Conditional Access for Encrypted Video Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content delivery systems face challenges in efficiently pre-loading and managing encrypted video content for users, particularly in off-peak hours, without overwhelming bandwidth during peak viewing times and ensuring secure access.
Innovation Solution
The system pre-loads encrypted video content onto personal video recorders (PVRs) using double or single encryption methods, with decryption keys delivered at appropriate times, allowing content to be viewed only when authorized, thus optimizing bandwidth usage and securing content access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If encrypted video content is pre-loaded onto PVRs during off-peak hours, then bandwidth load during peak viewing times is reduced, but system complexity increases due to encryption key management
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads encrypted video content onto PVRs during off-peak hours before actual viewing demand occurs. This preliminary action reduces peak bandwidth requirements by having content ready in advance, while the encryption layer ensures security is maintained throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption system is divided into multiple components: content encryption module, key management module, and decryption module. The content is encrypted using multiple keys (content key and wrap key), separating the security functions to manage complexity systematically
2Reliability
If double encryption is applied to video content, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The content is encrypted in advance during off-peak hours using double encryption (content key and wrap key). This preliminary encryption action ensures high security while distributing the computational load away from peak viewing times, reducing real-time processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A wrap key is introduced as an intermediary layer between the content key and external access. The content is encrypted with a content key, and this content key is then encrypted with a wrap key. This intermediary layer provides enhanced security while allowing efficient key management and distribution
3Reliability
If decryption keys are delivered at appropriate times, then authorized access control is improved, but system complexity increases due to key distribution infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
Decryption keys are prepared and made available in advance to authorized devices before content viewing occurs. This preliminary key delivery ensures that only authorized users can access the pre-loaded content, maintaining strict access control while simplifying the viewing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements authorization verification where the PVR checks user credentials and authorization status before delivering decryption keys. This feedback mechanism ensures that only properly authenticated users receive keys, maintaining security while automating the key distribution process
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of providing conditional access to encrypted content includes receiving unsolicited multiply encrypted video content and first decryption data over a broadcast network. Partially decrypted video content is obtained by decrypting a first layer of encryption of the encrypted video content using the first decryption data. The partially decrypted video content is stored. A request for viewing the encrypted video content is transmitted and second decryption data is received. A second layer of encryption of the encrypted video content is decrypted using the second decryption data.