September 11, 2008 02:00 ET

Verimatrix and NEOTION Team to Deliver Advanced CI Card Solutions

ViewRight™ CI Offers World Leading Integration of Advanced CAM Silicon, Software-Based Security and Forensic Watermarking

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - September 11, 2008) - IBC2008 -- Verimatrix, the company setting the standard in content security technologies that enhance the value of pay-TV networks, today announced ViewRight™ CI, an integrated DVB-CI card solution targeting the broad and growing base of common interface (CI) equipped integrated digital TV (iDTV) and set-top products worldwide. The jointly developed solution combines NEOTION's secure CI card and MPEG-4 transcoding silicon with advanced content security features from the Verimatrix ViewRight core and VideoMark™ forensic watermarking technologies.

ViewRight CI cards are supported by a broad range of Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) security solutions, including architectures for hybrid network deployments and Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) services. NEOTION will be demonstrating the secure ViewRight CI card during IBC's exhibition at stand 1.D95.

This unique and cost-effective CI card solution is an attractive choice to support delivery of pay-TV bouquets to an established and rapidly growing base of receivers equipped with CI slots in Europe and around the world. Verimatrix's proven software-based content security solutions and global leadership position in IPTV deployments are well matched to the IP-enabled platform developed by NEOTION. Verimatrix's unique VideoMark forensic watermarking capability, in conjunction with on card MPEG-4 processing capabilities for legacy MPEG-2 receivers, adds an extra security dimension and eliminates the opportunity to capture unprotected video through the interfaces of the CI slot. Future enhancements to ViewRight CI will take full advantage of the new CI+ slot standard, enabling an even more exciting seamless mix of broadcast and IP delivered pay-TV services.

"We are genuinely excited about the momentum that secured silicon-based advanced CI Modules, together with best-of-breed watermarking technology, are set to bring to both greenfield MPEG-4 Digital TV deployments and established tier one operators looking for more ARPU," commented Laurent Jabiol, NEOTION CEO and co-founder.

"ViewRight CI is another demonstration of how our flexible security core can be rapidly integrated and take full advantage of intrinsic security features of today's advanced chips," said Bob Kulakowski, Verimatrix's chief technology officer. "CI products enable our customers to easily deploy pay-TV services to a wide range of additional markets."

ViewRight CI further supports the Verimatrix 3-Dimensional Content Security approach -- multiple networks, multiple devices and multiple layers of protection -- that offer additional flexibility for global pay-TV operators.

Key Product Highlights:

--  ViewRight fully exploits NEOTION security features -- Secure storage,
    key handling and Control Word pairing fully supported by tamper-proof
    silicon subsystems, while enabling code renewability to pre-empt evolving
    threats.
    
--  Fully enables forensic watermarking -- Layered security scheme inserts
    invisible device and content specific watermark to protect decrypted video
    at point of display. Additionally supports NEOTION visible display
    fingerprinting feature.
    
--  Service adaptation -- Operators can deploy pay-TV services and enable
    CI card modules in the field.
    
--  Roadmap for CI+ -- Synchronized roadmap for CI+ devices and services,
    including DVR, full range of IP services through common UI.
    

About NEOTION

NEOTION is a French high-tech company created in 2000, and listed on the Alternext of Euronext (Paris). NEOTION is a leading provider of highly-sophisticated System-on-a-Chip (SoC) MPEG-4 processors as well as secured silicons fulfilling the highest grade of Security for Pay TV and VOD. Sidewise, NEOTION builds turnkey sub-systems and reference designs enabling seamless integration and unrivalled time to market for the Consumer Electronics Industry and the TV Operators. As part of its numerous patent portfolio, NEOTION is the inventor of the original MPEG-4 decoder in a card designed for Common Interface receivers (iDTV and set-top boxes). NEOTION is an active Member of several Standardization and Digital TV lobbying activities, namely DVB Project, CI+ Forum, DTG UK, and DigiTAG. For more information, visit www.neotion.com.

About Verimatrix

Verimatrix sets the standard for software-based content security and revenue enhancement technologies in pay-TV networks, with a global customer base of service providers. The Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) offers a suite of next-generation technologies that has been independently audited and ranked as the global leader in IPTV content protection. The company's 3-Dimensional Content Security approach, built around VCAS, enables secure delivery of content to multiple devices across multiple networks using multiple layers of protection techniques. Maintaining close relationships with major studios, broadcasters, industry organizations and partner ecosystem helps address the challenges facing pay-TV networks of today, and those of tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.verimatrix.com.