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Avanti, Global Invacom Demo Encrypted Satellite TV Over Ka-band IP Networks

By Caleb Henry | September 9, 2015
Hylas 2 Avanti

The Hylas 2 satellite. Photo: Avanti

[Via Satellite 09-09-2015] Avanti Communications and Global Invacom, in partnership with Microsoft and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program, are demonstrating satellite broadcasting using standard IP-enabled networks such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The home platform uses the SAT>IP protocol to offer 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 the connection for content playback authorization and interactivity.

Encryption follows the guidelines provided by Microsoft PlayReady, which allows decryption at application level and the ability to secure content inside the home network, enabling content protection and access to encrypted and Free-to-Air (FTA) satellite TV platforms. 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.

“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,” said Graham Peters, director at Avanti Communications and Avanti Applied Technologies (ApTec).

Avanti CEO David Williams has mentioned Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting as a potential new market for the company.