Slot for CI on a TV: what is it, installation and connection of the module

With the purchase of a new modern 4K TV, I wanted to watch content in high definition. Otherwise, why did we buy such a TV? In addition, it turned out that the management company had already installed a Tricolor satellite dish on the roof of our house and distributed the signal to each apartment. It was a sin not to try. The only thing that repelled me were the old memories of the need for a receiver - such a large box with a bunch of wires and its own remote control. But it turned out that there is a modern, elegant solution - a CAM module for a TV.

What is a CI slot on a TV?

On the back of the TV there are places for connecting cables and memory cards. These include a wide connector for the Common Interface (CI) module, which makes it possible to view encrypted channels.

The following devices are connected to the CI slot:

CAM module – for connecting a closed channel decoding card;
Access card. Stores subscriber data (list of channels, duration of subscription, etc.)

The CI slot is beneficial to the user and the service provider. In addition to viewing encrypted channels, the viewer has the opportunity to turn off advertising while watching, record or save the material they like. The TV channel receives protection from illegal viewing of its content.

To prevent recording and copying of the signal, a new version of the Common Interface CI+ module has been developed. When using it, recording can be made only with the permission of the owner, it is permissible to limit the number of views of individual programs and films, rewinding advertisements and recording information to the hard drive is prohibited. The TV box is marked with information about the CI version.

Decoder operating principle

The decoder works in a specific decoding system of the encoding algorithm that is used by the telecommunications service provider. The interface in this case only provides the technical ability to implement decoding with subsequent presentation of the signal in one format or another. Most encrypted signals arrive at the receiver along with the access key. This key is sent through the same slot to the card, which gives the answer in the form of a generated code. The latter is sent to the tuner itself, which is connected to the Common Interface system in the Samsung TV. What does this mean from a legal point of view? The use of such a signal decoding scheme is completely legal. The fact is that when you buy a card, you also pay for the service of using certain channels. Usually a whole package is purchased, to which, when connected, the installed card will gain access.

Features and Benefits of the CI Module

Due to numerous advantages, buyers of similar products are choosing the CI connection interface.

Its main advantages:

no additional installation work is required for laying wires and other additional devices;
the access card replaces the receiver;
obtaining a high-quality television product thanks to access to encrypted channels;
viewing new films of world and domestic cinema;
no interference on the screen due to receiving the TV signal directly, bypassing connecting drives;
viewing media content in HD quality, which does not tire the eyes;
connecting the CAM module yourself;
the ability to watch digital channels on old-style receivers.

Let's summarize. The CI slot allows you to watch high-quality films, TV series, programs, save money, and take care of your eyesight.

Important! Installing the receiver requires the use of two remote controls. By connecting CI, the user will control the equipment with one device, which is much more convenient.

Feedback on the interface

For the most part, such devices receive positive feedback from users. And Samsung TVs are famous for their particularly high-quality decoding interfaces. Reviews note the stability of signal reception, ease of managing settings and fairly high image performance in terms of color rendering.

At the same time, there are also negative opinions about the operation of such systems. They are due to the fact that it is not always possible to achieve coordinated interaction between the tuner and adapter with the card. Samsung TVs also suffer from this drawback. Reviews emphasize that the variety of tuner formats is often misleading when selecting appropriate modules.

Installing the CI module

Correct self-connection is based on a detailed study of the instructions and compliance with the requirements of the device manufacturer’s recommendations.

Attention! Before installation, the television receiver must be disconnected from the power supply.

The CAM module can be connected via:

Common Interface slot
CI adapter

Work algorithm for the first option:

Turn the TV over so the back side is facing you.
Insert the card into the module.
Insert the module into the slot.

Work algorithm for the second option:

Turn the TV over so the back side is facing you.
Conduct a visual inspection of the connector. If it is sealed with film, it should be carefully removed.
Pick up the module with the front side facing you.
Using the feet, insert the module into the hole.
Check the installation tightness (it should not wobble).
Install a smart card into the module.

Attention! The electronic chip on the card should be on top.

Common Interface connection instructions

The CI module is a separate adapter included with the TV, and the Common Interface is an integrated slot in the TV. Here are general instructions for connecting the module:

The provider card must be placed in the CAM-module . It can most often be purchased from the operator providing television services. The card is placed with the contacts facing up towards the front of the module.
Next, you need to insert the CAM module into the Common Interface connector, but first we integrate the CI adapter.
To do this you should take off relevant sticker on the TV, it is under it that the slot is located.
The CI module is installed and fixed in three places, two holes for the legs, and the third for direct connection of contacts.
You should make sure that everything is installed tightly - any play is unacceptable and will lead to broadcasting problems.
Now we connect the CAM module itself with a card for decoding TV channels.
It should be installed all the way and in the correct position, check if this is the case.
All these actions should allow you to connect digital television.

Setting up the CI module

After installing the module, you need to configure the channels. A message on the TV screen will inform you that a new device is connected. In the settings, select CI or CI+. Next, select automatic channel search. It will take some time to decode the channels. The setup process will complete automatically.

Next, you can select your favorite channel and enjoy watching.

Reference! The installation and configuration process is identical for all device models, regardless of the manufacturer.

How to set up the menu on TV?

All settings are carried out in the “general interface” section. In each model it will be called differently, but there is a certain sequence of actions:

In any of the models you need to find the “Broadcast” or “System” section;
Then in the “General Interface” section you can see whether there is activity or not;
If there is no activity, then you need to check that all modules are connected correctly or completely reboot the TV.

If the connection does not appear, then there are two options. You can try changing each connection element yourself to a new one, perhaps this will help solve the problem. But the easiest thing is to call a specialist to your home, who will look at everything and find the reason why there is no connection.

What to do if the CI module does not connect

There are often situations when, after installing the CAM module, there is no image on the TV screen. You can resolve the problem yourself or by consulting your service provider.

Incorrect installation of the adapter or card will result in the receiver not recognizing the device. If such a situation occurs, it must be removed from the television panel and the installation must be carried out again.
The same problem occurs if the card is installed incorrectly. The card is installed correctly when the metal chip is facing the front.
If your TV is set to cable mode rather than digital television, the receiver will not recognize the module.
Outdated software will not allow the new adapter to work. You need to download the update from the TV manufacturer's website, download it to a USB drive and update it.
If after all the procedures the adapter does not work, it should be connected to another television receiver and checked for functionality. Bending and straightening the device may cause damage. The module should be handled with care during installation.
If you are unable to automatically configure channels, you should try installing them manually.

Important! If the adapter and cards are installed correctly, but the channels are not configured, you should contact the service center and call a specialist.

Self-modules perfectly replace conventional receivers. They do not require additional space, a separate remote control and an outlet. Therefore, they are popular among television content consumers.

Common Interface connection instructions

The CI module is a separate adapter included with the TV, and the Common Interface is an integrated slot in the TV. Here are general instructions for connecting the module:

The provider card must be placed in the CAM-module . It can most often be purchased from the operator providing television services. The card is placed with the contacts facing up towards the front of the module.
Next, you need to insert the CAM module into the Common Interface connector, but first we integrate the CI adapter.
To do this, remove the corresponding sticker on the TV; the slot is located under it.
The CI module is installed and fixed in three places, two holes for the legs, and the third for direct connection of contacts.
You should make sure that everything is installed tightly - any play is unacceptable and will lead to broadcasting problems.
Now we connect the CAM module itself with a card for decoding TV channels.
It should be installed all the way and in the correct position, check if this is the case.
All these actions should allow you to connect digital television.

How to remove a smart card from the receiver

There are times when the digital TV card starts to work incorrectly. For example, an error is thrown. In this case, it must be pulled out of the connector. This is done simply:

Open the slot where the plastic is located.
Press the edge of the card with your finger, and it pops out of the slot.

Sometimes sticking occurs, then you will have to use a thin knife to cut the paper. It is inserted between the wall of the slot and the plastic card to remove the gluing of the elements.