SkyStream describes video-on-demand (VOD) software platform zBand as an end-to-end system that ingests, packages, schedules and delivers movies to MovieBeam players. zBand is used to create a revolving library that includes standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) movies that customers can access instantly, on-demand.
According to SkyStream, zBand is integrated with Windows Media digital rights management (DRM) to offer content protection and secure playout options for MovieBeam’s licensed Hollywood movies. By maintaining constant encryption of movie streams, SkyStream says service providers are assured their content is safe from theft.
The viewers’ experience is said to be enhanced by zBand’s forward error correction (FEC), which can repair damaged packets in the distribution, reducing the need to carousel content, making more network bandwidth available to deliver HD movies and ensuring DVD-like picture quality.
Scott Dougall, general manager of content delivery software for SkyStream, said, We are erasing the notion that movie lovers can only get the latest movies from movie rental stores and online DVD rental services. SkyStream and MovieBeam are not only bringing movies directly to the movie lover’s living room, but also redefining the on-demand model by introducing a continually replenished selection of movies, including select titles in HD.