Verimatrix, a provider of content security technology solutions for pay-TV networks, has announced that it is providing Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS) for IPTV to protect IPTV services to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) customers.

BSNL, the state-owned telecommunications operator in India, has launched IPTV nationwide in association with Smart Digivision Private Limited (SDPL). BSNL targets over three million IPTV subscribers in 93 cities over the next three years. The service offerings include over 140 TV channels as well as an on-demand movie library at no extra cost.

VCAS for IPTV, according to Verimatrix, has been designed “to take advantage of IP-based, bi-directional networks by leveraging mature, proven two-way Internet security protocols, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) public/private key pair system and X.509 digital certificates.”

This software-based content security solution features a fully layered content protection strategy and a strong partner ecosystem, officials said. VideoMark, one component of this strategy, is a forensic watermarking solution for digital video.

VCAS software can be downloaded and can be updated or renewed as required to combat the pirate’s attacks, Verimatrix said.

VCAS for IPTV has been now integrated with SeaChange’s middleware and video-on-demand (VOD) server for BSNL’s service.

According to Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer, Verimatrix, IPTV is changing the pay-TV landscape in India because of its ability to provide high-quality, premium interactive content in a cost-effective manner.

“BSNL’s deployment is a great example of how IPTV can enhance subscriber’s viewing experience with innovative one-to-one services with a stellar channel line-up,” Oetegenn added. “We are happy to help enable this experience through our next-generation content security solutions.”

The IPTV market demands greater levels of service delivery in order to bring long-term loyalty with customers, says Jain, CTO at SDPL. “Verimatrix’s proven security solutions and integration partnerships enabled us to successfully launch our IPTV service – more quickly and cost-effectively.”

BSNL provides a comprehensive range of telecom services in India including wireline, CDMA mobile, GSM mobile, Internet, Broadband, carrier service, MPLS-VPN, VSAT, VoIP services and IN Services. BSNL, along with its subsidiary MTNL, accounts for over 90 percent of fixed line phones in India. BSNL is also leading the broadband market in India with more than 56 percent market share.

Verimatrix introduced the latest VCAS for DVB 2.0 solution in September 2008, to extend support for digital video broadcasting (DVB) content in satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcast networks.

The company also recently deployed their VCAS for IPTV at Bouygues Telecom, a network operator in France. With VCAS, Bouygues is securing its MPEG-4 live broadcast and on-demand video content.