NAGRA Blog: What will the workflow of an IP-based pay-TV provider look like?

By Simon Trudelle, Senior Product Marketing Director, NAGRA

Making the switch to IP delivery can be a challenging journey for pay-TV providers - but it's ultimately worth it. New revenue sources, improved operational efficiency and more intelligent use of data are just some of the benefits. But the challenges don't stop at migration. Operating in an IP environment raises its own workflow challenges.

Here are just some of them.

Content rights

There's no one-size-fits-all CAS or DRM solution for providers on the backend side. The solution a provider implements will have to be agile and multi-faceted. It'll also need to offer support for everything from cloud DVR to VOD and OTT TV as the provider adapts and adds extra features to their service. The provider will also need to be in constant contact with content rights owners and its content value protection vendor to ensure its protection and delivery systems meet their demands for all-screen viewing. On top of that, as consumer demand for streaming 4K UHD content rises, pay-TV providers will need to implement solutions like watermarking and anti-piracy services to address the rights owner's ECP requirements.

Customer support

Subscribing to an IP-based service is quick and simple. And while this is great for the user journey, providers will need to quicken their own operational pace to deal with demand. If someone signs up to your service in just a couple of minutes, you need to be ready to handle it immediately. Over time, customer support will shift from managed network and hardware CPE issues to cloud-based delivery and retail device issues. Providers, therefore, need to have the systems, data-driven monitoring tools and processes in place to deal with a new kind of customer support.

What to do with all the data

IP delivery can mean services are available on a range of connected consumer devices. What does that spell for providers? More data! But while this enables providers to create a more personalised experience, they'll still need to manage the ongoing growth of data available to them. Big Data isn't just about the volume of data collected, but mainly about the business intelligence that can be extracted from various data sources. Relying on a business-focused data analytics platform that securely collects relevant data, applies advanced algorithms and feeds the resulting predictions and insights into business operations systems will become key to success. And perhaps most significantly, providers must now protect user data and rely on anonymised data sets, particularly so in Europe with impending GDPR regulations.

Managing new workflows and business systems within an IP environment is a process of constant evolution and adaptation. Versatile content security solutions, smart online customer services and device management, as well as data-driven and business-focused analytics tools are needed to reap the full benefits. Providers shouldn't rest on their laurels after successful migration to IP-based delivery - they should be prepared for another learning curve that truly turns their initial efforts into sustainable business benefits.

If you wish to know more about the services we can offer to help you smartly and securely transition from broadcast to IP, please contact us at dtv@nagra.com.

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