(13 November 2008 4:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Verimatrix, which offers content security technologies that enhance the value of pay-TV networks in the US, has announced that it has secured more than 40 Avail Media affiliates that have signed up for live broadcast MPEG-4 IPTV content.

As per the company, these 40 new members, secured by the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS) for IPTV, represents 500,000 homes passed and 76 per cent of Avail Media’s total customer base launched in the market.

Avail Media is delivering a combined MPEG-4 linear IPTV and VOD solution, providing network operators with all of the content, technology, hardware, and integration needed for a fully-encrypted, market-ready IPTV service.

Long-time partner Avail Media initially integrated the Verimatrix VCAS for IPTV in its network when the IPTV wholesale market was in its infancy. Verimatrix has enhanced its support for a broad spectrum of IPTV wholesale business models in VCAS for IPTV 2.3, which offers unique features to securely distribute required decryption keys to each telecommunications operator, enabling local key management.

Avail Media COO Jon Romm says, “Verimatrix has been a valuable partner as this IPTV market has been defined for US independent telcos. The model is being proven as a cost-effective, flexible, and profitable solution for telcos to compete against traditional pay-TV services in their markets. Verimatrix’s content security to our transmission ensures Avail Media is delivering appropriately for our content providers while streamlining the process for commercially launching our affiliates in market.”

Verimatrix chief sales and marketing officer Steve Oetegenn says, “Avail Media has a compelling approach to IPTV wholesale services that meets the needs of its customers. We have participated in this market from the beginning and understand the issues and nuances in efficiently providing end-to-end encryption. We are excited to continue to work with Avail Media on the best IPTV solution for its customers.”