[Satellite TODAY 02-01-11] Optus ordered conditional access technology from Irdeto to extend customer access to the operator’s satellite digital-only and HDTV channels in Australia, Optus announced Jan. 31.
    Irdeto provided Optus with its CAS 3 solution, which uses elliptic curve asymmetric encryption technology, combined with secure silicon set-top boxes that are optimized to protect content from unauthorized viewing. Irdeto also will include a security strategy in its solution, which includes the ability to renew the software of smart cards already in the field.
    Optus named Irdeto a key partner for the Viewer Access Satellite Television effort implemented by the Australian Government to allow all Australians to enjoy digital and HDTV. The Australian government aims to complete its national digital TV switchover by the end of 2013.