ANGA Cable 2010 – Cologne. Germany’s largest cable operator Kabel Deutschland KDG has officially announced the introduction of CI Plus on its network. It is the first cabler in the country to back the standard.
Customers can buy a CI Plus module and smart card for €69.00; the cabler also offers an HD cable tuner with CI Plus for €169, as well as an SD receiver for €69.00. Of course, consumers can buy any CI Plus TV set or receiver.
Chinese manufacturer SMiT is supplying the CI Plus modules, which are based on the NDS VideoGuard conditional access (CA) system.
KDG is the first operator to support the CI Plus specification in Germany. Currently operating cable networks in 13 German states, KD supplies its television and triple play services to approximately 8.9 million connected households in Germany.
Wolfgang Zeller, Vice President Service Engineering of Kabel Deutschland, said in a statement: “The CI Plus standard has been strongly advocated by the consumer electronics industry, we therefore expect to see a wide variety of devices on the market in the near future. Our subscribers will benefit from an enhanced hardware choice and increasing competition that will open up new ways to access our compelling Digital TV offering. At the same time, our partners are reassured by the unrivalled content security provided by our technology partner NDS.”
Yves Padrines, NDS Vice President, Business Development and General Manager NDS GmbH, said: “We are are pleased to be supporting Kabel Deutschland with the introduction of the CI Plus specification. NDS is committed to supporting our customers’ needs and regulatory and industry standards that are required to support their business in the countries in which they operate.”
