Linked Control Tokens combined with an Authentication Controller software layer provides proof of ownership/access for Gaming and Streaming Service providers with flexibility to link content rights to a specific device or provide access to content through any device implementing an Authentication Controller.
How Do LCTs Help the Entertainment Industry?
With the prevalence of streaming services, “ownership” of content is more akin to access rights. The days of packaged media are essentially over. Entertainment, games and traditional media are all delivered electronically. LCTs provide a a standardized way to control access and use of digital content.
Use Case: Content – Device -Owner pairing
Tokenization of content, playback devices and ownership/access rights will enable a standardized approach for subscription services to implement flexible systems for users. The entertainment industry has long sought a means to control and monetize access to their content. The current state of the art is forcing content creators to use legacy digital distribution methods to get their content to consumers. (e.g. NetFlix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, etc.)
LCTs provide a flexible means for content creators to establish a relationship directly with consumers. Any combinations of content-device-user can be devise for access to content. A generic Authentication Controller software layer can be implemented as a plug-in for player applications, or included in the firmware of a dedicated playback device.
Tokenization of Content
We’ll use a movie as an example of content perfect for tokenization. Movies are distributed in various formats for different playback environments. An LCT can be used to represent a grouping of all formats and individual LCTs can be assigned to the various members of the group. (Mobile, desktop, 4k, theater, etc.)
Tokenization of Playback Devices
A ‘playback device’ is a generic term for a method of consuming/displaying content. It can be a television, computer, tablet, cellphone, movie theater, restaurant location, airplane seat, etc.
Tokenization of Ownership and Access
Using cryptographic tokens to represent a consumer provides a means to allow/disallow access to content. Pairs of LCTs represent a subscription for content authorizing the consumer to access that content on various playback devices.
Flexible Subscription Models with Tokenization
Using LCTs for controlling consumer access to content enables subscription models that are currently impossible to implement. The content creator controls access, not the distribution channel. The content creator defines the subscription model and playback means appropriate for their business.
If a production company wants to sell a subscription to allow viewing their entire catalog on any device or venue they would be able to do so with LCTs. The business relationship is between the content creator and the consumer, not the consumer and the theater. The playback device or movie theater would simply have to implement an Authentication Controller to enforce access. Walk into a movie theater and wave your NFC-enabled phone at the ticket counter and get access to the most recent big screen releases.
LCTs will enable the entertainment industry to redefine distribution and access to content.