What is Pcmcia Card Slot in Lg TV and what is it for. What is Pcmcia Card Slot in Lg TV and what is it for Pcmcia Card Slot for TV

Smart card for TV allows you to use more possibilities modern digital television broadcasting. With her help television equipment decodes encrypted channels. How does a SMART card work and is it easy to install it yourself?

This is an ordinary plastic card with electronic chip andIDsubscriber(individual user number). It allows you to watch additional TV channels not only in good resolution with a high-quality picture, but also with excellent sound.

An individual subscriber number provides the provider with the ability to control access. Thanks to this, the card holder, by contacting the company's office, can easily connect and disconnect additional broadcasting channels. Also, if the contract has ended on the account cash, the operator can restrict access to services.

MTS

Mobile operator broadcasts digital channels via smart card via IDRETO system. The adapter along with the chip can be bought or rented in stores. cellular brand. Similar equipment can also be found in specialized points of sale certified by MTS.

The brand offers a number of packages, each with a different thematic channel focus. For example, "Basic" includes 130 common programs... Whereas satellite solutions have almost 200 channels. The latter requires additional equipment that supports the DVB-S2 standard.

Tricolor

To watch paid channels, you need to buy a proprietary receiver of the provider, or a separate module with DRE Crypt encryption. There are more than enough tariffs:

1. "Base". Most affordable with 25 channels.
2. "Football". 6 or 2 programs to choose from.
3. "Night". 9-channel package for adults.
4. "UltraHD". Broadcast in high quality for 4 programs.
5. "Children's". 17 channels for young viewers.
6. "Single". Almost everything is included - 217 programs.

NTV-Plus

When concluding a contract, the provider provides equipment for temporary use. Encoding is done using VIAccess protocols. If necessary, you can buy a separate receiver that comes with a smart card. The equipment is sold in stores certified by the provider.

NTV-Plus offers general packages, which include the current set of channels: federal, regional, culinary, etc. There are also highly specialized solutions: cinema, music, sports, etc.

Benefits of using

Connecting such additional equipment allows you to make the most of the opportunity to comfortably receive information from the TV screen. Thanks to the purchase and installation of SMART cards from well-known providers (MTS, NTV +, Dom.ru, Tricolor TV), the user:

• enjoys quality digital broadcasting high definition which is less sensitive to noise and distortion with improved picture and sound;
• he chooses the list of paid channels he needs;
• has the ability to easily connect and disconnect paid channels;
• gets text version of the TV program programs on your screen (depending on the provider and the capabilities of the TV model).

How to install a smart card

Such a card is installed either in a slot on the panel of the TV itself with helpCAM module, or into a special receiver - as a rule, this is a branded TV set-top box of a service provider, for example, Tricolor. Before purchasing a smart card andCAM module, you need to make sure that the TV model allows the installation of such equipment. For example, modern LCD LED TV models Samsung and Lg have a slot for connecting a digital card through the CAM module on the back panel.

Let's consider a step-by-step connection algorithm.

1. Turn off the TV before installing the equipment.
2. First of all, the card is installed in the CAM module. Both are provided by the provider (MTS, NTV +, Dom.ru, Tricolor TV). The module into which the SMART card is inserted is not customizable equipment; it serves as a kind of adapter. When installing the electronic chip on plastic card should be located at the front of the module (usually this side has some kind of graphic, such as the logo of the service provider).
3. After that, the cartridge with the card inserted into it is installed in the corresponding slot. In this case, the connectors on the installed equipment and the CI / PCMCIA input must match. It is worth noting that most modern models of Samsung TVs and lzh have shortened connector forCAM module... After installation, the cartridge is more than half visible. Therefore, during installation, you should not try to insert it further.
4. If the module with the SMART card is installed correctly, after turning on the TV, a corresponding record will appear on the screen.

Most often, after installing such equipment, it is required to manually set up digital broadcasting TV programs, for example, from the MTS provider or Dom.ru. This process has its own characteristics for different TVs, and how to do it will be described below.

Where is the SMART card installed if the TV does not have a corresponding connector?

If the TV does not have a CI / PCMCIA connector for the CAM module, to be able to connect digital broadcasting, the user needs purchase a TV set-top box (receiver). Choosing this device is not difficult: today there is a wide range of devices on the market that meet any requirement. There should be no problems with connecting the set-top box either. Some providers, for example MTS, when connecting, install their TV set-top boxes to their subscribers, including payment for using it in a monthly payment, or providing it free of charge (as a rule, during the period of the company's promotions). Installing a smart card and CAM module in the receiver is done in the same way as connecting through the connector on the TV panel.

Smart Card Activation

The smart card activation procedure allows the operator to identify the subscriber in the Pay TV system. Depending on the operator, the activation procedure may differ.

1. MTS offer to activate the card in one of four methods: through the operator hotline 8 800 250 08 90, by sending an SMS message, at the place of purchase of a smart card (from a dealer) or online on the company's website.
2. Tricolor offers only two options: fill out a special form on the website or send an SMS (which one and where is indicated on back side cards).
3. Smart Card Activation NTV-Plus takes place on the operator's website.

Setting up paid channels on a TV device

If the adapter is inserted correctly and operating system the TV was able to identify the card, then you need to proceed to channel tuning. The procedure may vary depending on the TV manufacturer.

Channel setup from different manufacturers:

1. Samsung. Open the menu and go to the "Channels" branch. Select "Cable" as a signal source and put a tick on the line "Digital broadcasting".
2. Lg... In the options menu, we indicate the country - Russia. If it is not on the list, then Germany or Finland. Go to settings and click on "Autosearch".
3. Philips... Go to "Configuration" and find the "Reinstall channels" branch. If the system asks for a country, then we expose Russia or the one that is marked on the TV label (on the rear wall). In the menu we specify the signal source (cable) and activate the search (section "Autosearch").
4. SHARP... Open the menu and go to the "Installation" branch, then "Auto installation". We choose a country - Russia (in the absence of - Sweden, France or Finland). We activate the search.
5. Sony... In the menu, open "Digital configuration". We click on the automatic scanning of digital stations. Then we search for channels.
6. Panasonic. Open local settings and click on the "Add TV signal" line. We put a check mark on DVB-C and activate the search in automatic mode.

Some models require manual setting ... In this case, you need to find out the broadcasting frequency, station number and other parameters. All data must be indicated on the official website of the provider.

Important! If the TV is turned on automatic update programs, this function must be deactivated. Otherwise, the settings will constantly go astray.

Conclusion

Thus, almost any user can connect digital broadcasting at home, regardless of the TV model. SMART card that allows you to control pay-per-view channels with high definition ( HDTV) can be installed directly into the TV itself, via CI / PCMCIA connector and TV box.

In the second case, the user will have to control the channels using two remotes. remote control or buy and configure a universal remote control.

The search module is not installed.

PCMCIA Technology (PC Card) - Extension functionality laptop

Andrey Irkhin

Any modern laptop has one or two slots for connecting expansion cards of the PCMCIA standard, also called PC Cards. This technology to expand the capabilities of laptops and connect to them external devices is the most advantageous, since, with the very small size and weight of the PCs themselves Card laptop it is not overloaded with additional built-in controllers, and the replacement of cards makes it easy and simple to configure the computer for specific user tasks.

PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (its official website is http://www.pcmcia.org). The specification adopted by this association was immediately supported by such giants of the computer industry as AT&T, IBM, Intel, NCR and Toshiba.

PCMCIA's work on the specification was carried out in collaboration with JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association). By the way, in 2000 JEIDA merged with EIAJ (Electronic Industries Association of Japan) and transformed into JEITA (Japan Electronic and Information Technology Industries Association). Its official website is located at http://www.jeita.or.jp.

PC Cards Type I are 54 mm wide and 85.6 mm long. The modules must be 3.3 mm thick. All PC Cards are equipped with a 68-pin connector (developed by Fujitsu) with a double-row arrangement of contacts (the distance between the contacts in a row and between rows is 1.27 mm). Typically, the PC Card Type I standard includes non-volatile flash memory cards with today's typical capacities ranging from 128 MB to 2 GB or more. They are an electronic analogue of floppy disks and hard drives, they can be partitioned and formatted. Having written down the most important and confidential information on the flash card, you can always carry it with you. In the same PC Card Type I standard, some advanced sound cards such as the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook, which can partially eliminate the lack of rich multimedia capabilities of some laptops.

PC Cards Type II are the same dimensions as Type I: 54 mm wide and 85.6 mm long. But modules corresponding to the dimensions of Type II must have a different thickness - 5 mm in the middle and 3.3 mm at the edges. Starting with the second version of the PCMCIA specification, a thickening in the middle part of the board - the so-called "substrate area" is also provided. The width of this section is 48 mm and the length is 75 mm. In the PC Card Type II standard, fax modem cards, adapters local area networks, SCSI adapters for connecting external peripherals, FireWire (IEEE-1394a) adapters, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, navigation GPS receivers and many others.

Also, in accordance with the PCMCIA 2.0 standard, Type I and II boards can be produced with an increased length of 50 mm (that is, the board length is 135 mm). Accordingly, this allows more components to be accommodated, but the board will protrude 51 mm from the slot.

Type III PC Cards are 10.5mm thick and are not suitable for use in Type I and II module slots. This type of module requires so-called "double-height slots". By the way, the thickness of the Type III module along the edges is also 3.3 mm. PC Card Type III mainly produces hard drives 1.3-inch form factors, which are used when the capacity of removable flash cards becomes insufficient. Such HDD has a number of advantages: firstly, a simple setup procedure after installing it in a PCMCIA slot, and secondly, if a laptop needs to store large amounts of important and confidential information, then a hard disk made in the PC Card standard will be the best solution.

But do not confuse these hard drives with Hitachi Microdrive (developed by IBM) and the like, which are produced in the Compact Flash Type 2 standard and are connected to a laptop via a PC Card Type II adapter. The PCMCIA adapter for connecting Hitachi Microdrive to a laptop is much more complicated than the one used for connecting Compact Flash Type 1 cards.

Typically, regular laptop models have two Type II slots or one Type III slot. Ultraportable and slim models usually have one Type II slot. If the laptop is equipped with a Type III PCMCIA slot, then Type I and Type II modules can also be used with it. But there are also models like RoverBook Partner E415, E417 (actually produced by ECS) and E510, which are completely deprived of slots for PC Card. :)

PC Cards have a so-called "symmetric geometry". That is, the user, which happens all the time, can accidentally insert the card into the slot "upside down". But that's okay, as any incorrectly inserted board simply won't work. As a result, neither the computer nor the board itself will suffer or fail ...

PC Cards require an appropriate controller, which is usually not built into desktop PCs because of the price and because you can connect any peripherals you need to desktop systems via USB or PCI. A computer that supports the PCMCIA standard can theoretically have from one to 255 PCMCIA adapters, and each adapter can handle up to 16 ports. Thus, even the second version of the standard allowed the use of up to 4080 PC Cards!

Currently, any of the firms specializing in the sale of laptop computers, the assortment of PCMCIA cards is presented, which allow you to get fax-modem communication and access to local area networks (LAN) of the Ethernet type.

Almost all offered fax modems, made in the PC Card standard (except for some not very new and used models sold on the secondary market), have similar characteristics and support the most modern transfer, compression and data correction protocols. Some models allow you to connect a telephone cable without a special adapter to the line to the RJ45 connector, which is located directly on the card body, which allows you to do without additional cables... There are also special cables that allow you to connect your PC Card modem to your cell phone.

There are also combo PC Cards available that combine a fax modem and a LAN adapter. This is very convenient, since only one PC Card Type II slot is occupied. As for the actual network cards, today they are produced network adapters allowing computers to be connected to most local networks. But mainly Ethernet adapters are offered with the ability to connect to a network made on a twisted pair or thin coaxial cable.

There is also one very important note to make regarding compatibility ... Notebook manufacturers provide two levels of control over PC Cards. At the lower level, it is performed using the PCMCIA slot controller maintenance programs. To access the card and allocate resources of the laptop, there are special drivers for a specific type of PC Card device (flash memory, hard disk, fax modem, network card, etc.). Typically, laptop manufacturers try to create a universal software for devices of the PC Card class, which could support the management of cards from different manufacturers, while focusing on existing PCMCIA standards.

Currently, there are many manufacturers that produce various expansion cards of the PCMCIA standard. But by no means all of them turn out to be compatible with specific model laptop ... may be incompatible programming interfaces- then the problem can be solved using the drivers supplied with this card. But if there is an incompatibility at the hardware level, the card will never be able to work with a specific laptop model. Therefore, before purchasing a PC Card, you should carefully read the card recommendations for your particular laptop. This useful compatibility information can be found in the user manual, or on the Internet - on the website of the manufacturer of the laptop or expansion card.

By the way, relatively recently it was announced about the release of the specifications of the ExpressCard Version 1.0 standard for laptops and desktops (see information on the official website - http://www.expresscard.org). Previously, the ExpressCard form factor was known to the public under the tentative name NewCard. The ExpressCard standard is developed by a community of OEMs, card and component developers including Dell, HP, IBM, Intel, Lexar Media, Microsoft, SCM Microsystems, and Texas Instruments. The development was based on close collaboration between the working groups of the following organizations: PCMCIA, USB Implementers Forum (USB IF) and Peripheral Component Interconnect-Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG). Thus, ExpressCard technology also supports the serial data specifications: USB 2.0 and PCI Express (PCI-E).

The ExpressCard Version 1.0 standard provides two form factors with different widths: ExpressCard / 34 (34 mm) and ExpressCard / 54 (54 mm). In both cases, the module is 75 mm long and 5 mm thick. Each module has 26 pins (let me remind you that PCMCIA had 68). Approximate heat dissipation is 1.3 W. Host systems will ship with slots for both card versions. The wide version of ExpressCard / 54 is being released because there are wide CardBus devices on the market, such as Compact Flash cards and 1.8 "hard drives.

Anyone who wants to know more about the new standard can read the following official documents: http://www.expresscard.org/files/ExpressCardBrochure.pdf (1.87 MB) and http://www.expresscard.org/files /ExpressCardWP.pdf (255 KB).

The article uses a number of information materials from the official sites of PCMCIA and ExpressCard, as well as "Compulent" and "Computers".

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) personal computers) is a specification of expansion modules for laptops and computers called PC cards.

The PCMCIA specification was developed as a standard for memory expansion cards and the connector for these cards. Its further development and improvements made it possible to connect various peripheral devices (modems, network cards etc.).

From history, it can be noted that PCMCIA was developed as a response by the United States to the JEIDA expansion card specification developed in Japan. In 1991, both standards merged, and similar specifications JEIDA 4.1 and PCMCIA 2.0 (PC Card) were released.

Most older laptop models are equipped with 2 PCMCIA slots of the second type, which allows you to connect two II-type devices or one card of the third. In the process of replacing obsolete COM and LPT interfaces from laptops with higher-performance USB, FireWire, Ethernet, the need for PCMCIA began to decrease. Laptops were already equipped with 1 slot II-type.

Version 1.x of the PCMCIA specification described Type I cards with a 16-bit interface, which were used only as memory expansion modules. They were 3.3 mm thick and used a single-row connector.

Type II cards are equipped with either 16- or 32-bit interfaces; the connector already has two rows of contacts. The thickness of the cards is 5 mm. Type II cards support I / O devices, which allows them to be used for connection peripheral devices.

Type III cards support a 16- or 32-bit interface and use four rows of pins. These cards are 10.5 mm thick, which allows standard connectors to be installed on the card. external interfaces and thus get rid of additional cables.

The rest of the dimensions for all three types of cards: 3.3 inches long and 2.13 inches wide.

Further developments in PCMCIA led to the emergence of the CardBus bus (PCMCIA 5.0 or JEIDA 4.2). CardBus are 32-bit PCMCIA cards introduced in February 1995. Since the end of 1997, laptops have been widely equipped with these slots.

The CardBus is electrically and logically a full 32-bit PCI bus with dimensions and a PCMCIA bus connector. CardBus devices can support DMA, which allows CardBus devices to communicate with other peripherals or RAM without using a CPU.

The notch on the left front edge of the CardBus card slot is smaller than that of non-CardBus cards, so a 32-bit CardBus card cannot be installed in a 16-bit-only card slot. Most modern slots support CardBus cards and older 16-bit cards.

Further development of PCMCIA

The PCMCIA interface is the progenitor of a whole generation of flash-based storage cards, which emerged as a result of attempts to improve the performance of Type I PCMCIA cards: CompactFlash, Miniature Card and SmartMedia. By matching the connector, the CompactFlash can be successfully connected to PCMCIA.

Replacing PCMCIA in laptops came new standard- ExpressCard, introduced in 2004. Expansion cards of the ExpressCard standard are smaller than PC cards and use PCI Express and USB 2.0 buses to connect peripheral devices.

Technological progress does not stand still, and new devices appear almost constantly, and devices that have already become familiar are equipped with additional devices. This applies to almost all types of activity, but the entertainment industry and related devices are always at the forefront of renewal. However, sometimes this process happens so quickly that even technically savvy users find it difficult. So, for example, among the owners last generations LG TVs often ask what is PCMCIA card slot that can be seen on the back of the device. The answer will be both complex and simple at the same time, but let's talk about everything in order.

Smart card and slot PCMCIA card slot

What is smart card and PCMCIA card slot

The answer to the above question should start from afar, namely, consider such an innovation as a smart card for cable TV. The usual form of television broadcasting is gradually becoming part of history, and cable channels are taking its place. This process is quite natural and logical.

In this case, it becomes necessary to organize targeted broadcasting and an appropriate security system that excludes the possibility of unauthorized connection. Laying cable networks to the user and maintaining them in working order requires significant financial investments from the supplier companies, which directly affects the cost of tariffs. At the same time, there must be some safeguards to ensure that the service is used by the person who paid for it. This is one of the few cases where both the client and the company are on the same side. The only question is how exactly to organize the possibility of restricting broadcasting. The answer was the development and implementation of smart cards and PCMCIA card slots in LG TVs.

Smart card and adapter

Smart card represents small device(and in fact, a card), which serves as a pass. That is, certain information about the owner, the tariff purchased by him, connected additional services, etc. is entered on the card. This card is connected to the TV using the PCMCIA card slot.

Initially, the technology was developed for use in laptops and its intended purpose was to connect various additional peripheral devices, such as additional memory drives, network cards, modems for Internet access. However, over time, applications were found in cable television. I think you understand what this is a PCMCIA card slot and what it is for.

The use of smart cards for access can achieve a number of advantages:

• Possibility of direct management of connected tariffs and channel packages.
• Increased security of use - no one can access channels if the card is not physically installed in the slot.
• If the equipment is compatible, it is possible to take your channel package with you, which is very convenient.

Smart card inserted in the slot

At the same time, if the LG TV is equipped with a built-in PCMCIA card slot, then all actions for using a smart card are reduced to simply inserting it into the designated slot.

Conclusion

What is a PCMCIA card slot and what is it for? So, the PCMCIA card slot in LG TVs is not at all a useless slot, as it might seem at first glance. Due to the low prevalence of such technology, the need to use smart cards in our country is not often encountered, but it is only a matter of time. It can almost certainly be argued that in a few years, the presence of this extension format will be a necessary standard.

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 the Pcmcia Card Slot installed in the TV.

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 the operator digital television.

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 found on most modern TVs. 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. The TV signal passes 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 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.