Carrier & Wholesale Solutions Multicast Services Welcome pack Date 30/07/2012 Sensitivity Unrestricted Our reference 2.0 Contact Alexandre Warnier
Table of contents Table of contents... 2 1. Glossary... 3 2. Introduction... 3 3. What is the Multicast Offer?... 4 3.1 Multicast Functionality... 4 3.2 Shared TV Channels...5 3.2.1 The Encryption Key Interface... 6 3.2.2 The Shared Channel Interface... 6 3.3 Dedicated Capacity... 6 4. What is expected from the operator?... 7 5. Steps and Milestones to Implement a Retail IPTV Offer...9 5.1 Implement the WBA solution... 10 5.2 Study the Multicast Reference Offer... 10 5.3 Study the STB and TV unicast solutions... 10 5.4 Acquisition of content rights...11 5.5 Estimate the human, financial and technical resources...11 5.6 Select STBs and TV unicast services provider...11 VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 2 of 11
1. Glossary CPE HD ISAM OAL SD STB VCAS WBA Customer Premises Equipment High Definition IP-DSLAM: IP Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer. Network equipment connecting the Proximus network and the end user access line. OLO Access Line Standard Definition Set-Top Box Video Content Authority System (system responsible for managing the encryption keys) Wholesale Broadband Access 2. Introduction Operators interested in subscribing to the Wholesale Multicast Offer will find in this document information about the investment required for a successful implementation of their IPTV solution. The different steps the operator has to go through before launching a retail IPTV business based on Multicast Services are described. The document also focuses on the investment needed in terms of equipment, material and human capital as these aspects are equally important. The implementation of the WBA services is a prerequisite for the provision of Multicast Services. If the operator has not subscribed to the WBA offer yet, it is recommended he take the necessary steps for this subscription first. A Welcome Pack is also available for WBA for more detailed information. This document covers the following topics: 1. Glossary 2. Introduction 3. An insight into the Multicast Reference Offer What s in it, what s not? 4. A description of activities to be undertaken in order to implement an IPTV offer - Which services Proximus can provide to the Operator, which implementation should be performed by the operator. 5. A presentation of the typical project breakdown of the implementation of an IPTV retail Offer based on the Proximus Multicast Reference Offer. Note that in case the information provided in this document differs from the Wholesale Multicast Offer, the latter always prevails. VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 3 of 11
3. What is the Multicast Offer? The Multicast Offer consists of a set of services and interfaces enabling Operators to grant their end users access to Proximus shared channels and their dedicated channels. As shown on the figure below the Operator is responsible for all other services offered on top of linear TV channels. In order to make the Multicast streams correspond to the shared and dedicated channels available onto the end user s Set-Top box, the Multicast functionality must be activated on the end user line. On top of those services Proximus makes the shared channel interface available to the Operator. This interface aims at transporting the shared TV channels up to the Operator TV platform and enabling the implementation of TV unicast services. Shared TV Channels Multicast Offer Multicast Operator s responsibility Multicast Offer WBA/BROTSoLL Offer Dedicated TV Channels Interactivity Video on Demand Set-Top Box Management Video Quality Experience WBA CPE WBA Offer STB 3.1 Multicast Functionality Multicast is a functionality at ISAM level that enables an end user to access a given Multicast stream on his access line. By activating Multicast on a WBA end user line, the Operator connects the end user s WBA line to the Proximus Multicast network where the shared and dedicated channels are available. Once Multicast is activated, the ISAM will recognize the Set-Top Box request for a given channel and accordingly provide it with the corresponding Multicast stream. A prerequisite for ordering Multicast is to be compliant with the ordering interface requirements as specified in the Multicast Reference Offer. VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 4 of 11
3.2 Shared TV Channels A shared TV channel is a Multicast stream which is managed by Proximus from the moment the broadcaster s signal is captured up to the Set-Top Box of the end user. The encryption of shared TV channels falls into the Proximus s responsibility area whereas the decryption falls into the Operator s responsibility area. Therefore the Operator shall ensure that his TV platform including encryption systems is compliant with the encryption as deployed by Proximus (Verimatrix). The Operator is responsible for getting in touch with Verimatrix and for the terms and conditions of the agreement he concludes with Verimatrix. The Shared Channel decryption must be performed in the Set-Top Box and is the responsibility of the Operator. It can be done based on the encryption keys that the Operator can fetch, through the Encryption Key Interface, at Proximus. This Interface is implemented between the Proximus VCAS and the VCAS the Operator must implement on his TV platform. Prior to being granted access to the encryption keys of a given shared TV channel, the Operator must have acquired the corresponding access right by the Content Owner and shall have shown proof of this to Proximus. The Operator is then responsible for distributing the encryption keys to the Set-Top Boxes of his end users by relying on the WBA access product connecting his TV platform and the Set-Top Box. On top of the encryption, Proximus is responsible for the encoding as well. Encoding parameters configured at Proximus are given in the Multicast Reference Offer. The Operator must ensure that the Set-Top Boxes of his end users support the encoding requirements used at Proximus s side for a proper decoding of the shared TV channels on the end user s Set-Top Boxes. The figure below gives an overview of the split of responsibilities between the Operator and Proximus. Shared TV Channels Encoding Encryption Multicast Offer Multicast Operator s responsibility Multicast Offer WBA/BROTSoLL Offer Content Rights STB Fetch Encryption Keys WBA CPE Decoding Decryption Distribute Encryption Keys WBA Offer VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 5 of 11
3.2.1 The Encryption Key Interface As described in the paragraph above, the encryption key interface is aimed at interfacing the Proximus and the Operator VCAS to enable the provisioning of encryption keys with the purpose to further distribute the keys towards Set-Top Boxes and eventually decrypt the multicast streams of a given shared channel. This interface requires a specific set-up over an OAL product further described in the BROTSoLL specifications. 3.2.2 The Shared Channel Interface Some unicast TV services require encrypted multicast streams prior to being delivered to the Set-Top Boxes. In order to enable the Operator to implement such services, Proximus offers the shared channel interface which aims at delivering all shared channels (ordered by the Operator) up to the Operator TV platform. This interface requires a specific set-up over an OAL product further described in the BROTSoLL specifications. 3.3 Dedicated Capacity The dedicated capacity is a product that offers the Operator network bandwidth next to the Multicast streams of the shared TV channels. The Operator can use that bandwidth in order to transport the dedicated Multicast streams for which he is responsible. Therefore Proximus is only responsible for the transport part and not for processing the TV signal captured from the broadcaster. In order to connect his platform, which processes the Multicast streams before injection into the Proximus network, the Operator shall order the Dedicated Capacity Interface. This interface is configured on top of OALs previously ordered by the Operator. In addition to handling all activities in the frame of the shared channel offering, the Operator shall make sure that he has the appropriate solution to benefit from the dedicated capacity. That solution must cover the following aspects as detailed in the figure below: Capture of broadcaster signal + corresponding content rights Encoding Encryption Encryption Key distribution STB decryption STB decoding Because the multicast streams are not under Proximus control the Operator is free to select whatever encryption mechanism as long as he ensures the shared channels can be decrypted as per the Proximus encryption requirements. The figure below gives an overview of the split of responsibilities between the Operator and Proximus in the set-up of dedicated channels based on the Proximus dedicated capacity product. VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 6 of 11
Multicast Offer Multicast Operator s responsibility Multicast Offer WBA/BROTSoLL Offer Content Rights Injection STB Encoding Encryption WBA CPE Decoding Decryption Broadcaster Signal Capture Distribute Encryption Keys WBA Offer 4. What is expected from the operator? The previous chapters already give a detailed insight of what the Operator should take care of in order to develop and implement his IPTV offer based on the Multicast Services. This chapter summarises what falls into the Operator s responsibility domain. The figure below shows two types of activities: activities to be undertaken in collaboration with Proximus and activities to be carried out by the Operator alone without the intervention of Proximus. Per service the figure shows in which order the activities must be undertaken. VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 7 of 11
WBA TV Services First Line Support Dimension OALs and Shared VLANs Value Added Services Multicast Services Order STB TV Unicast Services Ordering Multicast on an end user WBA line Shared TV channels Dedicated Capacity (incl. interface) Order the shared Channel Interface Implement a TV Unicast Services Platform Accounting Update the WBA ordering Interface Obtain Content Rights Implement Verimatrix VCAS Solution Integrate VCAS and STB Video Quality of Experience Interactivity Video On Demand Order Multicast Order a given Shared Channel Order the Encryption Key Interface Integrate Shared Channels and STB Order the Dedicated Capacity Interface Implement Broadcaster Signal Capture solution Obtain Content Rights Product/Service Implement an encoding Solution Activity with Belgacom Implement en Signal encryption Solution Implement a VCAS solution Activity without Belgacom Multicast Services can be implemented based on the Proximus Multicast Reference Offer. But a full IPTV offer requires a set of complementary activities. The table below classifies activities depending on whether it requires Proximus collaboration or not. Activities With Proximus Activities Without Proximus Order Multicast: ordering of multicast on a WBA end user line Order a given shared channel: ordering of given shared channel depending on Operator s needs Order the encryption key interface: mandatory step before being able to fetch encryption keys Order the dedicated capacity interface: mandatory step before being able to inject dedicated channels into the Proximus network Dimension OAL and shared VLANs: Since TV unicast services require network bandwidth on top of services previously offered by the Operator over the WBA product, the Operator shall estimate and dimension its OAL and shared VLANs accordingly. Update the WBA ordering interface: mandatory step before being able to order multicast on WBA end user line Order STB (Set-Top Box): To define STB requirements, to select vendor, to negotiate and to come to an agreement. Obtain Content Rights: To negotiate and come to an agreement with each content owner of shared channels for which the Operator wants encryption keys or dedicated channels. Implement Verimatrix VCAS Solution: To define VCAS requirements, to select vendor (optional), to negotiate and to come to an agreement. Integrate VCAS and STB: Technical activities aiming at integrating Verimatrix clients (STB) and the Verimatrix VCAS. Integrate Shared Channels and STB: The shared VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 8 of 11
channels are features by encoding and encryption parameters the STB must be able to support in order to make use of the Multicast stream. Implement Broadcaster Signal Capture Solution: mandatory activity in order to inject the broadcaster Signal into the signal processing chain before injection into the Proximus network. This activity requires defining requirements, to select vendor, to negotiate and to come to an agreement. Implement an encoding solution: mandatory step to format the signal and make it readable by the STB. This activity requires defining requirements, to select vendor, to negotiate and to come to an agreement. Implement an encryption solution: next to the VCAS the Operator must set-up a solution enabling the encryption of the signal. That step is not mandatory and depends on the broadcaster requirements (knowing that most of them require encryption). This activity requires defining requirements, to select vendor, to negotiate and to come to an agreement. Implement a VCAS solution: Since the dedicated channels are not managed by Proximus the Operator is free to use another encryption system. This activity requires defining requirements, to select vendor, to negotiate and to come to an agreement. Implement a TV unicast services platform: this platform is responsible for providing all the services on top of the TV channels. This activity requires defining requirements, to select vendor, to negotiate and to come to an agreement. One on the major sub-activities is the integration of unicast services and the Set-Top Boxes. Besides the implementation of the IPTV solution itself, the Operator shall be responsible for the first line support. The list of activities in which Proximus is not involved is not exhaustive and not unique but it reflects the efforts to be undertaken to implement an IPTV solution. 5. Steps and Milestones to Implement a Retail IPTV Offer The Diagram below shows the necessary steps that should be undertaken preferably before getting in touch with a Proximus account manager. VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 9 of 11
Study the Acquisition of Content rights Implement the WBA solution TV Services Multicast Services Study the Multicast Reference Offer Estimate human and Financial resources Estimate technical resources Select the Unicast Services Provider Select the STB provider Get in touch with Belgacom Account Manager Study STB Solutions Unicast Services Study Unicast TV Solutions TIME 5.1 Implement the WBA solution Because the implementation of WBA is a mandatory step before implementing Multicast Services, the Operator must first investigate the WBA Reference Offer. Further information about the WBA Welcome Pack and Reference Offer can be found on www.proximuswholesale.be. 5.2 Study the Multicast Reference Offer The Multicast reference offer is available on www.proximuswholesale.be. The offer defines the Multicast Services and explains all the requirements to implement it. It is necessary for operators to have an essential understanding of the needed efforts and of all aspects of the product. 5.3 Study the STB and TV unicast solutions In order to fully benefit from the Proximus Multicast Services, the Operator shall investigate STB and TV unicast solutions. At least the following is required in order to be able to implement the Proximus Multicast Services with Shared Channels: Set-Top Boxes Verimatrix VCAS solution VCAS-STB integration VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 10 of 11
Shared channels-stb integration The following is required to implement the Multicast Services Dedicated Capacity Set-Top Boxes Verimatrix VCAS solution VCAS-STB integration Dedicated channels-stb integration Broadcaster signal capture solution Encoding Solution Encryption Solution If the Operator wants to implement TV unicast services we recommend a thorough assessment of solutions provided on the market. 5.4 Acquisition of content rights Proximus offers in his shared channel pool more than 150 channels ranging from Radio channels, through Standard Definition (SD) channels up to High Definition (HD) channels. Before being granted by Proximus the corresponding encryption keys the Operator must study the channel offer he wants to build and figure out the constraints behind the contractual relationship with content owners. 5.5 Estimate the human, financial and technical resources Based upon activities and mandatory steps described in paragraphs above the Operator must assess the resources necessary to implement his retail IPTV solution. The resources required to undertake activities in which Proximus is not involved, especially the acquisition of content rights, should not be underestimated. Proximus considers that those activities amount for 80% of global efforts to deploy IPTV, the remaining 20% being in coordination with Proximus. 5.6 Select STBs and TV unicast services provider This step is left at the Operator discretion but Proximus strongly advises to proceed with that step before first contact with the Proximus account manager. VAT BE 0202.239.951, Brussels Register of Legal Entities, Giro BE50 0001 7100 3118 BPOTBEB1 Page 11 of 11