On-demand video content and successful live streaming start with choosing a secure streaming solution. Unauthorized access can negotiate with a revenue-boosting strategy of pay-per-view and subscription services. And when it comes to streaming implementation that involves private and sensitive data, then protection is critical. If you want to know how you can protect your video content with DRM, then check the complete guide right here.
Statista report shows that the revenue in the SVoD segment is predicted to reach US$71,237m in 2021. The revenue is estimated to grow by 11.04% CARG during 2021 and 2025, resulting in a market volume of US$108,306m by 2025. With the increasing use of video streaming content, it becomes essential for individuals to protect it as well. You need to ensure streaming content protection at each step; you can include encryption of incoming as well as outcoming streams, digital rights management (DRM), and token authentication for premium content delivery.
Layering different security features is usually a good idea, as it gives more holistic protection against hacking, piracy, and other cyberattacks. Explore the blog to learn how you can protect your video content with DRM with ease. But before digging deep, let’s understand what DRM is and how you can use it to protect your video content.
What is DRM?
DRM (digital rights management) involves encrypting streaming content so it can’t be accessed without a decryption key provided by a third-party DRM platform that involves license servers. The concept of third-party DRM platforms is a key feature that separates true DRM from simplistic encryption like what is available for HLS through AES 128-bit encryption. Since simple encryption is easier and cheaper than true DRM, it’s a useful distinction to know.
To extend AES 128-bit encryption, you need to encrypt your content while packaging. During playback, the player matches the content’s link, helping them complete the download process from an HTTP server. Concurrently, the browser endeavors to recover a decryption key from the location designated in the manifest file. The process is carried out from an HTTPS server, making it easier for you to get authorization before downloading the key.
The schema provides you with access to keys available for employees or members who want access to protect content in HTTPS sites. But there is a significant issue with the approach; this includes:
1. Some points are available in the browser cache during the retrieval of the decryption key which can easily be accessed;
2. Prospect who has a decryption key can easily decrypt the video. There is no authorization between the server and the player to verify whether the viewers are authorized to watch the video or not.
How DRM for Online Video Works?
Grand View research shows that the global video streaming market will reach around 50.11 billion in 2020. It is projected to increase at 21.0% of CAGR from 2021 to 2028. Innovation technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and others improve video quality, ensuring the growth of the market in less time. With the increasing quality, it becomes essential for prospects to secure their content online. And when it comes to securing streaming content, the DRM plays a vital role.
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DRM is a complex process with a lot of entities involved; it is the ultimate way to protect streaming content online. DRM differs from some of the content protection methods in one keyway. A DRM License Server needs to approve the request before the streaming content can play. When the user Plays for DRM content, a license request is made by the Brightcove Player for video play to the third Party DRM License Server; it is proxied by Brightcove. The third-party DRM License Server has to approve the request.
Let’s explain it with an example if someone wants to download the DRM content. There are not many things that they can consider wrapping in DRM protection, and they do not know how to “talk” to the server to unlock the content. The situation is quite similar to receiving a file from a colleague. It has password-protected the file; until they share the password, the digital file is a digital paperweight.
Primary Steps to Involve in a DRM Process
Encoding & Packing
The live streams are encoded in live streaming servers into adaptive streaming formats like HLS or MPEG-DASH. From encoding to packaging, it doesn’t make much difference between the video being “Just” AES encrypted or Hollywood-grade DRM metadata data which needs to be added in the packaging steps.
Hollywood-grade DRMs like PrimeTime, Fairplay, PlayReady, Widevine or any other don’t differ on the encryption side. They primarily differ in the configuration functionalities that are provided. Features like fine-grained policies, offline playback, and platforms (for example, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, IE, iOS, Android, etc.) are supported.
Encryption & Storage
The encoder encrypts streaming files with media keys from single or multiple DRM providers. When prospects consider DRM, then the data in a file rendered that is, the data is unreadable to users with the appropriate unlocking key. The streaming content is stored in CDN, which is ready for viewers to click and play the content.
Authentication & Playback
The video player interacts with the DRM server to check the validity of the license. Once after successful authentication, players can easily decrypt the video and play it at their convenience. On the player side, it’s possible to utilize the HTML EME (Encrypted Media Extensions), enabling DRM playback without plugins.
If the DRM is not sustained through the EME, you could fall back to Adobe Access and Flash. It is mostly supported by the player vendor. Additionally, if the streaming content is MPEG-CENC Multi-DRM encrypted, the player can automatically select the DRM that is natively stayed on the given stage to playback the streaming content in HTML5 without plugins. The license acquisition and authentication can easily be handled by the player by the EME with the metadata that is equipped with the content.
Popular DRM Technologies
Widevine
Widevine is an exclusive digital rights management technology from Google. It is used by Firefox and Google Chrome web browsers, Android TV, Android MediaDRM, and other consumer electronics devices. The DRM technology supports multiple encryption schemes and hardware security to restrict user access to distributed video content as per the rules defined by content owners.
Widevine primarily offers a Content Decryption Module (CDM) as a patron to Google Chrome as well as other browsers and some smart devices. The DRM technology is free to use by content providers; hence Widevine does not charge any fees for device integration and license generation as well.
FairPlay
FairPlay is a DRM technology developed by Apple Inc. The digital rights technology is developed into the MP4 multimedia file format; it helps to encrypt AAC audio layers. FairPlay was used until 2009 by the company to defend copyrighted works exchanged through iTunes Store, enabling only authorized devices to play the streaming content.
The restrictions inflicted by FairPlay, primarily limited device compatibility. It has sparked criticism, with a lawsuit alleging antitrust violation and thus was eventually closed in Apple’s favor, and many successful efforts to remove the DRM protection from files, with Apple, constantly updating its software to prevent such projects. In 2009, Apple signed deals with all major record labels and other independent labels to provide all iTunes music with a DRM-free option.
PlayReady
Founded in 2007, it is a media file copy-prevention technology from Microsoft. PlayReady offers output prevention, digital rights management (DRM), and encryption.
Primary Difference Relative to DRM Schemes Includes:
Few popular functionalities were already present in DRM schemes that were launched in the market. These include the concept of a domain, embedded licenses, and envelopes. It’s the security scheme for IIS Smooth Streaming, Microsoft’s adaptive streaming technology.
It’s platform-independent. Just like other Microsoft DRM schemes, PlayReady can be ported to different kinds of portable devices, even though it’s used by non-Microsoft technology, including media players, OS, codecs, etc.
Summing It Up
If you are using the Alphanso Tech streaming solution, then we assure you that your content is protected from all threats. Guaranteeing secure live streaming, DRM-enabled streaming solutions encrypt your video in a secure format and make it available in different parts so that the comprehensive video can’t be accessed in a unity file.
The content key and license key are unique for each DRM content and account. Once encoding is completed, the streaming solution uploads the video to the respective S3 bucket. Whereas it makes it possible for viewers to enjoy live streaming with an authorized license key.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is DRM (Digital Rights Management)?
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is the latest technology used to protect digital content, such as videos, music, ebooks, software, and more, from unauthorized access, distribution, and piracy. It employs encryption and access control measures to ensure that only authorized users can access and use the protected content.
2. How does DRM work for video content protection?
DRM for video content encrypts the video files, making them unreadable without the appropriate decryption keys or licenses. These keys are provided to authorized users who have obtained the content legally, allowing them to decrypt and view the video. DRM systems also include access controls, limiting the number of devices on which the video can be played or setting expiration dates for access.
3. Why is DRM necessary for protecting video content?
DRM is essential for protecting video content because it helps prevent unauthorized copying, distribution, and viewing of videos.
It ensures that content is only accessible to those who have purchased the rights or received permission from the content owner. By safeguarding video content, DRM helps content creators and distributors maintain control over their intellectual property and revenue streams.
4. How can content owners implement DRM for video content protection?
Content owners can implement DRM for video content protection by partnering with DRM service providers. These providers offer ready-to-use DRM solutions that can be integrated with existing video platforms or websites. Content owners can choose the level of security and access controls they require and customize DRM settings to suit their needs.
5. What are some popular DRM solutions for protecting video content? Several popular DRM solutions are available for protecting video content. Some widely used ones include Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, Apple FairPlay, and Adobe Primetime. These DRM solutions are compatible with different platforms and devices, providing robust protection for video content.
6. Can DRM prevent screen recording or capturing of video content during playback?
While DRM offers strong protection against unauthorized access and copying of video content, it may not completely prevent screen recording or capturing during playback. However, DRM can make it significantly more challenging for individuals to capture high-quality videos without compromising security.
7. Are there any legal considerations when using DRM for video content protection?
Content owners must consider copyright laws and licensing agreements when implementing DRM for video content protection. The use of DRM should comply with legal requirements and not infringe on users’ fair use rights or violate copyright regulations.
8. Can DRM be bypassed or cracked by hackers?
While no digital security is foolproof, DRM systems employ sophisticated encryption and security measures to deter unauthorized access and hacking attempts. Content owners can significantly minimize the risk of unauthorized content distribution by using up-to-date and well-maintained DRM solutions.
9. Is DRM compatible with different devices and platforms?
Yes, DRM solutions are designed to be compatible with various devices and platforms, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Leading DRM providers ensure cross-platform compatibility to reach a broader audience.
10. How does DRM impact the user experience for legitimate consumers?
For legitimate consumers who have obtained authorized access to the video content, DRM’s impact on the user experience is minimal. They can enjoy the video content seamlessly, and the DRM protection remains transparent in the background.