What is common interface on TV. Benefits of using a self-module for TV. What is a CAM module

Until recently, to watch satellite TV from the leading providers, it was required to have an additional "set-top box" to the TV - a digital receiver. A task this device consists in decoding closed paid channels, access to which is open only to authorized customers according to the terms of their package plan. In other words, this receiver, or as it is often called a decoder, provided uninterrupted access to all information content.

Nowadays, the technological process is rapidly moving forward, thanks to which users of digital satellite television from leading providers (such as Tricolor TV, NTV plus, Rainbow TV, TeleKarta) can enjoy watching their favorite TV programs without using a receiver. This is possible if you have at your disposal a modern TV with a built-in digital tuner, as well as a special CI connector for a CAM module.

What is a CAM module?

Modern TV models are equipped with built-in digital TV tuners that can independently decode closed television programs without using an external receiver. But in order for the built-in tuner to function, there is a mandatory requirement - the presence of a special signal conditioning 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 served encrypted. It can support work with one coding system or several at once. In addition, such a device has a special slot for a smart card, an individual access key that each subscriber of digital satellite television providers receives.

In turn, the smart card has 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 more simple and understandable than in theory. Each new satellite TV subscriber receives at his disposal a smart card containing access keys. It looks like a simple plastic card with a small electronic chip. The card is placed in the slot of the CAM module, after which it is inserted into the CI connector on your TV.

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

Free (open source). 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 sports 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 the access codes from your smart card and decodes all closed channels according to the terms of your package, so that 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 wiring and maximum space savings.

Which TV models are suitable for using the CAM module?

It should be noted 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 corresponding digital TV satellite standard (for example, DVB-S or DVB-S2).

On the back of the TV, there may be a connector for the CAM module, but the TV may lack a built-in DVB-S or DVB-S2 tuner, and in order to make sure that your TV can work with a CAM module for receiving satellite TV, there must be a special on the back of the TV threaded connector 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 all modern TV models of popular world 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 if your TV meets the requirements described above, then you can determine this by examining specifications device or by consulting your dealer.

How is the CAM module configured?

With the CA module, you can tune satellite channels digital television... To do this, you just need to first make sure that the device is installed correctly and your TV "sees" it, and also reads data from the smart card.

Equipment for digital television is what you can buy in our store. Our company has been operating in the market of terrestrial and satellite equipment since 2003 and we already know most of our clients by sight.
For regular customers of our online store, there is a system of discounts, which is calculated automatically according to the coupon number assigned to you personally.
All equipment undergoes pre-sale preparation, namely, it is installed latest version Software for satellite and terrestrial set-top boxes. All receivers are tested for functionality.
Our company delivers equipment both in Moscow and throughout Russia. Most courier delivery companies have agreements on preferential shipping rates.
In our online store you can find almost any equipment that you may need to receive satellite and terrestrial television. We have tried to make the ordering process convenient for anyone If you plan to order more than one item, but several, then you can use the store search and pay attention to the related equipment. If you are looking for equipment for receiving satellite TV, then you should go to the tab menu "Satellite TV", if for receiving terrestrial or cable TV, then " Terrestrial television"etc. If during the ordering process you have any questions, then you can use the online chat, which is located on each page of the online store or order a call back.
We hope that in the online digital TV store you can spend the minimum amount of time ordering the required equipment.

Many users buy new Smart TVs TV (Samsung, Philips) and when examining their capabilities and panel slots, they find a Common Interface connector. We will tell you what it is and what CI is for.

"CI + modules" or Common Interface - a special slot on the back of the TV for integrating a module with a card from a satellite TV operator into it. It is the card that decodes pay TV channels and allows the user to view them. CI + acts as a defense against illegal pay-TV viewing. Used for digital broadcasting.

The CI module is a separate adapter that comes with the TV, and the Common Interface is integrated slot on TV. Here general instruction by connecting the module:


TV menu settings

Actions for setting the menu should be performed in "Common interface".

  1. Different TV models may have their own correct path to access the Common Interface section. You should go to the menu and find one of two items: System or Broadcast.
  2. The "common interface" should indicate its activity, if this is not observed, then follow the next options.
  3. Remove all accessories and reconnect everything. The TV needs to be unplugged, a simple reboot may not help. Check the correctness of the actions. The operator card is included in the CAM-module, it should be included in the CI-module, and it is already integrated into the Common Interface.

This is the only viable way to establish a connection with a TV channel operator. If, for some reason, access was never granted, then try replacing each of the elements with others. We interchange all components one by one, calculate possible non-working components. Here is a visual video with the connection of this module.


This instruction fits many modern plasma panels such as Samsung, Philips, etc.

There is always the possibility of contacting operator technical support communication for clarification of the situation. Take all the elements and the decoding card with you. Employees will be able to check the functionality on the spot. If necessary, it is better to order a master with a visit to your home address.

The best quality of broadcasting TV programs today is provided by means of digital television, for the connection of which a SMART card for the TV is used. This novelty of the domestic TV broadcasting market in the West has been used since the 90s of the twentieth century. In most modern TV receiver models, the use of a SMART card and a CAM module (adapter-decoder) is constructively provided. 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, negotiating 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 disable it if the payment is delayed.

Gaining access to digital video using a smart card has several advantages. Among them:

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

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

Connecting a SMART card to a TV receiver

To receive TV channels in digital format, you must 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.

On a note! The CAM module is used when the TV is equipped with a built-in compatible device - 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 TV receiver with a built-in cable receiver, you must insert it into the Sam-module chip to the face of the adapter... Next, after 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 rear panel 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.

Connect with a set-top box

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

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

Important! Russian providers issue already "stitched" TV-boxes that do not provide for the use of plastic cards with a chip.

Features of SMART cards of Russian providers

Each manufacturer's cards have a different encryption format. therefore 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 TV MTS

To use the service of this provider, you need to connect to the MTS digital network. You can buy a smart card with a CAM module in 2018 for 1,300 rubles in one payment or for rent at 85 rubles per month ( according to information from the official website). Whereas the cost of equipment is several times more expensive ( estimated price is given in the table).

Digital broadcasting from MTS is available in several hundreds of cities in Russia.

Satellite TV from Tricolor

This provider sells basic package TV services for the 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 has to install satellite dish, since broadcasting is carried out exclusively from the satellite, and this requires fine tuning equipment for high-quality image acceptance.

On a note! To preserve the integrity of the SMART card, users are advised not to remove it after the broadcast has begun. But the company provides for the replacement of the damaged card.

Satellite TV from "NTV-Plus"

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

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

The additional services mentioned above mean: automatic setting channels, access to the video library, parental control, TV guide, time-lapse and recording of TV programs for devices that support this function. NTV-Plus owns the largest video library of the Russian Internet.

On a note! CAM-module and SMART-card from "NTV-Plus" do not work correctly on SONY TVs.

Cable and mobile TV in Russia

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

Also, the ability to receive digital television is provided by MGTS. 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.

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

Only a few providers are listed. In general, dozens of companies provide digital TV broadcasting services.

Tuning digital TV channels

The order of setting up TV channels depends on the manufacturer of the TV, but they are common to all: the possibility of manual tuning and the need to turn off auto-update of channels, if it is enabled. TO manual setting resort in case of impossibility to connect channels automatically. For this contact the provider and find out the broadcasting frequency of the channels... Many companies throughout necessary information are posted on their websites.

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

Manufacturer The order of selecting menu items for automatic channel connection
Lg Options - country selection - Autosearch - "fast" speed selection
Samsung Channels - Auto Tuning - Cable - Digital
Philips Configuration - Channel installation - Reinstallation of channels - Country selection (the country is indicated on a sticker on the back of the TV) - Cable - Automatic - Start
SHARP Installation - Auto installation - country selection
Sony Digital Configuration - Autosearch for digital stations
Panasonic Analog Settings Menu - Add TV Signal - DVB-C - Auto Search

Advice! If you need to select a country during setup, it is better to specify Finland. In Russia, digital television has appeared recently, and on early models of TVs equipped with receivers, the connection of this function is not provided in our country.

So, the SMART card is a representative last generation devices for connecting digital television. It allows you to do without a set-top box, additional TV remotes and wires. In addition, the Self-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 connection, and some are not going to do it. The reason is the lack of a new unique functionality and additional costs for the introduction of new items.

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Development rate modern technologies impressive. New devices appear every day aimed at improving the comfort of people. In this regard, the entertainment industry is by far the leader.

For modern man it has become commonplace to spend free time in front of the TV screen, the functionality of which is expanding every year. LG is rightfully considered the leader in the production of electronics.

Not all owners of this brand of technology know what a pcmcia card slot is in an LG TV, so we have prepared a detailed answer in this article.

With the development of cable television, the question arose of how to make sure that viewing of programs would be available to a specific subscriber. To protect the user from hacking, it is necessary to use that are installed in the TV in Pcmcia Card Slot.

The smart card functions as a pass, which contains information about the owner, the selected channel package, tariff and other services. You can purchase such a pass for your home theater from a digital TV operator.

It is important to know that the card for the Pcmcia slot is registered for one device, that is, if a person decides to move it to another, he will need to contact the digital TV operator to change the broadcasting conditions.
Depending on the type of cable, coaxial or fiber optic, the signal will be supplied at a specific frequency. At intervals of several seconds, the signal coming through the smart card is encrypted with a new key.

This ensures high level security and ensures that no one else can use the services of the tariff plan.

How does he work

Pcmcia Card Slot is present on most modern televisions. This connector is used to connect TV signal decoding cards.

By purchasing from a cable TV operator a special access card with the appropriate coding that is installed in the Pcmcia slot, you need to pay for the channel package.

After paying for the tariff services, the card will be activated and will allow the user to view all available channels. TV signal goes through the demodulator and reads the information from the card installed in the Pcmcia Card Slot.

A secure connection guarantees the subscriber and the operator that only the person who paid for these services will use the TV broadcasting services.

What is Pcmcia Card Slot for on LG TV

The use of technologies that make watching cable channels safe was no exception. Therefore, all new LG TVs have a smart card and pcmcia card slot.

Most often, this slot is located on the back or side of LG TVs. In the place where you want to place the card there is a corresponding inscription - Pcmcia.

After the equipment detects an activated smart card in the Pcmcia slot, the subscriber will have access to the following functions:

  • management of tariff and available channels;
  • secure access to television broadcasting;
  • the ability to use on other devices.

How to install a cam module in a TV

LCD and plasma screen manufacturers equip all new models with Pcmcia Card Slot, eliminating the need to purchase additional devices.
The digital built into the TV receives an encrypted signal, but is used to decrypt it. Such a device is a pay-TV service conditional control module.

It is a small box in which a smart card is installed, with connectors for connecting to a TV. To connect this device, it is enough to install it together with the card into the corresponding one on any TV that is previously turned off.

After switching on, an inscription about the found new equipment will appear on the screen. In some cases, you will need to search for channels.

Benefits of using the CAM module:

  • cheaper than a set-top box;
  • easy installation and configuration;
  • compact size;
  • control using the remote control.

Pcmcia Card Slot allows you to watch only cable TV, but makes this process as safe and convenient as possible. Perhaps the further development of electronics will allow the Pcmcia slot to be used for other functions, which is why all TV manufacturers build it as standard on their devices.

On the this moment LG equips all new models with this connector, which is located on the side or on the back of the device.