Cisco Headend Digital Broadband Delivery System Release Notes
Chapter 1 Introducing QAM Software Version 2.4
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4003389 Rev B
CA Descriptor and VOD Sessions
Overview
Versions of QAM software prior to software version 2.3.5 inserted the PowerKEY
CA descriptor into the PMT for unencrypted on-demand content. If the DHCT OS
found the CA descriptor in the PMT, the OS started the PowerKEY decryptor.
CA descriptor into the PMT for unencrypted on-demand content. If the DHCT OS
found the CA descriptor in the PMT, the OS started the PowerKEY decryptor.
The PowerKEY scheduler within the DHCT then prioritized ECMs by waiting until
an ECM was processed before allowing any other CA messages or requests to be
processed.
an ECM was processed before allowing any other CA messages or requests to be
processed.
Background
During this waiting period, when no ECMs were delivered, non-ECM requests (for
example, a request for a Multi-Room DVR [MR-DVR] session), remained in the
queue, and were not processed until the PowerKEY decryptor was stopped.
Therefore, no MR-DVR sessions could be established while the MR-DVR server was
streaming unencrypted VOD.
example, a request for a Multi-Room DVR [MR-DVR] session), remained in the
queue, and were not processed until the PowerKEY decryptor was stopped.
Therefore, no MR-DVR sessions could be established while the MR-DVR server was
streaming unencrypted VOD.
Solution
QAM software version 2.4 carries forward the modification from QAM software
version 2.3.5 to insert the CA descriptor only for encrypted sessions, including those
which will be encrypted after ISK setup. Consequently, the OS now correctly detects
the encryption status of the stream. Detecting the encryption status enables sessions
(including VOD and MR-DVR sessions) to be established correctly on a Multi-Room
server.
version 2.3.5 to insert the CA descriptor only for encrypted sessions, including those
which will be encrypted after ISK setup. Consequently, the OS now correctly detects
the encryption status of the stream. Detecting the encryption status enables sessions
(including VOD and MR-DVR sessions) to be established correctly on a Multi-Room
server.