T H E
M O S T
G L O B A L
C O M P L E T E
D I G I T A L
I P T V
P L A T F O R M
B R O A D C A S T
2
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
4 who is global digital broadcast? 6 what is iptv? 8 advantages of iptv 10 worldwide partnerships 14 g-studio middleware 16 g-console 18 content security 20 content management 22 introducing iptv set-top box technology 24 virtual set-top box 26 ewallet 28 i-guardian 30 live encoding 32 channel options 34 educast 36 places of interest 38 contact v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
3
Who is Global Digital Broadcast? first to develop
Global Digital Broadcast (GDBTV) provides technical
GDBTV is the
and business-to-business services in order to enable
implement such a comprehensive, end-to-end,
internet protocol television (IPTV) to be delivered by broadcasters around the world, to viewers around the world.
and
G-Studio middleware; a hybrid set-top box (STB), which IPTV application, including the
combines IPTV streaming to television sets; freeto-view programming; voice over IP (VoIP);
web
availability on terrestrial television sets and consumer-friendly functionality. 4
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Headquartered in
Brighton,
East Sussex,
GDBTV writes as an
expert
for a number
UK, GDBTV was initially established in 2005 as a
of industry publications and websites and the
research and development company, launching
GDBTV platform was recently presented, upon personal invitation, to Prime Minister
the first
true IPTV channel with TVBrighton.
Today, maintaining and operating a number of
Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.
territory networks across the globe, GDBTV is widely recognised as an international
pioneer
in IPTV. v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
5
IPTV is internet protocol television,
multi-channel delivery of multi-definition content via a broadband
i.e. the
PC, IP set-top box, or other form of compatible media (such as a mobile
to a
telephone, or gaming console).
connection. Many people use
6
IPTV
as an umbrella term
Instead of a signal being transmitted via satellite,
to cover all internet, device and mobile content;
cable, or terrestrial routes, the IPTV signal is
but this is not correct. Internet television, such
transmitted through a telephone (or cable) line
as YouTube, can be classed as any content which
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
can be watched online and/or, in certain cases, on compatible media (such as mobile telephones and/ or gaming consoles).
Internet protocol
television (IPTV), however, is content which is delivered via internet protocol but is, or at least can be, watched on television sets via an IP set-top box in addition to being able to be viewed on PCs and other devices. v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
What is IPTV?
‘True IPTV’ can be said to be a complete and comprehensive IPTV application.
GDBTV provides ‘true IPTV’ because GDBTV can handle everything from filming and encoding,
content management, statistical monitoring and broadcast over its
through to
IPTV networks. f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
7
Advantages for Content Providers & Channel Owners
8
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
The most secure platform from which to
broadcast globally • Provides the ability to create and develop numerous channels • Cost effective with multiple revenue sources • Ideal for specialised channels and niche content •
Revenue opportunities from
subscription, pay-per-view and targeted advertising • Optimised for live event broadcast (using IP streaming) • Revenue opportunities from VoD
Simplified remote content management.
libraries •
GDBTV is the first global broadcast network to offer: Complete revenue share
packages
HD channels or HD VoD • Specialised channels (for increased subscription) • PPV special events • A video-on-demand library • Hardware, software and peripheral devices • Technical support free of charge for G-Studio. • +1 to all channels • +24 to all channels •
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
9
Worldwide Partnerships Global Digital Broadcast provides the infrastructure for clients in Europe, North & South America and Asia.
ViaAmerica Headquartered in the United States and run by Canal Sur, Via America specialises in Latin and Brazilian content and provides services to viewers in the USA, Spain and the United Kingdom, with a Japan launch planned for early 2009. Via America offers more than 10 channels of live television, in addition to an extensive library of video-on-demand (VoD).
www.viaamericatv.com
10
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
SuncasTV Founded in 2006 and headquartered in both Illinois and California, SuncasTV supports IPTV viewers both in the United States and globally, by offering a wide range of information and entertainment content from around the world. SuncasTV specialises in Asian content and currently carries channels from China, Korea, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Japan, in addition to a dedicated English channel.
www.suncastv.com
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
11
Something Something is a British broadcast network which has incorporated high-definition and digital technologies, in order to provide a triple-play package including IPTV, telephone and broadband services. Something provides an extensive range of top quality and niche programming within the United Kingdom via the set-top box service; and can deliver to 86 countries worldwide online. Something currently offers over 100 channels and a selection of linear and video-on-demand (VoD) programming.
www.something.info
12
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Worldwide Partnerships Global Digital Broadcast provides the infrastructure for clients in Europe, North & South America and Asia.
IPQUBE Based in Canada, IP Qube specialises in Filipino content and offers bundles of home community specific programming to consumers within the United States and Canada, by taking channels from the Philippines and giving them to consumers within the North America regions. IP Qube offers over a dozen live channels and an extensive library of videoon-demand (VoD).
www.ipqube.com
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
13
14
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
G-Studio™ Middleware G-Studio middleware is a highly-advanced content management system which powers the GDBTV IPTV network and enables complete control. G-Studio can be said to be the backbone of GDBTV’s services and has been especially designed to ensure clients can set up, manage and run their channels with ease. The
Programmes can be created through a simple meta data form, with
image thumbnails applied and availability status decided; content
sub-channels and categories; linear and on-demand options may be implemented; subscriptions and pay-per-view options may be added; and, of course, all meta data may be searched.
can be assigned to
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
15
16
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
G-Console User Management G-Console,
a
value-added
user
administration console, has been designed to assist network administrators in managing
customer service
related data.
It takes the form of an easy to navigate and simple to use programme, with which the administrator may manage service data,
customer information,
system status reports and overall customerrelated
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
administration
i n f o r m a t i o n
processes.
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
17
18
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Content Security & Protection Microsoft Digital Rights Management. Content providers wishing to GDBTV deploys
protect their content with Microsoft DRM are able to protect their content at the time of encoding. The decryption of this DRM is then handled by the box, enabling all the usual rules of protection to be carried out as they would be for download to a PC. GDBTV also employs a
model
that
utilises
conditional access the
user
account,
MAC
address of the set-top box and file replication. This
eliminates account duplication and MAC cloning. Basically the user has their account and set top box details verified against a
Thawte secured record, allowing them access to the content they have subscribed to. If the user and box details aren’t confirmed, or there is already an open session to the content, the verification fails.
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
19
Content Management The four easy steps of content management
explained in simple terms: Step 1 – encoding Feed the signal into an encoder and encode to optimum formats ready for streaming. GDBTV can provide all training
and profiles. Hardware encoding is recommended for professional
broadcast quality. 20
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
Step 2 – file transfer Upload to the GDBTV servers via fibre or SDSL.
Content may also be transferred onto external storage drives and transported to a GDBTV data centre. c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Step 4 – network delivery to the consumer Channels are delivered over the internet and via GDBTV’s international network/s and
through an IP set-top box. Channels may be viewed on a PC or compatible media device (such as a mobile telephone, or game console). Channels may be viewed on a television set via a GDBTV IP settop box.
Step 3 – content administration Channels are easily administered, managed and controlled through GDBTV’s G-Studio middleware. (Please pages 18-19) for further details. v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
hardware encoding – most encoding may be done on a client’s own PC, but Global Digital Broadcast is also able to encode on the behalf of a client (for an additional cost) and/or recommend a range of professional hardware encoders from different manufacturers. These are generally based on the world-renowned Osprey video card. The real advantage of these turnkey systems is their flexibility, quality and stability, enabling many different codecs for different devices as well as multiple, simultaneous encodes (including live broadcasting) with ease. i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
21
Introducing Set-Top Box Technology puts the tv in IPtv by taking internet protocol content from the web and putting it onto television sets.
Global Digital broadcast
GDbtv have integrated platforms with several new
transform the way we receive tv. this hybrid set-top is designed to seamlessly handle the obvious transition from digital terrestrial to IPtv. breed iptv set-top boxes ready to
hard drive; and Hd up-convert capability. the set
top boxes are high performance, multi codec, set-top boxes; designed for high
definition applications, with home networking ability to play media from your pc or storage
device. the set-top boxes are the product of many years of research, setting new standards for iptv
delivery and incorporating, in one box, full IPtv
capabilities; free-to-view tuner; digital video 22
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
Features:
iptv functionality, free-to-view
digital tuner, 80Gb hard drive, 5.1 Dolby Digital, hD up-conversion, hDmi connection.
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
23
24
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Virtual Set-Top Box Introducing the Virtual Set-Top Box from Global Digital Broadcast
Any service provider
can use this to
experience
on
their
PC
that
they
enable their end users (consumers) to view specific
would receive through the set-top box on their
channels and/or packages online.
television set.
Some service providers
choose to use the virtual set-top box in tandem with the
As with the set-top box, each
set-top box service per se and some implement it
meaning the virtual set-top box cannot be shared
addition. This implementation choice of the network controller.
between users. Additionally, the virtual set-top
as an
The virtual set-top box
end user v i s i t
with the o u r
is the
box contains the same, secure, age verification
provides the same viewing
w e b s i t e
f o r
individual consumer has their own log in details,
m o r e
PIN protocol as the set-top box, ensuring parental control principles are in place. i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
25
26
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
GDBTV
eWallet has set up a payment system, eWallet,
which forms an integral part of the platform.
eWallet technology uses security
software
incorporating
Thawte approved
(highest
3DSecure
level
encryption),
(Verified by VISA and
Mastercard SecureCode). GDBTV have integrated this eWallet system into many different payment processing systems.
eWallet information (debit/credit card and mobile telephone data) is stored in GDBTV’s secure database to allow customers to make repeat purchases by simply entering their unique PIN. eWallet is created when a customer registers for the first time on a GDBTV powered channel. eWallet accounts may be both topped up and held in
credit, or used for one-off purchases. eWallet credits may be spent on any
channel/s
on the network. v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
27
iGuardian
age verification for its platform complements the
GDBTV implements PIN secured broadcasts, meaning the viewer
British Board of Film Classification allocations (i.e. U, PG, 18, etc). This software, iGuardian, was developed in-house to safeguard against minors accessing material inappropriate for their age and provide peace
of mind for parents. Master PINs may only be obtained by those over the age of 18 and sub-PINs may then be assigned by the master PIN holder for family members.
G TBD
28
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
29
30
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Rebroadcast of Channels Using Live Encoding GDBTV is able to pick up broadcasts from cable and satellite and rebroadcast over IP. Channels currently re-broadcasting in this way include: Discovery Home and Health, Discovery Knowledge, Discovery Real Time, Discovery 1, DMax, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Travel and Living, Animal Planet and Discovery Science; Main Street; Paramount 1,1+1, 2 and 2+1; CNN; Al-Jazeera; Russia Today; Information TV and Information TV2; MTV, MTVR, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Base and MTV Dance; VH1 and VH1 Classics; TMF; Disney; Nickelodeon, Nick Toons, Nick Junior and Nick Replay; the Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network 2, Toonami, Cartoonito and Boomerang; Setanta 1 and 2, Setanta News, NASN, Setanta Golf, Racing UK, Setanta Ireland, Liverpool TV, Arsenal TV, Celtic TV and Rangers TV; plus Turner Classic Movies and TCM2.
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
31
Channel Options channel purchase deal using the
g-Studio
middleware, clients can
channel partnership deal
encode, upload and manage content. using the content can be made available as on-demand,
linear/scheduled, or live. subscription rules may be set, pay-per-view (ppv) and pay-
g-Studio
middleware, clients can
encode, upload and manage content. content can be made available as on-demand,
Sub-channels may also be added,
linear/scheduled, or live. subscription rules may be set, pay-per-view (ppv) and pay-
effectively enabling directory levels to turn a single
per-minute options implemented and advertising
channel into a network of channels.
attached.
per-minute options implemented and advertising attached.
Sub-channels may also be added,
effectively enabling directory levels to turn a single this option gives the owner
complete
control of content and channel management.
channel into a network of channels. set-up is facilitated by Global Digital broadcast in return for a
revenue share
partnership in the channel.
32
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
and
content broadcast deal for broadcast over the network.
link into the electronic programme guide (epG).
set-up and management are under the control of
the channel plays over the client’s own network.
clients can submit
live
broadcast link deal
and linear programming
included in the electronic programme guide (epG). Global Digital broadcast may Global Digital broadcast. clients are
clients
may
simply
the channel can appear in a Global Digital broadcast
portal, via a channel feed source. Global Digital broadcast may implement advertising.
implement revenue share advertising.
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
33
Learning in a Global Community Educast is a new television content management platform which is being offered, free of charge, to every school, college and university in the UK.
WMV VC-1 codecs, Educast facilitates
global
Educast has been especially designed to complement
Educast has attracted positive interest from a
existing media
courses and allows students to take their content direct to television.
Parliament, including John Denham, Secretary of State
Developed by GDBTV and using Microsoft’s
for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
collaboration, live production, live learning, ondemand education and live television.
number of UK Members of
I’m always keen to support local entrepreneurs and GDB’s expansion and verve has been inspirational. As a former TV news editor and in my current role in the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, I have a particular interest in GDB’s technology. Moreover, the commitment to giving something back to society is admirable and I will continue to work closely with them over the coming weeks and months as they launch and develop Educast. Celia Barlow, MP for Hove Microsoft is trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.
34
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
35
Place of Interest TV GDBTV’s own
Place of Interest TV is one of
premiering the UK’s visitor audience. attractions to a worldwide channels,
The concept behind Place of Interest TV is
enhance customer experience and increase visitor numbers by giving the individual attractions a platform on which to showcase their own material, free of charge. to
36
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
The second aspect of having this information available online will be as an
educational
tool; local, national and international schools will be able to watch the videos to aid their learning.
Place of Interest TV intends to ensure smaller places of interest become as
well known
as the
larger attractions, such as the iconic London Eye, which receives
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
3.75 million
p l a t f o r m
visitors a year.
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
37
Corporate Headquarters 2nd Floor Ridgeland House 165 Dyke Road Brighton BN3 1TL East Sussex UK Telephone: +44 (0) 1273 774800 Fax: +44 (0) 1273 200577
38
g d b t v
-
t h e
m o s t
c o m p l e t e
i p t v
p l a t f o r m
Production Studios Unit 5 196 Old Shoreham Road Hove BN3 7EX East Sussex UK Telephone: +44 (0) 1273 748514
v i s i t
o u r
w e b s i t e
f o r
m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n
w w w . g d b t v . c o m
39