Discretix, VisualOn, Axel Debut Mobile TV Solution for Handset OEMs

Three prominent names in the mobile handset software space — embedded security solutions leader Discretix, multimedia application provider VisualOn, and mobile TV middleware developer Axel Technologies, have partnered to provide a pre-integrated Mobile TV solution for handset OEMs. The DVB-H-based solution, which supports both the OMA BCAST Smartcard and DRM Security Profiles, delivers an ultra-reliable, out of the box strategy for the "next big thing" in cell phones: digital television.

The partnership announced at Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona, gives handset OEMs and service providers a new and practical alternative for rolling out mobile TV. The solution combines VisualOn's Mobile TV Player, Axel Technologies' Salmonstream Mobile DVB-H middleware stack and Discretix' Multi-Scheme Mobile TV security client.

The OMA BCAST Smartcard Profile protects Mobile TV services via the use of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. Both the Smartcard and DRM Profiles ensure that commercial broadcast content can be protected and tracked when transmitted over wireless networks.

"Cost-effective, standards-based technology solutions are the key to making mobile TV a reality for manufacturers and markets around the world," said Sean Torsney vice president of sales and marketing of VisualOn. "The combination of technologies from Axel, Discretix and VisualOn demonstrate that mobile TV is both user friendly and easy to implement."

"Using the DVB-H standard ensures a crystal-clear, broadcast-quality viewer experience. The Salmonstream Mobile stack, combined with the VisualOn Mobile TV Player front end and Discretix Multi-Scheme Mobile TV security client, is a turnkey solution that will cut time-to-market and project costs, and most of all, reduce risk for OEMs," said Markku Koponen, vice president of sales of Axel Technologies.

Salmonstream Mobile, one of the world's most comprehensive DVB-H middleware products, supports IPDC (Internet Protocol Data Casting) and OMA BCAST using DVD-H standards and implementation guidelines. A field-tested and proven technology, Salmonstream Mobile also enables file casting, and offers a Java API suitable for implementing future interactive services conforming to the forthcoming JSR 272 standard.
In addition to supporting DVB-H, VisualOn's Mobile TV multimedia player allows T-DMB, DVB-T and ISDB-T with PVR services. Using an MPEG-2 stream multiplexer, VisualOn Mobile TV's H.264 software codec enables users to experience "iPod quality" TV on a variety of handset devices.
"The Discretix-VisualOn-Axel solution is based on 3 proven technologies, with extremely strong appeal for companies looking to implement mobile TV capabilities," said Edo Ganot, executive vice president of sales and business development for Discretix. "What's more, with standards-based mobile TV security, this combined solution offers the highest security without compromising the user experience."

For more information, visit Discretix at Hall 4, Level 7, Hospitality Suite #22 and Axel at Hall 3, Level 1, Hospitality Suite #03 or at bmcoforum booth in Hall 2, at Stand B82 of the Fira de Barcelona center