iBlast taps NDS for data broadcasting hardware
NDS will deploy its NDS MediaStorm technology at iBlast's centralized Network Operating Center (NOC) based in Los Angeles. Utilizing satellite as the medium for distribution, NDS MediaStorm will enable iBlast to deliver all of the digital broadband content quickly and cost-effectively from the NOC to any partner television station (or node). NDS MediaStorm technology will also be deployed at each node to enable iBlast to deliver the content to the consumer at lightning-speeds of up to 18 Mbps over the digital terrestrial television spectrum. In addition, iBlast has also selected NDS' CastGuard solution to ensure that content is securely delivered to the nodes. CastGuard protects all types of content during delivery over broadband IP networks and is based on NDS' Open VideoGuard conditional access solution, which is used by over 20 million pay TV subscribers worldwide.
NDS MediaStorm enables datacasters and content providers to deliver a wide range of broadband applications and services, like music, games and movie trailers, over cable, satellite and terrestrial digital transmissions. It transmits both multimedia and data to hardware devices equipped with a digital tuner, including PCs, TVs and laptops. NDS MediaStorm saves time and money for broadcasters and content providers by efficiently delivering multicast files, websites and streaming media over the existing digital broadcasting infrastructure.
"The digital broadcasting infrastructure being deployed by iBlast in the US offers an efficient and economic delivery medium for selected, rich multimedia content," said Dr. Abe Peled, President and CEO, NDS Group Plc. "Together, NDS and iBlast are breaking down the barriers of entry into the broadband content delivery market for content providers and broadcasters. By joining forces, we are creating a complementary distribution infrastructure to the Internet with breakthrough datacasting technology. Now content providers will have a new medium to deliver popular broadband content quickly, securely and cost-effectively, broadcasters will have new revenue streams and consumers will receive such broadband content on their PCs at unprecedented speeds."
iBlast began its datacasting rollout at the beginning of 2001 with a field trial of its services in California, Arizona and Florida. The field tests, which are already utilizing NDS MediaStorm, are scheduled to last until March 2001, when the DTV datacasting equipment is anticipated to be ready for rollout to additional partner stations. iBlast will progressively deploy its datacasting service to an estimated 50 percent of U.S. households in 2001 and anticipates achieving full national coverage by 2002.
"While searching for a datacasting partner, we knew that we needed to turn to a company that fundamentally understood the needs and concerns of the broadcasting industry," said Michael Lambert, chairman and CEO of iBlast. "NDS' unrivaled expertise and deep commitment to the broadcasting industry made them the best choice. We have full confidence that NDS will enable us to deliver high-speed broadband content to our consumers and assure iBlast customers the data throughput, security and reliability to meet increased demand for broadband content."
Source: iBlast