Irdeto Access Demonstrates Final Form-Factor OpenCable POD Removable Security Module at the Western Show 2000.

Business Editors and Technology Writers

The Western Show 2000

South Hall Booth No. 927

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2000

OpenCable(R) removable security module enables content protection

and digital rights management on wide range of systems

At the Western Show 2000, Irdeto Access will demonstrate a prototype version of the company's final form-factor point-of-deployment (POD) removable security module.

The Irdeto Access POD module will be demonstrated at the Irdeto Access (Mindport), and Microsoft booths at the Western Show. Microsoft will also show the Irdeto Access POD at its booth in the Western Show's CableNET pavilion.

Irdeto Access, an acknowledged world leader in conditional access technology, is the content protection and management company of Mindport, the technology subsidiary of MIH Limited (NASDAQ & AEX: MIHL).

The OpenCable(R) POD was defined by CableLabs in response to the FCC mandate that security functions of consumer devices used for broadband TV delivery be decoupled from the reception/navigation appliance. This means that the conditional access (CA) function can be locally supplied by the content or service provider and the basic appliance such as STB, TV receiver, PC etc., can be acquired independently by the consumer from local retail channels.

When inserted into an OpenCable(R)-compliant cable or satellite receiver, the POD module provides the security required to descramble the encrypted digital television signal. All POD modules work with all OpenCable(R)-compliant set-top boxes, giving consumers confidence that their retail investment in digital television equipment will be protected if they move to a new service area.

The Irdeto Access POD also has applications beyond the set-top box. When used with the SCM/Microsoft St@rBay receiver in a PC-based entertainment box, the POD allows the secure delivery of premium digital cable television programming on systems that also provide a wealth of entertainment features, including DVD, Internet browsing, video games and personal video recording. The Irdeto Access POD supports all international digital television standards for removable security.

"This completion of the Irdeto Access POD is significant because it represents the opportunity for true retail distribution of OpenCable(R) receivers," said G.L. Wright, Sr. VP and General Manager of Irdeto Access USA. "At the same time, the various cable-to-PC demonstrations of the Irdeto Access POD conditional access highlight how our technology can be applied across both the television and PC platforms."

"We see the POD as another flexible component that allows content owners to safely deliver their valuable programming over traditional pay television outlets and broadcast-quality broadband connections," Wright continued. "We can open the door to many value-added services that can create new revenue streams for cable operators."

SCM Microsystem's vice president of Architecture and Business Development, Luc Vantalon, praised the "strong history of collaboration" between his company and Irdeto Access on the POD project. "The goal was to create a very portable, removable platform that equals the security of a set-top box," Vantalon said. "We have achieved that goal." He noted that "The multi-standard international design of the new card will allow it to work anywhere in systems from multiple vendors, thus benefiting U.S. cable operators from the economies of scale."

Note: The Western Show is at the Los Angeles convention center from November 29 - December 1. Irdeto Access will be exhibiting as part of the Mindport booth -- number 927 in the south hall. (R)OpenCable is a registered trademark of CableLabs

About Irdeto Access:

Today Irdeto Access, a Mindport conditional access company, the subsidiary of MIH Limited (NASDAQ:MIHL)(AEX:MIHL), is recognized as one of the world's leading providers of technology for managing and securing content from concept to consumer. Irdeto Access specializes in designing, developing and marketing end-to-end solutions to protect content from unauthorized access for both the TV Broadcast as well as the Internet environment.

The company has been providing encryption technology for more than 30 years, and was the world's first company to provide an MPEG-2/DVB compliant digital conditional access system. Irdeto Access' CA systems are implemented in more than 50 countries world-wide.

Focusing on the Internet, Irdeto Access also provides technology for secure Internet Protocol scrambling for the IP multicast environment with its product CypherCast(TM) CypherCast can be used in combination with any streaming media application including distance learning, corporate training/business TV, data caching and entertainment business scenarios.

About SCM Microsystems

SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access secure digital content and services. The company operates in four primary markets: Digital TV, Broadband Access, PC/Network Security and Digital Media Transfer. SCM's advanced silicon solutions, hardware and software enable secure exchange of electronic information for applications such as e-commerce and broadband content delivery by providing controlled access points to platforms such as PCs, digital cameras, and digital television set-top boxes. Global headquarters are in Los Gatos, Calif., with European headquarters in Pfaffenhofen, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems Web site at www.scmmicro.com.

About Mindport:

Mindport is a global solutions provider of media commerce technologies for pay-TV and the Internet, enabling platform and channel operators to maximize their e-business opportunities.

Mindport has focused its business in the following areas: Conditional Access, Customer Care and Billing, Interactive Set-top Box Operating Systems, System Integration and Consultancy, Set-top Boxes and Broadband Internet Systems.

About MIH Limited:

Mindport is the technology division of MIH Limited (NASDAQ & AEX: MIHL), a leading international television platform, Internet, and interactive technology company with customers and operations in more than 50 countries. An early innovator in pay-media technologies including conditional access and interactive broadcasting, MIH has derived competitive strength from products developed by Mindport. MIH also owns controlling interests in OpenTV, the world leader in iTV software with applications running on more than 11 million set-top boxes.