MStar SoCs to include Conax cardless security

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016
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MStar extends partnership with Conax to include highly robust system on chip (SoCs) utilizing Conax’ comprehensive cardless security technology

  • MStar integrating highly robust Conax Contego™ security client in MStar’s K5CN, K5SN and K1 plus system on chip (SoCs) family to provide expanded cardless STB offering for Conax customers
  • Solution employs leading hardware root-of-trust technology integrated in MStar TEE reaching levels of security not available in traditional software-based cardless solutions
  • Conax’ cardless security provides pay-TV operators key benefits in terms of an advanced, unified back-end enabling easy differentiation between card and cardless security requirements for various content types deployed on a single security hub

TAIPEI, Taiwan — MStar Semiconductor, Inc., a leading global semiconductor company for display and digital home solutions, today announced that it has extended its partnership with Conax, a leader in total content and service protection for digital entertainment services. MStar has entered into a collaboration with Conax to provide a comprehensive security solution for cardless STBs. As a key component, the unique capabilities of Conax Contego™ is now being included as an embedded feature of the MStar K5CN, K5SN and K1 plus cardless chipsets to offer highly secure system-on-chips (SoCs). The new family of chipsets is a highly complementary addition to MStar’s portfolio which already includes over 40 Conax security-evaluated chipsets and provides an attractive bouquet to meet the growing operator and platform requirements.

In MStar’s K5CN, K5SN and K1 plus family of chipsets the Conax Cardless CA client runs inside a highly secured purpose-built Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) leveraging a state-of-the-art hardware root of trust. Conax Smart Cards and Conax Cardless being fully integrated with the unified Conax Contego™ back-end, both technologies can seamlessly co-exist in an operator’s ecosystem. Operators can utilize a mix of Smart Cards and Cardless clients to easily differentiate between security demands for various types of content and consumers with diverse business models and rules. This is a key benefit compared to other security solutions which may require deployment of separate back-ends incurring extensive additional cost.

“We strongly believe that cooperation with best of breed partners creates flexible and future proof solutions for tomorrow’s content consumption. This latest integration with Conax and Conax Contego™ technology builds on our long-standing relationship to deliver high value solutions for pay-TV operators around the globe.” said Jeff Wu, VP of R&D Dept., MStar.

The joint MStar / Conax Cardless™ secure chip combines secure software and the ability to execute this secure software within dedicated security hardware, for an integrated approach to security. To enable rapid development of Cardless STBs, MStar offers a reference design where Conax’ Cardless security core is embedded, enabling a highly efficient STB integration and development process, reducing costs for operators.”

“There is an increasing demand from operators to distinguish between low and high-risk content, and explore new ways to securely deliver content and acquire new subscribers, confirms Tom Jahr, EVP Products & Marketing, Conax. As a trusted member of the Conax partner ecosystem, we are pleased to extend our collaboration with MStar’s high calibre chip technology and provide added choice for our customers interested in deploying cardless STBs.”