Multi-DRM Integration Guide for Secure Streaming 2024

Disclaimer: This content may contain AI generated content to increase brevity. Therefore, independent research may be necessary.

Protect your streaming content across all devices with Multi-DRM in 2024:

Combines Widevine, PlayReady, and FairPlay DRM technologies
Encrypts video and controls access for authorized users only
Works on iOS, Android, web browsers, and smart TVs

Key steps to implement Multi-DRM:

Choose a Multi-DRM provider
Set up content packaging and encryption
Configure license servers
Integrate with a DRM-enabled player
Test thoroughly on different platforms

Quick Comparison of Top Multi-DRM Providers:

Provider	Key Feature	Supported DRMs	Licenses/Second
ExpressPlay	Bitmovin integration	FairPlay, Widevine, PlayReady, Marlin	Not specified
NAGRA	High throughput	Platform DRM + proprietary	100
Axinom	High availability	Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay	100,000

Implementing Multi-DRM helps combat piracy, manage content rights, and deliver a seamless viewing experience across devices. As streaming grows, robust content protection becomes increasingly vital for service providers.

2. Multi-DRM basics

2.1 DRM explained

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a set of tools and methods used to protect digital content from unauthorized access and distribution. It works by:

Encrypting content
Controlling who can access it
Setting rules for how content can be used

DRM helps content creators and distributors:

Stop piracy
Manage content release across different regions
Control how their work is used

2.2 Why use multiple DRM systems

Different devices and platforms support various DRM technologies. Using multiple DRM systems helps reach a wider audience. Here’s why it matters:

Device/Platform	Supported DRM
iOS devices	FairPlay
Android devices	Widevine
Windows devices	PlayReady

By using multi-DRM, content providers can:

Reach users on all major platforms
Create a consistent viewing experience
Simplify content protection across devices

2.3 Main DRM providers

Three main DRM providers dominate the market:

1. Google Widevine

Works with: Android, Chrome browsers
Supports: MPEG-DASH, HLS

2. Microsoft PlayReady

Works with: Windows, Xbox, Internet Explorer
Supports: MPEG-DASH, HLS, MSS

3. Apple FairPlay

Works with: iOS devices, Safari, Apple TV
Supports: HLS

Each system has its strengths. Using all three helps ensure broad coverage and strong protection.

"To ensure that premium content can be seen no matter the device, Axinom DRM provides a unified solution to manage different DRM technologies with a 99.999% availability."

This quote highlights the need for a multi-DRM approach in today’s diverse device landscape.

3. How to integrate Multi-DRM

3.1 Parts of a Multi-DRM system

A Multi-DRM system has three main parts:

Content packaging: Encrypts the video and prepares it for delivery
License server: Manages encryption keys and issues licenses to approved users
DRM-enabled player: Decrypts and plays the content on user devices

3.2 Integration steps

To set up Multi-DRM, follow these steps:

Choose a Multi-DRM provider: Look for services that support major DRM technologies like Widevine, PlayReady, and FairPlay.
Set up content packaging: Use your provider’s tools to encrypt your videos. For example, PallyCon offers cloud-based packaging that applies both watermarking and Multi-DRM at once.
Configure license servers: Set up servers to issue DRM licenses to users. Most providers handle this for you.
Implement a DRM-ready player: Use a player that works with your chosen DRM systems. Many providers offer SDKs to make this easier.
Test thoroughly: Check your setup on different devices and platforms to ensure smooth playback.

3.3 What to consider before starting

Before diving into Multi-DRM integration, think about:

Factor	Considerations
Cost	Compare pricing models of different providers
Compatibility	Ensure support for your target devices and platforms
Scalability	Can the system handle your expected viewer numbers?
Security	Look for providers that meet industry standards
Ease of use	Consider the technical skills needed for integration

"To ensure that premium content can be seen no matter the device, Axinom DRM provides a unified solution to manage different DRM technologies with a 99.999% availability."

This quote highlights the importance of choosing a reliable Multi-DRM provider that can handle various devices and maintain high uptime.

4. Setting up your system

4.1 Preparing and packaging content

To set up a strong Multi-DRM system, start by packaging your content:

Choose a packaging tool like PallyCon CLI Packager
Encrypt your content for different DRM systems:
- DASH-CENC for Widevine and PlayReady
- HLS-AES for FairPlay

Key packaging parameters:

Parameter	Description	Example
`--enc_token`	KMS token for CPIX API	eyJhY2Nlc3Nfa2V5Ijoic05nMmF5UEXRlX2lkIjoiMFROQyJ9
`--content_id`	Unique content ID	pallycon-intro
`-i`	Input file path	~/input/video.mp4
`-o`	Output folder path	~/output/encrypted/

4.2 Setting up CDNs for Multi-DRM

Configure your Content Delivery Network (CDN) to work with Multi-DRM:

Use end-to-end TLS for secure delivery
Set up edge authorization tokens
Enable geographic blocking if needed

Fastly‘s edge cloud platform offers these security features for video content:

Feature	Function
TLS delivery & encryption	Terminate connections at the edge
Edge authorization tokens	Validate requests before serving content
Geographic blocking	Prevent unauthorized access based on location
Media encryption	Generate unique content encryption keys

4.3 Backend systems and databases

Integrate backend systems for license management:

Set up license servers for each DRM technology
Create a database to store content keys and user data
Implement an API for license requests and token generation

ExpressPlay Multi-DRM system works well with Bitmovin Cloud Encoding:

Use a common content encryption key
Create a unique identifier for DRM solutions
Request tokens via ExpressPlay REST API for DRM support

"Our integration with multi-DRM service provider ExpressPlay allows you to dynamically add DRM to video on-demand (VOD) files that are packaged by our OTFP service." – Fastly

5. Putting Multi-DRM into action

5.1 Choosing a Multi-DRM provider

Selecting the right Multi-DRM provider is key to successful integration. Consider these factors:

Supported DRM technologies
Compatibility with your existing systems
Scalability and performance
Pricing structure

Top providers to consider:

Provider	Key Features	Supported DRMs
ExpressPlay	Integrates with Bitmovin Cloud Encoding	FairPlay, Widevine, PlayReady, Marlin
NAGRA	Handles 100 licenses/second	Platform DRM + proprietary DRM
Axinom	99.999% availability, 100,000 licenses/second	Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay

5.2 API integration steps

1. Set up your account with the chosen Multi-DRM provider

2. Get API credentials (usually an access key and API endpoint)

3. Implement API calls in your backend:

Content encryption
License token generation
License delivery

4. Test API integration using provider’s documentation and sample code

5.3 Content encryption process

1. Choose an encryption tool, like PallyCon CLI Packager

2. Encrypt your content for different DRM systems:

DASH-CENC for Widevine and PlayReady
HLS-AES for FairPlay

3. Generate encryption keys using your Multi-DRM provider’s key management system

4. Package the encrypted content with the appropriate streaming format (DASH, HLS)

5.4 Setting up license servers

1. Configure license servers for each DRM technology (Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay)

2. Implement license delivery logic:

Token-based: Create and validate license tokens
Callback-based: Set up a proxy server to handle license requests

3. Set up security measures:

Use HTTPS for all communications
Implement IP whitelisting if needed
Set up proper authentication for license requests

4. Test license delivery with sample players and content

"Our integration with multi-DRM service provider ExpressPlay allows you to dynamically add DRM to video on-demand (VOD) files that are packaged by our OTFP service." – Fastly

6. Integrating with user devices

6.1 Adding Multi-DRM to web players

To add Multi-DRM to web players, use HTML5 players that support Encrypted Media Extensions (EME). This allows for DRM integration across different browsers.

For example, the Bitmovin Player Web SDK supports Widevine, PlayReady, and FairPlay:

var config = {
  key: '<YOUR PLAYER KEY>',
  cast: { enable: true }
};

var source = {
  dash: 'https://bitmovin-a.akamaihd.net/content/art-of-motion_drm/mpds/11331.mpd',
  drm: {
    widevine: {
      LA_URL: 'https://widevine-proxy.appspot.com/proxy'
    },
    playready: {
      LA_URL: 'https://playready.directtaps.net/pr/svc/rightsmanager.asmx?PlayRight=1&ContentKey=EAtsIJQPd5pFiRUrV9Layw=='
    }
  }
};

var player = new bitmovin.player.Player(document.getElementById('player'), config);
player.load(source);

6.2 Mobile app integration (iOS and Android)

For mobile apps, use native SDKs that support Multi-DRM. NexPlayer‘s Widevine player works on all Android and iOS devices, not just newer versions.

Feature	NexPlayer Widevine	Other Players
Android Support	All versions	Android 7.0+
iOS Support	All versions	iOS 8.0+

6.3 Smart TV and OTT device setup

Smart TVs and OTT devices often have built-in DRM support. You can use:

EME-based web players
Native apps with Multi-DRM SDKs

For example, PallyCon offers Multi-DRM SDKs for various platforms:

SDK	Platforms	DRM Types
Flutter SDK	Android, iOS	Widevine, FairPlay
React Native SDK	Android, iOS	Widevine, FairPlay

To set up Multi-DRM on these devices:

Choose a Multi-DRM provider
Integrate their SDK into your app
Set up content encryption and license servers
Test on different devices

7. Testing and fixing problems

7.1 Common issues and fixes

When setting up Multi-DRM, you might face several challenges. Here’s a table of common issues and their solutions:

Issue	Fix
Black or blurred screen	Create a separate QA/TEST build with lowered PlayerSDK restrictions
PLAYER_ERR_DASH_DRM_KEY_SESSION	Check browser settings and network connectivity
Geo-blocking errors	Disable VPN if active
Playback issues on incompatible devices	Verify device compatibility with your chosen DRM system

7.2 How to test performance

To make sure your Multi-DRM system works well:

Use a device cloud platform for testing across many devices
Check playback on different browsers and operating systems
Test with various network conditions (e.g., slow connections, intermittent connectivity)
Verify license acquisition times and content start-up speeds

7.3 Security checks for Multi-DRM

Regular security checks help keep your content safe. Here’s what to do:

Use Axinom’s public DRM test vectors to check system compatibility
Test against known vulnerabilities and exploits
Check for proper implementation of encryption and key management
Verify that your player SDKs detect repackaging, code injection, and screen recording attempts

Christopher Levy, CEO of BuyDRM, states: "A well-engineered DRM solution can tremendously benefit your streaming service by preventing unauthenticated and illegal re-streaming of your live sports feed. By doing so, you not only grow your revenue but also stand out as a reliable partner for sporting events to align with."

8. Advanced Multi-DRM features

8.1 Offline playback

Offline playback lets users watch content without an internet connection. This is key for streaming services that want to keep viewers happy when they’re traveling or in areas with poor connectivity.

ExpressPlay DRM Offline offers a solution for this. It works with:

In-flight entertainment
In-vehicle streaming
Hotels and hospitals

The system creates a secure Wi-Fi cloud to share DRM-protected content offline. This means airlines can offer movies and TV shows to passengers without needing constant internet access.

8.2 Limiting concurrent streams

To stop password sharing and protect revenue, streaming services use concurrent stream limiting (CSL). This caps how many devices can use an account at once.

Impact of Account Sharing
Lost revenue in 2019	$9 billion
Expected loss by 2024	$12.5 billion
Netflix’s loss in 2019	$6 billion

Netflix tried CSL and saw good results. After losing subscribers in Q2 2022, they added CSL and other measures. This helped them gain back users, reaching their highest levels since the start of Covid.

8.3 Location restrictions and IP blocking

Streaming services often need to limit content access based on location due to licensing rules. Amazon CloudFront offers tools for this:

Country-level blocking: Stops access from entire countries
More precise blocking: Uses third-party services for finer control

CloudFront’s system is 99.8% accurate in mapping IP addresses to countries. Here’s how it works:

A user in Monaco tries to watch content only licensed for Liechtenstein
CloudFront’s Milan server checks the user’s location
Access is denied, and the user gets a 403 (Forbidden) error

9. More ways to protect content

9.1 Adding watermarks

Watermarking is a key method to protect streaming content. It adds hidden information to videos or audio files, making them traceable.

There are two main types of watermarking:

Type	Description
Visual	Adds a visible logo or text to the video
Forensic	Embeds invisible data in the content

Forensic watermarking is particularly useful for tracking piracy. It creates a unique identifier for each stream, allowing content owners to trace unauthorized sharing back to the source.

9.2 Tracking piracy with watermarks

Watermarks help content owners find and stop illegal sharing. Here’s how it works:

1. Embed the watermark: Add a unique code to each video stream.

2. Monitor online platforms: Look for copies of your content.

3. Extract the watermark: If found, decode the hidden data.

4. Identify the source: Trace it back to the original user or device.

5. Take action: Send takedown notices or pursue legal action.

For example, Netflix uses forensic watermarking to protect its original shows. This lets them quickly find and remove pirated copies.

9.3 Using tokens for security

Token-based authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your streams. It works like this:

A user requests access to a video.
Your server generates a unique token.
The token is sent to the user’s device.
The device includes the token when requesting video segments.
Your server checks the token before sending the content.

This method makes it harder for unauthorized users to access your streams. Amazon CloudFront offers token authentication for its video delivery service.

Here’s a quick comparison of these protection methods:

Method	Pros	Cons
Watermarking	Tracks piracy sources	Can be removed by skilled pirates
Token Authentication	Prevents unauthorized access	Adds complexity to your system

10. Growing your Multi-DRM system

10.1 Balancing loads and staying online

To keep your Multi-DRM system running smoothly as you grow, focus on:

Load balancing
High availability
Scalability

Load balancing spreads requests across multiple servers. This helps handle traffic spikes and prevents overload.

High availability ensures your system stays up even if some parts fail. Aim for 99.999% uptime, which means less than 5 minutes of downtime per year.

Availability	Max Downtime/Month	Max Downtime/Year
99.99%	4 minutes	52 minutes
99.999%	0.4 minutes	5 minutes

Scalability lets you add resources as needed. Cloud-based solutions often make this easier than on-site setups.

10.2 Cloud vs. on-site setup

Factor	Cloud	On-Site
Upfront cost	Low	High
Scalability	Easy	Complex
Control	Less	More
Maintenance	Provider handles	You handle

Cloud setups offer flexibility and lower initial costs. On-site gives you more control but requires more work.

Netflix and Spotify both moved to cloud setups to handle growth. Netflix did this to expand globally, while Spotify needed to adjust resources for billions of daily plays.

10.3 Handling busy times

For sudden traffic increases:

Use auto-scaling to add servers quickly
Implement caching to reduce load on your main servers
Set up a content delivery network (CDN) to spread out traffic

During big events, consider using "hypercare" services. These assign extra support staff to be on standby.

Remember: As you grow, keep updating your system. New trends and tech in content protection pop up often. Stay current to keep your content safe and your users happy.

11. Legal and rule-following concerns

11.1 DRM rules and standards

DRM helps protect content, but it must follow laws. Key rules:

Get clear permission from users before collecting data
Keep user data safe with strong security
Let users see and control their data
Follow local laws about data and content

DRM Requirement	Description
User consent	Get clear permission before collecting data
Data security	Use strong measures to protect user information
User control	Allow users to access and manage their data
Legal compliance	Follow local and international data laws

11.2 Content licensing agreements

Content owners must have proper licenses to share material. This means:

Getting rights from creators
Setting clear terms for how content can be used
Spelling out payment details
Stating how long the agreement lasts

Streaming services need to make sure they have the right to show all their content.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affects how companies handle user data in the EU. For DRM, this means:

Being clear about what data is collected and why
Getting specific permission to use personal data
Letting users ask for their data to be deleted
Reporting data breaches quickly

Companies that break GDPR rules can face big fines – up to 4% of their yearly income or €20 million, whichever is more.

"GDPR has changed how content marketing works, making companies focus more on keeping user data private and safe." – Content Marketing Expert

To stay on the right side of GDPR:

1. Review how you collect and use data 2. Update your privacy policies 3. Train your team on data protection 4. Work with experts to make sure you’re following the rules

12. Keeping your Multi-DRM system up-to-date

12.1 New trends in content protection

The content protection landscape is always changing. Here are some key trends to watch:

Blockchain integration: Some DRM systems now use blockchain for better security and tracking.
AI-powered security: Machine learning helps spot and stop unauthorized access more quickly.
Cloud-based DRM: More companies are moving to scalable cloud solutions.

12.2 Possible changes in DRM tech

DRM technology keeps improving. Here’s what to expect:

Upcoming DRM Features	Description
Smarter watermarking	Better ways to track content and find leaks
Tighter device binding	Stronger links between content and specific devices
Improved offline playback	More options for secure viewing without internet

12.3 Adapting to new streaming methods

As streaming tech changes, your DRM must keep up:

Support new formats: Be ready for updates like CMAF that work across many devices.
Work with 5G: Faster networks mean new ways to deliver and protect content.
Handle higher quality: 4K and 8K streams need more robust protection.

"The Cloud, by definition, increases the risk on content protection." – Eric Diehl

To stay ahead:

Keep an eye on industry news
Test new DRM features regularly
Work closely with your DRM provider on updates

13. Checking success and return on investment

13.1 Key metrics for Multi-DRM

To check if your Multi-DRM setup works well, track these key metrics:

Metric	Description
Total subscribers	Shows how many people use your service
Subscriber growth rate	Tells you how fast you’re gaining new users
Lifetime Value (LTV)	How much money a user brings in over time
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)	How much each user pays on average
Conversion rate	How many free users become paying customers

13.2 Data analysis for secure streaming

Use these data points to make your streaming safer and better:

Watch time: How long people view your content
Drop-off rates: When viewers stop watching
Device types: What devices people use to watch
Geographic data: Where your viewers are located
Content popularity: Which shows or movies are most watched

This info helps you spot trends and fix problems quickly.

13.3 Costs vs. benefits of Multi-DRM

To see if Multi-DRM is worth it, compare these:

Costs:

Licensing fees for DRM tech
Setup and maintenance expenses
Staff training

Benefits:

Less piracy and unauthorized access
More trust from content owners
Ability to stream high-value content

Use this formula to calculate Return on Investment (ROI):

ROI = (Gain from Investment - Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment x 100

For example, if you spent $100,000 on Multi-DRM and gained $300,000 in new revenue:

ROI = ($300,000 - $100,000) / $100,000 x 100 = 200%

This shows a positive return, meaning the investment was worthwhile.

14. Wrap-up

Multi-DRM is key for secure streaming in 2024. It helps protect content from piracy and keeps viewers happy across devices.

Here’s why Multi-DRM matters:

Market growth: The DRM market is set to reach $7.9 billion by 2027, up from $4.3 billion in 2022.
Content protection: It stops unauthorized copying and sharing of digital content.
User experience: Viewers get smooth playback on different platforms.

To make Multi-DRM work for you:

Pick a good provider
Test on various devices
Fine-tune your setup

Remember these points:

Feature	Benefit
Multiple DRM systems	Works on more devices
Cloud-based services	Easier to manage
Encryption	Keeps content safe
License management	Controls who can watch

Multi-DRM isn’t just about security. It also helps you:

Reach more viewers
Make more money from your content
Keep up with new tech

As streaming grows, so does the need for strong content protection. Multi-DRM is a smart way to secure your streams and keep your business growing.

FAQs

What is multi DRM solution?

Multi-DRM is a system that combines several DRM technologies to protect content across different devices and platforms. It aims to:

Support multiple DRM systems (e.g. Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay)
Provide flexible content protection
Allow content providers to choose the best DRM for their needs

Multi-DRM works by:

Encrypting content using a common encryption scheme
Generating license keys for each DRM system
Delivering encrypted content and appropriate keys to users’ devices

How to apply multi DRM?

To implement multi-DRM:

Choose a multi-DRM service provider
Set up content encryption and licensing
Generate keys for each DRM system
Test encrypted content across devices

Key steps:

Step	Description
1. Evaluate needs	Determine required DRM systems based on target devices
2. Select provider	Research multi-DRM services that fit your requirements
3. Configure settings	Set up encryption and licensing parameters
4. Generate keys	Create license keys for each supported DRM
5. Test thoroughly	Verify playback on various devices and platforms

Important: Ensure your video player is compatible with the chosen multi-DRM solution.

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