TV module ci. How to watch pay channels on TV using a smart card

Technological progress does not stand still, and new devices appear almost constantly, and devices that have already become familiar are equipped with additional devices. This applies to almost all types of activity, but the entertainment industry and related devices are always at the forefront of renewal. However, sometimes this process happens so quickly that even technically savvy users have difficulty. So, for example, among the owners of the latest generations of LG TVs, the question often arises of what is PCMCIA card slot, which can be seen on the back of the device. The answer will be both complex and simple at the same time, but let's talk about everything in order.

Smart card and PCMCIA card slot

The answer to the question posed above should start from afar, namely, consider such an innovation as a smart card for cable TV. Familiar form television broadcasting gradually becomes a part of history, and cable channels take its place. This process is quite natural and logical.

In this case, it becomes necessary to organize targeted broadcasting and an appropriate security system that excludes the possibility of unauthorized connection. The laying of cable networks to the user and their maintenance in working order requires significant financial investments from the supplier companies, which directly affects the cost of tariffs. At the same time, there must be some safeguards to ensure that the service is used by the person who paid for it. This is one of the few cases where both the client and the company are on the same side. The only question is how exactly to organize the possibility of broadcasting restrictions. The answer was the development and implementation of smart cards and PCMCIA card slots in LG TVs.

Smart card represents small device (and in fact, a card), which serves as a pass. That is, certain information about the owner, the tariff purchased by him, connected additional services, etc. is entered on the card. This card is connected to the TV using the PCMCIA card slot.

Initially, the technology was developed for use in laptops and its intended purpose was to connect various additional peripheralssuch as additional storage devices, network cards, modems for Internet access. However, over time, it found application in cable television. I think you understand what this is a PCMCIA card slot and what it is for.

The use of smart cards for access provides a number of benefits:

• Possibility of direct management of connected tariffs and channel packages.
• Increased security of use - no one can access channels if the card is not physically installed in the slot.
• If the equipment is compatible, it is possible to take your channel package with you, which is very convenient.

At the same time, if the LG TV is equipped with a built-in PCMCIA card slot, then all actions for using a smart card are reduced to simply inserting it into the designated slot.

CAM-module or conditional access module is intended for viewing encoded satellite or cable channels. It is inserted into the CI slot of a TV or receiver and decodes the channels intended for paid view... Some receivers, for example, have two CI + slots, which allows you to watch simultaneously paid channels of two different operators (for example Tricolor and NTV +). Today, many TVs are equipped with a tuner for receiving a satellite signal and have a slot for a CAM module. However, to view the encoded channels of the Tricolor and NTV + operators, the tuner and the slot must meet the following characteristics: the tuner must support the DVB-S2 format, and the slot must support the CI + format. Although most brands of TVs meet these requirements, you should read carefully before purchasing. specifications.

Since modules are a fairly new development, many people find it difficult to initial setup and the operation of CAM modules.

I want to start with the fact that the installation of modules on TVs from different manufacturers is different and sometimes very serious. LG proved to be the simplest and most loyal to the module. Here it is enough to insert the module into the TV. Select a satellite dish in the menu and search for channels of a certain operator (Tricolor or NTV) and it will automatically and correctly find the channels of the selected operator.

But the most problematic in terms of setup are TVs from Sony and Thomson. They need to manually add the name of the satellite (recall that the satellite of the NTV-Plus and Tricolor operators is called Eutelsat W4 or Eutelsat 36E), as well as add the transponder parameters (frequency: 12226 for Tricolor and 12322 for NTV +) and the converter local oscillator frequency for both operators: the upper and lower frequency - 10750. Then you need to select "network search", and the TV will find all the channels of this operator. If there is no "network search" item in the menu, then all transponders will have to be added manually. Full list there are transponders on the operator's website.

Now let's look at the most common problems and errors when working with the CAM module. The first and most common problem occurs during the initial initialization of the module by the TV. When this happens, the TV sees the module, the menu displays all the information about the module and the card, however, when the channel is turned on, it writes an error (the error code and explanation are different for different brands and TV models). In such a situation, you need to proceed as follows: turn off and turn on the TV. After turning on the TV, the access rights check between the TV and the module will start again. In most cases, this method is more than effective. However, in some cases, for example, after a voltage drop in the network or a sudden power outage, the settings of the module itself may be lost. Then the access rights check will not be carried out until the settings of the CAM module are reset to factory settings via the TV menu.

Now for the problems associated with software modules and TVs. Problems of incorrect work with modules are usually found on TVs of early models. But these problems, fortunately, can often be fixed by installing the latest software for your TV. As for the software update of the module, it is done only from the satellite. The update can be forcibly included by simply selecting the desired item in the menu. The update is broadcast from the satellite for a limited amount of time (1-2 months), if during this time you did not have time to update the software, you will have to wait for the next one.

Despite the simplicity of the design, the CAM-module cannot be bent, disassembled, and therefore it is not recommended to reprogram the module, except for the official operator software. You also need to protect the module from moisture, and if you pull the module out of the TV for a long time, make sure that its connector does not get clogged.

Despite the complexity initial setup.CAM modules are the ideal alternative satellite receivers... Thanks to their simple design, they are more reliable than a receiver, they do not need an outlet, a remote control and they do not take up space.

Important! Since Tricolor and NTV + use different encodings (NTV + uses Viaccess, and Tricolor uses DRE-crypt), therefore, NTV modules do not fit Tricolor cards and vice versa.

The best TV broadcast quality today is provided by digital television, for the connection of which a SMART card for the TV is used. This novelty of the domestic TV broadcasting market has been used in the West since the 90s of the twentieth century. In most modern TV receiver models, the use of a SMART card and a CAM module (adapter-decoder) is structurally provided. Let's try to figure out what it is.

Features and benefits of a smart card

A smart card is a plastic card with a chip and is used to connect a subscriber to digital pay TV. By purchasing it, the consumer enters into an agreement with the service provider, negotiating a package of available TV programs.

Important! Each card is unique, tied to a specific supplier and has its own identification number, with the help of which the provider company identifies the user and can disable it if the payment is delayed.

Gaining access to digital video using a smart card has several advantages. Among them:

• simplicity of service connection;
• high definition television picture - Ultra HD;
• independence of image and sound quality from weather factors;
• the ability to change the software package at the request of the user without contacting the provider;
• additional services (video library, TV program of programs, text information);
• low price;
• compactness and lack of additional wires, devices and boxes.

An important advantage is the ability to replace the provider without significant financial costs, as well as the absence of the need to purchase additional equipment (relevant for owners of modern television panels). Among the disadvantages - the relative fragility of the device. The card can break or be damaged by bending and moisture, and the contacts are afraid of dirt.

Connecting a SMART card to a TV receiver

To receive TV channels in digital format you must insert the card into the TV. This is done through CAM-module, which is a metal container, or set-top box... Both devices are supplied by the provider and are equipped with one or more card receivers.

On a note! The CAM module is used when the TV is equipped with a built-in compatible device - cable receiver, which can be found in the user manual. Otherwise, a prefix is \u200b\u200bissued.

Using the CAM module

To install a SMART card in a TV receiver with a built-in cable receiver, you must insert it into the Sam-module chip to the face of the adapter... Next, after making sure that the TV is turned off, you need to install the resulting composite cartridge into the designated PCMCIA or CI slot, usually located on the back of the TV receiver. The correctness of the actions performed will be confirmed by the corresponding inscription on the screen, which will appear after switching on. The next step will be to set up broadcast TV programs, however this procedure depends on the TV manufacturer.

Connect with a TV box

If the TV does not have a compatible PCMCIA or CI slot, a set-top box is used to connect a SMART card, which is purchased separately or supplied by the provider. In the latter case, its price is included in the monthly fee under the agreement. Connecting a cartridge with a card to the receiver is performed in a way similar to the above... A standard TV set-top box looks like a plastic black box with an approximate size of 10x15 cm and is connected using hDMI cable or VHS (to older television sets). The box is placed on or near the TV and controlled by the remote control. In this case, in order to configure and adjust the TV channels, you will have to use two remotes.

The set-top box has a built-in processor. Some models also equip USB port to play video from external devices, a WiFi module and an Ethernet connector for connecting to a router and Internet access, as well as a built-in magnetic media for recording video and a keyboard.

Important! Russian providers issue already "wired" set-top boxes that do not provide for the use of plastic cards with a chip.

Features of SMART cards of Russian providers

Each manufacturer's cards have different format encryption. therefore it will not be possible to decode the signal of one provider using the decoder of another... In Russia, the most common cards are from MTS, Tricolor TV and NTV-Plus.

Digital cable TV MTS

To use the service of this provider, you must connect to the MTS digital network. You can buy a SMART card with a CAM module in 2018 for 1,300 rubles in one payment or for rent at 85 rubles per month (according to information from the official site). Whereas the cost of equipment is several times more expensive (the approximate price is given in the table).

Digital broadcasting from MTS is available in several hundred cities in Russia.

Satellite TV from Tricolor

This provider sells a basic TV package at a price 1200 rubles per year or 200 rubles per month... Tricolor positions itself as a company that provides access to the widest possible number of programs, including packages for children, football fans and others. However, the user has to install satellite dish, since broadcasting is carried out exclusively from the satellite, and this requires fine tuning equipment for high-quality image acceptance.

On a note! To preserve the integrity of the SMART card, users are advised not to remove it after the broadcast has begun. But the company provides for the replacement of the damaged card.

Satellite TV from "NTV-Plus"

NTV-Plus for 3490 rubles provides subscription agreement, CAM-module and SMART-card with a prepaid right to view the Basic package for one year. Broadcasting is carried out using a satellite, so a satellite dish is needed for reception. The TV module is installed in the CI + slot of the TV, which must support dVB-S standards/ DVB-S2. The picture quality level ranges from mpeg-4 to HD and Ultra HD. Control is carried out by one remote control from the TV.

If you have the Internet, this service can be connected using an interactive set-top box without a satellite dish, otherwise you need to use a digital receiver with satellite equipment ... Estimated cost of equipment for connecting NTV-Plus television, taking into account annual subscription to the Basic package and additional services reflected in the table.

Under the above additional services implies: automatic setting channels, access to the video library, parental control, TV guide, time-lapse and recording of TV programs for devices that support this function. NTV-Plus owns the largest video library of the Russian Internet.

On a note! CAM-module and SMART-card from "NTV-Plus" do not work correctly on SONY TVs.

Cable and mobile television in Russia

In addition to the above-described providers, Rostelecom also provides digital television packages via a SMART card through Rostelecom onlime telecard. To receive the service, you must be in the area of \u200b\u200bthe operator's cable network and have a TV with DVB-C support. Connection costs 3000 rubles excluding subscription fee.

Also, the ability to receive digital television is provided by MGTS. In this case, SMART cards are not used, their function is performed by set-top boxes. The cost basic tariff - 145 rubles per month, receiver rental - 99 rubles per month.

For reception digital TV channels from Beeline TV cards are also not required. But this provider provides a wider range of services compared to competitors: cable digital television, home tv via the Internet and Beeline TV, which allows you to connect phones to the service via mobile communication.

Only a few providers are listed. Generally a service digital TV broadcasting provided by dozens of companies.

Tuning digital TV channels

The order of setting up TV channels depends on the TV manufacturer, but common to all are: the ability to manually tune and the need to turn off auto-update of channels, if enabled. TO manual setting resort in case of impossibility to connect channels automatically. For this contact the provider and find out the broadcasting frequency of the channels... Many companies throughout necessary information placed on their sites.

For automatic connection you need to go to the TV menu and select the appropriate item, it can be: Auto search, Auto tuning, Auto installation, depending on the firmware of the TV panel. The tuning algorithm for the most common TV sets is shown in the table.

Advice! If you need to select a country during setup, it is better to specify Finland. In Russia, digital television has appeared recently, and on early models of TVs equipped with receivers, the connection of this function is not provided in our country.

So, the smart card is a representative last generation devices for connecting digital television. It allows you to do without a set-top box, additional TV remotes and wires. In addition, the Self-module with a card is much more compact than other similar devices. Its main advantages are user friendliness and low cost. Nevertheless, many providers have not yet switched to the new connection format, and some are not going to do so. The reason is the lack of new unique functionality and additional costs for the introduction of new items.

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Modern TV models are equipped with built-in digital TV tuners capable of decoding closed television programs without using an external receiver. But in order for the built-in tuner to function, there is a mandatory requirement - the presence of a special signal conditioning module, that is, a CAM module.

According to the definition, a CAM module is electronic device, which is used as an adapter when decoding paid media content served encrypted. It can support work with one coding system or several at once. In addition, such a device has a special slot for a smart card, an individual access key, which each subscriber of digital satellite television providers receives.

In turn, the smart card has unique number and allows the service provider to control the degree of access to encrypted TV channels for each specific user.

How exactly does the conditional access module work?

In practice, everything looks more simple and clear than in theory. Each new satellite TV subscriber receives at his disposal a smart card, which contains access keys. It looks like a simple plastic card with a small electronic chip. The card is placed in the slot of the CAM module, after which it is inserted into the CI connector on your TV.

As you know, any TV channels that go on your satellite TV are divided into two groups, namely:

Free (open source). These are the simplest and most common channels that are always open to all users;

Paid (closing). These include the most interesting, high-quality and informative TV channels. They can be dedicated to sporting events, show the life of wild animals, or they can broadcast good domestic and foreign films, for example, in HD quality. Naturally, it makes no sense for the provider to provide them for free, so they are encrypted.

The built-in digital tuner reads the access codes from your smart card and decodes all closed channels according to the terms of your package, so that you can always enjoy high-quality and interesting TV programs.

An important advantage of the built-in digital tuner and CAM module is that there is no need to use additional equipment, namely a separate external receiver in the form of a set-top box. This is very convenient, because everything you need is already on your TV. While a separate receiver takes up space, collects dust, and uses a whole bunch of wires to connect it. In turn, a TV with a conditional access module is much easier to mount on vertical surfaces, for example, on a wall. Minimum wiring and maximum space savings.

Which TV models are suitable for using the CAM module?

It should be noted that not all models of television devices can be used with a conditional access module. It is important that the TV has a built-in digital TV tuner and also supports the corresponding digital TV satellite standard (for example, DVB-S or DVB-S2).

On the back of the TV, there may be a connector for the CAM module, but the TV may not have a built-in DVB-S or DVB-S2 tuner, and in order to make sure that your TV can work with a CAM module for receiving satellite TV, there must be a special on the back of the TV threaded connector for connecting a satellite dish. If there is a connector for a CAM-module but there is no threaded connector as in the photo, then your TV does not have a tuner for receiving satellite channels and, accordingly, the CAM-module will not work for you !!!

In general, almost all modern TV models of popular world brands (LG, Samsung, Philips and many others) are equipped with built-in digital tunersas well as a special CI connector for the CAM module. If you do not know if your TV meets the requirements described above, then you can determine this by examining the technical characteristics of the device or by consulting the seller.

How is the CAM module configured?

With the Conditional Access module, you can tune satellite digital television channels. To do this, you just need to first make sure that the device is installed correctly and your TV "sees" it, and also reads data from the smart card.