The first launch and deployment of CI+ 1.4, the next generation of CI+, is expected in the second half of 2015.
Last September, the DVB published the technical specs and now the road is open for development. “The evolution of the CAM is the answer to IPTV needs,” according to Erik Gazzoni, product strategy and development SmarDTV.
“Previous CI+1.3 requires a broadcast connection, so IPT or OTT service requirements were not addressed. CI+ 1.4 is now answering the telcos’ needs. A CAM gives secure access to IPTV services.”
CI+ 1.4 will enable watch and record with a multi tuner host (multi stream) and includes trick mode control and selectable output control. The CAM is the DRM agent for IPTV and OTT.
The CAM ca n trigger the launch of CI+ browser, DVB-MHP, and HbbTV applications Also watermarking of the content is possible to identify leak of content.
“The advantages are obvious, there is no box below the TV, it has low capex, there are no wires, a single remote control and reduced energy consumption.”
The roadmap for CI+ 1.4 will be to define different operator use cases, integration with TVs, during the next few months with the first trials to take place with operators in second half of 2014,the beginning 2015. A mass market launch is expected in the second half of 2015.
Gazzoni sees the evolution of the CAM to include brining connectivity directly to the CAM
for legacy devices with embedded Wi-Fi and a user interface controlled by second screen. “It will be easy as chromecast, but much better.”
