Offline DRM: Streaming DRM-Protected Content in Offline Environments

This article was written as a guest post for a content protection company. Please note all mentions of and links to their website have been removed.

Almost 80 percent of the US watches TV on a given day, which makes up half of most people’s leisure time. It is safe to say that the majority of people are addicted to screen time. However, what happens when the internet is unavailable and streaming becomes impossible?

This is where offline DRM content steps into play. DRM allows media to be accessible even without internet access. 

But what is DRM? And how can it be used? We’re exploring these questions and more right here. 

What Is Offline DRM?

When watching movies on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or other popular services, media is streamed rather than stored locally. This prevents the content from being downloaded, then copied, and then spread indefinitely on pirate websites. It helps the content creator and allows them to make their service available. 

The only problem here is that this requires a constant internet connection. In most cases, this is fine. However, there are times and places when the internet is unavailable, yet customers still want to access content. 

This is where offline DRM steps in. Digital rights management, or DRM, protects digital content from malicious activity. It allows the content to be viewed without fear of piracy. 

Setting up a system that allows for the streaming of offline DRM-protected content creates an avenue for entertainment in situations without the internet. With this system, customers can watch movies or television when they otherwise would be unable to. 

Setting Up an Offline DRM System 

So, what is the process of setting up a system that utilizes offline DRM streaming? Streaming content in an offline environment can be a key service for a business to offer, so understanding it is vital. 

First, the business needs to look into a media distribution service. This gives them the license to stream the content at all. In this way, the business is somewhat similar to a theater in that they have the right to exhibit various films and TV shows to others. 

Next, the business needs to set up a service that will allow them to play offline DRM content. [Redacted] is a service like this. Setting up this service will give them the ability to stream the content they have licensed. 

It is important to choose a service that is safe and secure. It should meet all security requirements for your environment and for the media distribution you choose. You need to make sure you protect DRM offline or it could create trouble for you in the future. 

Who Should Use Offline DRM Streaming Services?

Offering a robust streaming service can be a key advantage for many different businesses. It can set you apart from your competition, especially if your service comes with additional features. 

In-flight and in-vehicle streaming are two of the most common options. In both cases, streaming DRM-protected content gives your customers something to do during their voyage. It is a perk that will entertain and that most will end up appreciating. 

Offline content is particularly important on airplanes. In these situations, customers are cut off from mobile data and, thus, are cut off from their main source of entertainment. Being able to stream protected content will eliminate this problem. 

It can also be helpful on buses, trains, or even car rides where mobile data may be interrupted. Long rides may take customers outside the range of their data coverage. Rides that cross country lines may force customers to use roaming, which most will be unwilling to do. 

A streaming service can also be an advantage for hospitality businesses where internet access is either spotty or unavailable. In these cases, you can still provide entertainment for guests without having to count on reliable internet. This could even save you money, as it may be more expensive to add internet to your building than an online streaming service. 

Examples of businesses in this category include hotels, hospitals, camps, or other lodging facilities. Basically, any place where customers are staying with you for long periods of time. 

Choosing an Offline DRM Streaming Service

Businesses interested in a DRM service provider should consider a couple of options before making their decision. Doing so can help them choose a service that will help them and their customers the most. 

As mentioned above, one of the most important things to consider is security. Make sure you are dealing with a reliable company that will keep content secure. 

While choosing this service, it is also important to consider what type of streaming your business will allow. In some cases, this streaming will only extend to screens owned by the business. This can be seen on some airplanes, where content is only available on the seat’s built-in displays. 

It can also be an option in other cases. Hotels often provide TVs in each room anyway and may choose to have these be their go-to option for streaming. 

However, it is becoming more and more popular to provide DRM-protected content over Wifi and simply allow anyone connected access to the streaming service. This would allow customers to bring their own devices. This provides advantages for both the customer and the business. 

Customers may end up feeling more comfortable with this option. For many, this is their preferred way of streaming in any situation. Providing this ensures that the customer’s habits do not have to change and, because of this, they will be happier. 

Businesses also may save money with this option. If customers are using their own devices anyway, the business does not have to spend money outfitting their vehicle or building with screens. 

The Advantage of Offline DRM Streaming

In the end, there are plenty of advantages to offline DRM streaming. As long as a business carefully picks its DRM provider and chooses services that will suit its needs, it will help the business while also helping its customers. In this situation, everyone wins. If you think an offline DRM streaming service would help your business, schedule a free consultation with [redacted] to find out more.