IPTV without the box in CI Plus upgrade

A new version of the DVB Common Interface platform has been launched by the DVB at IBC 2013. In a demonstration the standard setting organisation showed at SmarDTV CI Plus 1.4 Conditional Access Module and a Phillips television set, running an IPTV application developed by Accenture.

Once the module is inserted an automatic discovery process starts to find the location, any available IPTV channels, and retrieves the operator’s virtual STB application. CI Plus 1.4 can be used for the delivery of linear and VOD channels, significantly it can also access a network PVR.

Although there have been proprietary solutions, most notably Samsung’s implementation with TeliaSonera, the DVB said there had been a call for standardisation. However, the new module does require a compatible television set, so the existing product will remain in place for some time to come. European operators have launched CI Plus as an alternative to the set-top box in a number of markets.

Host middleware includes HbbTV – the format used in the DVB on-stand demo, MHP and MHEG-5.

Official publication of the specification as a DVB BlueBook is expected later this month, while the required OIPF specifications are expected for publication in early 2014.

Development of CI Plus 2.0 is underway including a new form factor.

It is expected that new television sets supporting the new specification will appear on the market around 2015/16.

NTV-Plus opts for CI+CAM

The Russian DTH platform NTV-Plus has begun to sell CI+ conditional access modules to its subscribers.

Produced by SMiT (HK) Ltd, the modules are designed for viewing encrypted channels distributed by the platform and can be bought as part of the prepaid ‘Start’ package or for R1,200 (€27.2).

NTV-Plus is the longest established DTH platform in both Russia and CEE as a whole, having made its debut in 1996.

It currently has around 650,000 subscribers.

TV CAMs for Pay-TV would reach Brazil in 2014

The Swiss company SmarDTV, that belongs to the Kudelski Group, is in negotiations with two big Pay-TV operators of Latin America that would agree to launch in 2014 in Brazil the model of Pay-TV through Conditional Access Modules (CAMs) in TVs, replacing STBs. For that, SmarDTV is negotiating with two different TV manufacturers with which it is already working in Europe and would have given a green light to the project to take advantage of the sales during the Soccer World Cup.

The CAM model is difficult to implement in latin America given that it is necessary to convince television manufacturers to add this module to devices, which would make the cost slightly higher. Nevertheless, this system would benefit operators that could strongly reduced the CAPEX because they would eliminate the investment in STBs and could connect the digital service directly to TV through CAM.

SmarDTV has peeked the interest of some TV manufactures about the convenience of taking advent of the massive interest there will be in Brazil in 2014 to acquire new HD TVs for the Soccer World Cup of 2014. They will only have to manufacture in that country the same models that are already being marketed in Europe, where there already are 250 million installed equipment.

In turn, SmarDTV also has a good relationship with operators in Latin America because its a “sister” company to Nagra (both belong to the Kudelski Group). The negotiations are moving forward with big cable operator and a Latin American DTH operator. In Brazil Nagra has as clients the MSO Net (América Móvil) and Telefónica, although there is no concrete information of these being the ones that will drive forward TVs with CAM in the first stage.

In the European model, retailers sell different televisions prepared to receive the service from different Pay-TV operators, generally with promotions related to subscriptions.

The two Brazilian operators are choosing different TV manufacturers each, and will implement different models: one that will promotor TV with CAM with a special offer in electronics stores and retailers, and the other plans to purchase TVs and offer them as part of the package to new subscribers, as it is done with STBs and with cell phone in the wireless market.

There are three big CAM providers in the world: SmarDTV (Switzerland), Neotion (France) and SMiT (China), the three members of the Forum CI Plus which is responsible of standardizing CAMs. The new generation of CAMs CI+ allow access to premium Pay-TV content through broadcast and even broadband IP.

Traditional CAM(Conditional Access Module)

Traditional CAM(CA Module) is an electronic device, usually incorporating a slot for a smart card, which equips an Integrated Digital Television or set-top box with the appropriate hardware facility to view encrypted content that using a conditional access system.

The current main manufacture of CAM: SMiT, Neotion, SmarDTV

CAM with PVR(TimeShift)

PVR and TimeShift is normal for STB, but for CAM it is not easy,CAM with PVR or Timeshift functionality should be based on CI+ technology, and engineer must find enough space to store the recorded content.

Below design is from SMiT, traditional style CAM with slot for MicroSD, end user can choose its own MicroSD to store the recorded content. 

Of course the slot for smartCard can be closed based on operator's requirement for cardless CAS.

NEOTION produces VOD-capable CAM for Ziggo

 NEOTION and Quantis Electronics BV cooperate to launch a new advanced CAM for Dutch Cable operator Ziggo.

This CI Plus 1.3 product is a key milestone for CAM technology. Indeed NEOTION CAM is ready for Ziggo interactive offer launched late spring on their set-top boxes.

In combination with an advanced TV-set approved by Ziggo and adjustments in the Ziggo network they can also enjoy the VOD service without set-top-box.

All CAM ITV will be distributed by Quantis Electronics BV in The Netherlands.

NEOTION is a pioneer in this product deployment and keeps moving on its Innovation approach regarding advanced CAM – a commitment to allow pay TV operators such as Ziggo to extend their coverage while remaining user-friendly.