NDS, which supplies end-to-end content protection systems for network operators, announced two new product enhancements of Synamedia Metro, the NDS IPTV middleware solution.
The new capabilities are an in-home Distributed-DVR function and a "ShareTV" P2P aimed at lowering storage and bandwidth overhead of archive-TV for IPTV operators.
- Distributed DVR: Traditionally, DVRs require a set-top box (STB) with a disk contained in it. Distributed DVR capability from NDS uses the home network and Jungo Residential Gateway UPnP software to find suitable external hard disks for DVR TV storage. Without the need for a hard drive, the cost of the IP-STB is reduced, and the residential gateway becomes the home's virtual on-demand TV server. The subscriber therefore is not restricted by the amount of storage provided in the STB. Furthermore, the subscriber can add as much storage to the home network as required to store recorded programs.
- ShareTV: Once content is stored within the home network, ShareTV allows IPTV subscribers to legally share their stored TV content using peer-to-peer technology running in the Jungo Residential Gateway software. For example, a missed episode of a TV series can be requested from other subscribers using Share TV's peer-to-peer software. ShareTV manages the download of the content from other peers on the operator's network and then stores it on a selected hard disk for playback.
NDS said its VideoGuard technology protects both the rights of content owners and those of operators for both ShareTV and Distributed-DVR. As the media files are encrypted, content is protected even if the content is transferred to a portable media player. A subscriber can only access and view content for which they have a valid subscription.
http://www.nds.com
