Samsung announced the creation of a next-generation security solution called TVkey six months ago. It enables users to access pay-TV services directly on select new Samsung TVs by plugging a low-cost TVkey USB dongle instead of needing a set-top box or a second remote. It developed the TVkey with NAGRA, one of the leading providers of content protection.
“By partnering with NAGRA on TVkey, we are setting a new standard for the industry, enabling pay-TV providers to securely deliver premium UHD content directly to consumers,” said Jong-hee Han, Executive Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics said in September last year.
It was confirmed back then that TVkey will be fully developed into an open market solution which would be accessible to the wider TV industry in early 2017. Samsung and NAGRA have today announced the world's first commercial deployment of TVkey at German satellite operator HD+.
The HD+ TVkey enable subscribers to access HD+ channels without needing a separate receiver or CAM module with smartcard. They can then access high-quality programming include HDR and 4K directly on newer-model Samsung TVs.
Customers who pick up a new compatible Samsung TV from participating retailers in Germany will receive the HD+ TVkey free for a limited time after they register on the HD+ website. This promotion also gives them a free six-month HD+ subscription which when expired can be converted into a regular subscription.
