Ocean Blue Software (OBS) has been preparing an update to its market proven CI Plus Host software stack for TVs and Set Top Boxes (STBs). The latest release includes support for version 2.0 of the specification which targets new USB form factor Conditional Access Modules (CAMs).
OBS has been providing software components to the digital TV market for over a decade, and its DVB, MHEG, and CI Plus solutions have been deployed in millions of TVs and STBs worldwide. OBS deployed its first CI Plus Host stack in 2008, and over the intervening years has kept up to date with advances in the specification, including 1.4 compliance, Enhanced Content Protection (ECP) support, and now support for CI Plus 2.0.
The major advance with the CI Plus 2.0 release is the migration from PCMCIA based CAMs to a USB form factor. At the time of the inception of the common interface standard, PCMCIA was a widely supported interface and a logical choice. Today though, USB is the standard on most devices, including TVs, yet to support CI Plus, manufacturers still need to include an expensive and physically large PCMCIA connector. The move to USB based CAMs propels CI Plus into the next decade, enabling TV manufacturers to optimise their set designs, and potentially reduce costs. Stepping away from the PCMCIA form factor may also help to drive wider uptake of CI Plus in the STB market where the form factor and cost of PCMCIA was more prohibitive on lower margin devices.
Accordingly, OBS is pleased to announce the availability of its CI Plus 2.0 Host stack to help manufacturers bring their CI Plus 2.0 enabled products to market. Based on OBS’ market proven CI Plus 1.4 software, the 2.0 Host stack supports all the mandatory features of the specification and, in addition, ECP support for UHD content. The CI+ 2.0 Host stack is available to lead customers now, with wider availability scheduled for January 2020.
Paul Martin, CEO of OBS says:
As a long time supporter of CI Plus we see the move to USB form factor CAMs as key to the standard’s continued success in TV as well as potentially driving CI Plus into new, more cost focused, STB markets around the world.
About Ocean Blue Software
Ocean Blue Software have been in the industry for over 15 years and are the leading experts in software, services and support for DVB. As the founding member of DTVKit, the OBS team have an astonishing understanding of the software. OBS offer services through the means of consultancy, support, customisation, development, integration and testing. OBS have proven agility in their products, as they can provide key support for DVB in Android TV, as well as near turn key solutions for emerging markets. For more information on the services Ocean Blue Software can offer, please visit oceanbluesoftware.com or email [email protected].
