The Hindu Business Line : Sun TV expanding ties with content security expert Irdeto

Irdeto's solutions are already being used in Sun's cable TV service. The content security solutions provider for digital TV, IPTV and mobile networks will be implementing its `PI sys' conditional access solution to secure Sun's DTH platform, Sun Direct TV.

The Chennai-based media company has placed an initial order for 5-lakh Irdeto smart cards.

"Sun's expanding partnership with Irdeto has proven to be extremely successful for both sides," said Mr Kalanithi Maran, Chairman and Managing Director, Sun Networks, in a statement.

Sun DTH service is to rollout once the Indian Space Research Organisation launches its next Insat satellite in September, said the release.

"As leading Indian broadcasters like Sun TV expand their operations across digital cable, satellite and other platforms, they will increasingly depend on content protection systems that can be deployed across a spectrum of convergent broadcasting technologies, and Irdeto is the proven global leader in this field," said Mr Graham Kill, CEO of Irdeto.

"The Government's strengthening support for digital TV, India's burgeoning middle class, and its vibrant film industry is all adding momentum to the creation of new broadcasting and viewership models that require proven security technology," said Mr Thierry Raymaekers, Area Sales Director, South-Asia, Irdeto.

Irdeto, a subsidiary of the South African multinational media group Naspers, specialises in designing, developing and marketing end-to-end solutions to manage and protect content from unauthorised access in the television broadcast, broadband and mobile environments.