California headquartered SCM Microsystems has announced a collaboration with Korean broadcast encryption developer ETRI to develop and supply conditional access modules based on the OpenCable and Point of Deployment (POD) standards for the Korean digital cable television market.

SCM will supply both the hardware platform and software development kit to enable ETRI to integrate its broadcast encryption system, or conditional access software, onto a removable module that is compliant with OpenCable specifications. The module can then be plugged into the common interface slot of any OpenCable-compliant set-top box to securely decrypt broadcast signals for subscribers. In countries like Korea where consumers are able to choose between multiple broadcast service providers, putting the security encryption software onto a module rather than embedding it into a set-top box makes it easier to access any provider using the same broadcast receiver, such as a set-top box or integrated digital TV. For broadcast operators, it is far more economical and secure to deploy conditional access modules than to roll out set-top boxes with embedded security.

The modules supplied by SCM will be offered as part of ETRI's conditional access encryption solution for digital broadcast services, and deployed to television operators throughout Korea. Because of SCM's unique implementation of the conditional access software on the module, the module is highly secure and protects against illegal copying or unauthorized access to broadcast content. Beginning in 2002, Korea will roll out a new digital broadcasting network that will enable the delivery of more programmes and value-added services between nine prefectures and several dozen major cities across Korea. The backbone network envisioned would cover the entire Korean peninsula with a subscriber base of 11 million by 2005, growing to 20 million by 2010.

SCM's conditional access module provides individual cable service operators the option and flexibility to select the conditional access system they prefer, while ensuring compliance with the central government's broadcast regulations. By enabling ETRI to port its conditional access system onto the POD platform, SCM is helping the company compete in the world-class conditional access arena.

The Korean government has selected OpenCable as the technical standard for the country's digital cable TV broadcasts. OpenCable is a set of specifications originally developed by CableLabs for the North American cable TV market.

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