Media Broadcast, the operator of German DTT platform Freenet TV, has teamed up with Irdeto and Twise for a new Freenet TV USB2.0 stick.
The miniature device is designed to further simplify DTT reception based on CI Plus 2.0 technology. One of the innovations is a new form factor, replacing the traditional PCMCIA design to move to the globally adopted USB interface.
The USB conditional access module, when inserted into a compatible TV set’s USB port, handles the decryption of the encrypted DTT signals. Users can then control channels, volume, and more via their TV remote. Power consumption is up to 10 times lower than set-top boxes, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. The number of components compared to PCMCIA CAMs are reduced, thus decreasing their carbon footprint and electronic waste.
The CI Plus 2.0 standard has already been integrated by several TV manufacturers, including Hisense, LG, Vestel and TPV. Progressive roll-out of the standard is expected to take place in 2025 in Europe and other regions, thus allowing a transition away from the old PCMCIA port interface.
Software development behind this device is the result of a cooperation between Freenet TV, security software developer Twise and encryption technology provider Irdeto.
“We are excited to expand our device portfolio with the innovative USB2.0 stick, offering customers a new, future-proof reception device. Our successful collaboration with Twise and Irdeto has made this possible. We are also actively engaging with all major TV manufacturers to accelerate the market adoption of this cutting-edge interface, bringing this new technology to as many households as possible,” said Alicia Hellpoldt, Head of Freenet TV.
Stéphanie Bizouerne, Twise Co-Founder, added: “Twise is extremely proud of this CI Plus 2.0 USB CAM deployment together with Media Broadcast and Irdeto. This is the result of a strong cooperation for many years between the three parties.”
