Irdeto, the proven expert in content security for digital TV, IPTV and mobile, announced today that its Irdeto Mobile Broadcast security solution has been selected to protect the pioneering T-DMB trials of Guangdong Mobile TV Media. This agreement marks the first deployment of a content protection solution for a T-DMB-based mobile TV network in Asia, and is a milestone in the development of China's mobile TV industry. The service will be secured against unauthorized access by the Irdeto Mobile Broadcast CA solution, the world's first solution for mobile TV content protection.
Guangdong Province, one of the fastest developing provinces in China's mobile market, currently has 55 million registered mobile subscribers, ranking first among provinces in China and covering one sixth of the country's total mobile population. Guangdong Mobile TV Media is among the first operators to be granted a trial T-DMB operation license by SARFT, China's broadcasting ministry.
The initial roll-out will target the Pearl River Delta area with 8 transmission sites. Guangdong Mobile TV Media will broadcast video and audio channels to mobile handsets from leading manufacturers like Samsung. Guangdong Mobile TV Media plans to cover the whole province of Guangdong by end of 2007. The company will support Chinese-branded mobile handsets, and other devices, such as in-car-devices, laptops, USB tuners and portable media players to facilitate growth in the Chinese media entertainment device industry.
In order to support the demand of integration with local media entertainment terminals, Irdeto, a subsidiary of MIH, part of the multinational media group Naspers (NASDAQ: NPSN and JSE: NPN), is in the process of expanding its local mobile integration and testing team and facilities located in its Beijing office.
"For Irdeto this trial marks the first deployment of its content security solution for T-DMB broadcasting in Asia," said Graham Kill, CEO of Irdeto. "Guangdong's T-DMB trial is a historical milestone in the development of China's mobile TV industry. Irdeto has been recognized by Guangdong Mobile TV Media for its leadership position in mobile TV deployments, its proven and secure technology, its device integration and technical service support. Irdeto is also acknowledged for its full range of mobile content protection solutions to support future business models." Mr. Kill added: "In fact, this is a natural extension of our long-term cable achievements in Guangdong province and our good relationship with Southern Media Group. Irdeto has a strong commitment to the mobile TV business in China."