CDSA

Independent video software provider Synamedia has acquired ContentArmor, a leading developer of forensic watermarking solutions for media and entertainment.

Synamedia sees the acquisition boosting its ability to offer video service providers edge and 5G security solutions, and the addition of ContentArmor’s technology, patents and expertise to its portfolio of security offerings — including Synamedia EverGuard anti-piracy services — strengthens Synamedia’s anti-piracy capabilities for studios and sports rightsholders.

“ContentArmor’s expertise and investment in R&D has resulted in more than 30 percent growth year-on-year since its inception, along with an impressive patent portfolio,” said Synamedia CEO Paul Segre.

“This acquisition further accelerates our industry-leading security business, with edge watermarking fueling new opportunities in the D2C streaming space and for 5G. In the security domain, our clear objective is to meet the needs of all video service providers that care about anti-piracy. The acquisition of ContentArmor strengthens that proposition.”

ContentArmor’s edge watermarking has proven effective in detecting and disrupting content leaks, and Synamedia sees a substantial market for its use going forward with more content being streamed over 5G.

ContentArmor’s forensic watermarking solution complies with the MovieLabs Enhanced Content Protection specification for premium VOD and UHD/4K.

Alain Durand, ContentArmor CEO, will join Synamedia’s senior leadership team.

“While head-end watermarking is now at the heart of any studio or service provider’s security requirements, we are primed for the future with our edge watermarking solution,” he said. “By combining our high-performance technology with Synamedia’s unparalleled intelligence-led security offerings, service providers can future-proof their revenues from the menace of piracy.”

ContentArmor’s team will continue to be based in Rennes, France, which will become a new R&D hub for Synamedia.