ZOO Digital proposes facial recognition to improve content protection

This technology works similarly to rotoscoping, a visual effects technique used to create a matte for a live action sequence for compositing purposes.

Digital ZOO will demonstrate in IBC 2018 a new security feature that incorporates machine learning and facial recognition. This feature is an industry first and will address a significant security risk by automatically darkening video streams in all areas except those necessary for the dubbing and subtitling process.

This technology works similar to rotoscoping, a visual effects technique used to create a matte for a live action sequence for compositing purposes. ZOO technology will darken all parts of each frame, except the faces or mouths of screen actors, which must be shown for accurate lip synchronization.

By ruining the video stream in this way, the television and film assets used for localization would have no entertainment value, reducing their value as a source of piracy without harming the dubbing and subtitling process.

Gordon Doran, president of ZOO Digital, says: "We are dedicated to keeping the world's most sought-after content in the right hands. Our new facial recognition capability helps manage the risk of handling television and film content."

"Although rotoscoping for proxies has been around for a while, the manual technique is expensive and time-consuming. By automating the process, the security feature could be used on all types of first-run content rather than just major Hollywood releases," he adds.

"We have a team whose priority is content security, and this new feature adds to encryption, two-factor authentication, individual watermarking and much more. We are at the top of our game when it comes to keeping TV and movie content ultra-secure – and this feature will help raise the bar for the industry," concludes Doran.