ExpressPlay XCA
Our cloud-based broadcast security solution, based on Marlin DRM, enables direct-to-TV broadcasting to smart TVs without STBs
Our cloud-based broadcast security solution, based on Marlin DRM, enables direct-to-TV broadcasting to smart TVs without STBs
The smart TV is the linchpin to next-gen hybrid broadcasting and monetization
Broadcasters have been on a collision course with fast growing OTT operators for more than a decade. Yet, the worlds of content protection, conditional access systems (CAS) and digital rights management (DRM), remain silo-based.
Smart TVs now come equipped with advanced security features similar to STBs, such as hardware root of trust, trusted execution environment (TEE), and secure video path (SVP). ExpressPlay XCA enables service providers to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) for direct-to-TV broadcasting (D2TV) by adopting a DRM-based converged security strategy. D2TV delivery dramatically reduces CAPEX and OPEX by eliminating the cost and logistics of STBs and CAMs.
ExpressPlay XCA, built on open-standard Marlin DRM, enables pay-TV operators and broadcasters to deliver premium/UHD content directly to smart TVs without set-top boxes, reducing TCO. The converged broadcast-OTT security client is pre-integrated into various chipsets and numerous TV manufacturer products, thus speeding time-to-market while reducing project risk.
Direct-to-TV broadcast delivery dramatically reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) by eliminating STBs and CAMs. The solution enables secure playback of both scrambled DVB signals and OTT streaming on smart TVs with a Marlin DRM converged security client.
ExpressPlay XCA client SDK is pre-integrated with major smart TV and STB brands. The XCA client SDK utilizes advanced on-chip security functions required by studios for UHD/HDR content licensing:
ExpressPlay XCA offers hardware-based security that meets Hollywood standards for premium UHD/4K and early access content. The studios trust Marlin as a top-quality DRM system, which conforms with MovieLabs’ Enhanced Content Protection specification, facilitating premium content licensing.
ExpressPlay XCA provides flexible business model support for Pay TV, Free-to-View, Free-to-Air, and subscription-based offerings. It is fully compliant with DVB standards including Simulcrypt, HbbTV, and Android TV. Operators control device activation, deactivation and content usage rules through their Subscriber Management System (SMS).
Co-founded by Intertrust, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Sony in 2005, Marlin is a consumer electronics and mobile friendly technology, compatible with popular OS, platforms, codecs, file formats, and delivery systems. Marlin supports various content distribution models like download, streaming, multicast, and broadcast.
ExpressPlay XCA provides operators with broad product and services ecosystem, comprising pre-integrated chipsets and client devices including major smart TV brands and hybrid STBs, various video processing and middleware partners, and support for formal and de facto industry standards.
Operator Application (OpApp) support
XCA is designed to support Operator Applications (OpApps) based on, for example, HbbTV and Android, as well as native OpApps, allowing them to interact with the XCA application layer.
Examples of client integrations:
Pre-integrated chipsets and smart TV brands
Marlin is pre-integrated with major chipsets and smart TV brands:
With on-chip security functions such as TEE and SVP, no risk of HDMI ripping, and optional forensic watermarking, ExpressPlay XCA for smart TVs offers better security than a traditional CAS with STBs/CAMs.
Pre-integrated Hybrid TV application software
Vewd is a leading user interface and applications provider for OTT and Hybrid TV services. Together, Vewd and Intertrust form a strong combination in the smart TV and hybrid device markets for pay TV and FTA:
HD PLUS GmbH, a subsidiary of SES S.A., operates HD+, a German DTH premium service in HD quality. Vestel has integrated ExpressPlay XCA and VEWD middleware to enable HD+ D2TV reception in UHD sets in 9 of its brands such as Toshiba, Telefunken, JVC, and Hitachi, via an HbbTV OpApp. No further hardware such as STB, CI+ module or smartcard is required for reception.
Converged XCA broadcast-OTT security based on Marlin DRM
Modern smart TV SoCs equipped with TEE and SVP
XCA enables D2TV broadcasting to HD+ TV sets without STBs/CAMs
Better content protection and lower TCO than CAS + STB + HDMI
ExpressPlay DRM
The only cloud-based multi-DRM service that supports all major DRMs while scaling to protect millions of concurrent viewers for major live events with a cost-effective, low latency and global solution.
product features:
Rapid scaling to largest audiences
Proven in the world’s largest live sports streaming platform
Studio-trusted content security
Facilitates licensing of UHD and premium content
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Reduces CAPEX and OPEX through cloud-based multi-DRM service
ExpressPlay DRM Offline
Multi-DRM platform featuring the studio trusted and open-standard Marlin DRM along with Google Widevine Modular and Apple FairPlay Streaming. It is designed to secure content delivery and playback in offline environments.
product features:
Multi-DRM platform
Open-standard Marlin DRM plus Google Widevine and Apple FPS
Secure download and offline playback
Ideal for travel and hospitality applications with limited internet access
Compatible with Kiora content delivery platform
Enables turnkey end-to-end solution for premium entertainment
ExpressPlay Anti-Piracy and Watermarking
The service incorporates content protection functionality that includes web piracy monitoring and legal enforcement for linear, live event and VOD content. Choice of client-side or server-side watermark insertion.
product features:
Comprehensive Anti-Piracy Service
Web monitoring and legal enforcement for linear, live and VOD content
Advanced Subscriber ID (ASiD) client-composited watermarking
Fast payload extraction to identify live content redistribution culprits
Server-side watermarking option
On-the-fly forensic watermark insertion in encoded and encrypted content
