[Sadoun]

What is a CAM?

A Conditional Access Module is the electronic circuit in a digital satellite receiver, which decodes "scrambled" broadcasts (in conjunction with a subscription card). There are a variety of scrambling systems e.g.: Viaccess, Irdeto, Seca, Conax, Cryptoworks etc... You will need a CAM that matches the scrambling system that your broadcaster is using.

Physically there are three types of CAM.

1.) Proprietary CAMS - These are usually removable, but they come in a variety of sizes. The CAM is usually designed for a specific receiver.

2). Built-in CAMS – A built-in CAM forms part of the circuit board of the receiver and cannot be removed.

3). CI (Common Interface) CAM slot – Receivers with this feature have a standard PCMCIA socket which will take any CI compatible CAM. The plug, socket and electronics are standard across a range of receivers and CAMS. The system is a common standard, which has been agreed by most satellite receiver manufacturers.

All CAMs have a slot in the front, which accommodates a subscription card. Some receivers have no CAM and thus no slot for a subscription card, these are called Free-to-air receivers (FTA). They only receive broadcasts that don't need a subscription.