Jimmy Bernard

The CAM (Control Access Module) is quite unknown in France. Even peoples who are working in embedded Systems will not know of what use it can be. Since Neotion’s main activity is to conceive CAMs, there is for me the occasion to teach a few things about them.

Function

The main function of a Module is to give access to Pay-TV channels. In France, everyone is used to have a Receiver provided by an Operator next to his TV. Control Access Modules are replacing such receivers and can directly be plugged in the TV (using its PCMCIA Slot). After that you just have to insert the Operator’s Smart Card in the Module in order to access to Operator’s Pay-TV Channels. You will also find kinds of Receivers who are embedding PCMCIA Slots. The idea would be to add in a basic DVB Receiver the possibility to access to Pay-TV Channels.

Deployment

While CAM is not very deployed in France, you can find many country around the world that are very familiar to use it. In some European Countries, Operators are massively proposing CAM to their customers. CAM market is also each year getting bigger with a higher number of CAM being sold.

Advantages

The use of a module offers several advantages:

• Ergonomic – The use of a module suppress of awful and bulky Receiver that stands next to your TV. This is also the occasion to spare a few wires.
• Economic – A Module is cheaper than a receiver
• Ecologic – A Module cost less electricity than a Receiver.
• Effective – If you use a CAM, you will no more need two remote controls – The TV remote will enable you to do everything!