How a license request works
- The player detects that the stream is encrypted and which DRM system the device supports
- The device's protected module creates a license request
- The app attaches a token from the streaming service proving the viewer is entitled to the title
- The license server validates the token, looks up the content key and builds a license with the applicable rules
- The license is returned and the protected module decrypts the video
What the license server enforces
The streaming service decides the policy and passes it in the token; the license server turns it into a license. Policies include how long the license lasts, whether it can be stored for offline playback, the maximum resolution for the device's security level and whether output protection is required.
Running one vs using a service
Each DRM system has its own license server technology and its own agreement with Google, Apple or Microsoft. A multi-DRM service operates all three behind one API, along with secure key storage, so a streaming platform integrates once.
Such services normally charge per license issued. Since a license is requested when playback starts, the count follows the number of plays, and it is worth knowing how long each license remains valid before a new one is needed.
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