Roku, Cisco partner on video security for Charter Spectrum and beyond


Details

Michelle Clancy

| 17 May 2016




Roku is enabling the Cisco VideoGuard Everywhere video service protection solution on its streaming players and Roku TVs.



charter spectrumVideoGuard Everywhere is a software-based video content security solution encompassing conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM). Thanks to this deal, it will support the Charter Spectrum TV app available on Roku devices.

Cisco and Roku are working closely to pre-integrate the VideoGuard Everywhere security software into Roku firmware. All Roku devices will be automatically upgraded to include Cisco security software. Initial features and services the solution will be able to support for the Spectrum TV app for Roku devices will now include secure video-on-demand (VOD) and linear content playback, as well as control of the number of devices used simultaneously per subscriber account.

“We have been working closely with Roku to deliver a lower cost, easy-to-deploy software security solution leading to innovative services like the Spectrum TV app on the Roku platform,” said Rajeev Raman, senior director of strategy, studio design, and product management, video software and solutions, Cisco. “Charter has been a pioneer in the industry for downloadable security to give its customers more options to watch what they want on the devices they want in their homes.”

Charter is deploying the VideoGuard Everywhere solution across its systems, including the Worldbox and Charter Spectrum TV apps on a wide range of consumer electronic devices such as PCs, tablets and phones.

“We are always looking ahead for ways to make our customer experience better, providing more flexibility and options for accessing the television content people want to watch,” said Jim Blackley, executive vice president, engineering and IT, Charter. “By expanding the Cisco downloadable security solution to our Spectrum TV App channel on Roku streaming devices, we can better control device streaming rights and functions within the home without compromising on the experience.”

The deal is significant considering that there are now more connected TV devices in US households, like Roku devices, than pay-TV set-top boxes (STBs), according to Leichtman Research Group (LRG).