Irdeto Access, a leading player in content protection and management, has signed a license agreement with Zhengzhou Broadcasting & TV Information Network for delivery of its content protection system, Irdeto M-Crypt.

Irdeto Access, a subsidiary of MIH Limited, the Subscriber Platforms group and its Chinese partner, Shenzhen Advanced Video Info-Tech will together offer advanced technologies for the digital upgrade programme underway in the Zhengzhou cable TV network. The network currently offers 500,000 subscribers many analogue, digital and interactive multi-function valued-added services, says an official release. In addition, Zhengzhou provides data transmission and full network application solutions to government bodies, financial securities, education and enterprises.

Irdeto Access will provide a series of advanced digital conditional access (CA) system solutions for the project, including the digital CA system head-end and smart cards. The first order of smart cards has already been delivered to Zhengzhou Broadcasting & TV Information Network. Shenzhen AVIT is Irdeto Access' licensed partner in China that provides related products and STBs with integrated Irdeto Access' technologies, the release states.

Irdeto Access CA technology was localised for the Chinese market in 2001. From January 2002 when the Irdeto Access' technology was approved by the China State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), the deployment of its products has increased rapidly in China, the company claims.