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Kabel Deutschland First to Launch CI+ Modules in Germany – Supported by NDS Technology
  • NDS enables the introduction of Common Interface Plus (CI+) specification at Kabel Deutschland (KD), Germany’s largest cable operator
  • KD endorses the proliferation of CI+ compatible devices in the German consumer electronics market

London, UK and ANGA Cable, Cologne, Stand B18A  – May 4, 2010 – NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced that Kabel Deutschland, Germany’s largest cable network operator and biggest triple play provider, is to introduce Common Interface Plus (CI+) modules based on the NDS VideoGuard® conditional access (CA) system.

The CI+ specification is based on extensions to the European DVB-Common Interface standard, put in place to address a critical security need to ensure that content is protected – a feature not present when delivered through CI modules. It allows consumer electronics manufactures to launch a wide range of devices, such as integrated Digital TV-sets that can easily and securely provide access to KD’s Digital TV programmes through plug-in CI+ modules. KD introduced their CI+ modules on May 3rd.

KD is the first operator to support the CI+ specification in Germany. Currently operating cable networks in 13 German states, KD supplies its television and triple play services to approximately 8.9 million connected households in Germany. Wolfgang Zeller, Vice President Service Engineering of Kabel Deutschland, said: “The CI+ standard has been strongly advocated by the consumer electronics industry, we therefore expect to see a wide variety of devices on the market in the near future. Our subscribers will benefit from an enhanced hardware choice and increasing competition that will open up new ways to access our compelling Digital TV offering. At the same time, our partners are reassured by the unrivalled content security provided by our technology partner NDS.”

Yves Padrines, NDS Vice President, Business Development and General Manager NDS GmbH, said: “We are are pleased to be supporting Kabel Deutschland with the introduction of the CI+ specification. NDS is committed to supporting our customers’ needs and regulatory and industry standards that are required to support their business in the countries in which they operate.”


About Kabel Deutschland

Kabel Deutschland (KD), Germany’s largest cable operator, offers its customers analog and digital TV, broadband Internet and fixed line phone services via cable as well mobile services in cooperation with an industry partner. The company operates the cable networks in 13 German federal states and supplies its services to approximately 8.9 million connected households in Germany. Kabel Deutschland offers an open digital TV platform for all program providers.

About NDS

NDS Group Ltd. creates the technologies and applications that enable pay-TV operators to securely deliver digital content to TV STBs (set-top boxes), DVRs (digital video recorders), PCs, mobiles and other multimedia devices. Over 70 of the world’s leading pay-TV platforms rely on NDS solutions to protect and enhance their businesses. VideoGuard® is the world’s market-leading conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) technology, currently deployed on 119 million active devices, and safeguarding pay-TV service revenues exceeding $40 billion. NDS middleware, including MediaHighway® which enables a host of advanced services for subscribers, has been deployed on 143 million devices. NDS DVR technology, centred around XTV™, leads the global industry with 28 million units deployed. (Deployment figures as of 31st March 2010).

Headquartered in the UK, NDS remains committed to investing in R&D with over 75% of its employees dedicated to pioneering work at development centres in China, Denmark, France, India, Israel, Korea, UK and US. NDS has also implemented a host of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and helping digital TV subscribers reduce energy consumption.

NDS Group Ltd. is a private company owned by the Permira Funds and News Corporation. See www.nds.com for more information.

Read about the latest developments at NDS and in the pay-TV industry in World Vision.

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04.05.2010