DVB-CIv1 and CI Plus Host Software
The CI-related line of product gathers a suite of DVB-CIv1 and CI Plus host software which are robust, reliable, and have been deployed in millions of units.
The suite consists in:
- The DVB-CIv1 protocol stack: physical, link, transport, session layers, and resource manager
- The DVB-CIv1 resources: Application Information, Host Control, Conditional Access, High Level Man Machine Interface, Date & Time, Low Speed Communication
- The CI Plus V1.2 resources: Application Man Machine Interface, Content Control, Specific Application Support, Host Language & Country, CAM Upgrade, Application Information V2, Low Speed Communication V2
- The CI Plus V1.3 resources: Operator Profile, Host Control V2, Application Man Machine Interface V2, Content Control V2 (PIN code management, extended URI, license management), Specific Application Support V2 (OIPF), Application Information V3, Low Speed Communication V3
The diagram hereafter gives an overview of the architecture of the product line.
CI Plus V1.3 Key Enhancements
- The PVR resource that was optional in the V1.2 specification has been replaced by a license-based technology that enables a finer and easier management of the recordings and playback. Now mandatory in the V1.3 specification, this new feature is expected to trigger broad-scale deployments of PVR-equipped host devices
- Optimization of the Low Speed Communication resource and support of IP connection by name: the CAM will now be able to access the internet through the host connectivity with a broader data rate
- Extension to CI Tuning Resource and Application Profile for the support of cable VOD applications
- Introduction of an Operator Profile that enables CAMs to manage the channel listing of the TV set (with the prior agreement of the end-user). This feature should accelerate the launch of CI Plus CAMs by operators that use a “proprietary” signaling
- Parental Control extensions and clarifications based on operators and markets feedback, leading to a single PIN code shared amongst the CAM and the host, in order to avoid potential confusions
- The introduction of High Definition graphics in the MHEG-5 based applications stored in the CAM, enabling sharper user interfaces
- When will it happen? CI Plus V1.3 will become mandatory for all new CI Plus device registration from August 1, 2012 onwards
CI Plus: Back to DVB!
- February 2011: the DVB project is to take responsibility for the CI Plus standard, following a recommendation from the organization’s steering board
- This clears the concern of some operators and industry players who feared, when considering the adoption of the technology, they may not have enough input on the CI Plus future development
- The specification will progressively become a de juro standard, which will help its adoption
- DVB actively participates in the promotion of its standards, which will again help CI Plus to grow further