Ocean Blue demonstrates world's first CI+ application

Ocean Blue Software has produced the world's first CI+ application, paving the way for highly interactive subscriber content on IDTVs. The application, previewed at last week's ANGA Cable show in Cologne, Germany is the first to use the new Common Interface Plus (CI+) standard, delivering advanced, graphic applications inside a CAM, to run on a CI+ enabled TV. Ocean Blue has been working in conjunction SmarDTV.

Ocean Blue has developed a complete solution, including: CI+ browser software for inclusion in host devices, such as set-top boxes and IDTVs; an application authoring tool with applications for the CAM; test and performance tools to ensure compliance. The solution can deliver advanced, visually rich subscriber applications, such as PVR, Pay Per View and Video on Demand services.

Ocean Blue's browser, combined with the new CI+ system, will offer a range of advanced features & functions:

The television or set top box can run applications contained in the Conditional Access module (CAM)
CI menus can be branded, associating encrypted content to the broadcaster / content provider
Graphic & display capabilities are greatly enhanced (such as bitmaps, custom fonts and colour schemes)
Advanced applications combine broadcast CI+ content with embedded CI+ CAM content

Ocean Blue will work with the CI+ Forum to evolve its CI+ browser to incorporate new features as specified in specification updates, such as high definition graphic support, 16-bit mode, fast rendering and caching.

Ocean Blue will be offering a comprehensive CI+ developers pack including:

Triton, a CI+ authoring tool, Ocean Blue's visual design system; test & conformance software and activation software for embedding into a digital television.

About CI+
The CI+ Forum has only recently finalised the CI+ specification for the secure delivery of pay-TV services to digital TV receivers, including set-top boxes, IDTVs and PCs.

The enhanced security within the new CI+ specification allows smart cards and CAMs to be used with any set-top box or IDTV that supports the standard, giving consumers a choice of receiver equipment. Content protection within the CAM allows operators to offer premium pay-TV services, such as PVR, PPV and VOD services.

Ocean Blue Software