SmarDTV Global has announced the distribution of its latest USB Module Hardware platform to Eurofins Digital Testing for its new CI Plus 2.0 test tool.
The CI Plus 2.0 specification creates a new physical interface by using Universal Serial Bus (USB) and moving away from the old PC Card (PCMCIA) standard as specified in the first generation of Common Interface.
“We are delighted to partner with SmarDTV to develop USB 2.0 Conditional Access Modules to test. This has enabled Eurofins Digital Testing to extend its test suites coverage for CI Plus 2.0 on USB enabled STBs and IDTV’s, giving Pay TV operators the confidence to create new and more cost-effective services in their market,” said Johan Craeybeckx, Business Line Director at Eurofins.
USB is now standard on all TVs and STBs, removing the need for large PCMCIA connectors. It also means TV manufacturers can now move to a truly global chassis rather than having dedicated sets for the UK market.
It also reduces the entry cost for STB manufacturers looking to adopt CI Plus 2.0.
“Providing modules to the official and very reliable certification center is part of SmarDTV strategy to help building the global environment that would create success and market adoption for our next generation products. We are delighted to partner with Eurofins towards this objective” said Lionel Boissier, SmarDTV Global CEO.
Eurofins is already offering early access to the CI Plus 2.0 Test Tool for its customers and expects to be able to begin certification early in 2020.