SMIT Partners with Irdeto to Supply CAM for freenet TV Launch

SHENZHEN, China, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SMIT Holdings Limited ("SMIT", stock code: 2239), the leading global supplier of conditional access module (CAM) devices, today announced they have partnered with renowned digital platform security leader Irdeto to supply the CI Plus Module with Irdeto Cloaked CA to Germany's network operator MEDIA BROADCAST ahead of its new freenet TV digital terrestrial television (DTT) service launch.

The CAM device, based on SMIT's next-generation chipset, integrates with Irdeto's Cloaked CA solution featuring the FlexiCore chipset-based security agent. This enhances the performance, security and reliability of the CAM. With FlexiCore, the module is expected to support advanced features such as CI Plus1.4 and on-demand services in the future, in addition to ongoing support for standard conditional access applications. The module, launched by SMIT specifically for MEDIA BROADCAST, also incorporates Irdeto's Secure Pre-enablement which allows pre-activated CAMs to be distributed in the market. This means that access to freenet TV is immediate after having purchased a CAM.  

Brenda Bai, vice president of SMIT's overseas CAM business, says, "We feel honored that we have been selected by MEDIA BROADCAST to support its freenet TV DVB-T2 platform launch across Germany. We also feel honored to collaborate with Irdeto in providing advanced Cloaked CA with FlexiCore security to MEDIA BROADCAST on our CAM. As the world's largest CAM provider with outstanding competence in developing security solutions, SMIT is able to deliver industry-leading services, experience and market value to freenet TV and its end consumers."

According to data from Frost & Sullivan, SMIT maintained its role as the world's largest CAM provider with a market share of 48.9 percent in 2014 and 49.6 percent in the first half of 2015 in terms of both sales volume and revenue. The company was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on March 30, 2016.

The European digital TV market is in the process of its transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2, with Germany as the trendsetter. MEDIA BROADCAST will use the CAM device provided by SMIT in its T2 platform transition, which also provides guidance and reference for its peers in other European countries who are planning a T2 network upgrade. The DVB-T2 network platform freenet TV, is also the first paid access-based application in the country. According to MEDIA BROADCAST, most programs on the DVB-T2 platform will be broadcast in full HD using HEVC technology, delivering an outstanding viewing experience to T2 users with higher image quality than cable or satellite networks.

"As we continue to support the launch of MEDIA BROADCAST's major new freenet TV service, we are delighted to extend our partnership with SMIT to offer additional innovative products to viewers across Germany," said Steeve Huin, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Irdeto. "With SMIT, our combined leadership provides important benefits to pay TV operators as they upgrade their networks in a fast-growing market."

Source: SMIT

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