Cinea Inc. has announced that its Running Marks technology now enables the traceable, stream-specific forensic watermarking of encrypted video-on-demand (VOD) content.

Now, Running Marks is able to embed a unique serial number into individual customer video streams, without requiring providers or system operators to expose the content in an unencrypted format.

The new functionality enables on-demand distributors – in the cable, telecom, satellite and video-download markets – to provide a secure distribution chain that minimizes cost, time, and exposure to theft and piracy, the company said.

Until now, applying a unique forensic watermark to already-encrypted, or pre-encrypted content required several operations – including decryption, watermarking and re-encryption – before being released to the VOD customer.

Cinea’s Running Marks solution uses a replacement-based architecture to extend watermark information to encrypted, compressed content for on-demand delivery. A watermark unique to each VOD stream is embedded into the encrypted video content as it leaves the VOD server environment, the company said, and this watermark aids in pinpointing vulnerable touch points in the distribution chain in the event that the copyright-protected content is compromised.

Running Marks’ architecture offers advantages, including extensive flexibility to mark compressed content anywhere during the content distribution path, as well as on delivery to a home media gateway.

“With developments like this, Cinea makes it easier and less costly for premium video content providers to adopt transactional watermarking, which should reduce content misuse,” said Bill Rosenblatt, president of GiantSteps Media Technology Strategies. “Service providers and device manufacturers who are concerned about the complexity of advanced watermarking should look to Cinea for its leadership in lowering barriers to adoption throughout the content value chain.”

More Broadband Direct:

• RCN upgrades VOD portal with SeaChange equipment 

• Survey: VOD, HD main quality concerns for MSOs 

• Juniper expands its mobile backhaul solution 

• Cinea’s solution enables traceable forensic watermarking of VOD content 

• SCTE begins work on cable FTTP standards 

• Broadband Briefs for 3/31/08