Nagra said it has inked an extended video security deal with Dish Network and EchoStar Technologies -- Charlie Ergen’s set-top and technology unit -- that factors in digital rights management for multiscreen services.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal paves the way for Dish and EchoStar to deploy the Nagra Media Live Player with Media Access Persistent Rights Management technology, which was recently approved by the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE), the organization that operates the UltraViolet digital locker system for electronic sell-through (EST) products.
While the new deal could provide Dish with a way to provide security for a possible EST offering, Dish and its technology corporate cousin will use Nagra’s multiscreen DRM system to secure the Dish Anywhere video-on-demand service for PCs, smartphones and tablets. Dish currently uses Nagra MediaAccess to protect Hopper Transfers, a feature in the Dish Anywhere app that lets Hopper with Sling HD-DVR subs to port recorded content to mobile devices for offline viewing.
Dish, EchoStar and Nagra have a long-standing video security relationship that began at the set-top level. NagraStar, for example, is a joint venture of EchoStar and the Kudelski Group, Nagra’s parent company.
“Content has to be secured throughout the entire ecosystem, whether on the set-top box, personal computers, smartphones or tablets,” said Pierre Roy, chief operating officer and executive president of Nagra, in a release.
“More and more consumers are demanding greater flexibility in the way they enjoy their DISH content,” said Vivek Khemka, DISH SVP of product management, in a statement. “To successfully provide this service, we chose the NAGRA MediaLive Player with PRM because of their proven ability to effectively protect our content investment while at the same time meeting the requirements of our premium content providers. What’s more, our close security partnership with NAGRA allows us to focus on creating innovative new services.”
“While providing consumers with the best possible viewing experience, both inside and outside the home, we recognize the need of content creators to protect their rights. NAGRA’s solutions will add an extra layer of security to protect those rights,” added EchoStar Technologies president Mark Jackson.
