Content security for IPTV

A great deal of attention has been focused on the introduction of presence- and location-based applications in the IPTV environment; however, the killer application is likely to remain the viewing of valued audio and video content. In order to ensure revenues, such content will require robust protection. This article reviews the concepts and approaches that have been learned and adopted by the wider TV industry over the last decade. The article covers work being done in the major international standards organizations; the elements that need to be addressed by a comprehensive content security system and the merits of the choices that can be made.