KPN to launch STB-less IPTV

EXCLUSIVE. Dutch KPN is working with CAM manufacturer SMiT to launch an IPTV service directly to the TV set.

Speaking at the TNO IPTV Seminar in The Hague, Bingyyu Xiang, director of product management at SMiT, said that there will be a prototype in 2015 using the CI Plus 1.4 standard.

The introduction of STB-less IPTV means that KPN can deliver their services directly to selected smart TV sets.

The customised CI Plus module for KPN features hardware security approved by Verimatrix, which is exactly the same as the STB solution.

The app running on iDTV platform is customised, according KPN requirements. The viewer can use there iDTV’s remote controller, no extra connection wires are needed and the system is “Plug and Play.”

Bingyyu Xiang expects the field test mode with the new CI Plus 1.4 hardware platform in the second quarter of 2015, as well as KPN IPTV client integration. Commercial launch could be as early as the second half of next year.

During this year’s IBC in Amsterdam, SMiT already showed a working demo in cooperation with Verimatrix for content protection.

As IPTV rapidly evolves, the capabilities of connected TVs have increased, making many of the functions inside a STB redundant and providing operators with a way to connect the TV directly to their IPTV platform. Such an approach significantly reduces cost for operators (device, stock, installation, helpdesk). However, moving from a custom STB to an off-the-shelf TV set presents a new set of challenges.

While previous versions of the CI specifications do not include the ability to route IP-delivered content over the TS Interface, CI+ 1.4 extends the routing and decryption of premium protected content delivered over IP to a network interface. This enables service providers and network operators to provide a single CI CAM that can receive and decrypt both broadcast and IP-delivered content offerings with a single standard form factor device.

“The close working relationship between SMiT and Verimatrix has provided a large range of CA module solutions to our customers and partners,” said Yanrong Li, VP in product development of SMiT, in a statement during IBC.

“In June, there was the first advanced security cardless CAM for Verimatrix, and now this project. The IPTV CAM based on CI+ 1.4 will both open a door for IP service from CAM, connected TV and CAM, which will provide our customers with excellent IP service options.”