The Helix DRM Trusted Recorder and Trusted Client use Real's commercial Helix DRM Technology and are eligible to be licensed to manufacturers of set-top boxes, portable media players, personal computing and other consumer electronics products that receive and deliver digital broadcast content. Rules adopted by the Commission in 2003 require all such digital television devices to incorporate FCC-approved "broadcast flag" technologies by July 1, 2005.

"This certification by the FCC is another strong endorsement of the robustness and flexibility of Real’s Helix DRM Technology and its ability to provide consumers more choice in how they enjoy digital broadcast content," said Surya Mantha, RealNetworks general manager of Broadband. "Our Helix DRM is proven commercial technology used in leading premium content services on the Internet. Its application to "Broadcast Flag" content demonstrates its ability to support innovation in a consumer-friendly fashion while protecting the commercial and legal interests of content owners."

The Helix DRM Trusted Recorder can record digital content coming off the air, encrypt and store it in a secure format for later playback. Additionally, Helix DRM Trusted Clients can be implemented on "downstream" network or attached devices including portable media players, network connected DVD players, PCs and laptops. These trusted playback products register and authenticate themselves with a Helix DRM Trusted Recorder before receiving secure content. Together, these elements give consumers the ability to store and experience their legally obtained digital broadcast content on their personal network.

Helix DRM is a leading multi-format DRM used by digital music and Internet movie services. Helix DRM protects major Internet formats including RealAudio® and RealVideo® as well as important international standards such as the 3GPP codecs and AAC audio format.