Systems issues in the implementation of DVB Simulcrypt conditional access

DVB Simulcrypt is now a reality. The DVB has finalised a specification defining the mandatory parts of Simulcrypt. The document also makes recommendations about issues relating to DVB simulcrypt systems that are not mandated but which the DVB has studied and agreed upon as having worth. This paper serves as an introduction to the concept of Simulcrypt from a technical and commercial perspective. It describes the implementation issues of the DVB Simulcrypt specification and examines the advantages and disadvantages of Smulcrypt. The DVB Simulcrypt specification defines the interfaces within a Simulcrypt head-end and the synchronisation issues related to DVB Simulcrypt. The interfaces defined allow a "Plug and Play" concept with the Simulcrypt components of a Simulcrypt head-end.