Irdeto Access Partners With SCM Microsystems and Philips to Introduce the ICOB Conditional Access Module With Embedded Smart Car
April 19 2004 - 1:17PM
PR Newswire (US)
Irdeto Access Partners With SCM Microsystems and Philips to
Introduce the ICOB Conditional Access Module With Embedded Smart
Card Chip for Pay-TV Applications FREMONT, Calif., April 19
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Irdeto Access, a subsidiary of
multinational media group Naspers and a world leader in content
security solutions, partners with SCM Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq:
SCMM; Prime Standard SMY) and Royal Philips Electronics to
introduce the Irdeto Chip On Board (ICOB) module. The ICOB module
is a secure, removable conditional access (CA) module produced by
SCM with a built-in high-security smart card chip developed by
Philips. The new ICOB module is one of the first devices on the
market to combine the unique features and security functions of a
standard common-interface conditional access module (CI-CAM) with
an embedded smart card chip. The smart card is auto-expiring,
meaning the smart card is only valid for a certain amount of time
after which a subscriber's access to the programs stops
automatically. By integrating an auto-expiring Irdeto Access smart
card with the ICOB module, content providers gain the opportunity
to cost- effectively distribute auto-expiring "teaser" promotional
subscriptions with every CI-CAM purchased. Once the promotional
subscription has expired, consumers can upgrade easily to a normal
subscription (either billed monthly or pre-paid) through the
addition of a new smart card. This all-in-one solution operates in
any DVB-compliant set top box (STB) that features a CI- CAM slot,
enabling pay TV operators - or even free-to-air operators - to take
advantage of the large existing installed base of STBs to offer
their premium content. "SCM Microsystems and Irdeto Access are
enhancing their existing partnership with this new CI-CAM
containing the ICOB chip, which opens new market opportunities for
operators," said Robert Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of SCM
Microsystems. "This completely new approach demonstrates the
success of SCM's strategy to deliver cutting-edge solutions that
lead the industry in addressing evolving market requirements and
opportunities. In addition, SCM's secure platform protects both the
Irdeto Access CA application and the ICOB chip to safeguard the
operator's business model." "Having already shipped more than 10
million smart cards based on Philips high-security cryptocontroller
ICs, Irdeto Access continues to provide innovative solutions in an
increasingly sophisticated and security-driven pay- TV market,"
said Reinhard Kalla, Vice President and General Manager of
Identification at Philips Semiconductors. "With the range of
advanced chip solutions combined with leading expertise in
encryption technology, Philips is able to offer the high level of
security which is of such importance to premium subscription TV
content providers." "We are pleased to work together with industry
leaders such as SCM Microsystems and Philips Semiconductors to
develop robust content security solutions that give operators the
opportunity to expand their own subscriber networks while tapping
into competing business markets at minimal risk and expense through
new business models," said Irdeto Access CEO Graham Kill. The ICOB
module can support multiple CA systems should they wish to
participate, adding even more value to the consumer by providing
access to services from more than one operator. This way consumers
maintain the flexibility to select the device, brand, and STB model
of their choice. With over-the-air or over-network upgrade options,
the ICOB module can be updated easily to support new business
models and future enhancements to security. The ICOB module and
other Irdeto Access content protection solutions will be on display
at the NAB2004 convention, booth # SU10106, April 19 - 22 in Las
Vegas. About SCM Microsystems SCM Microsystems is a leading
supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling
people to conveniently access digital content and services. The
company markets and sells its smart card reader technology for
network and physical access and conditional access modules for
secure digital TV decryption to OEM customers in the government,
financial, enterprise and broadcasting markets worldwide. Global
headquarters are in Fremont, California, with European headquarters
in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM
Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com/. About Irdeto
Access Irdeto Access, a subsidiary of multinational media group
Naspers, is a world leader in technology for the securing of
content from concept to consumer. Irdeto Access specializes in
designing, developing, and marketing end-to-end solutions to manage
and protect content from unauthorized access in both the television
broadcast and Internet environments. Irdeto Access has been
providing encryption technology for more than 30 years. The
company's products are deployed worldwide. Over 10 million Irdeto
Access smart cards have been shipped to date. Please visit
http://www.irdetoaccess.com/ Notes to Editors: All trade names are
either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. DATASOURCE: SCM Microsystems, Inc. CONTACT: Manfred
Mueller of SCM Microsystems, +49 89 95 95 5140, or ; or Deb Montner
of Montner & Associates, +1 203 226 9290, or Web site:
http://www.scmmicro.com/
Copyright