Cisco has announced that its VideoGuard conditional access solution has been selected by Platco Digital to help provide access to free-to-air multichannel satellite television platform, OpenView HD.
Eventually, the platform will give the whole African continent access to affordable multi-channel TV.
Initially deployed in South Africa, Platco’s free-to-air multichannel satellite television platform, OpenView HD, will give South Africans access to over 10 new channels, offering High Definition (HD) television with no subscription, a first in Africa.
Viewers only pay a once-off fee, which includes a set-top box, dish and installation. There are no monthly subscriptions.
Platco Digital has selected Cisco’s VideoGuard conditional access solution to protect the distribution of their content on the Openview HD platform by ensuring that only licensed set-top boxes can access the services. It also enables Platco to better understand its viewership statistics. This system represents Cisco’s first commercial deployment of its cardless solution designed for use in a one-way broadcast environment.
Part of Cisco’s Videoscape Unity portfolio, VideoGuard secures over $80bn of TV revenues worldwide. Videoscape Unity, incorporating software, hardware and security for the media and entertainment industry, is currently enabling TV viewing in nearly a quarter of all TV homes worldwide.
Alpheus Mangale, Managing Director, Cisco South Africa comments: “The Cisco Videoscape Unity platform uniquely addresses the changing needs of our TV customers now and into the future. We are proud to support Platco Digital as they lay the foundations for providing a multichannel free HD experience that can be enjoyed by every South African.””
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