Freesat chooses Intertrust’s ExpressPlay CA for UHD TV

UK free-to-view satellite platform Freesat has chosen Intertrust Technologies to provide content security for 4K UHD TV content.

Freesat will use Intertrust’s new cloud-based conditional access security technology, ExpressPlay CA. ExpressPlay CA uses the Marlin open standards-based DRM system to protect and mangage content and is available on a wide range of set-top boxes and smart TVs.

“ExpressPlay CA is a powerful new content protection technology. Its advanced DRM software engine allows us to protect our ultra-high-definition broadcast streams in an effective manner, leading to a significantly lower price point. This in turn allows us to deliver the best possible high-value entertainment experience for our customers,” said Alistair Thom, managing director of Freesat.

“We are delighted to support Freesat in their UHD content protection initiatives in 2018 and beyond. We designed ExpressPlay CA to support broadcasters like Freesat, to bring the power and cost efficiency of DRM to the conditional access world. Given our footprint in connected TVs and set top boxes, we can deliver a seamless, secure experience that scales and grows with broadcasters’ needs” said Talal Shamoon, CEO of Intertrust.

Freesat unveiled plans in September for a new range of set-top boxes that include UHD TV support and multiscreen streaming capability.

Freesat, which is owned by UK free-to-air broadcasters, said that the next-generation box would include UHD support for encrypted broadcast and IP deliver, fast channel change and HbbTV 2.0.1 support, as well as support for in-home multiscreen streaming to allow users to watch TV across multiple set-top-boxes in the home and additional tuners to help customers plan their recordings and avoid programme clashes.