Irdeto signed a deal to deliver its latest DVB-C conditional access technology to Taiwan-based multi-system operator, Taiwan Fixed Network Media, a subsidiary of Taiwan Mobile, the largest private fixed and mobile networks telecommunications service provider.

As one of Taiwan’s largest multi-system operators servicing Taipei and the surrounding areas, the deployment is part of TFN Media’s aggressive strategy to grow its market share and to double its subscriber base to one million by the end of 2009.

The implementation of Irdeto’s next-generation digital TV solution will enable and support TFN Media’s introduction of pay-per-view, video-on-demand and personal video recorder services to its subscriber base.

TFN Media projects that Irdeto’s digital TV solution will be in full commercial launch by the second quarter of 2009 and provide customers with some new interactive TV offerings including Sports Lottery – where viewers can bet on sporting events through their digital set-top box, IPTV applications and an electronic program guide.

As part of the agreement, Irdeto will supply one million smart cards to TFN Media which feature Irdeto’s unique FlexiFlash technology which allows for rapid, secure deployment of new features and functionalities and even security upgrades to be downloaded over the air to smart cards already in the field.

Taiwan is home to about 58 cable service operators with a combined total of nearly 4.8 million households, which represents a penetration rate of 84% according to Taiwan’s National Communications Commission.

The Taiwanese NCC authority has recently announced plans for a digital migration of the cable TV system by 2013. The digitalization of the broadcast industry is expected to bring about various business opportunities worth an estimated US$11.8 billion.

Tamanna/ITvoir Network