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CI+

CI+ (Common Interface Plus) is a TV interface for using a compatible conditional-access module to receive certain encrypted pay-TV services. It is an access feature, not a picture-quality rating.

What CI+ means on a TV

CI+ stands for Common Interface Plus. On a compatible television, it can provide an interface for a conditional-access module, often called a CAM, used with certain encrypted or subscription television services.

The TVFit catalog may show CI+ as a yes/no capability and may also list a CI+ version. Observed listings include versions 1.1, 1.3, 1.3.2, 1.4, and 2.0. A listing can also show CI+ alongside digital signal formats such as DVB-C, DVB-S2, or DVB-T2.

Why it matters

CI+ is relevant when you want to use a supported pay-TV service without relying on a separate provider set-top box. Whether that works depends on the service provider, the conditional-access module, the subscription or smart-card arrangement where applicable, and compatibility with the television.

For free-to-air channels, CI+ may not matter. It also does not replace the TV's broadcast tuner. DVB-C, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T, and DVB-T2 describe signal or broadcast standards; CI+ concerns access to protected services.

What the label does not tell you

A CI+ entry is a capability flag, not a quality score. “CI+: Yes” does not show that a television has better picture quality, supports every pay-TV provider, or includes a conditional-access module.

The version number is useful for comparison, but it does not by itself confirm compatibility with a particular service. Product specifications may not state the supported providers, countries, module type, smart-card arrangement, or whether a module is included. Those details remain unknown unless the product page or service provider documents them.

CI+ also does not indicate the number or quality of tuners, resolution, HDR support, sound performance, or reception performance.

What to check on a TVFit product page

Look for:

  • Whether Common Interface Plus (CI+) is listed as present or absent.
  • The stated CI+ version, if provided.
  • The listed digital signal format system, since CI+ does not identify which broadcast standards the TV can receive.
  • Whether the product page describes the relevant slot, module, or accessories; a CI+ listing alone does not confirm that a CAM is supplied.
  • Provider and regional compatibility information from the pay-TV service, because the TV specification may not include it.

Nearby concepts include Common Interface (CI), conditional-access module (CAM), and digital broadcast standards such as DVB-C, DVB-S2, and DVB-T2.