Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 9, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Kabel BW is now beginning to replace SmartCards in Baden-Württemberg and update the software of Digital Receivers. The introduction of the new encryption system affects all Kabel BW subscription-TV customers and Premiere cable customers in the state.
The introduction of the new encryption system at Kabel BW has been running at full speed for months. The technical prerequisites for a smooth transition from the previous system to the new, secure and future-oriented NDS VideoGuard encryption system were prepared. Kabel BW is now starting the “hot phase”: since this week, Kabel BW has begun distributing software updates for existing Digital Receivers. When prompted by the Digital Receiver, customers should confirm the update using the remote control. After the download, the receiver restarts automatically.
The software updates prepare the majority of Digital Receivers for the new encryption system. Kabel BW is also replacing the SmartCards previously used in the Digital Receivers free of charge. The SmartCard enables the subscribed programmes in the customer’s receiver. The conversion will take place step by step and is scheduled for completion at the end of the first quarter of 2008. If a receiver currently in use is not compatible, Kabel BW offers a free replacement or an upgrade offer to a modern receiver model with return-channel capability – for 29,90EUR the customer receives an Interactive Receiver.
Both the software conversion of the existing Digital Receivers and the corresponding activation of the NDS signal have been carefully prepared and checked in appropriate test scenarios. To ensure uninterrupted reception of subscription-TV channels on Kabel BW, both the previously used Nagravision encryption system and the new VideoGuard system will be broadcast on the cable network for a transitional period.
All customers who use subscription TV from Kabel BW or Premiere will receive detailed information about the conversion in advance from either Kabel BW or Premiere. A step-by-step guide to the software update for the different receiver models are also available at http://www.kabelbw.de/box.
Nothing changes for customers who currently receive only Kabel BW’s digital free-TV offering because the programmes are already fed into the cable network unencrypted and therefore freely receivable at no additional cost.
Kabel BW customers can check their Receivers for compatibility themselves. The following devices with a serial number beginning with the specified digits can easily be converted with a software download:
Receiver type Serial number
Imperial PNK SN 14302xxxxxxxxx
Telestar Diginova 2PNK SN 12004xxxxxxxxx
Thomson DCI 1500 G SN 14201xxxxxxxxx
Samsung DCB-I560G SN 11906xxxxxxxxx
Technisat Digital PR-K SN 11502xxxxxxxxx
Humax PR-HD 1000 C SN 11116xxxxxxxxx
Humax PDR 9700 C SN 11108xxxxxxxxx
Humax PDR 9700 C SN 11106xxxxxxxxx
Humax PDR 9700 C SN 11105xxxxxxxxx
Humax PR Fox C SN 11102xxxxxxxxx
