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'''Video Encoded Invisible Light''' ('''VEIL''') is a technology for encoding low-bandwidth digital data ] in video signal, developed by ]. VEIL is compatible with multiple formats of video signals, including ], ], and ]. The technology is based on a ] encoded data stream in the ] of the ]. | ||
| The Veil Rights Assertion Mark (VRAM or V-RAM) is a ] technology combining VEIL with a ]. It is also known as "] plus Veil" and "broadcast flag on steroids." | |||
| There are two versions of VEIL on the market: | There are two versions of VEIL on the market: | ||
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| Stripping the VEIL signal from the video is supposed to be more difficult than tampering with the VBI, therefore VEIL 1 is proposed as a ] tool. The signal can survive recording to video, and various sorts of digital compression. The detection devices are low-cost and can be used in a range of devices, from toys to cellphones. | Stripping the VEIL signal from the video is supposed to be more difficult than tampering with the VBI, therefore VEIL 1 is proposed as a ] tool. The signal can survive recording to video, and various sorts of digital compression. The detection devices are low-cost and can be used in a range of devices, from toys to cellphones. | ||
| == Use in toys == | == Use in toys == | ||
| The technology was developed for transmitting data from the video on screen (originally |
The technology was developed for transmitting data from the video on screen (originally used on '']'') to a line of ] toys based on the series, supplying them with information about the series and unlocking their hidden capabilities. <!-- Likely in order to provide another incentive for children to watch the shows. Wondering if they considered adding VEIL cues to ads. --> | ||
| For example: | For example: | ||
Revision as of 05:52, 5 February 2006
Video Encoded Invisible Light (VEIL) is a technology for encoding low-bandwidth digital data bitstream in video signal, developed by VEIL Interactive Technologies. VEIL is compatible with multiple formats of video signals, including PAL, SECAM, and NTSC. The technology is based on a steganographically encoded data stream in the luminance of the videosignal.
The Veil Rights Assertion Mark (VRAM or V-RAM) is a DRM technology combining VEIL with a broadcast flag. It is also known as "CGMS-A plus Veil" and "broadcast flag on steroids."
There are two versions of VEIL on the market:
- VEIL 1, or VEIL-I, has raw speed of 120 bits per second. It is used for unidirectional communication (TV→devices) with simple devices or toys, and to deliver coupons with TV advertising. It manipulates the luminance of the video signal in ways difficult to perceive to human eye.
- VEIL 2, or VEIL-II, has speed of 7200 bps and is one of the technologies of choice for interactive television, as it allows communication with VEIL servers through devices equipped with backchannels. Veil 2 capable set-top boxes can communicate with other devices via WiFi, Bluetooth, or other short-range wireless technologies. VEIL 2 manipulates the average luminance of the alternate lines of the signal, where one is slightly raised and the other one is slightly lowered (or vice versa), encoding a bit in every pair of lines.
The symbols (groups of 4 data bits) transmitted by VEIL-II system are encoded as "PN sequences", sequences of 16 "chips". Groups of 4 chips are encoded in pairs of lines. Each line pair is split to 4 parts, where the luminance is raised or lowered (correspondingly vice versa in the other line). In NTSC, 4 bit symbols are encoded in groups of 8 scan lines. With 224 lines per field this equals 112 bits per field, or 7200 bits per second of broadcast. VEIL-II uses scan lines 34 to 258. The PN stands for "pseudo noise" and signifies the 0.5/0.5 relative frequencies of ones and zeroes. In practice, 20 chips per line are preferred, increasing redundancy and allowing for better error detection. The PN encoding is a form of spread spectrum modulation.
Stripping the VEIL signal from the video is supposed to be more difficult than tampering with the VBI, therefore VEIL 1 is proposed as a DRM tool. The signal can survive recording to video, and various sorts of digital compression. The detection devices are low-cost and can be used in a range of devices, from toys to cellphones.
Use in toys
The technology was developed for transmitting data from the video on screen (originally used on The Batman) to a line of Batman toys based on the series, supplying them with information about the series and unlocking their hidden capabilities.
For example:
- The Batwave Communicator Handheld Device, when within 10 feet in the line of sight from the TV, will show engine graphics, diag, weapon systems, and enables various games stored in the device.
- Batwave Batman Action Figure will pop wings from its back and light up the emblem on its chest when subjected to the videosignal from the TV.
- Batwave Batmobile with Handheld Device will turn on various LEDs acting as its lights, play sounds, and "capture" various weapons from the show.
This technology is used also in other toys.
Other uses
As of December 2005, VEIL was proposed as a DRM tool to counter the analog hole, as a technological measure legally enforced by Digital Content Security Act. In this regard, it is a more fine-grained successor of Macrovision.
VEIL acts together with CGMS-A signal ("broadcast flag") in the vertical blanking interval, where it is used to encode the Rights Assertion Mark (RAM) signal. The CGMS-A can be stripped too easily from the analog signal, therefore the presence of RAM but absence of CGMS-A will tell the copy protection system to deny the copy.