Three companies are demonstrating a secure on-demand digital content distribution system that uses tiny set-top boxes (STBs) based on embedded Linux, streaming media servers based on FreeBSD and custom Xilinx FPGAs, and digital rights management software based on patent-pending technology.

(Click for larger view of AmniNet 100)

The three companies call their combined solution a “Secure Content On-Demand Digital Distribution Netork,” or Secure DDN (SDDN). The SDDN can securely deliver any type of digital content — including music, videos, and games — to PCs, televisions, or personal media viewers, the companies say.

The SDDN solution includes:

• The AmiNET110 STB, pictured above, which features a 2.9 x 2.9-inch circuit board and a wealth of I/O ports. Amino launched the AmiNET line in December of 1999.
• The MVS2000 media server (pictured at right) from MidStream, said to support up to 480 simultaneous streams at 3.75 Mbps. The $7,000 – $10,000 MVS2000 runs FreeBSD and uses custom Xilinx FPGAs for media processing.
• Security Protocol Integration (SPI) DRM system from NS8Corp

According to NS8Corp, the combined SDDN system targets movie studios, television producers, advertisers, and “any owner or aggregator of rich media programming such as video, music, or audio content.” The SDDN will enable customers to “safely distribute their intellectual property directly to consumers over broadband networks provided by cable, telecommunication and direct broadcast satellite companies,” the company says.

NS8Corp also offers its SPI-SDDN Management Console, said to integrate with existing payment systems of cable, telecommunications, and satellite providers, and an SPI-enabled electronic program guide (EPG).

 
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