Login ci common interface. Satellite receiver or module for satellite TV. Signal decoding circuit using a CAM module

If you have a great desire to update or expand the number of channels that you can, then you will have to choose how to achieve this goal. You can, of course, use an external tuner, but it’s also easy to do without it and still successfully connect to satellite or cable television.

Connecting the CAM module will expand the list of available TV channels.

To implement this task, you will need to connect a CAM module and also have an access card. The presence of these two components is mandatory, because they are the ones who ensure the decoding of paid digital channels, which are broadcast by the provider.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford such a connection, even if they have unlimited desire. It is important to first make sure that your TV is equipped with a special ANT In Satellite connector, located on the back of the TV. If you do not find such a connector, you will have to come to terms with the fact that your TV does not support direct connection to a satellite dish; therefore, you will definitely have to purchase an external tuner to solve this problem.

Rules for connecting and setting up the CAM module

If you purchase a receiver, you can provide satellite broadcasting of channels even on TVs released more than ten years ago. Specialists will be able to select the appropriate material and cable, ensuring a successful connection of the TV to the satellite dish. However, despite the multiple advantages of the receiver, you still have to deal with some disadvantages when using it. In particular, you have to get used to using two remote controls:

• from TV;
• from a satellite receiver.

If you are tired of such confusion and want to make your “life” easier, we recommend that you connect a CAM module.

Connection algorithm

Modern TVs are already equipped with special satellite receivers, in particular DVB-S2. To ensure a high-quality connection to a satellite dish, all that remains is to purchase a CAM module that allows you to decrypt digital channels.

IMPORTANT. It should be taken into account that different operators create their own channel encoding system, so to gain access to these particular channels you have to purchase a CAM module from one or more operators, depending on individual viewer preferences. Of course, using a specific CAM module of a specific operator, it is possible to establish contact with the selected operator and view all the satellite channels that this operator broadcasts.

When choosing this method of connecting to satellite television, the advantages also become noticeable, but along with them there are also disadvantages. The advantages include the fact that you can successfully control the TV using just one remote control. The disadvantages are that not all TVs are equipped with a CI+ module, and they also lack DVB-S2. If you have met all the conditions for a successful connection, we suggest you read the completely simple instructions on how to install and configure the CAM module.

First, pick up the CAM module and insert the access card tightly into it.

Now unplug the TV from electrical network to prevent injury due to electric shock. Approach the TV so that you can comfortably inspect its back wall. Inspect carefully back panel, find the dedicated PCMCIA slot. It is accompanied by a corresponding inscription, so if you are careful, you will easily find it.

Insert the module into this slot with its front side facing the wall. Connect your TV to the satellite dish, only then turn on the TV.

Sometimes the TV manufacturer equips it with a special CI adapter. In this case, connecting the CAM module will have some minor features. In particular, on the back wall of your TV you can easily find the Common Interface sticker, remove it, and insert the CI adapter into the puzzles that open. Check the quality of the adapter connection, then insert the CAM module into it.

This completes the connection process, but your actions will now be aimed at setting up the channels of the operator whose access card you purchased.

Setting algorithm

Before you start setting up, we recommend that you make sure that everything works perfectly and that your TV sees the CAM module perfectly. To do this, go to your TV menu, then go to the “CI Data (CAM)” option. You will now see two suggested actions:

• information;
• settings.

Go to the first line to get information about the module you are using. If you inserted something incorrectly, your TV will not display any data about the module, so you will have to check whether the CAM module was inserted correctly into the special slot.

ATTENTION. Only when you have been able to verify that everything is connected correctly and that the module is operating successfully, we suggest that you proceed to the next important configuration-oriented steps satellite channels.

Pick up your TV remote control and enter the menu. Most often, just click on the Settings button. Go to the “Quick” submenu and select the “Search for channels” line. The system will prompt you to select search options; we recommend that you select “Autosearch”. Next, you will be asked to specify the channel settings mode. Of course, you need to select the “Satellite” mode.

Of course, you will immediately have to indicate the operator whose access card you purchased and whose channels you count on watching.

After that, all you have to do is click on the “Run” button and just wait until the search process is completed. In this case, information will appear on the screen, after reading which you will understand how many channels have been detected and, accordingly, they can be connected.

So, if you want to update something in your life, in particular, expand the number of satellite channels, allow yourself to view those channels that were previously unavailable, it will be useful for you to update, and sometimes for the first time, familiarize yourself with the information on how to connect CAM- module. You will definitely be pleased that you will not find any particular difficulties when performing such actions. Do not be afraid of difficulties, take steps, trying to independently update the broadcast of the channels of your satellite dish.

The CAM module or conditional access module is designed for viewing encrypted satellite or cable channels. It is inserted into the CI slot of the TV or receiver and decodes channels intended for paid viewing. Some receivers, for example Skyway Classic 4, have two CI+ slots, which allows you to simultaneously watch paid channels of two different operators(for example Tricolor and NTV+). Today, many TVs are equipped with a tuner for receiving satellite signals and have a slot for a CAM module. However, to view encrypted channels of Tricolor and NTV+ operators, the tuner and slot must meet the following characteristics: the tuner must support the DVB-S2 format, and the slot must support the CI+ format. Although most brands of TVs meet these requirements, you should carefully study before purchasing technical specifications.

Since modules are a fairly new development, many people find it difficult to initial setup and operation of CAM modules.

I would like to start with the fact that installing modules on TVs different manufacturers, varies and sometimes very seriously. LG proved to be the simplest and most loyal to the module. Here you just need to insert the module into the TV. Select a satellite dish in the menu and search for channels of a specific operator (Tricolor or NTV) and it will automatically and correctly find the channels of the selected operator.

But the most problematic from a setup point of view are Sony and Thomson TVs. You need to manually add the name of the satellite to them (remember that the satellite of the NTV-Plus and Tricolor operators is called Eutelsat W4 or Eutelsat 36E), as well as add transponder parameters (frequencies: 12226 for Tricolor and 12322 for NTV+) and converter local oscillator frequencies for both operators: upper and lower frequencies - 10750. Then you need to select “network search”, and the TV will find all channels of this operator. If there is no “network search” item in the menu, then all transponders will have to be added manually. Full list transponders are available on the operator’s website.

Now let's look at the most common problems and errors when working with the CAM module. The first and most common problem occurs when the TV initially initializes the module. When this happens, the TV sees the module, all information about the module and card is displayed in the menu, however, when the channel is turned on, it writes an error (the error code and explanation are different for different brands and TV models). In such a situation, you need to act as follows: turn off and turn on the TV. After turning on the TV, checking access rights between the TV and the module will begin again. In most cases, this method is more than effective. However, in some cases, for example, after a power surge or a sudden power outage, the settings of the module itself may be lost. Then the access rights check will not be carried out until the CAM module settings are reset to factory settings through the TV menu.

Now regarding the problems associated with software of modules and televisions. Problems incorrect operation with modules are usually found on early model TVs. But, fortunately, these problems can often be eliminated by installing the latest software for your TV. As for the module software update, it occurs only from the satellite. In NTV+ modules, the update can be turned on forcibly by simply selecting the required item in the menu. In Tricolor-TV access modules, satellite updates are broadcast for a limited amount of time (1-2 months), if during this time you have not managed to update the software, you will have to wait for the next one.

Despite the simplicity of the design, the CAM module cannot be bent or disassembled, and it is especially not recommended to reprogram the module, with the exception of the official operator software. You also need to protect the module from moisture, and if you remove the module from the TV for a long time, make sure that its connector does not become clogged.

Despite the difficulty initial setup, CAM modules are an ideal alternative to satellite receivers. Thanks to their simple design, they are more reliable than a receiver, they do not need an outlet, a remote control and do not take up space.

Important! Since Tricolor and NTV+ use different encodings (NTV+ uses Viaccess, and Tricolor DRE-crypt) therefore, NTV modules do not fit Tricolor cards and vice versa.

The best quality TV broadcasts today are provided through digital television, for connection of which a SMART card for the TV is used. This novelty of the domestic television broadcasting market in the West has been used since the 90s of the twentieth century. Most modern models of TV receivers are designed to use a SMART card and a CAM module (decoder adapter). Let's try to figure out what it is.

Features and benefits of a SMART card

A SMART card is a plastic card with a chip and is used to connect a subscriber to pay digital television. By purchasing it, the consumer enters into an agreement with the service provider, stipulating a package of available TV programs.

Important! Each card is unique, tied to a specific supplier and has its own identification number, with the help of which the provider company identifies the user and can disconnect it if payment is late.

There are a number of benefits to accessing digital video using a SMART card. Among them:

• ease of connection to the service;
• high resolution television picture - Ultra HD;
• independence of image and sound quality from weather factors;
• the ability to change the software package at the user’s request without contacting the provider;
• additional services (video library, TV guide, text information);
• low price;
• compactness and absence of additional wires, devices and boxes.

An important advantage is the ability to replace the provider without significant financial costs, as well as the absence of the need to purchase additional equipment (relevant for owners of modern television panels). Among the disadvantages - relative fragility of the device. The card can break or be damaged by bending and moisture, and the contacts are susceptible to dirt.

Connecting a SMART card to a TV receiver

To receive TV channels in digital format, you need to insert the card into the TV. This is done through CAM module, which is a metal container, or set-top box . Both devices are supplied by the provider and are equipped with one or more card receivers.

Note! The CAM module is used when the TV is equipped with a built-in device compatible with it - a cable receiver, which can be found in the user manual. Otherwise, a prefix is ​​issued.

Using the CAM module

To install a SMART card in a television set with a built-in cable receiver, you need to insert it into the Sam-module chip to the front side of the adapter. Next, making sure that the TV is turned off, you need to install the resulting composite cartridge into the designated PCMCIA or CI slot, usually located on the back panel of the television receiver. The correctness of the actions performed will be confirmed by the corresponding inscription on the screen, which will appear after switching on. The next step will be to set up broadcast TV programs, however this procedure depends on the TV manufacturer.

Connection using a set-top box

If the TV does not have a compatible PCMCIA or CI slot, a set-top box, which is purchased separately or supplied by the provider, is used to connect a SMART card. In the latter case, its price is included in the monthly fee under the contract. The card cartridge with the card is connected to the receiver in a manner similar to that described above. A standard TV set-top box looks like a black plastic box with approximate dimensions of 10x15 cm and is connected using HDMI cable or VHS (for outdated TV sets). The box is placed on or near the TV and is controlled by a remote control. In this case, in order to configure and regulate TV channels, you will have to use two remote controls.

The set-top box has a built-in processor. Some models also feature USB port to play video from external devices, a WiFi module and an Ethernet connector for connecting to a router and Internet access, as well as a built-in magnetic media for video recording and a keyboard.

Important! Russian providers issue pre-wired TV set-top boxes that do not require the use of plastic cards with a chip.

Features of SMART cards from Russian providers

Each manufacturer's cards have different format encryption. That's why it will not be possible to decode the signal of one provider using the decoder of another. In Russia, the most common cards are from MTS, Tricolor TV and NTV-Plus.

Digital cable television MTS

To use the service of this provider, you must connect to the MTS digital network. You can buy a SMART card with a CAM module in 2018 for 1300 rubles in one payment or rent at 85 rubles per month ( according to information from the official website). Whereas the cost of equipment is several times more expensive (the approximate price is shown in the table).

Digital broadcasting from MTS is available in several hundred Russian cities.

Satellite TV from Tricolor

This provider sells basic package television services at a price 1200 rubles per year or 200 rubles per month. Tricolor positions itself as a company that provides access to the widest possible number of programs, including packages for children, football fans and others. However, the user will have to install a satellite dish, since broadcasting is carried out exclusively from the satellite, and this requires fine tuning equipment for high-quality image reception.

Note! To maintain the integrity of the SMART card, users are not recommended to remove it after the broadcast has started. But the company provides for replacement of a damaged card.

Satellite TV from NTV-Plus

NTV-Plus for 3490 rubles provides a subscription agreement, CAM module and SMART card with a prepaid right to view the “Basic” package for one year. Broadcasting is carried out using a satellite, so a satellite dish is needed for reception. The TV module is installed in the CI+ slot of the TV, which must support DVB-S standards/DVB-S2. The picture quality level varies from mpeg-4 to HD and Ultra HD. Control is carried out with one TV remote control.

If you have the Internet, this service can be activated using an interactive set-top box without a satellite dish, otherwise you need to use a digital receiver with satellite equipment. Estimated cost of equipment for connecting NTV-Plus television, taking into account annual subscription to the Basic package and additional services is reflected in the table.

Under the above mentioned additional services means: automatic setting channels, access to video library, parental controls, TV guide, delayed viewing and recording of TV shows for devices that support this function. NTV-Plus owns the largest video library on the RuNet.

Note! The CAM module and SMART card from NTV-Plus do not work correctly on SONY TVs.

Cable and mobile television in Russia

In addition to the providers described above, digital television packages via SMART cards are also provided by Rostelecom through Rostelecom onlime telecard. To receive the service you must be in the area cable network of this operator and have a TV with DVB-C support. It costs to connect 3000 rubles excluding subscription fee.

MGTS also provides the opportunity to receive digital television. In this case, SMART cards are not used; their function is performed by set-top boxes. Price basic tariff - 145 rubles per month, receiver rental - 99 rubles per month.

TV cards are also not required to receive digital TV channels from Beeline. But this provider provides a wider range of services compared to its competitors: cable digital television, home television via the Internet and Beeline TV, which allows you to connect phones to the service via mobile communications.

Only a few providers are listed. Generally a service digital television broadcasting provided by dozens of companies.

Setting up digital television channels

The procedure for setting up TV channels depends on the TV manufacturer, but common to all are: the ability to manually configure and the need to disable auto-update of channels if it is enabled. TO manual setting resort if it is impossible to connect channels automatically. For this contact the provider and find out the channel broadcast frequency. Many companies post all the necessary information on their websites.

For automatic connection you need to go to the TV menu and select the appropriate item, this can be: Auto search, Auto setup, Auto installation, depending on the firmware of the television panel. The setup algorithm for the most common television receivers is shown in the table.

Advice! If you need to select a country during setup, it is better to specify Finland. Digital television has appeared in Russia recently, and early models of televisions equipped with receivers do not provide for this function in our country.

So, the SMART card is a representative latest generation devices for connecting digital television. It allows you to do without a set-top box, additional TV remotes and wires. In addition, the Sam-module with a card is much more compact than other similar devices. Its main advantages are user-friendliness and low cost. However, many providers have not yet switched to new format connections, and some are not going to do this. The reason is the lack of new unique functionality and additional costs for introducing a new product.

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Some modern television sets are capable of processing digital signals without the help of special attachments. The article will tell you why the CI slot, CAM module and Smart card are needed and what to do if the error “there is no CI module in the LG TV” suddenly appears.

(the abbreviation means “Common Interface”) is a special connector into which an access card to pay digital television is inserted.

Using this interface, the video stream received from the provider is decoded and the signal is matched with the TV system.

The device connected via the CI slot is called a CAM module (Conditional Access Module), and it is this device that performs the function of unlocking encrypted channels: CI is just a port for CAM, which in turn is an adapter between the TV and the Smart card.

The smart card contains a special password that allows a person to access cable television. It is worth saying that manufacturers claim support for CI and CAM only in those TV models that also have their own DVB tuner.

Among the advantages of purchasing such a Smart TV:

1. Saving money. If the TV device is equipped with a CAM module, then the user will not have to additionally purchase an external digital set-top box to access the broadcast of TV channels in high resolution You will need to pay for the selected TV package and receive a free Smart card from your provider.
2. Easy equipment setup. The process of connecting a Smart card to an LG or Samsung TV is similar to installing a regular microSD into a smartphone, and setting up the equipment usually takes no more than 2 minutes.
3. Compactness of the system. Externally, CAM resembles bank card several centimeters thick, which is significantly smaller than a conventional digital set-top box. Also for use of this module There is no need to connect additional wires to the display.
4. Easy management of TV programs. When using CAM, television viewing is controlled through the television rather than the DVB-T2 remote control.

A little more detail about the principle of operation of the CI-card smart card adapter for Samsung TVs and LG will be covered in the next section of the article.

Operating principle

The Smart card contains a special microchip that allows the provider to identify the customer of a particular paid TV program package.

The card is inserted into the CAM module, which in turn is connected to the TV device via the CI interface. After installing the assembled system, the user needs to configure a playlist of channels.

A device with its own CAM module, like a special digital set-top box, is capable of playing video in high resolution and recording offline TV programs that the user, for one reason or another, did not have time to watch on air. The Conditional Access Module also allows you to manually set content display parameters.

What to do if you receive the error “There is no CI module in the LG TV”

You can download instructions for setting up a list of TV channels for TVs with a CI module from the provider’s official website. If the user is sure that his device is equipped with a CAM module, but when trying to set up an LG TV, the error “No CI module” appears, then it is recommended to check the selected signal source - the password stored on the Smart card can only be read in the “ mode Cable TV" To avoid repetition system error, the new parameters must be saved into the memory of the television device.
Failure may also occur due to outdated version software television apparatus.

To update the firmware, the user will need:

• download from LG official website latest version webOS;
• transfer the downloaded file to a USB drive previously formatted in FAT32;
• connect the flash drive to the TV and run manual update BY.

When webOS is updated, all that remains is to complete the playlist of pay TV channels. Another solution to the problem is to change the region where the user is located in the TV settings - when editing account It is recommended to select “Germany” or “Finland” as the host country. It is worth noting that setting a new parameter will not affect the functionality of webOS in any way.

Conclusion

Now the user knows what CAM and CI modules for a TV are. To successfully install a Smart card, you must use only the network parameters proposed by the provider - otherwise the microchip will not be read, and the TB device system will definitely generate an error.

Modern TV models are equipped with built-in digital TV tuners that are capable of independently decoding closed-circuit television programs without the use of an external receiver. But in order for the built-in tuner to function, there is a mandatory requirement - the presence of a special signal matching module, that is, a CAM module.

According to the definition, a CAM module is electronic device, which is used as an adapter when decoding paid media content supplied with encryption. It can support work with one coding system or several at once. In addition, such a device has a special slot designed for a smart card, an individual access key, which is received by each subscriber of digital satellite television providers.

In turn, the smart card has a unique number and allows the service provider to control the degree of access to encrypted TV channels for each specific user.

How exactly does the conditional access module work?

In practice, everything looks simpler and clearer than in theory. Each new satellite television subscriber receives a smart card containing access keys. It looks like a simple plastic card with a small electronic chip. The card is placed in the CAM module slot, after which it is inserted into the CI connector on your TV.

As you know, any TV channels that are broadcast on your satellite TV are divided into two groups, namely:

Free (open). These are the simplest and most common channels that are always open to all users;

Paid (closing). These include the most interesting, high-quality and informative TV channels. They can be dedicated to sporting events, show the life of wild animals, or they can broadcast good domestic and foreign films, for example, in HD quality. Naturally, it makes no sense for the provider to provide them for free, so they are encrypted.

The built-in digital tuner reads access codes from your smart card and decodes all closed channels according to the conditions of your package, as a result of which you can always enjoy high-quality and interesting TV programs.

An important advantage of the built-in digital tuner and CAM module is that there is no need to use additional equipment, namely a separate external receiver in the form of a set-top box. This is very convenient, because everything you need is already on your TV. While a separate receiver takes up space, collects dust, and a whole bunch of wires are used to connect it. In turn, a TV with a conditional access module is much easier to mount on vertical surfaces, for example, on a wall. Minimum wires and maximum space saving.

What TV models are suitable for using the CAM module?

It is worth noting that not all models of television devices can be used with a conditional access module. It is important that the TV has a built-in digital TV tuner, and also supports the appropriate digital satellite television standard (for example, DVB-S or DVB-S2).

There may be a connector for a CAM module on the back of the TV, but the TV may not have a built-in DVB-S or DVB-S2 tuner, and to ensure that your TV can work with a CAM module to receive satellite TV, there must be a special one on the back of the TV threaded connector for connecting a satellite dish. If there is a connector for the CAM module but there is no threaded connector as in the photo, then your TV does not have a tuner for receiving satellite channels and, accordingly, the CAM module will not work for you!!!

In general, almost everything modern models TVs from popular global brands (LG, Samsung, Philips and many others) are equipped with built-in digital tuners, as well as a special CI connector designed for the CAM module. If you do not know whether your TV meets the requirements described above, you can determine this by studying the technical specifications of the device or by consulting with the seller.

How is the CAM module configured?

Using the conditional access module, you can configure satellite digital television channels. To do this, you just need to first make sure that the device is installed correctly and your TV “sees” it and also reads the data from the smart card.