Starting in January, the German cable operator KabelBW will start to use the VideoGuard encryption system. It will be the first operator in Germany to use the NDS solution, which will allow it to to also launch VOD and other interactive services over the network. (see earlier report in Broadband TV News)
The operator will swap all outstanding Nagravision smart cards at no cost to the customer. At the same time, it will download the VideoGuard software to all outstanding receivers. Should a receiver not be able to receive the update, then KabelBW will supply a new cable tuner; if the customers want to have a fully interactive cable tuner, the price will be €29.90. Viewers who only subscribe to the free-to-air channels will not be affected, as these channels are distributed unencrypted over the network.
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