Irdeto demonstrates its Armor Solution suite for hybrid Android TV

Many operators have struggled against increased competition from both broadcast and OTT service providers in recent years because of the constraints of proprietary middleware on set-top boxes (STB). While they have complete control on these traditional middleware platforms, operators often find it very costly and slow to implement new features or apps to address changing market demands.

Android TV provides a platform with many built-in features and free access to the Google Play Store to operators. New operators can use Android TV to build a premium IP or broadcast hybrid STB comparable to one that took a large operator years to build. Also, Google is behind Android TV, putting a tremendous amount of resources into its continuous development in addition to the work from the AOSP open source community.

Irdeto securing Android TV to protect operators’ investment

Open doesn’t necessarily mean insecure. Google has taken measures to secure the platform, but the operator needs to do more. At Irdeto, we are focused on helping operators close the security gaps to reap the benefits of Android TV without risking the security of their devices, services and data.

Irdeto is a Google GTVS licensee for Android TV. We have worked closely with Google for many years, collaborating on technology development as well as business opportunities. This relationship, along with Irdeto’s “early access” pre-release software agreement with Google, enables Irdeto customers to gain access to new innovations earlier. It speeds up an operators’ platform and service launch, and provides them with valuable insights into the best practices on Android TV.

Irdeto offers the most flexible and secure way for operators to deploy a hybrid Android TV set-top box ready for Ultra HD (UHD) content. We have pre-integrated with the leading chipset, set-top box and user experience (UX) solution providers to complete the foundation work required for building an Android TV set-top box.

Benefits of Irdeto ARMOR for Android TV

Reduced risk with proven solutions and expertise. Irdeto Armor provides a pre-integrated DVB stack that works in combination with Irdeto conditional access and watermarking solutions to protect premium content like 4K UHD. The solution also offers security services to help operators combat a variety of threats on open platforms, including Kodi-based piracy and potential attacks from malicious apps or unauthorized software. For introducing OTT apps into the app store, operators can leverage Irdeto’s highly scalable and reliable OTT security solution to manage multiple DRMs and business policies to achieve the widest customer reach.

Massive cost savings. With Irdeto Armor, operators not only save on development costs by using features freely included Android TV, but also on integration efforts as the solution is pre-integrated, ready-to-certify with a variety of chipsets, set-top boxes and user experience products.

Fastest time to market. While launching an OTT box on Android TV may take as little as three months, deploying a hybrid box can take 12 months or more without pre-integration. Irdeto Armor for Android TV can slash at least three to six months from the launch time for hybrid set-top boxes.

Choice of STB partners. With Irdeto’s pre-integrated chipset support, operators can choose their preferred Google-licensed STB partner. It helps operators break vendor lock-in and maximize the benefits on the open platform.

Key functionalities

• TV input for broadcast service
• DVB S/S2/T2/C support
• Irdeto Security Requirements for Android O
• SoC reference with a variety of chipset vendors
• OEM reference platform
• Conditional access APIs for Android
• Pre-integration with Irdeto Cloaked CA and Irdeto Flexicore Processor (IFCP)
• Integration guide
• Irdeto Live TV app
• Pre-integration with third-party user experience solutions
• Security services on open platforms, such as app and usage monitoring for content piracy BCS Bureau