New stop - Smooth HD IPTV

Yeah, it is time to build Smooth HD IPTV system.
I've been working on prototypes for a few months, covering tricky aspects of building complete IPTV solution...

But there is still one very elusive functionality to overcome, HTTP fragmented streaming is basically session-less, not the strong unicast connection of RTSP streaming, so how do we control users, namely preventing multiple connections with one account.

In Windows Media Services, there is server which can be asked to list all active connections, so preventing of multiple login is simple, connect all servers via mesh of web services and prior to generating server side playlist with actual content, check for existing connections in farm.

But with Smooth Streaming, this will prove to be very tricky. Of course we are talking about non DRM protected content, having PlayReady DRM or some other DRM system is whole other game with challenges of it’s own.

I will try several ideas, first one is to create custom Advanced Logging Server, and process logs in real-time, second will be creating custom proxy server that will parse independent GOPs in realtime and provide as borderline protection layer, but from my point of view, it will be one hell of a ride…

For more up to date info on progress, email, skype, send pigeon, even the smoke signals will work on calm sunny days…

P.S.
Why I just don’t employ DRM? Well there are two factors, not all platforms support PlayReady and it is not very cost-effective.
Had I mention not very flexible?

Beat the shit out of them...

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/ie9_bests_chrome_html5_test


Microsoft motto is still the same - it is important to be second...
And MS is also proving one additional point, people are true and only company's resource...

Once the MS politics decided on new target, it has most brilliant world resources on its disposal...

Living as a MS partner firm and developing products can be very stressful, because of sheer brute power that MS can resolve to and enter niche market you were working in...

It happened to me, when I've developed only true Windows Media PVR system in the world, client side, server side with DRM or not, complete success brought to production phase in Norway...

The MS brought Smooth Streaming, and all market advantage had gone down the drain :)

But, hey :)
We have new toys :D