Question: What can some PMPs (portable media players) do that video iPods can’t?
Answer: Securely transfer pay-TV content so that it can be watched anytime and anywhere.

Of course there are some complications. Having witnessed the damage done to the music industry by unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, video content owners are concerned about the piracy that may result when their valuable content is copied to external devices.

To meet this challenge, NDS is coupling its expertise in technology solutions for digital pay-TV platforms with PMP vendors. The first outcome of this initiative has been with Maxian, a South Korea-based manufacturer of portable media players (PMPs). Together they have developed the first pay-TV enabled PMP using NDS VideoGuard PMP™ technology. Their collaboration was first demonstrated in September at IBC 2007 in Amsterdam.

Secure transfer of content

What does this mean? Pay-TV platforms can now offer the secure transfer of content from DVRs or PCs to PMPs so consumers can watch that same content on the go. There are already 8.8 million DVRs worldwide that are equipped with NDS VideoGuard.

VideoGuard PMP uses SVP (Secure Video Processor) technology which is ideally suited to protecting content on PMPs.

Consumers are enthusiastic about the new level of simplicity that VideoGuard PMP delivers. It enables them to copy episodes of their favorite TV series or movies directly from their DVR to a PMP – using their remote control.

Operators are just as enthusiastic because it not only extends the value of their service, but it can also support revenue generating business models, including subscription, content rental and purchase.

Legal downloads to PMPs

Nigel Smith, NDS Chief Marketing Officer says the partnership between NDS and Maxian gives consumers “the first easy-to-use PMP products that connect directly with a pay-TV content service to provide legal downloads of movies, sports and TV shows.”

Consumers today watch most of their TV entertainment at home -- via their monthly pay-TV subscription. What this partnership does is open up all sorts of engaging ways for consumers to get more out of their pay-TV content because the PMP easily synchronizes with the set-top box or PC via a USB 2.0 port.

“This means that if subscribers have a DVR at home, then all unwatched episodes of a series like ‘Heroes’ for example, can now be downloaded to the PMP so they can watch them on the go. It’s that simple,” says Howard Silverman, NDS Product Marketing Manager.

“We’ve made certain that it will be easy to use and that there are no new features that consumers have to learn. Basically, it works with the same remote control they already use.”

This application also expands the capabilities of wireless (Wi-fi) networks. “With VideoGuard PMP, consumers can access great content directly via a Web-based VoD catalog,” Silverman says. Using Maxian’s built-in browser, they can also access the operator's Web portal or even a third party content provider and download a movie directly to their PMP. What is significant about this technology is that once the content is downloaded, no further connection with the portal or any DRM server is needed to play the content.

Integrating PMPs into the Pay-TV Service

According to Han-hong-Choi, Maxian’s VP of Marketing: “The integration of the PMP into the pay-TV service significantly extends the choices that the pay-TV operator can provide – generating extra revenues through new business models and also achieving higher subscriber retention by offering a service on their terms, regardless of time, location or device.”

Maxian devices featuring VideoGuard PMP can securely receive premium video content in a variety of ways. “This creates additional revenue channels and business models, thanks to the robust security platform,” Han-hong-Choi says.

Usability is clearly the key requirement for both consumers and operators. What consumers want is a seamless user experience that enables them to transfer content from their DVR or PC to their PMP quickly and easily. Operators are interested in new ways to increase the return on their content investments and to generate new revenue streams.

“The VideoGuard PMP solution means that for the first time consumers can access high value content they have already paid for – provided by their cable, satellite or telco provider – and view it anywhere, at any time,” Silverman says.

The bottom line is that the success of portable media players is about great design, a great user experience and great content. “All three are important,” he says, “but content is king. VideoGuard PMP with SVP security unlocks this content for the PMP market. This makes it a major opportunity for PMP vendors to offer new content flexibility and choice to consumers.”

For more information:

VideoGuard
VideoGuard PMP
Maxian
SVP