Among the IPTV services we find live television, VOD, NVOD and PVR, which are delivered through broadband networks, this type of networks have the ability to transport data, voice and video on the same structure.
The solution presented by Minerva Networks offers the essential components to be able to produce these services and meet the basic requirements of this type of networks such as high channel change speed for live video transmission, multi-channel control for secure transmission of information, storage on live content servers to provide on-demand recording and video pause functions, easy implementation, customization and integration with billing systems, storage and transaction analysis, etc.
The typical network architecture for IPTV service delivery is composed of subscription applications and databases, encoders, DVB-IP multiplexers , STBs, video servers and advertising insertion, switchers and DSLAMs. To control these units, Minerva offers a client/server application called iTVManager, which controls the acquisition of content, administration and delivery of television services over IP networks. (See diagram 1)
The heart of broadband networks for IPTV is its Headend which allows the aggregation of live content, encryption, user management, processing and distribution of content to subscribers. Inside this unit is housed Minerva iTVManager, a database application system that runs on Linux operating systems, Apache servers, Oracle8i databases, and Enhydra server applications. This system allows the distribution of video and television over IP networks, offering full functionality for services such as VOD and full integration with internet activities such as e-commerce, live video and segmented advertising. Its architecture offers a robust and flexible environment for customizing user interfaces based on DHTML, HTML and JavaScript. Additionally, ITVManager provides all the necessary support for the management of subscribers and units connected to the network, asset control, billing and much more, (See diagram 2).
Components of iTVManager
This solution consists of two interfaces focused on creating and managing personalized television services. The first of these, iTVManager Client, consists of a graphical user interface that allows users to access the services through the use of STBs, computers or mobile units. This interface can be fully customized to meet the needs of its users and offer them answers to their requirements. Among its features are VOD, NVOD, live television and internet access and search.
iTVManager Administration : The administrative component is a powerful application based on the internet architecture that allows the construction and management of the interactive television network. Designed for telecommunications consumers, it offers comparisons between products, and extensive searches. Among its features are subscription management, billing, list creation, import of customer data, generation of reports, and monitoring of system activity among others.
Minerva VPN: is a system of real-time encoders that make up the network platform for video (VNP) which allows the offer of live channels. These channels are linked from the satellite or local antennas and taken to the VNP system after a conversion to analog format. Encoders, running an operating system in real time, encode the signal and distribute it throughout the network.
Minerva MediaGateway: is a system of DVB-IP multiplexers used for the distribution of multiple programs with DVB quality. These units receive signals from encoders at speeds of 240 MG per second and distribute them at speeds of 60 MG per second. The system reads and displays the contents for operators to select and address the materials they want. Ele systems supports channels encoded in Digicipher II and QPSK MPEG-2 DVB.
Security and encryption: Minerva Networks' system has three levels of security that prevent illegal duplication of content. The first level of security offers a firewall system that prevents unauthorized access to the network. The second level involves integration with the management software , controlling all access to the network and checking the legality of the connected units according to the system's databases. Finally, the third level of security exercises the function of coding materials to be transmitted. Authorized subscribers will be able to obtain the security keys to decode such content.
