"SIM-CAM gives consumers a very convenient way to access two pay TV offerings from a single security module," said SCM Microsystems CEO Robert Schneider. "Until now, consumers had to change the broadcaster-issued smart cards if they wanted to watch programming from a different provider; now they can just change channels."

The SIM-CAM security module accepts one full size standard ISO-7816 smart card and one small form factor smart card, known in the industry as a subscriber information module (SIM) card form factor. SIM-CAM ensures that the security applications are both protected with a secure loader as well as mechanical protection. The cards can use the same conditional access system (Cas) or potentially use two different conditional access systems. It is fully compliant with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) Common Interface (CI) standard. SCM expects to begin deliveries to the DVB markets in the fourth quarter.

"We are proud to present the first version of the SIM-CAM security module at the IBC exhibition in Amsterdam," said Mascom GmbH MD Heinz Gruber. "We invite all visitors to the IBC fair to see this fantastic new product at the Philips CryptoWorks booth, 4.260."

Worldwide about 350 companies have endorsed the DVB standard for digital TV security. Under the standard, manufacturers design set top boxes (STBs) and digital televisions with a CI slot that accepts a security module. More than 10 million boxes and iDTVs have been shipped to date with a CI slot. The security module works with a smart card issued by the broadcaster and acts as a "lock" to safeguard broadcast content. Consumers who already have a CI-ready digital television or STB can easily subscribe to premium pay-TV services without adding an additional set top box. Established in 1997, the DVB standard was approved by the European Committee for Electromechanical Standardisation (CENELEC).