Multi-DRM

A protection scheme is applied to video and other online materials using encryption. Highly technical protocols enable the secure storage of keys for public/private encryption, management of DRM usage rules, and entitlement delivery to end devices with scale.

Service providers can specify the usage rules according to their content packages and rights, such as:

• Which devices the content can be viewed on
• How many times the content can be viewed
• Within what timeframe
• What actions they can – or can’t do – e.g., playback, screening

The DRM server manages content keys and delivers entitlements to content consuming devices whereas the DRM client securely treats entitlements to get the content keys to decrypt content and enforce the related usage rules.

In helping content owners and service providers to control what people can and can’t do with their content, digital rights management helps companies in the entertainment and media sector secure the financial and creative investment they spend on their work. Only people who have legitimate access to the content can see it. In the context of media and entertainment, this usually means only people who have paid for it.

DRM also protects copyright and intellectual property. The content access and management controls enable creators to use DRM technology to stake ownership of their content and block pirates from editing it or rebranding it as theirs.

In addition to questions of ROI, DRM helps distributors achieve and demonstrate regulatory compliance. By preventing users from accessing and interacting with an asset, they can avoid any unauthorized usage, for which the production houses and content creators may hold them legally responsible.

One of the most important aspects of multi-DRM is cost savings.

Multi-DRM is entirely scalable and reacts to the peaks and troughs in service usage. It auto scales to match the heaviest demands of live streaming. The NAGRAVISION Multi-DRM solution is deployed at 50+ service providers worldwide, from very small outfits that consume 1,000 licenses per month to large-scale operations that consume thousands of licenses per second. Pricing is also scalable and indexed to usage, so if you’re a small or medium-sized operator, you’ll only ever be charged for what you use.

DRM is a complex system with advanced security schemes. There are many schemes in the market, each with unique features and own dictionary of usage rules. Until recently, the content access rules have been simple (e.g., subscription) and many could afford to integrate by themselves with some effort, focusing on a few DRMs and device types.

Nowadays, with the end user’s need to consume content on any possible device and the increased level of content and service piracy, the security dynamic has changed. It is imperative to exploit all possible security features within DRM consistently across all device types to protect content. Furthermore, as the content consumption via streaming increases day by day, and as OTT has become mainstream, DRMs need to be managed effectively and at scale.

Multi-DRM is a solution that can be abstracted from the above-mentioned challenges while bringing consistency across all supported DRMs. This allows service providers to save time and resources while having greater assurance of content protection.

The three most popular DRMs are:

Apple FairPlay 
FairPlay streaming is Apple’s DRM scheme, which was originally developed by Veridisc and more widely adopted by Apple, Inc. It is designed to encrypt content using HTTP Live Streaming and is intended for use with all iOS devices as well as Apple TV and Safari. Apple originally used FairPlay to protect content distributed through the iTunes Music Store. While Apple no longer encrypts iTunes Music downloads, FairPlay DRM is still used in the new Apple Music service for content stored locally.

Google Widevine Modular
Widevine’s DRM solution provides the capability to license, securely distribute, and protect playback of content on any consumer device. Content owners, multiple service operators, and digital media providers can utilize Widevine’s solutions to ensure revenue-generating services keep flowing to whatever device that consumers desire. There are two possible deployment options: Server SDK or CLOUD service. NAGRAVISION has selected the CLOUD service approach to support Widevine DRM.

Microsoft PlayReady
PlayReady is Microsoft DRM protected by a significant patent portfolio. It secures content distribution over a network and prevents unauthorized use of its software. Microsoft PlayReady is widely approved by media industry leaders, content providers, OEMs, service and network providers to develop features and functionality for premium entertainment scenarios.

Multi-DRM is an accessible, practical solution for operators of all sizes.

You get to focus on growing your business while outsourcing the complexity of running DRM smoothly to a dedicated team of experts.

Some of the practical benefits include:

• One single place where you can access multiple DRM systems and manage rules and access.
• Updates are automatically pushed. Your customers get the latest improvements across all DRM technologies with no impact on their service.
• Quicker time to market. Getting DRM right by interacting with individual technologies absorbs a lot of time and resources.
• High availability and reliability. Dedicated teams focus on keeping the service working optimally.
• Regulatory compliance is sorted. Many smaller operators cannot afford to assume the legal costs associated with the content being distributed, shared, or modified illegally on their watch. Multi-DRM addresses this by eliminating the challenge – it prevents digital content from being stolen in the first place.