The Italian free-to-air satellite platform Tivùsat has initiated the process of phasing out its legacy ‘Tiger’ conditional access system (CAS). The planned deactivation window is slated to begin in Q1 2026. This move by the platform, backed by Rai, Mediaset, and TIM, involves migrating all encrypted services to Nagravision’s newer ‘Merlin’ technology. Tivùsat has been deploying this technology across compatible CAMs and decoders since approximately 2018–2020.
According to Tivùsat, retiring Tiger is a crucial part of a broader initiative to upgrade platform security, device certification, and introduce future service features. The current plan outlines the disabling of Tiger smart cards and Tiger-only decoders starting in early 2026, with the complete phase-out of Tiger equipment expected by 2028. After the transition, older receivers will still be able to access unencrypted free-to-air channels but will be unable to decrypt scrambled services.
Viewers currently using Tiger-era hardware are strongly encouraged to upgrade before the 2026 deadline. Continued access to encrypted channels necessitates a Merlin-certified CAM or decoder, along with a compatible smart card. Tivùsat’s card colour-coding helps users distinguish between generations: Tiger-era cards are typically grey, whereas Merlin cards are issued in black or green, depending on the model. Cards from both systems are not interchangeable. "Cards are not interoperable – Merlin cards do not work in Tiger-only receivers, and Tiger cards will not authorise Merlin hardware," states Tivùsat.
This shift is motivated by the need to strengthen the platform against piracy and signal theft, as well as to facilitate expanded services such as UHD/4K channels and interactive functionality. Tivùsat has suggested that the Merlin roadmap supports both higher-resolution broadcast services and richer hybrid features via connected TVs. "The migration also has an industry dimension," claims Tivùsat.
Tivùsat’s decision aligns with a broader trend among European free-to-air satellite platforms, where older CA/DRM systems are being replaced with newer encryption standards and stricter hardware control. This transition allows platforms to maintain access-controlled channels alongside free-to-air content, while satisfying rights-holder demands regarding premium HD and UHD distribution. Key considerations moving forward include how Tivùsat will communicate the timetable to end users, including potential retail or operator-led upgrade options; the future of channels currently using encryption on Tiger-era cards; and whether the platform will leverage the transition to introduce additional premium services, native UHD channels, or new HbbTV-based applications.
Set-top box and CAM vendors in Italy are also expected to align with the Merlin specification as Tivùsat finalizes certification requirements ahead of the 2026 cut-off. Tivùsat’s technology refresh is now a multi-year consumer transition program, with the first major change occurring in 2026 and the final Tiger shut-off targeted for 2028.