Invisible to its viewers and cost-effective for Cavalier, SecureMedia’s Encryptonite ONE™ System protects a wealth of broadcast pay TV and Hollywood movies delivered through existing phone lines.
“SecureMedia provided us the best solution for content protection over MPEG-4 video; robust security with efficient operation that helps keep our costs very competitive with the ability to scale and provide new interactive products without limit to our subscribers.”
Brad Evans, CEO, Cavalier Telecom
First to market in the US with an all MPEG-4/H.264 IPTV implementation, Cavalier Telephone has found success in IPTV, with a resulting flood of new customers. Headquartered in Richmond Virginia and operating throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Cavalier has invested over $250 million building a state-of-the-art telecommunications network. Cavalier passes approximately 2,000,000 homes in these service areas with its fiber-based, IP backbone, SONET network. Cavalier’s 1100 employees serve 35,000 businesses and 200,000 residential customers in Richmond, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Philadelphia, Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
Over 15,000 new customers select Cavalier as their telephone/broadband provider each month.
Saving customers up to 33% over existing services, Cavalier serves up crystal-clear Movies and Pay TV along with telephone, Internet and Games all on one easy bill.
The Cavalier Broadband TV Network
Cavalier Broadband TV harnesses the latest in digital technology to deliver an affordable alternative to cable or satellite TV services. Cavalier uses existing phone lines to deliver a powerful bundle of services: standard telephone, broadband DSL, and digital TV. The latest ADSL2+ technology, delivering up to 15 mbps to each customer, allows Cavalier to simultaneously deliver multiple channels of digital video, broadband DSL, and traditional phone services. The Cavalier service platform utilizes point-to-point switched video technology resulting in a simpler and more reliable network than the multicast broadband used in traditional cable systems. The digital headend, transport network, access network and the customer’s home network comprise the Cavalier Broadband TV network as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Cavalier Broadband TV Network
Cavalier’s all-digital head-end in Richmond performs the broadcast content acquisition and coding/transcoding needed to convert all video streams to the ultra-efficient MPEG-4/H.264 format – making Cavalier the first to market with an all-MPEG4 IPTV implementation. SecureMedia’s Encryptonite System performs encryption of both the broadcast and VOD content at the head-end prior to distribution. The head-end also includes all the servers and storage needed to support VOD services.
All the management systems required to support broadcast and interactive services, network and facilities management, and back-office interfaces reside at the head-end. Head-end systems also control service provisioning, SecureMedia Encryptonite System key distribution and conditional access for each customer and set-top box.
The core video delivery issue was resolved by the ability of MPEG4/H.264 video streams to offer high quality programming at reduced bit rates, providing the quality/cost ratio required to provide competitive, high-quality, cost-efficient content delivery, thereby resolving a core technology challenge.
Cavalier found a comprehensive and efficient MPEG-4 content protection solution in the all-software SecureMedia Encryptonite System solution. The standards-compliant and easily integrated SecureMedia product architecture mapped well to the Cavalier all-digital head-end, backbone, and access networks. Cavalier found support among the top pay TV networks and Hollywood content owners for the Encryptonite System to protect their programming assets and Cavalier’s revenues.
The transport network uses Gig-E switches and SONET rings to connect the Richmond head-end with the Central Offices throughout the Cavalier service areas. Each regional service area will include the necessary head-end functionality required to support local requirements, e.g., local channel retransmission, ad insertion, emergency services, etc.
From DSLAMs in Central Offices, Cavalier runs ADSL2+ to each Broadband TV customer. The ADSL2+ line-rate, up to 15 Mbps, to each customer allows for up to three separate video streams and well as broadband data (and phone) on a single copper pair. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the home network supporting all Cavalier services.
Figure 2. Triple Play Home Network
Each Set-top Box (STB) at the customer premises is uniquely identified and managed by the middleware in the Cavalier network. Resident on the STB, the SecureMedia software decryption client performs various functions including authentication, conditional access, content decryption, etc. Analog-only STB video outputs (Composite, RGB, S-Video) prohibit access to the digital video signals resulting in a physically secure video delivery system. Macrovision copy protection on the analog video signals further enhances overall video signal protection.
The Cavalier Broadband TV Service
At the heart of the Cavalier Broadband TV service is the Interactive Programming Guide designed to maximize the enjoyment and ease of navigation of the Broadband TV service. The menus and buttons presented on the TV screen allow the user to navigate the many features available including:
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On-Screen Channel Guide
The on-screen guide not only shows the programming for each channel, but also allows customization to a “favorites” list of channels. -
Integrated Applications
As the single provider of residential services, Cavalier integrates features into the guide for display on-screen, e.g., caller ID, call waiting, bill viewing, etc. -
Pay Per View
Programming such as sporting events, wrestling matches, targeted movies and content can be ordered directly right up until the start of the program.
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Video On Demand
A vast library of secure, on-demand content, including free informational programs as well as studio movies can be ordered anytime with full user control, i.e., fast-forward, rewind, pause, etc. -
Parental Control
Complete control of content based on standard TV ratings. -
Games
The interactive capabilities and picture quality of the system enhance the gaming experience.
Competitive Landscape
The largest competitors in the Cavalier service areas are Comcast and Cox Communications for video and broadband data and Verizon for broadband data and voice services. In addition, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) providers have captured a share of video-services market for US homes.
Cavalier Triple-Play Opportunity
Cavalier combines its existing service portfolio, i.e., local/long distance phone service and broadband data with Broadband TV for a powerful triple-play bundle. Attractive pricing of the bundle leads to savings for customers of up to 33% over individually purchased services, and all on one convenient bill. Other benefits to customers include a wide array of crystal-clear video programming with multiple al a carte programming packages over Cavalier’s reliable network.
In addition to reducing operating costs by selecting vendors offering the latest technology, Cavalier can further manage costs by:
- Leveraging its investment in existing facilities and extensive 3000 mile fiber backbone network.
- Utilizing its well managed and trained Customer & Field Service organization.
- Leveraging existing Billing and Customer Service capabilities.
- Marketing the Triple-Play to existing and new customers in areas where Cavalier has a brand and market presence.
Conclusion
Market conditions and the right mix of emerging technology, combined with a robust infrastructure create a compelling opportunity for Cavalier to enhance its product portfolio with Broadband TV service. The pricing and convenience advantage of the triple-play bundle of services: voice, broadband data, and broadband TV has put Cavalier in a favorable position when compared with the competition. However, any pay TV service is only as good as the programming it provides. SecureMedia’s Encryptonite System allowed Cavalier to license a complete line-up of the top pay TV networks that customers demand along with blockbuster VOD content from the Hollywood studios. At the same time, the Encryptonite System operates efficiently across Cavalier’s broadband network helping to keep costs down while protecting Cavalier’s revenue. The ability to manage costs by leveraging existing networks and systems further strengthens Cavalier’s business case.
Cavalier, Watch What’s Next.
www.cavtel.com
