Joint Effort with Comcast Media Center Provides Cost-Effective Solution for Managing Access Control and Rolling Out New Interactive Services

Strategic Insights -

Motorola, in a joint effort with Comcast Media Center (CMC), has introduced a centralized content authorization service that enables small to mid-sized operators to offer advanced services such as video on demand, DVR, and interactive program guides without the expense of owning and operating a Digital Access Controller (DAC). This service is particularly beneficial for operators serving rural or sparsely populated areas, providing a digital system that is simple, reliable, and economical. The centralized service operates from the CMC in Denver, Colorado, and communicates via Virtual Private Network (VPN) to all served headends.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new centralized content authorization service is designed for small to mid-sized operators, including affiliates of the CMC's Headend In The Sky (HITS) service.
  • The service allows operators to offer advanced services such as video on demand, DVR, and interactive program guides without the expense of owning and operating a Digital Access Controller (DAC).
  • The service is primarily designed for operators serving rural or sparsely populated areas, providing a digital system that is simple, reliable, and economical.
  • The service operates from the CMC in Denver, Colorado, and communicates via Virtual Private Network (VPN) to all served headends.
  • Motorola offers deployment and program management services to help operators migrate from the existing National Authorization Service (NAS) or integrate the new service with their existing system.
  • The new service is implemented with a redundant design that delivers set-top addressability via an IP VPN connection to local headends.
  • The service is available as an upgrade to Motorola's existing NAS or for new system launches.
  • Comcast Media Center and Motorola have been working to create the right package of operating enhancements that will enable HITS affiliates to augment their digital video service with advanced services.
  • The new service is a cost-effective way for operators to manage access control and roll out new interactive services.

Statistics:

  • The service is designed for operators serving rural or sparsely populated areas, with over 150 digital audio and video services delivered to more than 3,000 cable system headends.
  • Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004.
  • The CMC's Content Delivery Network offers global transmission via satellite and terrestrial fiber optics, VOD, and streaming distribution capabilities.
  • The CMC's Content Management Network offers broadcast quality studio, mobile, and post-production services, origination services for linear TV networks, and live events.

Sources:

  • Motorola Press Release, "Motorola Announces Availability of Centralized Content Authorization Service in Joint Effort with Comcast Media Center," June 15, 2005.
  • Comcast Media Center, "About Comcast Media Center," http://www.comcastmediacenter.com/.
  • Motorola, "About Motorola," http://www.motorola.com/.
  • Comcast Corporation, "About Comcast Corporation," http://www.comcast.com/.