News Release
For Immediate Release
Review Period Opens for ISMACryp 2.0 Encryption Spec
Extends End-to-End Content Protection to Any Codec
San Francisco, May 9, 2007 – ISMA has opened a public review period for ISMACryp 2.0, a new release of its open standard specification that extends its end-to-end content protection scheme for use with any codec. The new version also opens the way for additional applications of the specification.
ISMA Encryption and Authentication Version 2.0, referred to as ISMACryp 2.0, provides the same security and flexibility of the original specification but is now codec agnostic, meaning it can be used with any codec stored in an ISO-based media file format and is no longer limited to MPEG-4 codecs such as H.264/AVC and AAC. ISMACryp 2.0 can still be integrated with any key management system (KMS), according to Nikolaus Färber of Fraunhofer IIS and the ISMA technical chair.
The earlier version of the specification, ISMACryp 1.1, is referenced in DVB-H and ISMA (Internet Streaming Media Alliance) has been working closely with the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) in developing this new release. ISMACryp 1.1 is currently used on more than 250,000 mobile TV devices in Europe.
“Now that it can be used with any codec, ISMACryp 2.0 is also an interesting candidate for other application areas. For example, it is a strong candidate for future IPTV systems. Because native RTP transport is becoming more and more important compared to legacy MPEG-2 TS, the need for a secure encryption scheme supporting RTP is increasing. This is where ISMACryp 2.0 fills an important gap.” Färber said.
The revised specification continues to provide content protection throughout the video distribution channel. With ISMACryp, video and audio content are encrypted both at the server and when the content is transmitted and played. Other commonly used link protection schemes leave content unprotected at the source and while it is stored on content servers between transmissions.
ISMA is accepting comments on the ISMACryp 2.0 specification through June 1 and plans to consider the input at the ISMA 25th Forum, hosted by Intel Corp. on June 7 and 8 in Santa Clara, Calif. The meeting is open to members and one-time auditors, and the other technical activity at the forum will include discussion on techniques for:
Comments on the ISMACryp 2.0 specification can be emailed to ISMACryp2@isma.tv. Information and registration for the ISMA 25th Forum is available at the ISMA web site http://www.isma.tv.
About ISMA (Internet Streaming Media Alliance)
Founded in 2000, ISMA (www.ISMA.tv) is a global alliance of industry leaders dedicated to the adoption and deployment of open standards for streaming rich media such as video, audio and associated data over Internet protocols. It promotes standards-based IPTV solutions that offer greater choice, flexibility, extensive cost efficiencies and higher quality of service. ISMA provides the industry with technical specifications based on non-proprietary and existing standards, sponsors opportunities for confidential product testing that enable multi-vendor, multi-platform interoperability, and manages a product conformance program. ISMA collaborates with other trade associations and standards bodies to promote interoperable solutions across the entire content delivery spectrum.
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Media Contact: Linda Marcus, APR, Astra Communications, 714-974-6356, lmarcus@astra.cc