Intel & NDS to demo pay-TV over WiMAX

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 04 May 2006 18:56

Business IT - Technology

Intel and NDS Group plc, a UK-based provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, have announced a trial system to demonstrate delivery of TV and video services using fixed WiMAX technology.
Using the WiMAX IEEE 802.16-2004 standard and the soon to be ratified IEEE 802.16e, 'mobile' WiMAX standard, Intel and NDS will also collaborate on industry and market development activities and will engage in demonstrations to service providers and the industry to "show how WiMAX can offer more than broadband access with pay-TV services".

The pre-WiMAX implementation is taking place at Intel's Wireless Competence Centre (IWCC) in Kista, Sweden and demonstrates the first system to show WiMAX TV services including live TV, VOD and integrated electronic program guide (EPG) delivery to an Intel Centrino mobile technology based notebook over 802.16-2004 and 802.11.

The current demonstration uses fixed pre-WiMAX equipment to deliver content to the customer premises equipment and then WiFi to send content to the notebook. The two companies intend to enhance the system to support 802.16e standard in the future and to make sure that security requirements protect the interests of content providers when pay TV services are delivered over mobile WiMAX to Intel based PDA and notebook devices. NDS VideoGuard conditional access will be used for digital rights management.