Overview –
Many commercial TV providers use Pro:Idiom® encryption to protect premium content delivered over cable, satellite, or IPTV systems—particularly in fitness centers, hotels, and multi-unit dwellings. This encryption standard is required for legal and secure distribution of bulk video services.
However, most cardio equipment found in gyms and fitness facilities does not include a built-in Pro:Idiom® tuner. Fortunately, there are reliable solutions available to upgrade existing machines without the need for full replacement.
What Happens Without Pro:Idiom® Support?
When a cardio machine lacks Pro:Idiom compatibility, users may experience the following:
- A black or blank screen
- “Unauthorized” or “encryption error” messages
- Inability to change channels or adjust volume
The Solution: External Set-Top Box + Console Adapter Box (CAB)
To enable compatibility, each cardio machine can be connected to a Pro:Idiom-compatible external set-top box (STB). A Console Adapter Box (CAB) is then used to link the STB to the cardio console, allowing users to control the entertainment system directly from the machine—without external remotes.
Compatible Set-Top Boxes That Decrypt Pro:Idiom® Signals
| Set-Top Box | Pro:Idiom Decryption | HDMI Output Required | Notes |
| ATX Visium SBB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | QAM/IP input, compact design, IR or RS-232 control – HDMI output |
| Enseo SBB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Common in hospitality settings; HDMI Output |
| LG STB-5500 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Designed for non-Pro:Idiom TVs; HDMI-only output |
All three devices decrypt the Pro:Idiom signal internally and deliver video to the cardio machine via HDMI.
Input / Output Type Compatibility Overview
| Set-Top Box | IP (Ethernet) Input | Coaxial (RF) Input | Pro:Idiom® Decryption | HDMI Output |
| ATX Visium SBB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (QAM) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Enseo SBB | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| LG STB-5500 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (QAM/ATSC) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
What the CAB Does
The Console Adapter Box (CAB) acts as a control bridge between the cardio console and the set-top box. It allows users to:
- Change TV channels
- Adjust volume
- Control the entertainment experience directly from the console interface
- Eliminate the need for handheld remotes
System Setup Example
- A Pro:Idiom-encrypted signal enters the facility via coax or IP.
- The external set-top box receives and decrypts the signal.
- HDMI connects the STB to the cardio machine’s display.
- The CAB connects the STB to the cardio console, enabling user control.
Each piece of cardio equipment requires one set-top box and one CAB for full functionality.
Important Notes
- The CAB does not decrypt content—it functions as a control interface only.
- HDMI is required from each STB to the cardio display.
- This configuration allows facilities to comply with content protection standards while continuing to use non-Pro:Idiom cardio equipment.
For more information:
Broadcastvision Entertainment
888.330.4283
markb@broadcastvision.com
www.broadcastvision.com
Click Here to contact us today to learn more and to get a free quote.
