ATIS Releases Default Scrambling Algorithm for IPTV

March 26, 2007, Washington, D.C. – ATIS announced today the publication of its IIF Default Scrambling Algorithm – IPTV Interoperability Specification (IDSA), ATIS Standard 0800006. This newly released document specifies a default scrambling/de-scrambling algorithm for the MPEG-2 Transport Stream and scrambling algorithm signaling.

Use of the IDSA provides network operators with a maximum choice of IPTV Receiving Device platforms, which typically contain scrambling algorithms that provide for encryption and decryption in support of security and performance. IDSA is a self-contained, fully-specified algorithm that accepts as its input only a fixed Initialization Vector (IV), the content stream, and the key.

IDSA utilizes Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) as its basic building block which is a well-reviewed, widely-accepted, cryptographic algorithm that has had a thorough and expert design review to ensure cryptographic robustness. AES is a publicly available cryptographic algorithm that has been standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as FIPS-197[1].

The IDSA was developed by the ATIS IPTV Interoperability Forum (IIF), which is recognized as the global standards leader in the creation of IPTV standards and specifications. Within the last nine months, the ATIS IIF has released the following documents:  

IPTV Architecture Requirements Document ( ATIS-0800002) – Developed in June 2006, the ATIS IIF produced the industry’s first set of IPTV architecture requirements that define, in broad terms, the scope of IPTV services and high-level requirements that will guide the development of architecture specifications over time.

IPTV DRM Interoperability Requirements ( ATIS-0800001) – This ATIS standard defines the requirements for the interoperability of systems and components in the IPTV DRM/security environment. The IDSA is supported by the requirements found in this document.

IPTV Architecture Roadmap ( ATIS-0800003) – The roadmap defines the phases in which IPTV architecture standards and specifications will be developed by ATIS.

Framework for QoS Metrics and Measurements Supporting IPTV Services ( ATIS-08000004) – The framework provides a basis for definitions of Quality of Service (QoS)/Quality of Experience (QoE) related to different segments of the network, different service instances or invocations, network architectures/technologies utilized, and modes of service.

Packet Loss Issue Report ( ATIS-0800005) – This document reviews many of the factors that may cause packet loss in IPTV transmissions, and addresses solutions to mitigate packet drop.

About the ATIS IIF

The IIF was created by the ATIS Board of Directors in response to the IPTV Exploratory Group’s recommendation that a body of subject matter experts be formed under ATIS to give focus to issues that may impede the adoption of IPTV. Recent activities of the IIF include the development of ATIS standards related technical activities enabling the interoperability, interconnection and implementation of IPTV systems and services, including video on demand and interactive TV services.

For more information on the ATIS IIF’s IDSA Specification, visit the ATIS Web site at http://www.atis.org/iif/index.asp

About ATIS

ATIS is a technical planning and standards development organization that is committed to rapidly developing and promoting technical and operations standards for the communications and related information technologies industry worldwide using a pragmatic, flexible and open approach. Participants from more than 300 communications companies are active in ATIS’ 22 industry committees and Incubator Solutions Program. www.atis.org