NAGRA, a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company, announced the launch of its TVkey USB device, a direct-to-TV security solution for pay TV operators. It's intended to allow consumers to sign up for pay TV services directly on selected new Samsung TVs, while meeting all MovieLabs requirements for Enhanced Content Protection (4K/UltraHD, HDR, early release).
The product integration is intended to let consumers view premium content in 4K/UltraHD directly on new TV sets through a simple sign-up process and with a single remote control unit.
For pay TV operators, the approach is intended to simplify the customer acquisition process with pay TV services working straight out of the box. The sign-up process, either via a TV app, a web portal or a call center, is designed to let consumers easily sign up for a pay TV service package. Operators can also use free preview periods to entice consumers into becoming customers. No additional set-top box or installation is required.
The TVkey framework is based on a NAGRA-designed root of trust in TV chips to communicate securely with the TVkey device to create a Secure Media Path and enable strict enforcement of usage rules. TVkey also provides a platform for hardware-based watermarking and operator-controlled device service revocation.
In 2017, NAGRA and Samsung plan to establish an independent TVkey Trust Authority to license the TVkey technology to other TV manufacturers and security vendors to enable wider deployment.
The first TVkey market deployment is expected to take place in the final quarter of 2016, with more following in 2017. The new TVkey framework will be demonstrated at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam.
