OATC Documents

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OATC Documents

About the OATC

The increasing consumer demand for access to video on devices other than TVs led representatives from cable companies and content owners to meet to discuss the interoperable technical means by which they could enable consumers to access content on the content providers’ web properties and efficiently obtain authorization from MVPDs (distributors) that maintain subscriber account information.

The initial scenario the companies considered was: To enable consumers to access premium video content on websites hosted by the content providers, the consumers needed to be Authenticated and Authorized by their MVPD.

First the consumer would visit a Content Provider website and select a piece of content .
Then the website would prompt the user to select their MVPD from a list of the names of potential MVPDs.
After choosing their MVPD the viewer would be asked to enter their MVPD account information into a web form. This would then be authenticated by the MVPD to the content provider to verify that the consumer was authorized for the specific channel associated with the content they wanted to access.

In early 2010, approaches were devised based on the existing SAML Authentication and Authorization specifications to enable authorized customers of MVPDs to view video content from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics (NBCU) and March Madness (Turner) on the web and on internet connected devices like phones and tablets.

From these early experiences it quickly became clear that an open-standards based interoperability solution defining the Authentication (AuthN) and Authorization (AuthZ) protocols would benefit content owners and distributors by reducing the complexity of the software integrations between each content provider and all of the distributors that offered their content, while allowing for a more consistent and intuitive user experience for consumers. On the distributor side each MVPD might need to integrate their backend billing/authorization systems with as many as 50-100 channel providers. This realization led to the formation of the OATC in 2011.

The SVTA absorbed the Open Authentication Technology Committee (OATC) in 2023. Part of that was committing to making their documents available.

The Challenges Addressed By The OATC's Work

The OATC served three primary markets

01. MultiChannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs)

In order to launch a compelling Internet access to subscription TV ecosystem, Multichannel Video Programming Distributors will need to Authenticate subscribers and Authorize access to TV content on a large number of diverse websites. Considering the large number of branded channels available to subscribers, the necessity of developing technical standards for Authentication and Authorization transactions between those websites and the MVPD’s subscriber management systems becomes apparent. OATC is dedicated to developing technical standards that provide the framework to deliver the best possible customer experience that provides simple access to content, along with enabling features and functionality that will help MVPDs bring value to their brand and to increase subscriber satisfaction and retention.

02. Content Providers and Programmers

In order to launch a compelling Internet access to subscription TV ecosystem, Content Providers and Programmers will need to Authenticate subscribers and receive Authorization to access to TV content from numerous Multichannel Video Programming Distributor partners. Considering the large number of MVPDs, including cable operators, satellite systems, IPTV and fiber systems, the necessity of developing technical standards for Authentication and Authorization transactions between Programmer websites and the MVPD’s subscriber management systems becomes apparent. OATC is dedicated to developing technical standards that provide the framework to deliver the best possible viewer experience that provides simple access to content, along with enabling features and functionality that will help reinforce the value of their MVPD subscription, while attracting audiences to their branded website.

03. Technology Vendors and Developers

In order to launch a compelling Internet access to subscription TV ecosystem, many Content Providers and Programmers websites will need to Authenticate subscribers and receive Authorization to access to TV content from numerous Multichannel Video Programming Distributor partners. Considering the large number of Programmer branded websites and the even larger number of MVPDs, including cable operators, satellite systems, IPTV and fiber systems, a robust potential market exists for technology solution providers. OATC technical standards for Authentication and Authorization transactions between Programmer websites and the MVPD’s subscriber management systems enable a rich Internet access to subscription TV ecosystem and create an open and competitive marketplace for solution providers. OATC is dedicated to developing open and technical standards that enable technology providers to bring interoperable, cost-effective solutions to their MVPD and Programmer customers.

OATC Documents

This SVTA document has the following previous revisions.

Authentication Conversion Funnel for Content Programmer’s Apps and Sites

Defining TVE Home-Based Authentication (HBA) Use Cases and Requirements

Error Messaging for TV Everywhere Authentication and Authorization

Home-Based Authentication User Experience Guidelines for TV Everywhere

OATC Metadata Feed

Online Multimedia Authorization Protocol

Social Login for MVPDs

Usability Recommendations For TV Everywhere