Irdeto, the proven expert in content security for digital TV, IPTV and mobile networks , and Intermedia Cable Communication Pvt. Ltd , a leading cable television provider, has announced that Irdeto will secure the deployment of a digital cable TV network across the city of Pune.
Intermedia Cable Communication ( ICC ) will use Irdeto's proven content security solutions, including next-generation Zeta Card smart cards with FlexiFlash technology, as it switches from an analog to a digital cable network in Pune , near India's west coast.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which sets out goals and guidelines for the converging telecommunications and broadcasting industries, has mandated that operators throughout major Indian cities introduce digital conditional access in those cable television networks . The regulator, backed by India's judiciary, has already ordered and supervised the launch of these new-generation networks in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, and Pune was expected to be in the second tier of cities to be so ordered in early 2007.
ICC is the first multiple system operator in Pune to join India's “digital migration” project, and aims to sharpen its city-wide lead by quickly introducing a wide array of interactive pay TV services.
Under an agreement signed by ICC and Irdeto, the cable TV provider will use Irdeto smart cards, which together with integrated set-top boxes will enable the encryption of pay TV signals and help operators manage and protect their networks.
Irdeto will provide ICC with its newest smart card, the Irdeto Zeta Card. As part of a pro-active security strategy, Irdeto develops new generations of smart cards every 18-24 months, which minimizes the risk of piracy for the operator. Irdeto's Flexiflash technology enables smart cards to be securely updated and upgraded over-the-air, thus helping to avoid the need for costly smart card swaps, required regularly by many other vendors.
ICC's digital TV offering, which will feature over 200 entertainment, sports, film and news channels in English and an array of Indian languages, all protected by Irdeto's world-leading security, is expected to help power the venture's expansion across western India.
Parvaiz Ahsan , VP Sales of Irdeto said, “Irdeto is expanding in India to meet the country's ever-developing digital TV needs, and recognizes India's tremendous potential in this sector.” He added: “Intermedia Cable Communication is one of the most dynamic cable television operators in western India, and is ahead of the technological curve in launching a state-of-the-art digital cable television network in Pune. Irdeto enables Indian customers like ICC to be successful in achieving this.”
Intermedia Cable Communication CEO Ejaz Inamdar said, “Irdeto 's Digital TV solution has been tested and proven across the world, and Irdeto matches its global technology with expert local support.” Inamdar added: “ICC aims to deploy Irdeto's advanced con tent security s olution while strengthening its lead in Pune and expansion throughout western India.”
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