DRM restricts the file playback to users who have authenticated with a third-party DRM license server. AWS DRM does so by packaging a DRM header in the segment of the file. The DRM package includes all the information needed to contact the license server and Other encryption information required to play a media file. After the file has been packaged, it is sent to the Content Distribution Network (CDN). A CDN can be a service like CloudFront and Amazon S3 or some non-AWS service such as Akamai. Once the file has been distributed, the license server needs to be contacted to retrieve the license to play a media file. DRM stands beyond Standard Encryption by specifying the complete set of protocols for content protection.

In short, AWS DRM protection system on AWS has the following necessary key steps:

• The Video Content Provider calls the DRM license provider through a live application with a content key ID to generate a content key.
• The DRM license provider generates a content key and returns it and a license acquisition URL to the content provider using the key ID.
• Video Content Provider calls its application to encrypt the content key.
• By passing the encrypted content key, key ID, and license acquisition URL, the application server now fetches the file to be secured and bundles it with the DRM information.
• The package server sends the DRM-protected file to the distribution server to distribute the file.

Keep in mind that AWS doesn’t provide a DRM license server of its own, so it needs to be coupled with popular DRM license servers like Google Widevine and Apple Fairplay. They are the best as they have the widest list of compatible devices for protection. Here is a brief about major DRM license providers:

Google Widevine DRM: Google Widevine is the content protection Digital Rights Management service (DRM) from Google to protect premium media. It is used by several streaming platforms and OTT networks like Google Play, Netflix, HBO Max and many more to serve the digital media content securely. It supports adaptive streaming formats such as MPEG-DASH, HLS and Common Media Application Format (CMAF).

Apple FairPlay: FairPlay is Apple’s DRM specification. It has been used for Apple’s iTunes Media Services, and since 2015, FairPlay Streaming has been securely delivering content on iOS, iPadOS, watchOS 7, tvOS, and macOS. FairPlay supports HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and FairPlay Streaming (FPS) technology to encrypt and protect playback on Apple Devices securely.

Benefits of AWS DRM coupled with Widevine & Fairplay License Server

• Protection on all Google Android devices, including Android 4.4+
• Best Browser Protection via Google Widevine and Apple Fairplay for Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge for Android, and Safari browsers.
• Protection across Google Devices: Widevine provides compatibility with most devices, including Chromecast, Android TV, Roku, and many more. Google Widevine is currently available on more than 5 billion devices and has 1000 partners.
• Protection across Apple Devices: FairPlay supports different content formats and platforms. It supports Mac OS 10.10, iOS 9.0 or later on iOS native app, tvOS 10.0 or later on Apple TV.
• Lowest latency and fastest delivery via AWS multi-regional servers
• Netflix like highest grade video security for premium video content producers
• Highly recommended for eLearning and OTT service providers because of their video content’s security vulnerabilities

Requirements to deliver DRM protected content via AWS DRM

Firstly, you need to have a DRM license provider like Google Widevine and Apple Fairplay to generate and store your DRM content keys. These keys are authenticated via the license provider whenever the media is requested for streaming.

Secondly, You need a server to store your encrypted video files. In the case of using AWS, it will be Amazon S3.

Thirdly, you will need a content distribution network (CDN) to stream your files through the nearest location instantly. In our case, it is going to be Amazon Cloudfront.

Fourthly, you will need to create a live application that authenticates and authorises your users. Many such application scripts are also required to completely encrypt the media files and store them in the desired location. These applications also need to perform other video DRM protection tasks like key management and encoding.

Lastly, you will also require an online media player capable of handling AWS DRM-protected media and encrypted video files.

AWS DRM Solution Provider: VdoCipher

Since integrating the whole key management system requires technical skills, most video producers prefer popular media solution agencies like VdoCipher. Therefore, they have integrated the entire DRM system into AWS infrastructure to give the best results to the clients. VdoCipher provides you with AWS DRM security using Google Widevine and Apple Fairplay License server.

VdoCipher is a SaaS-based subscription solution that simplifies the complex digital rights management (DRM) licensing service integration. It simplifies AWS DRM integration to allow secure streaming across browsers, mobile devices, tablets, personal computers, Android TV, and Chromecast. VdoCipher leverages easy-to-use integration via Web UI and APIs to achieve the whole package. Through connection with AWS S3 and Cloudfront, VdoCipher customers receive a single, secured content workflow, from encoding and encryption to content delivery network (CDN). Below is the list of VdoCipher’s basic features.

DRM Encrypted Streaming

DRM encryption ensures the video content is stored and transmitted in encrypted form. Hollywood Grade DRM fights video piracy and no downloader or plugin can grab the content.

Watermarking to deter screen capture

The dynamic video watermarking feature restricts piracy of video content using screen capture and protect premium content. The watermark displays email, user id, IP, time stamp with easy customisations for color, speed, transparency and size.

Amazon AWS server and CDN

Pre-integrated with AWS S3 Storage, CloudFront CDN and Encoding Key Exchange through elastic servers. The infrastructure also includes enhanced Key rotation algorithms coupled with hardware security enforcement through device filtering.This ensures Multi-regional, adaptive and highly scalable infra on AWS to meet service growth.

Smart HTML5 Player

VdoCipher Smart HTML5 Video Player offers dynamic player controls for the best viewing experience. With Adaptive Multi-Bitrate Playback, Playback speed change and multi-lingual subtitles, stream HD content even at low internet connectivity. Other features includes video analytics, theme option and custom overlay.

Easy embedding via iframe, API and Plugin for WordPress

VdoCipher provides secure API and easy embed options based on iframe for easy integration through HTML5 and mobile native players.

Vishal Sharma

My expertise focuses on DRM encryption, CDN technologies, and streamlining marketing campaigns to drive engagement and growth. At VdoCipher, I’ve significantly enhanced digital experiences and contributed to in-depth technical discussions in the eLearning, Media, and Security sectors, showcasing a commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital landscape.

The post AWS DRM or Digital Rights Management Solution Providers & Benefits appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

DRM streaming uses digital rights management (DRM) technology to control users’ access and use of the content. It can help protect the content from being copied or shared without permission and ensure that the content used is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the license agreement. DRM Streaming allows the content owner to control how and where the video content is used.

Why Video Streaming is a necessity?

• Streaming videos do not take up any storage space on your device. The video is not actually stored on your device but is instead streamed to it. This is especially beneficial for devices with limited storage space, such as smartphones and tablets.
• Instant playback. When you download a video, you have to wait for the entire video to download before watching it. However, you can start watching it almost immediately when you stream a video. This is because the video is streamed to your device in real-time rather than being stored on your device.
• Downloaded video files are shareable with others via file-sharing networks and other platforms. Video streaming technology is harder to copy and prevents users from saving a copy to their computer if you don’t want them to.

Benefits of DRM in Video Streaming

Whether you are in the corporate world or a professional video creator, you can always stream your work online through various online platforms. There are several benefits of DRM-protected video streaming that will help you get your work out there.

Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming video services use DRM to prevent video piracy. When you watch a DRM-protected video, the video is encrypted and can only be playback on devices with the correct decryption key.

One of the benefits of DRM streaming is providing a more secure streaming experience for users. With DRM streaming, content providers can use encryption to protect their content from copying or sharing without permission. This can help ensure that users only have access to the content they are supposed to have access to and that it is not distributed illegally.

• Protect your content from being copied or illegally distributed. No matter how hard you try to keep on top of your work, there will always be people interested in taking credit for your work and passing it off as their own. This is why you need to have a DRM system on your work so that no one will be able to steal it from you.
• Video security. DRM encrypts the video content only to be played back by authorized users. It prevents unauthorized users from copying and sharing video content. DRM Streaming prevents piracy and protects your video copyright.
• Increased profitability for content owners. It is important to know that copyright-protected video streaming will allow you to stream your work on several different platforms.
• DRM streaming can help to ensure that your viewers have a smooth, uninterrupted viewing experience.

Top DRM Encrypted Streaming Technologies

DRM Streaming technologies are technologies that allow content providers to protect their digital content by streaming it over the internet. This technology protects the content by requiring the user to have a valid DRM license in order to play the content. DRM Streaming technologies help to protect the content from unauthorized access and ensure that the content is only played back on authorized devices.

VdoCipher Multi-DRM (Google & Apple) Streaming

There are many technical requirements involved to have Google Widevine DRM, and Apple Fairplay Service implemented. At VdoCipher, we offer secure video hosting solutions with Encrypted DRM Video Streaming. VdoCipher provides Widevine for Chrome, Firefox DRM via Widevine, and Fairplay for Apple devices, with Flash as a fallback. The multi-DRM video solution ensures that content providers can entirely rely on VdoCipher for distributing content on all devices.

• Complete video streaming solution
• Securely embed videos on your site with our standard APIs and Plugins
• Dedicated license servers and licensing database
• Streaming infrastructure includes Widevine architecture (encryption, transcoding, adaptive bitrate streaming & more)
• Upload videos easily through the Dashboard or VdoCipher APIs
• Quick integration with popular CMS with DRM and Watermark security
• Encrypted private key stored in AWS S3 or Google storage
• Dynamic HTML5 video player
• Adaptive Multi-bitrate Playback
• Free 30-day trial

Google Widevine DRM Encrypted Streaming

Google’s Widevine DRM is a content protection system for premium media. It is used by major partners worldwide such as Google Play, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Discovery+, Paramount+ and more. The purpose of Widevine is to provide the best experience for viewing premium content over digital distribution.

Widevine DRM encrypts streaming video content, allowing providers such as Netflix to deliver videos to viewers securely. It enables content providers to use a single solution to protect their content and provides a flexible, scalable, and secure technology platform, supporting the latest video formats and HD video.

The Widevine DRM platform uses standards-based royalty-free solutions for encryption, adaptive streaming, transport, and player software. It also includes free, open-source tools for content preparation and media playback, enabling openness and innovation at every level.

Widevine uses a combination of CENC encryption, adaptive streaming quality, and licensing key exchange to manage and send the video to users. It simplifies the work for service providers and supports the multi-level streaming quality based on the receiving device’s security capability.

Google Widevine DRM Streaming Features

Widevine DRM uses the open standard, Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP
(DASH). The DASH Protocol solves two major content delivery problems: Bandwidth and Transport.

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming – In an ideal scenario, videos are streamed to the users at the highest quality and rate. However, the delivery bandwidth may change over time for many reasons. As a result, the bandwidth decreases, and videos play at a lower bitrate to preserve continuity.

DASH solves this problem by taking video encoded at different resolutions and bitrates, converting it into fragmented MP4 files divided up into segments of the same length. When the device receives encrypted video, it checks the bandwidth and requests the
appropriate segment of the fragmented MP4 file from the server. As the stream quality is dynamically adapted, the viewer has an optimum playback experience.

Streaming over HTTP – Widevine DRM uses the open standard HTTP protocol because it is included in all browsers, and browsers are now part of most devices.

Google Widevine DRM Security Levels

The Google Widevine DRM has three levels:

Widevine Security Level L1 – Widevine L1 is the topmost level of DRM protection. All content processing, cryptography, and control are performed within the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). In some models, the security processing may perform in different chips. L1 devices can play videos at the highest possible resolution.

Widevine Security Level L2 – The cryptographic information is still processed within Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) but not video processing. It includes separate video hardware or software-based video processing. Typical 540p video resolution limit.

Widevine Security Level L3 – Does not have a TEE on the device. Only Software-based DRM protection. The content typically plays only at 480p.

Note: The Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) is a secure area on a device that runs sensitive applications. The TEE is isolated from the main operating system and stores sensitive data, such as passwords and encryption keys. The TEE can also run applications that require a high level of security, such as financial applications.

Apple FairPlay DRM Streaming

FairPlay Streaming is an Apple-developed DRM system used to protect digital audio and video content from unauthorized access and use. FPS securely delivers keys to Apple mobile devices, Apple TV, and Safari on OS X, enabling playback of encrypted video content. Content providers, encoding vendors, and delivery platforms can encrypt content, FairPlay Streaming prevents unauthorized access and copying of audio and video content.

The content is delivered over the web via HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). FPS allows mobile devices and Apple TV to stop playback based on expiration information sent with the content key. Also, a constant FPS device identifier is sent to the server in a server playback context (SPC) message, allowing the server to anonymously and privately identify the device. FPS is integrated into the device operating systems, with native support on iOS and Apple TV. Safari on OS X enables FPS using Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) interface support.

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) sends audio and video over HTTP from an ordinary web server for playback on iOS-based devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple TV and on desktop computers (macOS). HLS is designed for reliability and dynamically adapts to network conditions by optimizing playback for the available speed of wired and wireless connections.

FairPlay allows a content provider to securely deliver an AES 128-bit content key from the provider’s key server. The content provider encrypts the H.264 video content with the content key. Then, FPS decrypts the encrypted video content with the content key.

Apple FairPlay DRM Streaming Workflow

• The user opens a video streaming client app to play a video.
• The client application notifies the AVFoundation to play FairPlay Streaming video content.
• AVFoundation downloads the m3u8 file from the content server and parses.
• AVFoundation checks the #EXT-X-KEY tag and requests the AVFoundation App Delegate for the content key for decryption.
• From AVFoundation, App Delegate requests Server Playback Context (SPC) data. After receiving it, the App Delegate sends it to the key server.
• The KSM module in the key server interprets SPC data and, from the key DB, retrieves the key required for content playback.
• The key server sends the retrieved content key to the client app in Content Key Context (CKC) data.
• AVFoundation Delegate in Client app enters CKC data into AVFoundation
• AVFoundation decrypts and plays content securely using the content keys contained in CKC data.

FAQs

What is the difference between DRM streaming and regular streaming?

The difference between DRM streaming and regular streaming is that DRM streaming is a way of streaming content that is protected by DRM. This means that the content can only be played on devices that support DRM, and that the content owner can control how it is used. Regular streaming is a way of streaming content that is not protected by DRM. This means that the content can be played on any device that supports the streaming protocol, and that the content owner cannot control how it is used.

Difference between streaming and downloading?

The difference between streaming and downloading is that streaming allows users to watch content instantly, but with a greater risk of buffering. Downloading allows users to view content at their leisure. For example, users must wait for content to download to their device before they can watch it.

What are the most common DRM streaming technologies?

The most common DRM streaming technologies are Google Widevine, Apple FairPlay Streaming, and Microsoft PlayReady.

Vishal Sharma

My expertise focuses on DRM encryption, CDN technologies, and streamlining marketing campaigns to drive engagement and growth. At VdoCipher, I’ve significantly enhanced digital experiences and contributed to in-depth technical discussions in the eLearning, Media, and Security sectors, showcasing a commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital landscape.

The post DRM Streaming for Encrypted Video through Widevine & FairPlay Protection appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

DRM Restrictions allow online video and other digital services to impose that the content they provide is used in accordance with their requirements. The primary purpose of DRM is to ensure that the content is only available to the paying customers.

DRM uses a combination of different technologies to ensure the content will only be readable on a particular computer or device. The main objective of DRM restriction is to prevent the content from being distributed on peer-to-peer and social networks such as BitTorrent and Telegram. DRM may restrict some of the things you can do in your web browser. Several services are approaching HTML5 video, requiring a different DRM mechanism known as Content Decryption Module (CDM).

Common ways to protect your Digital Content

There are several different ways that video security restrictions can be applied to a digital video. The two most common ways are to use digital watermarking and DRM Technology.

• Digital watermarking is the process of adding small amounts of information to the digital video. This information can be used to identify the content and to track how it is used. Keep in mind that there are some illicit ways to bypass watermarking.
• DRM Encryption is the process of protecting the digital video from being copied, transferred or distributed. If a digital video has been DRM Encrypted, it can only be used in a way that the content provider wants. It is the most secure way to protect your digital content as through this way it gets protected via Google and Applen drm license servers.

Most Common implementations of DRM Restrictions

There are a number of common DRM restrictions varying on the type of Video DRM used. The restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The file or content may be played only on a limited number of devices or for a limited number of times.
• Only authorised users can access your content.
• Prevents editing, printing, saving, forwarding, sharing, screen grabbing and more
• Content limited to devices, IP addresses and country locations.
• Access Management

Types of DRM Restrictions

There are three types of DRM restrictions: technological, contractual, and legal.

• Technological DRM restrictions are imposed by technology and can include measures such as encryption, password protection, and digital rights management software.
• License agreements impose contractual DRM restrictions. They can include measures such as restrictions on the number of devices that can be used to access the content, the number of times the content can be accessed, and the length of time the content can be accessed.
• Legal DRM restrictions are imposed by copyright law and can include measures such as the requirement to purchase a license in order to access the content or the requirement to obtain permission from the copyright holder in order to use the content.

Benefits of DRM Restrictions

There are benefits to DRM restrictions. First, they can help to protect copyrighted material from being copied and distributed illegally. They can also help to ensure that customers who purchase digital content can access it only on authorized devices. DRM restrictions can also help to prevent piracy and protect against copyright infringement. They can help protect copyrighted material, discourage piracy, and keep users from sharing unauthorized copies of the content. Additionally, DRM restrictions can help increase revenues for content providers, as users are more likely to purchase legitimate copies of content when they know that they are unable to share or distribute it illegally.

Once you have a DRM protected file, then no one else can use it. In some cases, you can control who can access your digital product when you decide to close down your website. Digital Rights Management is the most effective way to protect your content from illegal distribution and use. Digital Rights Management is an effective way to protect your content from illegal distribution and use.

Examples of DRM Restrictions for Digital Assets

Video DRM Protection

Video DRM restrictions protect and control the use of digital video. When a piece of digital video is protected by DRM, the owner of the video is given the ability to manage how the content is used. The owner can decide who is allowed to view the piece of content, how many times it can be viewed, what devices it can be viewed on and how long the content is available.

When video DRM restrictions are used, it is possible to ensure that the digital video is used only in the way that the content provider wants it to. It is also possible to ensure that the digital video is used by the right people, at the right time and on the right devices.

Video DRM restrictions can be used to protect many different types of digital video. It can be used to protect digital videos that are downloaded from the internet or copied from a DVD. It can also be used to protect digital video that is sent to a mobile phone or streamed to a television. By embedding DRM into videos, copyright holders can control how and where their videos are shared online. DRM software can also be used to restrict access to videos, for example, by only allowing them to be viewed a certain number of times or by requiring a password to access them.

VdoCipher DRM Solution for Video Protection

Vdocipher offers Hollywood Grade DRM Protected Video Streaming to protect video piracy and unauthorized access or sharing. It provides secure video hosting solutions to LMS platforms, media, e-learning platforms and individual videos creators. Videos streamed through VdoCipher cannot be downloaded via any software or internet plugins. Some of their key features include:

• DRM encrypted streaming protected via Google Widevine and Apple Fairplay
• API and Plugin Integration
• Multi CDN Integration
• Adaptive Smart HTML5 video player
• AWS powered server
• Customizable video watermarking
• Geo, IP and Time based restrictions

eBooks Protection

DRM restrictions on ebooks vary depending on the ebook platform or service. However, many ebook platforms place restrictions on how many devices an ebook can be read on and how many times it can be read. Additionally, DRM may also restrict the ability to print, copy, or share ebooks. DRM restrictions on ebooks include preventing piracy, ensuring that the ebook is used only by the person who purchased it and preventing the ebook from being shared or copied. DRM also allows ebook publishers to track how often an ebook is read and what parts are most popular.

Publishing platforms like Google Play Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo use Adobe Digital Editions DRM support. DRM-protected ebooks can only be accessed on authorized apps and devices like Amazon Kindle ebooks can only be viewed on Kindle app and Kindle devices.

Benefits of DRM restrictions on eBooks

• DRM restrictions can help to prevent the piracy of ebooks.
• It can help to ensure that the ebook is used only by the person who purchased it.
• It helps to protect the copyright of the ebook. Only those with authorized credentials can view DRM-protected ebooks.
• These restrictions lock their customers to the stores by creating a DRM scheme that allows authorised readers to read their books
• DRM books such as Amazon restrict its user by location, if you moved to another country, you lose all the E-Books you paid for if the title is restricted in that country

Depending on the DRM configuration, DRM restricted ebooks may have restrictions on functions such as transferring to other devices, copying text to the clipboard for pasting elsewhere, printing, and text-to-speech synthesis. While some DRM schemes make it possible for publishers to enable these features, others do not support them at all.

Protection on Apple Store

Apple FairPlay is a DRM technology used by Apple Inc. to protect digital audio and video content from unauthorized reproduction or distribution. It is used on iTunes Store and other Apple-owned digital content distribution services. The company used it to protect copyrighted works sold through iTunes Store, allowing only authorized devices to play the content.

Apple’s FairPlay DRM can securely deliver streaming media to client devices through the HTTP live streaming protocol. FairPlay DRM provides the highest security from piracy through encryption, licensing & disabling screen capture. The restrictions imposed by FairPlay, mainly limited device compatibility, have sparked criticism

Few usage restrictions of Apple Music:

• Only authorized devices using the iTunes account are granted permission for using the service.
• Restriction to use the service on up to six devices or not more than five computers associated with your Apple ID.
• Music streaming is restricted to only one device at a time.
• Songs are saved as Apple Music AAC audio files with DRM. DRM restricts converting files to other formats.
• You cannot edit or remix the tracks.
• Restricts burning songs to CDs.
• DRM restriction on keeping the purchased content. Your entire song library will be gone forever if you cancel the paid subscription

FAQs

What is the difference between Hardware-based and Software-based DRM?

Hardware-based DRM: The content is encrypted using a hardware key and can only be read on a specific computer. The main disadvantage of hardware-based DRM is that it is not compatible with all devices. For example, iTunes can only read the iTunes protected content on Apple computers.

Software-based DRM: The content is encrypted using a software key and can only be read on devices with specific software compatibilities. The advantage of software-based DRM is that it is compatible with all the devices supported via software.

Can I transfer my DRM-protected content to another device?

This will depend on the type of DRM protection. Generally, you will be able to transfer your content to another device that is registered to your account. However, there may be some restrictions on how many devices you can use the content on.

Vishal Sharma

My expertise focuses on DRM encryption, CDN technologies, and streamlining marketing campaigns to drive engagement and growth. At VdoCipher, I’ve significantly enhanced digital experiences and contributed to in-depth technical discussions in the eLearning, Media, and Security sectors, showcasing a commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital landscape.

The post DRM Restrictions Explained for Videos & Digital Assets with Examples (2023) appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.