The embedded software solutions specialist Twise, the joint software pool DTVKit and the federated online directory of audiovisual media services, the Service List Registry, are working together to enable the television experience with a secure service key.
A simple stick plugged into the USB port of a compatible TV can enable a coherent and consistent user experience without the need for another separate box. Once installed, it enables a dedicated operator application that delivers a branded customer offer.
The Secure Service Key allows packages of channels and online services to be put together as a virtual platform, complete with an integrated program guide that a service provider can configure remotely.
Each Secure Service Key has a unique identifier to unlock encrypted services, allowing custom free or paid packages to be displayed on retail TVs.
Cable, satellite or terrestrial pay-TV 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 from the port to which it is connected.
The well-known USB format is compact and cost-effective and opens up new business models and sales opportunities:
- Existing platform providers can modernize their offerings and reduce hardware costs for customer devices.
- New operators can build a virtual platform tailored to their brand without significant capital investment.
- TV manufacturers can partner with service providers to create recurring revenue opportunities.
- The Secure Service Key can be sold separately as a retail offering or shipped 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, each offering expertise in plug-and-play access systems, open source software systems for TVs and a cloud-based service management platform.
“The Secure Service Key uses a standard USB interface, making it inexpensive to manufacture and distribute and very easy to install,” explains Xavier Teil, Managing Director of Twise. “This will expand the use of CI Plus beyond the traditional European markets and make it usable worldwide.”
“With over 200 million devices already running DTVKit software worldwide, we are pleased to support CI Plus licensees and the USB form factor enabled by CI Plus 2.0,” commented Nick Thorne, Technical Director of DTVKit.
“The open standards-based software platform as a service can be quickly configured by a service provider via a secure web interface,” added Dr. William Cooper, Executive Director of the Service List Registry. “With a Secure Service Key, we can provide users with easy service selection.”
