Deutsche TV-Plattform launches CI+ 2.0 initiative

German TV Platform launches CI+ 2.0 initiative

Deutsche TV-Plattform is launching an initiative to prepare a possible market launch of the new version of the CI Plus Interface – CI+ 2.0. CI Plus enables the reception and use of encrypted audiovisual content without an external set-top box. For example, encrypted HDTV channels can be used with television sets in which no encryption system is installed. So far, so-called CI Plus modules have provided more flexibility in television. In the future, these plug-in modules are to be replaced by USB sticks from version 2.0 onwards.

The future migration to USB clients would in principle bring advantages for consumers and market participants – but it also raises many questions in the industry, for example regarding logistics, communication or the length of a migration phase. In order to make the latter consumer-friendly, it is necessary, in particular from the point of view of platform and content providers, to ensure a sufficiently long transition phase in which the old and new CI Plus interface are supported in parallel. Deutsche TV-Plattform discussed these issues in a first step and structured “Pro & Contra” in a technical document. It is intended to provide companies with important points of reference for their decisions. At the beginning of 2021, the German TV Platform plans to bring together an extended circle of interested companies and stakeholders who are concerned with a possible changeover. The aim is to develop a roadmap for the introduction of CI Plus 2.0 and to promote a migration that is both meaningful and beneficial for all parties.

Carine Chardon, Managing Director of Deutsche TV-Plattform: “CI Plus is established as an important digital interface for providers and users of encrypted broadcasting services. The switch to CI+ 2.0 could further remove barriers and facilitate the use of encrypted services also via TV due to the USB form factor which is common among consumers. We have launched this initiative to develop a roadmap for its introduction and invite all interested companies to discuss and develop it with us and our members”.