FACT boosts Simplestream secure content
September 10, 2013
By Colin Mann
Live streaming, catch-up TV and media management solutions provider Simplestream Group has confirmed that its new London-based Media Hub facility has been certified by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT). FACT’s members create, deliver and distribute high quality entertainment, which FACT helps to protect.
Simplestream’s certification by FACT follows the recent announcement of VuTV, a subsidiary of Simplestream and Strategy & Technology, which has licensed a portfolio of live channels from A+E Networks, Viacom International Media Networks and Turner Broadcasting for distribution over IP in the UK. Premium Pay TV channels including Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, HISTORY, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network are being downlinked from satellite, transcoded and streamed by Simplestream to authorised devices using a range of content-protection systems, including Adobe Access, Microsoft PlayReady and Strategy & Technology’s Bastion.
Adam Smith, founder and CEO of the SimpleStream Group, said it was important to offer its clients the very best service in terms of securing their intellectual property. “The certification by FACT shows our commitment and recognises our expertise in the complex area of secure content delivery.” Eddy Leviten, FACT Director of Communications, said that FACT Certification is the leading industry standard across the audio-visual creation, distribution and supply process.
Simplestream’s Media Hub facility, based in North London, uses hardware supplied by Garland Partners, reseller of professional solutions for streaming video over IP networks.
“We are pleased to have worked with Garland Partners on our new Media Hub facility,” said Smith. “The SimpleStream Group already downlinks and streams over 80 UK channels. The new facility significantly expands our capacity and affirms our position as a leading vendor of live streaming solutions in the UK.”
“We have helped Simplestream create a workflow using a robust, high-density, future-proof and, most importantly, modular OTT delivery solution,” added Lorna Garrett, Director, Garland Partners. “As the number of channels they downlink and stream continues to grow, we simply add more DVB blades and video transcoding modules to existing chassis. This solution helps Simplestream cut down on data-centre costs for rack space, whilst still affording their clients with the level of protection needed for the streaming of premium television content online.”