Irdeto June 27 announced a new security solution for protecting the devices, data and services built around Android TV, with the aim of giving pay TV operators better ability to future-proof the security of set-top boxes.
Dubbed Irdeto Armor, the new solution looks to address the challenges facing operators when it comes to launching broadcast, OTT and apps on Android TV’s open platform.
Irdeto Armor for Android TV will come pre-integrated with Irdeto Cloaked CA, the company’s cardless CA solution, and will allow operators to shorten the launch time of a hybrid set-top box by months, the company said.
“Changes in consumer behavior, the growth of unmanaged devices and the rapid evolution of STB platforms are just some of the challenges faced today by pay TV operators,” said Andrew Bunten, SVP of content protection at Irdeto. “The need to differentiate on content is more critical now than ever before. Open platforms like Android TV allow operators to future-proof their STB and provide consumers with choice. At the same time, protecting open platforms is crucial to preventing loss of revenue, STB investment, content and data as well as any other damage to the operator’s brand.”
Irdeto Armor offers a combination of conditional access and watermarking to protect premium content and also provides operators with advanced security services to tackle security threats, with management of multiple DRMs.
“Pay TV must evolve to survive, let alone thrive, and the services which will flourish will offer a credible user experience on all relevant devices to an increasingly discerning and value-conscious audience,” said Ed Barton, chief analyst of the media, entertainment and consumer practice for consultancy firm Ovum. “The competition from digital platforms is intensifying and relying on audience lock-in doesn’t work: operators have to balance the latitude offered by Android TV to finesse the user experience while protecting their ecosystems and business models alike.
“Given how important security is in underpinning audience confidence and trust on premium TV and video platforms, who operators choose to work with is a technical, commercial and, ultimately, critical decision to get right.”