GS Labs Virtual Channel Generation System and Method

Main article: IPTV (Internet Protocol Television)

2022: Registration with Rospatente

The GS Labs Research and Development Center (Zyfra LLC, part of the GS Group holding) has registered its invention "System and Method of Forming a Virtual Channel" (No. 2781944) with the Federal Intellectual Property Service (Rospatent). The developer announced this on November 10, 2022.

The GS Labs solution allows you to create dedicated virtual channels for television satellite broadcasting. Virtual channels are formed in addition to the main TV channels and can be used to host thematic and promotional content, as well as information about the operator's services. The service expands the ability to broadcast content without increasing the capacity of the transponder (a device for receiving and transmitting a signal on a satellite) - it will still be used in main broadcasting. Content protection also remains at its usual high level.

The virtual channel service system includes several components: an EPG server (generates a schedule for virtual channels), a conditional access system, a multiplexer (generates a data transport stream from the content of linear broadcast channels, a schedule of content events and commands for accessing encrypted content) and a client device.

Existing prototypes and analogues on the market have a number of disadvantages. Firstly, they assume the presence of a physical drive for recording the content of the virtual channel. Secondly, it requires complete decryption of content both as part of a virtual channel and outside it. And finally, thirdly, in most cases, such solutions are based on user preferences, which eliminates the possibility of influencing the content from the operator.

The GS Labs virtual channel service does not require significant complexity of the broadcasting system, maintaining a high level of content protection without the risk of unauthorized access to line channel programs. The solution allows you to optimize operator costs and help increase ARPU (average revenue per subscriber).

This patent implements a request for business optimization with maximum attention to security and personification of television. And this is another step towards improving our solutions for the dynamic development of customer business, "commented Alexey Goilo, Director of Sales and Marketing at GS Labs.