CI Plus (CI+) User Interface

The Common Interface was developed to provide secure access to encrypted, pay-TV content. CI Plus followed with additional security and features to the original DVB Common Interface standard. S&T are actively involved with leading-edge technology companies to look at ways of making full use of this burgeoning platform. For example, our S&T Player runs within the CI Plus Browser to provide playback of Vod and Catch-Up TV. (The CI Plus Browser is an MHEG middleware engine for deploying interactive applications via a module inserted into the receiver.) We have already shown that operators are able to deliver a full range of network-based, linear and on-demand video services using CI Plus.

S&T Player

S&T Player is a highly flexible, data-driven MHEG-5 application that runs within the TV's CI Plus Browser. It allows subscribers to navigate the full VoD catalogue – including catch-up TV – and select individual titles for viewing using the TVs remote control. Video is delivered via DVB-C or IP, and once playback has started, S&T Player offers viewers full control (e.g. pause, stop, skip forwards/backwards, etc.).

S&T Mediator

Mediator provides integration with back-office video catalogues. It is a flexible, scalable framework for accessing, processing and caching VoD Data. Mediator supplies data to S&T Player in a format that is highly optimised and requires very little processing within the TV. This approach minimises the bandwidth required for data communications and helps ensure the best possible performance for the viewer.