Irdeto-led consortium unveils CI+ 2.0 USB CAM

A partnership of conditional access module ecosystem players led by Irdeto have unveiled a productised CI Plus 2.0 USB CAM that is ready for certification.

Irdeto’s Dutch offices

Initially formed in 2017 to support the CI Plus 2.0 Standard, the partnership includes MStar Semiconductor, SMIT Holdings and TP Vision. The partner companies have reached the latest milestone in allowing consumers to receive pay TV services on their TVs by leveraging USB-based CAMs, providing an alternative to set-top boxes.

According to the group, the use of a USB over a PC Card (PCMCIA) has additional cost and support benefits for operators looking to deploy CAMs. The ubiquity of USB ports on modern TVs means that CAMs based on the CI Plus 2.0 standard will have a global reach and could transform the global pay TV market, according to the partners.

Irdeto took the lead in bringing together major players in the CAM ecosystem last year. The CI Plus 2.0 USB CAM meets the latest security requirements for operators for premium content and will allow delivery of pay TV services through a USB dongle plugged into a TV. In collaboration with SMIT, Irdeto is demonstrating the technology at IBC.

“The benefits of the CI Plus 2.0 standard are clear and many well-known market players are ready for the move to USB CAMs,” said Steeve Huin, vice-president of strategic partnerships, Irdeto.

“Irdeto is committed to leading the support of a USB CAM based on the CI Plus 2.0 standard. With a demonstration ready and device set for production, this leap forward for the industry is fast becoming a reality.”