Global Invacom partners with Avanti Communications in demonstration of satellite broadcast TV over IP networks with content encryption

Global Invacom, Avanti Communications, Microsoft Corporation & European Space Agency (ESA) showcase demo at IBC 2015 in Amsterdam (Visit Hall 4, Stand 4.C88)

A consortium made up of global satellite communications equipment specialist Global Invacom Group Limited (Global Invacom) and leading satellite operator Avanti Communications, with the support of Microsoft Corporation and the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Programme, are presenting an innovative end-to-end solution at IBC 2015. It integrates satellite broadcast TV and broadband, which can deliver to a home environment ubiquitously over standard IP enabled networks, such as Ethernet or WiFi.

The home platform, via usage of the SAT>IP protocol, enables the end user to enjoy up to eight live streaming channels and satellite multicast Push Video-on-Demand (VoD) services with the option of integrating multiple satellite sources. The content can be clear or encrypted, with the satellite broadband providing a reliable connection for content playback authorization and interactivity to complete the user experience.

A key focus of the project is to enhance current satellite broadcast TV over IP technologies, by providing content protection and access to encrypted and Free-to-Air satellite TV platforms. This is done by using Microsoft’s PlayReady as Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution, allowing decryption at application level and securing the content inside the home network.

We are pleased to see the exciting outcome of this project that we have supported through our ARTES Programme and the positive impact expected on the satellite broadcasting industry.”

Dr. Dietmar Schmitt, Head of Technologies and Products Division in Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Directorate at ESA

This project has successfully demonstrated several innovative features complementing conventional satellite broadcasting services.”

Dr. Nader Alagha, the technical lead of the project at ESA

This is a breakthrough technology which underscores our position as a leading research and development innovator in the satellite communications industry.”

Mr. Tony Taylor, Executive Chairman of Global Invacom

The project showcases some of the innovations possible when you embed and integrate Ka-band satellite technology within broadcast TV services. It has exciting application for both sectors.”

Graham Peters, Director at Avanti Communications and Avanti Applied Technologies (ApTec)

We are delighted to work with Global Invacom, Avanti and ESA on this project as it is pushing the boundaries of broadcast TV further and is demonstrating how software-based end-to-end encryption can perform via satellite.”

Deanna Garcia, Senior Manager of Microsoft PlayReady

The access to media and broadcast content will be possible via apps on mobile devices, smart TV and other connected devices in the home. In addition, the platform provides the possibility of safe storage for VoD content with the addition of a standard USB hard drive. This service can provide more flexibility than a set-top box (STB) approach for media consumption and allows connected devices to share all available resources in the home environment.

To assure broadcasters protect their revenues and the security of content owner assets, the encryption follows the guidelines provided by Microsoft PlayReady, a leader in content protection technology.

The companies are exhibiting a first showcase demonstration of the system on the joint Global Invacom and Skyware Global stand at IBC, International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam RAI from the 11th to the 15th of September, in hall 4 on stand 4.C88.