Ocean Blue Demonstrates World's First CI+ Application

BRISTOL, England — Ocean Blue Software has produced the world’s first CI+ application, paving the way for highly interactive subscriber content on IDTVs. The application, previewed at last week’s ANGA Cable show in Cologne, is the first to use the new Common Interface Plus (CI+) standard, delivering advanced, graphic applications inside a CAM, to run on a CI+ enabled TV. Ocean Blue has been working in conjunction SmarDTV.

Ocean Blue has developed a complete solution, including: CI+ browser software for inclusion in host devices, such as set-top boxes and IDTVs; an application authoring tool with applications for the CAM; test and performance tools to ensure compliance. The solution can deliver advanced, visually rich subscriber applications, such as PVR, Pay Per View and Video on Demand services.

“We have demonstrated new CI+ applications to a number of cable and satellite operators, who have been blown away by its capabilities,” said Ken Helps, CEO of Ocean Blue. “They can see huge potential in the ability to deliver complex applications to the TV, no longer being constrained to simple text menus. We expect the new format to be very popular in future IDTV developments.”

Ocean Blue’s browser, combined with the new CI+ system, will offer a range of advanced features & functions:

• The television or set top box can run applications contained in the Conditional Access module (CAM)
• CI menus can be branded, associating encrypted content to the broadcaster / content provider
• Graphic & display capabilities are greatly enhanced (such as bitmaps, custom fonts and colour schemes)
• Advanced applications combine broadcast CI+ content with embedded CI+ CAM content

Ocean Blue will work with the CI+ Forum to evolve its CI+ browser to incorporate new features as specified in specification updates, such as high definition graphic support, 16-bit mode, fast rendering and caching.

Ocean Blue will be offering a comprehensive CI+ developers pack including: Triton, a CI+ authoring tool, Ocean Blue’s visual design system; test & conformance software and activation software for embedding into a digital television.