box, consumers will be able to download TV apps and content – even if they’re not J.COM subscribers – to enjoy on-demand movies, TV shows and other high-definition entertainment on HD TVs at home.
And Dr Simon Blake-Wilson, INSIDE executive vice president of embedded security solutions, said: “Pixela is the first customer to use our downloadable DRM Fusion Agent software for a set-top box application. INSIDE is the only company to offer both downloadable software and hardware-embedded DRM agents, allowing maximum flexibility and security for content and service providers and device manufacturers. J.COM already uses downloadable DRM Fusion Agent to enable its 2.5 million subscribers to enjoy video-on-demand services on their Android and iOS devices. With this embedded version, J.COM will be able to provide the same exceptional user experience on home TVs to a much wider market.”
According to Blake-Wilson, the majority of next-generation STBs and connected home/Smart TVs being developed are based on the Android platform. But Android does not natively provide the kind of content protection required for the commercial delivery of high-value content such as on-demand movies, HD television shows and other premium entertainment. Set-top box makers, cable providers and others seeking to take advantage of Android for its familiar user interface and abundance of entertainment apps still must add adequate content protection to meet the security demands of Hollywood studios and other content providers.
