DRM Protected Streaming Content - Custom DRM

Purpose

This article explains how Custom DRM packaging works for Swank streaming content when a customer operates their own DRM license server.

This configuration applies only to customers using Swank’s Custom DRM workflow, where the customer is responsible for issuing DRM licenses at playback time. It does not apply to Standard Swank‑hosted DRM.

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Summary

In a Custom DRM configuration:

• Swank packages and encrypts streaming content using customer‑specific encryption
• Only the customer’s DRM license server can issue licenses to decrypt and play the content
• Swank does not participate in license issuance during playback

This model gives customers full control over DRM licensing while ensuring content remains securely encrypted end‑to‑end.

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Roles & Responsibilities

Swank Responsibilities

• Encrypts streaming media files (e.g., DASH)
• Generates content encryption keys
• Encrypts (wraps) content keys using a customer‑specific secret
• Delivers encrypted media and shipment manifests
• Securely provides shared DRM secrets to the customer

Customer Responsibilities

• Operates the DRM license server
• Securely stores shared DRM secrets
• Decrypts (unwraps) Swank‑encrypted content keys
• Issues runtime DRM licenses to playback devices
• Manages license policies and playback rules

Important: Swank does not issue licenses or participate in DRM exchanges at playback time.