While large, established cable operators don’t see a compelling reason for full-scale IPTV deployments just yet, smaller operators and telcos are jumping on the IPTV bandwagon as a way to improve existing services or launch video for the first time.

Verimatrix has hooked up with GoBackTV to develop a solution that bypasses the traditional cable modem termination systems (CMTSs) in an IP video architecture.

Verimatrix has integrated its video content authority system (VCAS) with GoBackTV’s “CMTS Bypass” offering. GoBackTV’s bypass product converts an existing cable system to an asymmetric IP network in order to deliver IPTV services.

According to the two companies, by enabling IPTV on existing cable plants, operators can avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, reclaim bandwidth for new services and reduce costs by gaining access to a wide variety of IPTV consumer premises equipment.

“We saw a gap in the market for an alternative solution designed for operators that want to ‘turbo charge’ their digital cable video services without expensive infrastructure costs. Whether you are a cable operator looking to upgrade or a telco wanting unified content security with your cable franchise, VCAS for Cable IPTV is a flexible and cost-effective solution that can be implemented today,” said Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer of Verimatrix, in a statement.  “GoBackTV is an ideal partner for us to deliver the only solution in the market that enables CMTS Bypass and integrates content security for the cable market.”

GoBackTV provides the CMTS bypass hardware infrastructure at the headend. Multicast and unicast IPTV streams are delivered to off-the-shelf IP set-top boxes directly though DOCSIS-compliant cable modems and edge QAM devices, bypassing the CMTS core processor entirely. 

Verimatrix said its VCAS software-based content security is already integrated with more than 70 IP set-top boxes, which would give cable operators more choices than they currently have with Motorola and Scientific Atlanta. 

Verimatrix said VCAS for Cable IPTV fulfills the U.S. FCC’s separable security mandate, which requires the content security to be made available separately from the receiver devices. It’s compatible both with the U.S. DOCSIS and EuroDOCSIS standards and will be on display at this week’s IBC 2007 show in Amsterdam.

As part of the deal, Verimatrix is offering the integrated GoBackTV solution under its Verimatrix brand, and will also provide installation, training and support on a global basis.