Fransat, Samsung enable free satellite DTT reception

French DTT viewers do not need to own an external set top box or a second remote control to receive French free DTT channels by satellite thanks to a Fransat’s satellite receiver and a DTT module integrated into Samsung ES TVs. The pack comprises a decryption module produced by Neotion and an access card for subscription-free reception of Fransat, the French satellite TV platform owned by Eutelsat. Fransat modules cost €129 available from Boulanger stores via the Andom, Pulsat, Compétence and DEFI channels. Viewers slot the Fransat access card into the module and then insert the module into the Common Interface (CI) of the TV set which is already pre-equipped with a satellite tuner. The system uses the CI Plus specification which supports the authentication and encryption mechanisms of both the Conditional Access Module (CAM) and Samsung's integrated digital TV (IDTV). The module developed by Neotion uses Viaccess conditional access. This integrated solution is compatible in the first phase with Samsung's ES series of IDTVs. Using the HbbTV standard, the sets also enable access to interactive services that will  progressively be rolled out on the Fransat platform.