Kabel Deutschland First to Launch CI+ Modules in Germany

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
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  • NDS enables the introduction of Common Interface Plus (CI+) specification at Kabel Deutschland (KD), Germany’s largest cable operator
  • KD endorses the proliferation of CI+ compatible devices in the German consumer electronics market

LONDON, UK and ANGA CABLE, COLOGNE — Stand B18A — NDS Group, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced that Kabel Deutschland, Germany’s largest cable network operator and biggest triple play provider, is to introduce Common Interface Plus (CI+) modules based on the NDS VideoGuard® conditional access (CA) system.

The CI+ (CI Plus) specification is based on extensions to the European DVB-Common Interface standard, put in place to address a critical security need to ensure that content is protected – a feature not present when delivered through CI modules. It allows consumer electronics manufactures to launch a wide range of devices, such as integrated Digital TV-sets that can easily and securely provide access to KD’s Digital TV programmes through plug-in CI+ modules. KD introduced their CI+ modules on May 3rd.

KD is the first operator to support the CI+ 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: “The CI+ 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+ 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.”