Jan 2017

BISS is supported using an optional card that sits on the encoder motherboard. If the option is fitted and correctly licensed, you will be able to encrypt your content using either BISS mode 1 or BISS E.

BISS mode 1 uses a DVB-CA scrambler in the encoder to encrypt services within the transport stream. To achieve this, the DVB scrambler needs to be provided with a key which determines the encryption algorithm used to perform scrambling. With BISS mode 1 this key, known as the “clear session word” or CSW, is simply entered into the encoder using the front panel. If the same key is entered into a BISS compliant receiver, then it will decrypt the encrypted service (s).


With BISS mode 1, The session word is simply entered into the decoder. As long as this matches the session word entered into the encoder, the transport stream will be decrypted.

BISS mode 1 is the simplest implementation of BISS and is useful for protecting relatively short transmissions, such as a sporting event. The CSW is normally generated at random by the user and is then communicated to the staff at the receive sites authorized to decrypt the transmission, so that they can enter the same key into their receivers.

When using BISS mode 1, you must enter the 12 digit CSW into the encoder. On most TANDBERG decoders, the CA menu is in menu 4. You will need to ensure the receiver is set to use BISS mode 1, and then enter the same CSW into the decoder that has been entered into the encoder.