German cable operator Tele Columbus has begun to issue smartcard-free CI+ modules to its PŸUR customers.
The modules will be sent to customers ordering the HDTV and Premium TV packages. Previously, encrypted content was decoded using the traditional smartcard that the consumer would insert into the module.
The new modules already have a virtual smartcard integrated.
The module without smartcards is compatible with all TV sets that support the CI+ standard 1.4 or an earlier standard.
Last month, German industry association Deutsche TV-Plattform set out a roadmap for the market launch of a new CI+ interface.