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SCM's Security Module For Germany's Digital TV Operator
SCM Microsystems announced that it will provide its secure broadcast decryption technology to Premiere, Germany's largest digital television operator. Under the terms of the contract, Premiere will offer SCM conditional access modules to its new subscribers beginning in the fall of 2002.
This is the first time that a major European broadcaster has elected to deliver its decryption technology through the Common Interface slot that is now installed in an increasing number of digital set-tops and digital TV sets.
Traditionally, broadcast security software has been embedded within the set-top box, requiring the operator to bear the costs of producing, deploying and supporting set-top boxes within its subscriber base. Premiere now plans to reduce the cost of deploying its services by offering new subscribers a conditional access module (CAM) from SCM. This removable module contains Premiere's decryption software and can be plugged in to any digital set-top box with a Common Interface slot.
"By adapting its broadcast security technology to meet our specific needs, SCM Microsystems completely fulfilled our expectations," said Dr. Helmut Stein, COO of Premiere. "SCM's technological expertise makes it possible for Premiere to securely deliver a full range of content and services to our subscribers, from popular television programs to parental control, which is now mandatory in Germany."
Smaller television operators have long favored conditional access modules as a more cost-effective way to deliver services than the deployment of expensive set-top boxes with embedded security software. As a result, set-top boxes with Common Interface slots for receiving security modules are readily available to consumers in Germany.
Premiere estimates that there are nearly one million digital set-top boxes with a Common Interface slot already in use, but that are not currently accessing Premiere content. In addition, Premiere plans to work with consumer electronics companies to ensure that new set-top boxes include a Common Interface slot to access content via an SCM module.
As digital television is rolled out across Europe, analog broadcasts will be phased out and new digital receivers -- such as digital set-top boxes and integrated digital TVs -- will be required to access digital broadcasts. For consumers, this move offers an expanded array of choices. They can now select from multiple brands of set-top boxes offering a range of features and functions, and be assured that their devices will be able to access Germany's leading pay-TV content.
"As the pioneer of the conditional access module platform and the leading supplier to broadcasters who rely on this technology, SCM is proud to be selected by Premiere as a technology partner and supplier for the conditional access modules it will use to deliver content and services," said Robert Schneider, Founder and CEO of SCM Microsystems.
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