CA1317368C - Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system - Google Patents

Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system

Info

Publication number
CA1317368C
CA1317368C CA000507979A CA507979A CA1317368C CA 1317368 C CA1317368 C CA 1317368C CA 000507979 A CA000507979 A CA 000507979A CA 507979 A CA507979 A CA 507979A CA 1317368 C CA1317368 C CA 1317368C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
information
generating
data
addressable
message
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA000507979A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John M. Jeffers
S. Wayne Mundy
Donald R. Horne
Joseph B. Glaab
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arris Technology Inc
Original Assignee
General Instrument Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by General Instrument Corp filed Critical General Instrument Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1317368C publication Critical patent/CA1317368C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/16Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/167Systems rendering the television signal unintelligible and subsequently intelligible
    • H04N7/1675Providing digital key or authorisation information for generation or regeneration of the scrambling sequence
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/28Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/09Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/13Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/09Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/14Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/23Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/08Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • H04N7/084Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the horizontal blanking interval only
    • H04N7/085Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the horizontal blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/70Aspects of broadcast communication characterised in that receivers can be addressed

Abstract

JOHN M. JEFFERS GI-CAN-189 DONALD R. HORNE S. WAYNE MUNDY JOSEPH B. GLAAB DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE SIGNAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Audio and control signals are digitized and inserted in the horizontal blanking intervals of the distributed composite television signal The control signals are in the form of a data stream which includes a header containing group address, sync, and program-related information applicable to all receiving units, and a plurality of portions which are addressable to and contain information applicable to the control of particular individual receiving units in the addressed group. The information in the addressable portions can be altered on a real time basis such that the system operator has direct control over certain functions of individual receiving units from the transmission end.

Description

~ ~317t~

Via EXPRESS MAIL LABEL NO. B02800658 on MAY 1, 1985 SIGNAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to video distribution networks and, more particularly, to a reliable, secure transmlssion system for video~
audio, and control signals for use in microwave, cable~ and, particularly, in dlrect broadcast satellite communications.

~ 3 ~

Direct broadcast satellite serv~ces include Pay-TV, tele-conferencing, tele-seminar, private broadcast networks, and the like. The availability of small, low-cost television receive-only terminals in recent years has resulted in an increasing demand for such services. As receive only televlsion antenna technology improves and the cost of television receive-only terminals decreases, further increases in deman~ for direct broadcast satel1ite services are expected.
For this reason, the present invention is described in the context of a direct broadcast satell~te system. However, it should be understood that the principles involved are appl~cable in other types of communicatlons systems such as cable and microwave systems presently in use, as well as to systems of various types being developed, Unlike land lines and terrestrial microwave links, satellite transmisslons lack pr~vacy. Such transm~ss~ons can be received by any TV receive-only terminal whose antenna is situated to receive the satellite signals, Accordingly, the secure transmission of video and audio programmlng and data signals is required to provide the privacy essent~al to many applications.

~3~7~

A simple example of a direct broadcast satellite network in which security is required is one which broadcasts television signals.
Since any receiver havlng an antenna in the broadcast signal area can receive the satellite signals, it is necessary that the signals be encoded in a way which can be decoded only by subscribers' receiving units. In addition, certain subscr~bers may have paid for certain programs or program groups, whereas others may have pa~d for other programs or program groups.
The signals must then be further encoded such that subscribers who have paid for particular programs or groups of programs can receive same, while other subscribers cannot.
It may be desirable to design the system such that a particular subscriber can preview a program and then, at that time, decide whether he/she wishes to watch the program and, hence, pay for the privilege, In such an impulse pay-per-view (IPPV) system, the dec~slon of the subscriber must be recorded and communicated to a billing facili~y for appropriate billing. In such instances, the control signals to the subscriber's receiving unit instructing the unit how to communicate with the billing office must be secure in order to eliminate the possibilities for theft of the service.

7 3 i~ ~

The system of the present invention is designed to shift equipment complexity towar~s the transmitting end of the network, while keeping the receiving equipment inexpensive and reliable. State of the art cryptographic techniques are employed to provide a secure transmission system for the broadcast s~gnals.
The video signal is processed and transmitted in analog form The audio signal is digitized and transmltted in digital data form. Addressable control data is organized into packets according to address and transmitted in the same digital data form as the audio s~gnals. All of the signals are combined in baseband using time-divlslon-multlplex techniques. The combined baseband signal is modulated and then transmitted over the satellite link to subscr~bers' receiving units.
This signal structure eliminates the requirement of a sub-carrier for sound and control data, allowing the deviation of the video s~gnal can be increased and video signal-to-noise ratio improved Moreover, since all of the signals are time multlplexed in baseband, only one FM demodulator is requ~red in the receivers for all signals.

~3~7~3 Two audio channels are broadcast.
In Pay^TV services, both audio channels may be used for stereo sound broadcasts. In other applications, one of the audio channels may be configured as a data channel for services such as transmission of text9 messages, facsimiles, etc.
In general, the transmission end e4uipment consists of a program processing unit and a real time controller. The program process~ng unit performs video signal processing and scrambling, audio digitization, encryption of the audio data, and baseband signal time multiplexing. The real time controller generates the audio cryptographic keys, encrypts the addressable control messages, generates the packet messages~n accordance with the transm~ss~on protocol, maintains the user data base and communicates with other processing units.
The receiving units each include an addressable controller-decoder des~gned for use with a rece~ver which has the necessary interface ~or ~nteraction with the decoder.
The addressable controller-decoder demultiplexes the baseband signal, controls the receiver, descrambles the v~deo signal, decrypts the audio data, and converts the audio data into analog form.

~3~i3~3 The transmitted composlte television signal utilizes a format wh1 ch ~ncludes an active video portion and horizontal blanking interval portlons. Two digital aud~o channels and a control data channel are allotted portions of the horizontal blanking lntervals. Yideo frame synchronization information and the zero-level reference are transm~tted dur~ng the vertical blanking ~ntervals, Aud~o data and the control data are transmitted in a burst, synchronous mode.
A two-level v~deo scrambling system is used to achieve the best comb~nation of performance, cost, and security. The first level is ach~eved by removing the 11ne and frame synchronlzation pulses completely from the video s~gnal. A unlque sync word is transm1tted in the vertical blanking interval for synchronization purposes.
The addressable controller-decoder establishes synchron~zation by searching and locating the sync word. Once the sync word is located, all the sync pulses are reconstructed with reference to the sync word. This technlque is used in con~unction with video signal ~nversion, wh~ch is the second secur1ty level.

11 31 33~

In order to avoid picture degradation, the v~deo inversion is performed on a scene-change/frame basis The sequence of video inversion is controlled by a binary bit stream at the transmitting end. The same bit stream is used to recover the inverted s~qnal at the receiving end. The binary bit stream is derived from a synchronous stream cipher. The key for the stream cipher can vary for each transm~sslon session. The video inversion is controllable at the transmiss~on and can be changed even during a communications session.
For audio dig~tization, the present invent~on employs a new delta modulation system developed by Dolby Laboratories of ~an Francisco which ach~eves the necessary performance levels.
At the same tlme, this modulation system requires the use of a relatively inexpensive decoder at the receiving end.
Unlike video scrambling, a highly secure audio encryption system can be achieved relatively inexpensively. The decryption clrcult, being totally digital, can be implemented using sem~-custom or custom integrated circuits. It is highly important that the encryption system employed achieve zero transmission error propagation, that ~s, one-bit in error in the encrypted bit stream results in only one bit in error in the decrypted bit stream.

1 3 1 7 3 ~ 8 60713-378 The present system uses an encryption scheme in which the clear audio bit stream is comhined with the bit stream generated by the stream cipher using an exclusive OR operation.
The receiving end decrypts the audio bit stream using the same stream cipher bit stream. The stream cipher bit stream is generated by a key (common audio key) and an initializing vector~
The common audio key is used for the duration of the communication session and is transmitted in encrypted form through the control data channel. The initializing vector is used for the duration of each frame and is transmitted in the clear form in the horizontal blanking interval.

1 31 73 ~ 60713-37~
The addressable control data channel carries sensitive information such as audio decryption keys and authorization tier levels. The present system is designed to prevent an eavesdropper from receiving this information correctly and to prevent a legitima~e terminal from receiving more information than is authorized. The encryption system utilized in the present invention uses the concept of multiple terminal keys. The common audio key is differently encrypted for use by each receiving terminal. In this way, even in the unlikely event that a decrypting key is comprised, damage can be stopped quickly by deleting the key.
The addressable control data are organized and then encrypted using a key which in turn, is encrypted with a block cipher algorithm. The length of the block cipher key is 64 bits.
When compared with the conventional Data Encryption 5tandard algorithm, the present block cipher has a larger block and a longer key. Accordingly, brute force attacks on the cipher will take considerably more effort.

1 3 ~ rf~

One of the important features of the present invention is that it permits real time control over certain functions of the individual receiver units from the transmiss10n end.
S In general, ~his ~s accomplished through the use of an addressable data stream, which forms a part of the composite televis10n signal distributed by satellite. The data stream includes portlons which are addressable to and only rece~vable by a particular receivlng un1t.
Each of the addressable portions conta~ns one of a plurality of d~fferent messages. Each message contains instructions to control a function of the addressed receiving lS unit. For example, a message may advise the addressed receiving unit as to which programming tiers are author~zed for v~ewing on a subscription basis or which programming tiers are el19ible for impulse pay-per-view transactions, etc.
Since the informatlon contained in the messages is alterable in real time, the system operator can exercise a great degree of control over the system and, particularly, the operat~on of the ~ndlvidual receiving units.
This makes the system of the present invention more versatile and better able to provide individualized services suitable to particular subscr~bers.

~ 3 ~ 8 Another important feature of the present invention relates to the manner in which the receiving unit captures and uses the control data to process and reconstruct the video and audio informatlon The composite television signal contains information relating to a plurality of channels or tiers of programming, each on a different frequency. The signal associated with each frequency contains video information, encrypted audio information, and an addressable data stream including header portions and groups of addressable portions associated with each header.
When a program is selected, the correspondinq frequency is tuned and the video and audio information is separated from the data stream. Each header contains sync information, group address and information relating to the selected program. This information is used by all receiv~ng units. Each addressable portlon contains a unit address and control 1nformation for the addressed recelving unit only or a group address and control information for all receiving units in the addressed group.
Each header is examined and the informatlon therein, including program-related informat~on, sync information and impulse pay-per-view information, is captured and ~ 3 ~

stored. If the header includes a group address matching the receiving unit group address, indicatinq that an addressable packet may be present which is addressed to the receiving unit, each addressable portion is examined in turn.
After the addressable portions are all examined, the next header will be monitored.
When an addressable portion is encountered which includes a global address or the address of the rece~ving uni~, the control information therein is captured. The control ~nformation ls in the form of a message, as indicated above.
The message is usually in encrypted lS form. The addressed portion contains information which, when used in con~unction with information stored in the receiving unit, is used to decrypt the message.
The control information and program-related information are stored for use inprocessing and reconstructlon of the video and audio information for display. Depending upon whether the program selected is within the subscription or can be viewed only on a pay-per-view basis, ~he subscr~ber may have to enter thenecessary commands into the receiving unit to obtain the display.

13 1 r~

It is, therefore, a prime object of the present lnvention to provide a reliable, secure transmlssion system for video, audio, and control s~gnals in a communications system.
It ~s another ob~ect of the present invention to provide a direct-broadcast satelllte signal transm~ssion system which utillzes an addressable data stream inserted into the horizontal blanking intervals.
It ls another object of the present invention to provide a direct-broadcast satell~te signal transmission system wherein the addressable data stream is organized in a header packet followed by a plurality of addressable packets.
It is another obJect of the present invent~on to prov~de a direct-broadcast satellite signal transmission system wherein the information in the addressable packets in the data stream can be altered on a real time basis.
It ~s another obJect of the present invention to provide a direct-broadcast satellite signal transmiss~on system wherein the header packet in the data stream receivable by all recelving units contains synchronizing information, data related to the programs being broadcast, ~ 3 3l r~

and impulse pay-per-vlew data related to the programs being broadcast.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a d~rect-broadcast satellite signal transmiss1Dn system wherein the addressable packets in the data stream decodable only by the addressed receiving unit controls indivldual subscr~ber authorization, encryption key distribution, pay-per-view transactions, channel frequency re-assignment, and prov~des direct control over other functions of the addressed receiving unit and the display associated therewith.
It is another object of the present invent1On to provide a direct-broadcast satellite signal transmission system wherein the addressable packets in the data stream contro1 the interface with receiver peripheral devices.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invent~on, a method is provided for transmittlng data in a communications system of the type including broadcast signal originating means, a plurality of broadcast signal receiving means, and means for distributing the broadcast signal from the or~ginating means to each receiving means.
The method comprtses the steps of generating a broadcast signal having active video signal portions and horizontal blanking portions '3~

~r~
audio signal and a data stream are generated and inserted into the horizontal blanking portions. The data stream includes a header portion including group address information and program-related information applicable to all of the receiving means and groups of addressable portions associated with the header.
The addressable portions include information for addressing a particular one (or all, if a global address) of the receiving units in the addressed group and for the control of the functioning thereof.
The method further comprises the steps of selecting addressable portions and altering the information therein. This permits individual receivers to be controlled at the transmlssion end on a real time basls.
The information in the header ~ncludes information relating to the active video portion of the broadcast siqnal. For example, this lnformation may include video synchronization information and program ident~fication information. It may also be related to audio descrambling and may ~nclude audio decryption information. This information may, in addition, include impulse pay-per-v~ew data.

1 3 L7~?l Each of the recelving means is assigned a unique digital address includlng most significant bits (group address) and least significant bits (subscriber unit address). The information in the header includes the most significant bits of the digital address.
The information ln the addressable port~ons includes the least signif~cant bi~s of the address for the particular recelving means to which the addressable portlon relates. All un~ts can be accessed simultaneously through the use of a global subscriber address.
The information in each of the addressable portions includes a selected one of a plurality of encrypted receiver message types. In addition, information for decrypting the selected message type is included, as ls an indication of the type of message.
For example, one type of message may include program author~zat~on data and instructions to store same, as well as additional audio decryption data, It may also include data representative of a "home channel" which is to be selected when the decoder is in the quiescent mode.
Each of the recelving units may be provided with telephone communication capability with the orig~nating means. In this case~ one ~ 3~J ~

of the message types may include impulse pay-per-view transaction data, identification data, call time data, and program value data. Also included may be program tier blocking data and telephone call-in number data. Other message types may include channel reassignment tables for use in case a particular program channel must be broadcast on a normally unused frequency due to transponder failure.
The lnformation in the addressable port~ons may also include message types which comprise display control data in order to control the digital displays of the various receiving units, erase and reset control function data for the operation of the receiving unit, program blackout data, and audio and data threshold data.
In some instances, the receiving units are used in conjunction with one or more peripheral devices for processing, recording, or displaying broadcasting signal information.
One message type may include peripheral device data. Another message type may include peripheral device selection data.
One of the advantages of the present system is that an error in the information in one of the addressable portions is not ~3~7~8 processed by receiving units other than the particular receiving units to which the error containing addressable portion relates. Thus, an error does not disrupt the function of the system--only the function of a particular receiving unit in the system.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for processing data received in a broadcast signal of the type including active video signal portions and horizontal blanking portions. The horizontal blanking portions include an encrypted audio data portion and a data s~ream. The data stream includes a header portion containing information applicable to all the receiving units, including group address data, signal synchronlzation data, and audio decryptlon data of a first type, and a plurality of addressable portions, each con-ta1ning information applicable to the controlof a particular addressed receiving unit in the addressed group, and including unit address data, encrypted message data, and message decrypting data. The method includes the s~eps of determin~ng whether the group address data matches the group address of the receiving unit, processing the header information to obtain synchronizatlon data for the video portlon ~7~

of the broadcast signal, and audio decryption data of the first type. If the group address matches, each addressable portion is tested, ~n sequence, to determine whether the received unit address contained therein matches the address of the receiving unit. Information in the address-able portion with the matching receiving unit address is processed to obtain and decrypt the encrypted message data. The message data contains a second type of audio decryption data.
The audio decryption data of the first and second types is used to decrypt the audio signal data.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a receiving unit for use in a communicatlon system is prov~ded. The communication system is of the type which transmits a signal comprising video and audio information for a program, a header portion containing a group address, sync information, and lnformation relating to the program, and a plurality of addressable portions associated w~th the header portion. The addressable portions contain information relating to the control of individual addressed receiving units in the addressed group~ The receiving unit comprises a means for receiv1ng the signal 7 3 ~ ~

and means for selecting a program to be viewed.
Means are provided for tuning the frequency of the selected proqram. Means are provided for separating the port~ons from the video and audio information and for examining the header portion to determine if the receiving unit is within the addressed group. Means are provided for capturing and storing the header information. Means are provided for examinlng each addressed portion to determine if the receiving unit is within the addressed group.
Means are prov~ded for capturing and storing the control information in the addressed portion if the receiving unit is addressed. Means are also provlded for processing and displaylng the video and audlo lnformation ln accordance with the stored header and control lnformation.
The aud~o information ls ln encrypted form. The control information comprises audio decryption ~nformation. The processing and display means preferably comprises means for decrypting the audio information in accordance with the audio decryption information captured from a portlon addressed ~o the receiving unit.

hC

~ 3 ~

Each of the addressed portions contains a message. The means for capturing and storing the control information comprises means for capturing the message. The message is transmitted in encrypted form. The addressed portlon further comprises informat~on for decrypting the message. The recelving unit further comprises means for decrypting the message using the decrypting information in the port~on.
Means are provided for storing message decrypting 1nformation. Means are prov1ded for using the stored message decryption informat10n and the decryption information in the addressed portiOn to decrypt the message.
One of the addressed port10ns may contain control 1nformat10n addressed to all of the receiv1ng un1ts in the addressed group.
The recelving un1t further comprises means for captur1ng and storing the control 1nfor-mat10n in such globally addressed portions ~f the receiving unit is one of the addressed groups, 1 31 7~ ~8 21a 60713-378 According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method for transmitting data in a communications system of the type including broadcast signal originating means, a plurality of broadcast signal receiving means, each having an address, means for distributing the broadcast signal from the originating means to each of the receiving means, the method comprising the steps of generating a broadcast signal having active video signal portions, generating an audio signal portion, generating a data stream, inserting the audio signal portion and the data stream into the broadcast signal, between the active video portions thereof, the step of generating a data stream comprising the steps of generating a header portion comprising program related information applicable to all receiving means and address information common to each of a pluràlity of receiving means defining a group, generating separate control information portions indivldualized for each of the receiving means in the group, respectively, associating each of the individualized control information portions with address information specific to the receiving means in the group for which the control information portion is individualized, to form a plurality of addressable portions, one for each receiving means in the group, the header portion and the plurality of addressable portions in series as a unit comprising the data stream, the separate control information portions thus being transmitted to the respective receiving means in the group without repeatedly retransmitting the header portion with each addressable portion.
According to another broad aspect of the invention there is provided a methcd of processing data received by an addressable receiving means in a broadcast signal of the type including active video portions, an encrypted signal and a data stream, the data stream comprising a header portion including B

13~7~g 21b 60713-37~
group address information in the form of the most significant bits of the address of a group of receiving means and a first type of decryption key da~a and a plurality of addressable portions, the addressable portions including information individualized for and applicable to the control of only a single receiving means in the addressed group, the individualized information including receiving means address information in the form of the least significant bits of the address of the receiving means, an encrypted message including a second type of decryption key data, and message decryption data, the header portion and a series of addressable portions being transmitted as a unit such that the header portion is not repeatedly retransmitted with each addressable portlon, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) determining whether the group address information matches the most slgnificant bits of the address of the receiving means;
(b) processing the lnformation in the header portion to obtain the decryption key data of the first type;
(c) if the group address information matches the most slgnificant bits of the address of the receiving means, testing each addressable portion in the unit, ln sequence, to determine whether the re~eiving means information therein matches the least significant bits of the address of the receiving means;
an~, if a match is present, (d) processing the individualized information in the addressed portion to decrypt the encrypted data and therein the second type of decryption key data; and (e) using the first type of decryption key data and the second type of decryption key data to decrypt the encrypted signal.

~' ~L3~73~
21c 60713-378 Accordlng to another broad aspect of the invention there is provlded a direct broadcast satellite communications system comprising broadcast signal originating means and a plurality of brGadcast signal receiving means, each receiving means having an address comprising a set of most significant bits and a set of least significant bits, said originating means comprising program processing means generating video signals and audio signals and means for generating real time signal control means, means for generating program related signals for all receiving means in a group having an address with a particular set of most significant bits, means for generating separate control signals for individual receiving means in the group having an address including a particular set of most significant bits, means for scrambling the video signals to form a broadcast signal, the audio signals, program related signals, control signals and address information comprising a data stream including a header portion comprising the program related information and a set of most significant bits common to the receiving means in a group and a plurality of addressable portions comprising control informatlon individualized fo.r a particular receiving means in the group and a set of least significant bits associated with the particular receiving means, the header portion addressable portions in series being inserted into the broadcast signal as a unit, so that the header portion need not be repeatedly retransmitted with each addressable portion, means for transmitting the broadcast signal, and wherein each of the receiving means comprises means for tuning said broadcast signals, an addressable controller-decoder means, said decoder means including means, effective when a broadcas~ signal is received including the header portion and an addressable portion with the address of the addressable controller-decoder 13173~8 21d 6071~-378 means~ for descrambling and separating said video signals, audio siynals, control signals and program related informatlon associated with said receiving means and for controlling said addressed receiving means to process and display the video signals and audio signals in accordance with the control signals and program related information.
According to another broad aspect of the invention there is provided a receiving means having an address including a set of most significant bits and a set of least significant bits for use in a communications system of the type transmitting a signal comprising video and audio information for a program, a data stream comprising a header containing a most significant bit portion designating a group of receiving units, sync information and program related information, and a plurality of addressable portions associated with the header, each containing a least significant bits portion, and information for the control of the particular addressed unit having the address matching the set of most slgniflcant bits in the header and the set of least significant bits in the addressed portion, the header and a series of addressable portions being inserted into the signal as a unit such that the header need not be repeatedly retransmitted with each addressable portion, the receiving unit comprising means for receiving the signal, means for selecting a program to be viewed, means for tuning the selected program, means for 6eparating the data stream from the video and audio information, means for examining the header to determine if the receiving unit is within the group having an address including the set of most significant bits in the header, means for capturing and storing the information in the headerr means actuated if the receiving unit is within the addressed group, for examining each addressed portion associated with the header B

1 31 73~3 21e 60713-378 to determine if the set of least significant bits of the address of the individual receiving unit match the set of least significant bits in the addressed portion, means for capturing and storing the control information in the addressed portion if the individual receiving unit address is present, and means for processing and displaying the video and audio information in accordance with the stored header and control information.

r~

To these and to such other ob~ects which may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system, as set S forth in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, whereln like numerals refer to like parts and in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the overall system of the present invention;
Figs. 2A and 2B, taken together, for a block dlagram of the addressable controller decoder which forms a part of the receiving unit of the present invention;
Fig. 3 illustrates the composite television signal used in the system of the present invention;
Fig~ 4 illustrates the composition of the header portion of the data stream used ~n the system of the present invention;
Fig. 5 illustrates the composition of a typical addressable portion of the data stream used in the system of the present ~nvention;

~ 3~7~ '$.~J~

Figs. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6f, and 6G
each illustrate the composition of a message type distributed through an addressable portion of the data stream of the present invention; and Fig, 7 ls a flow chart illustrating the various functions of the receiving unit in capturing information from the composite signal and processlng same.
Figure 1 shows, in block diagram form, an overview of direct broadcast satellite network utilizing the signal transmission system of the present invention. The network includes a transmission or head end, generally designated A, a satellite including a plurality of si3nal transponders, generally designated B, and one of a plural~ty of receiving units or terminals, generally designated C, Signals originating at transmission end A are transferred to satellite B and, thereafter, distributed to a plurality of receiving units C located withln the signal broadcast area.
The system is capable of suppor~ing in excess of 16 million individual subscribers and a plurality of active program channels and ~ 3 ~

tiers. A real time controller lO accepts real time inputs from a stud10 control computer 12 which are time locked to the start of program content being received from each of the ten S program inputs. Each program input is time base corrected standard video and may have monaural, bilingual, or stereo baseband audio associated with the program.
The real time controller lO also receives data inputs from a business center computer 14 which manages the customer data base and~ from a voice response system 16 which is used by fleld service personnel or authorized contractors. In addition, real tlme controller lO accepts ~nputs from the head end operator console 18.
The head end equipment accepts a program input from the studio. It scrambles the v~deo and encrypts the audio. It then provides a scrambled video program wlth ~ntegral data and encrypted audio to the up-link equ~pment 20, The up-link equipment 20, in turn, transfers the signals to satellite B by means of antenna 21, ~ 73$$

The primary function of the real time controller 10 is to generate an addressing data stream which is routed through a computer interface module which forms a part of controller 10, to a program processing unit 24.
In the program processing unit 24, the addressing data stream is inserted in the horizontal blanking interval of the video signal.
The real time controller 10 stores, in d~sc memory, addressable contro11er decoder authorization l~sts and impulse pay-per-view ~nformation expandable up to 16 m~llion decoders. Thls ~nformation is passed to the different program channels.
The real time controller 10 also prov1des routine display of system program content, with menu driven options for systems status, statistics and changes to both system parameters and stored information, to a remote console connected by communications link and locally to a head end operator console 18.
The operational system ~ncludes a console printer (not shown) for the system in addition to the color v~deo display termlnal for the head end operator.

~ 3~ 7~ ~8 The computer interface module ~n the real time controller lO provides the program process;ng un~t 24 with a plurality of operating channels and two spare channels. Each spare channel can be used in place of any of the operat1ng channels, should one o~ these fail.
This is accomplished automatically with~n the real time controller lO. The programming processing unit provides the channels to the up-link equ~pment 20 which, in turn, ls connected to antenna 21.
The system is designed to permit monitoring by an operator both locally or remotely. Head end operator terminal 18 and a remote operator termlnal are provided, respectively, for these purposes.
Security scrambling of the video signal is accompl~shed by the elimination of the synchronization pulse and inversion of the v~deo signal on a controlled basis, The - proqram processor unit 24 is the actual scrambler portion of the head end A. Video synchronization eliminat~on is achieved through the removal of the horizontal sync portion of the video slgnal. Video lnverslon is achieved throu~h electronlc inversion of the video signal.

13:l73~

Audio encryption is achieved by digitizing the dual audio channels and subjecting them to a key-based encryption algorithm. The encrypted digital audio bits are then merged with the control data. The resulting digital bit stream is placed in the horizontal blanking intervals of the broadcast video signal for transmission over the satellite link. The program processing uni~ 24 interfaces with the real time controller lO via the computer interface module. The real time controller lO has the ability to alter the control data on a real time basis so as to control the functlon of particular receiver units.
The subscriber receiving unit or terminal end C of the network, one of which is schematically illustrated in Figure l, includes a receiver 30 interconnected with an addressable controller decoder 32 and a televlsion 33. The receiver 30 is connected by means of a cable 34 with a low noise block converter feed 36 which forms a portlon of an antenna 38 mounted on the roof of the building.

~3~73~
60713-37~3 In general, the receiver includes a circuit for tuning a given signal from the received signals and for modulating the tuned signal for viewing. A keyboard input is provided for generating input command signals in respor.se to the actuation thereof. A display is provided to display indicia representative of the various functions of the receiver.
A control circuit is operably connected to the input keyboard for receiving input command signals therefrom and for controlling the tuning circuit and display circuit. The control circuit is capable of generating and receiving data signals relating to the function of the tuning circuit and the display circuit. An interface is operably connected to the control circuit and to the addressable controller decoder 32 for bidirectional data signal transfer therebetween.
The control circuit generates a synchronizing signal and transfers the synchronizlng signal to the decoder. The 2~

~ 7~

control circuit then waits a given period to receive a data signal from the decoder. The control circuit will then generate a data signal to initiate commun~cation wlth the decoder if no data signal is received from the decoder during the waiting period, The control circuit includes a memory for storing information relatinq to the tuning circuit and the display circuit, The control circuit includes means for accessing the memory, obtaining the information therein and for converting same into a data signal.
If a data signal is received by the receiver from the decoder during the waitinq period the data siqnal is flrst stored in a memory, A c~rcult is provided for converting the received data signal into a form suitable for storage, The stored information is thereafter used by the receiver to control the functions of the tuning circuit and the display circuit, The data signal from the decoder may be a command to the receiver to generate a particular data signal in response, For example, to advise the decoder as to the frequency to which the tuning circuit is tuned, After the response, the decoder may then return a data ~3~7~3 signal containing a command for the receiver to perform a specific function. For example, cause the tuning circu~t to tune to a different frequency for channel relocation. The data signal which is transferred from the decoder to the receiver control circuit may alternatively include data words which are representative of a command to set the tuning circuit in response to a pay-per-view transact~on, a command to set the display clrcuit, or a command to ignore a particular input command.
The data slgnal generated by the receiver control c~rcuit may include data words which represent the input commands or the status of the display circuit or of the tuning circuit.
These data words are used in the decoder as information in formulating the return data signal.
Each of the data signals includes a data word including a start portion, a data portion, and a term~nat~on portion. The data signal transfer is normally lnitiated by the receiver control circuit and, in particular, by the generation of a synchronizatlon word by the control clrcu~t and the transfer of same to the decoder through the lnterface.

~L 3 ~ 3 Data slgnal receptlon by the control circuit occurs only when a data siqnal from the decoder is rece~ved within a given wait period after the generat~on of the synchronization word. Data transfer from the control circuit can commence subsequent to the wait period, if no data signal from the decoder is received within the wait period.
The data words generated by the control circuit are separated from each other by a waiting period during which receipt of the data signals from the decoder is possible.
Thus, a particular serial communication protocol must be followed for the transfer of the data signals between the receiver and the decoder, In addition to the normal subscrfption service pa~d for by and provided to the subscriber, the receiver may permit the subscriber to directly authorize the decoder to descramble a program which is not within the normal subscription service. This is called an lmpulse pay-per-view transaction and is accomplished when the subscriber presses the Gorrect sequence of keys on ~he keyboard input, The t~me window during which the subscrlber may sign up to view a program is set by the ~3~3~

system operator and consists of a preview time and the actual time of the show. All users may have the same preview tlme period at the beginning of the program, or the preview time can be a certain time after the user tunes to the program.
The subscriber is notified that a program ls ava~lable for authorizat~on when the subscriber tunes to the particular program during the preview t~me or show time. If the subscriber enters the necessary authorization information, the program will be descrambled so that it can be viewed.
The decoder provides the subscr~ber with a method for prevent~ng unauthorized viewing of the scrambled programs. The s~bscr~ber has the option of recording a un~que pass code which will then be required to authorize the viewing of an impulse pay-per-view program. The password is entered into the receiver keyboard and is transferred to and stored in the decoder in a non-volatile RAM
(Random Access Memory). Thereafter, the pass code must be entered into the receiver to view a scrambled event.

~ ~ ~ 7 ~ 6 ~ 6071~-37~
The recelving unit also has a control capability which allows program blocking as selected either by the system operator or locally by the subscriber, this being provided by the addressable controller decoder when it is connected to the recelver. The broadcast signals contain a plurality of levels of programming called tiers. If a program is selected which is not suitable for famil viewing, that is, is under the local control function, the channel number will be displayed on the display with the apprropria~e indication of the control function. The picture will be scrambled and the audio silent. In order to view this program, the subscriber must enter the necessary control pass code in order to view the program. If the appropriate local control password is not entered, the program will not be descrambled and cannot be viewed.
A control function may also be exercised by the system operator. From the transmission end, the operator may choose to block entirely the viewing of any tier by a particular subscriber.
The subscriber makes a choice of which programming tiers to pay for by subscription. All other tiers are paid for on an 2~ "as viewed" basis. Program tiers which are part of the subscription are stored on an authorization list in the decoder.
If any program tier matches a tier in the authorization list, the program may be viewed. If not, the display indicates that the program on the selected tier must be paid for and the subscriber may proceed to preview and pay for the program if desired. If the program is on a tier which appears on the "blocking" list, it cannot be viewed.

`` ~3~73~8 The authorization list and blocking list are under the control of the system operator and can be altered on a real time basis. Thus, the system operator can change these lists whenever necessary or desirable.
The receiver system has a channel relocation feature which is a method by which the sys~em operator may provide dynamic channel relocation to deal with problems such as interference to the satellite signal or a malfunction of a particular transponder in the satellite, such that a particular program must be broadcast on a different frequency than usual. In order to do this, the decoder will see lf the channel selected is in the relocation table. If it is, the receiver ls told by the decoder to change the channel frequency. Up to 16 channels may be placed ln this table by the programming originator and may be changed at various times.
The low noise block converter 26 accepts a 12 GHz signal at its input. The slgnals are ampllfled and mlxed wlth a slgnal generated by an oscillator. The resulting signals are ultra-hlgh frequency signals which are sent to the lnput tuning section of the receiver 30 by co-axial cable 34.
Aslde from the tuning sectlon, the receiver lncludes an lnput/output sectlon, a control sectlon which includes the data communlcatlons interface, and a signal modulation section. All of these sections and the components therein are of conventional ~3~73~8 design, except for certain portions of the receiver tuning means, control means, and serial buffer.
The tuner section includes a band pass filter which is connected to the input of a mixer The other input of ~3 ~7~

the mi~er is fed by a circuit which sets the intermediate frequency, This circuit includes a multiplication circuit. The input to the mixer circuit ls connected to the output of a voltage controlled oscillator. The voltage controlled oscillator is controlled by the output of a charge pump located in the control section of the receiver. The out~ut of the voltage controlled oscillator also forms the input to a divider circuit which, in turn, is connected to the input of an electronic switch in the control portion of the receiver.
The output of the mixer is connected through an intermed~ate frequency amplifier to lS the input of an automatic gain control circu~t.
The output of the automatic gain control circuit passes through a band pass filter to a detector.
The detector is connected, by means of a feed-back loop, to the ~nput of the AGC circuit.
The other output of the detector is connected to an FM detectlon circuit. The FM
detector circuit is a phase locked loop of well known design and provldes the base band signal. The FM detection circuit 1ncludes a mixer hich ls connected to the output of a second oltage controlled oscillator. The output of the second YOl tage controlled oscillator is also connected by a divider circuit to the input of the electronlc switch. This divider output is used for the automatic fine tuning of the receiver.

~3:~7~

The lnput/output section of the receiver includes a power supply circuit designed for connection to an AC line cord and includes a non-switched AC output. An AC relay circuitr controlled by a microprocessor, provides a switched AC output.
The receiver is provided with a keyboard circuit connected to a keyboard encoder. A remote keyboard may also be provided on an infrared transmitter. The - s~gnal from the IR transmitter ~s received at an infrared pre-amplifier circult. The output of the infrared pre-amplifier circuit and the output of the keyboard encoder are fed to the ~nput of the microcomputer.
The microcomputer is connected to a LED display circuit .
It displays the selected channel number, the time (as generated by a clock wi~hin the microcomputer), and other indicia relating to the operat~on of the receiver and requests ~or authori~ation to descramble certain programs.
The output of the microcomputer is connected by a parallel bus to a digital-to-analng converter which, in turn, provides the input to a volume control clrcuit. A mixer receives the descrambled audio from the decoder on two ~ 3~3~

separate channels wh~ch w~ll provide sterec or bilingual audio. The output of the mixer circuit is transferred through the volume control circuit to a TV modulator. The TV
modulator receives the descrambled video signal from the decoder and generates an output to an RF switch which will prov~de the necessary signals to ~he telev~sion set for viewing the descrambled program.
The receiver and, more particularly, the microcomputer thereof communicates with the decoder through a serial buffer in the interface circuit. The serial buffer permits bidirectional data signal transfer between the microcomputer of the receiver and the micro-controller which regulates the operat~ons of the decoder, Figs, 2A and 2B comprise a block diagram representation of the addressable controller decoder 32, The baseband signal from receiver 30 is applied at ~nput 4C and is passed to a v~deo control circuit 42 where the data stream is used to control the reconstruction of the video signal. The video control circuit 42 includes a phase locked loop clock 44 and a peak detector circuit 46, both of which are connected to a video tlming circuit 48, A
video clamping circuit 50 receives a clamp qate ~3~7~ '~3 38a signal from video tim~ng clrcuit 48 and feeds a dual integrate and dump circuit 52 as well as the switch 54 portion of a sync reconstruct circu1t 56. The reconstructed and clamped video signal is passed through switch 56 and then sent to the video out connectors 58, 60 on the rear of the decoder.
The video control circuit 42 examines the vertical blanking interval for line reference information, black level, and sync tip values. From this information, plus information carried in the horizontal blanking lntervals, the video control circuit 42 interacts with the clock 44 and the video timing circuit 48 to completely reconstruct a clamped video signal which is passed to the video switch 54. The video control c~rcuit 42 will provide entertainment qual~ty video signals at received signal levels above threshold. The digital bit 20 stream in the horizontal blanking intervals of the baseband signal ls passed to the video tlming circu~t 48.
The vldeo timing circuit 48 ~nterfaces with clock 44 and the video control circuit 42 to insure that the decoder is fully synchronized with the incoming video signal.
The video timing circuit 48 also performs error ~ J'~3 correction on the digital bit stream using error correct~on techniques. The dig~tal bit stream is then passed onto the digital processing circuit 62 which includes a data processing circuit 64, a decryption circuit 66, various memories 68, 70, and 72, and a microcontroller 74.
The data processing circuit 64 accepts the error corrected dlgital bit stream (including the data stream and encrypted audio).
The data stream portion of the digital bit stream is converted from serial to parallel and passed to a microcontroller data bus 76.
The encrypted audio portion of the digital bit stream ~s buffered and passed to the audio decryptlon circu~t 66 ~n serial form.
Information about video inversion and audio format are passed to a control and status circuit within microcontroller 74.
Using the common audio key information present ln an encrypted message in the data stream, which message is decrypted us~ng the subscriber unit signature key stored in memory 70, audio is decrypted into clear inter-leaved bits. The decryption c~rcuit passes a buffered regular stream of audio bits to the data processing circu~t 64 which passes the ~3~ 7~1~

audio data, along w~th clock signals, companding data, and filter data to the delta modulators 76.
The delta demodulators 76 are used to convert the two digital audio bit streams into analog voltages resembling the original audio sources. Two separate audlo channels are provided for either stereo, audio, or dual language programs. The two audio channels are then passed to the receiver via the audio switch 78 controlled by audio deemphasis circuit 79 and audio out and audio auxillary connectors 80, 82, and 84, 86. Control logic for this process is derived from the control and status circuit within the microcontroller 74. Using noise reduct~on techniques, the delta demodulators 76 provide entertainment quality audio at received signal levels above threshold.
The control and status circuit in microcontroller 74 controls the delta demodulators 76 to provlde the various audio output configurations. This circuit also extracts video inversion and provides information to the video control circuit to pass or invert the ~5 video signal.
The microcontroller 74 is the controlling device within the decoder. All of the major functional blocks are peripherals to ~ 3 ~

microcontroller 74 including receiver 30.
Microcontroller 74 is continually updating all information and stores subscriber passcode information, the parental control key, decryption keys, and subscription authorization data.
All data which is passed to or from any functional block wlthin decoder 32 is under the control of the microcontroller 74. Keystrokes and receiver channel tuning commands entered by the subscriber are sent to the decoder 32 whlch may cancel each keystroke, change the channel tuning command, update the recelver clock, or change the display.
The main functions of microcontroller 74 are to accept, store, and locate decryption keys. A unique code in the form of an individualized encrypted common audio key will be sent to the decoder 32 vla the real time controller 10 and satellite link B. Embedded within the decoder permanent memory 70 there is a factory loaded ~ndividual identity code in the form of a subscrlber unit signature key which is different from the decoder address code. The subscriber unit signature key and address code will be combined with the encrypted common audio key and will be processed by the microcontroller in a proprietary manner such ~ 3 ~ 8 that a common audio key will be derived. The common aud~o key and other program tag in~ormation will form the decryption key which is fed to the au~io decryption circuit.
A data bus 88 links the decoder through a buffer circuit 90 to optional per~pheral equ~pment which may be used for impulse pay-per-view return information, as described below. The decoder wlll not permit impulse pay-per-vlew activities without this optlonal equipment connected and operatingO
Impulse pay-per-v~ew programming is located on its own unique programming tier levels and add~tionally ~ncludes all other non-subscr~pt~on v~ewing, that is, programs on t~ers for which the subscr~ber is not registered.
For each program v~ewed on an ~mpulse pay-per-view basis, the decoder w~ll store the program tag number, the day of the month and the t~me ~n hours and minutes when the program was purchased by the subscr~ber. Th~s ~nformat~on ~s passed to the impulse pay-per-v~ew data communicat~ons processor at the bill~ng center, e~ther by the telephone modem (on the day of the month set as the bllling period when the real time controller requests a data dump from the decoder) or by a "smart card" which is essentially a programmab1e memory.

~3~3~

In the case of the "smart card," it is assumed that th~s card will be mailed to the subscriber with the billing for the previous month. When received, the card is inserted into the interface box (not shown) and transactions since the last insert are dumped into the smart card. The card is then returned to the b~lling center with the monthly payment and the smart card is processed to update the billing data in the business center computer 14.
Preview time is provided by the program originator for each program This per~od can be from zero minutes to fifteen m~nutes, with fifteen seconds resolution for each individual program. Any subscr~ber who tunes into the program at any time has a maximum of five minutes prevlewlng time. If the subscriber tunes away from the program, the decoder stores the time previewed and if the subscriber then tunes back during the program, his/her preview t~me is now limited to the original viewing time, less the time spent on the previous preview. The decoder can track 16 s1multaneous preview programs at any one time.
Slnce the recording of all impulse pay-per-v~ew programs ~s the same in all respects, the decoder stores every impulse pay-per-view ~ ~ 7~s~

usage by tag number, date of month, hour, and minute. Any repeat viewing of the same event (provided the tag number is changed) is also recorded in the same manner. This permits considerable flexibility to ~he system operator in restructuring and billing. It is assumed that on a preset date of each month, subscriber billing informatlon would be updated. This is carried out by the previously described smart card or by telephone communlcation with the system operator.
In the latter case, a modem and a modem control circuit (not shown) are connected to buffer 90 to act as the impulse pay-per-view data link. On the preset billing date, the real time contro11er 10 commands the decoder 32 to pulse dial the billing center computer 14 to relay the previous period impulse pay-per-view activity to the billing center computer 14. The computer 14 will send out bills perlodically to the subscriber.
In order to understand the manner ~n which the addressable controller-decoder processes the received control data, lt is necessary to understand the nature of the data signals which originate at the transmission end and are transferred via satellite to each of the addressable controller-decoders. The baseband signal format is illustrated in Fig. 3 7 ~ $ ~

In a NTSC system, the active video portions occupy 51.4 microseconds of the video line uslng the NTSC composite forma~. The two audio channels and control data channel occupy a total of 9 microseconds during the horlzontal blanking intervals. The video frame synchronization information and the zero level reference are transmitted using lines 1-9 in both fields during the vertical blanking intervals.
Lines 10-21 of the vert~cal blanking lntervals are reserved for other data services such as teletext.
The instantaneous data rate for audio data and control data is 7.15909 mlllion bits per second which is tw~ce the chrominance sub-carrier frequency. The transmission is inverted, synchronous mode. The data is non-returned to zero (NRZ) binary encoded.
Control data is sent to the addressable controller decoders in packetized form. A packet consists of a program header addressed to a group of receivers and many sub-packets which are addressable to specific receiver units within the group.
More specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the composite television signal contalns a plurality of slgnals on different frequencies. Each signal has act~ve v1deo portions and horizontal blanking intervals (HBI). Consecutive horizontal blanking intervals aggregate to form a bit stream ~ ~ ~ 7 ~ ~i ,r~

which includes 16 bits of run-in code, 44 data bits, and 22 error correction bits and other bits. Of the 44 data bits, 8 bits are assigned to an addressable data stream which includes the program-related, sync and control information. Twenty-eight bits are assigned for the encrypted audio information for the two audio channels. One bit carries key bit information for synchronization of the decryptor. One bit carries an encrypted audio code designating whether the audio broadcast is in stereo or bilingual. One bit of the bit stream is dedicated to an encrypted video inversion signal. The remaining bits of the bit stream are used for other purposes.
The 8 bits of the addressable data stream accumulate to form a plurality of program headers and a group of addressable sub-packets associated with each header. The program header contains information for use by all addressable controller-decoders and describes the characteristics of the current program being broadcast on the selected frequency. Different headers are transmitted for each program on the frequency assigned to the program. The header contains a group address used to select one of 65,536 grsups 3~

with;n the system addressing range. There may be as many as 256 individual controller-decoder units addressed by a slngle group address. Only those addressable controller-decoders that are part of the addressed group w~ll have information addressed to ~t within th~s data stream.
The informat~on contained within the data stream can be divided into three specific categories. These categories are program informat~on, subscriber speciflc lnformation, and subscriber global information.
Program information is contained entirely within the program header section.
The program header Is broadcast repetitiously at a rate of not less than three times per second during the period of the program broadcast. Each addressable sub-packet message is broadcast repetitiously for eight tlmes.
The message contained therein is considered as transmitted after broadcasting eight times, The header packet contains two data blocks and each addressable sub-packet message contains a s~ngle data block. A 16 bit error detecting word ~s transmitted after each block, Thus~ each data block is checked for ~ ~ 7~

transmitted error by a 16 bit cyclic redundancy check word called "checksum."
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the header packet consists of a first block including synchronization words, subscriber group address information, and program related information, followed by the first error check word, CHECKSUM 1. The second block includes the impulse pay-per-view data and the second error check word CHECKSUM 2.
The synchronization words are words which provide an inter-record gap or spacing between successive data blocks. Synchronization words and run-in words are required between the data blocks. They are generated by the real time controller 10 and consist of 240 synchronous bits and an 8 bit start mode portlon.
The subscriber group address defines a section of the addressable subscriber base to which subsequent messages will be sent.
The group address will define approximately 65,000 groups of 256 subscribers each. This information is provided by the business center computer 14 as part of the subscriber specific information. The address information includes an 8 bit system address and a 16 bit group address.

~0 ~ 3~ 73~

The program related information includes a 3 blt audio mode portion which defines the type of audio being sent. The audio information can be sent in stereo, where each audio channel contains one-half of the program, in monaural where both channels contain the identical information, or by bilingually where each of the audio channels carries separate ~nformation, in one language on one channel and in another language on the other channel.
The next portion is a dynamic video inversion bit which is used to describe the video inversion mode of operation. This informat~on is communicated by the studio control computer 12 and may be altered by the head end operator. Either the video is broadcast in its normal black-to-whlte relationship or the video signal is inverted.
The next 3 bits define the parental guidance level. These bits indicate one of eight program content levels for the current program. These levels are compared in the addressable controller-decoder to the user selected parental control levels. The parental gu~dance level is communicated by the studio control computer 12 and may be altered by the head end operator.

3 ~ ~

The next 8 bits define the encryption key number. This number is used to select key fragments from the encrypted common audio key such that the addressable controller-decoder can assemble the necessary decryption key to decrypt the aud~o data stream. The common audio key is transmitted in encrypted form in an addressable sub-packet.
The last 32 bits of the first block of lnformation in the header packet define the program tier authori7ation. The program tier authorizat~on information indicates to the addressable controller-decoder the programming tier upon which the selected program appears.
The second block of the header packet conta~ns informatlon concern~ng the impulse pay-per-view transact~on data. The first 16 bits include a program ident~fication tag which ~dentlf~es the partlcular program being broadcast.
The next 16 bits deflne the minute, hour, and day which the program identified by the program identification tag ls being broadcast The next 4 bits define the allowable preview tlme for the identified program. The last 4 bits 3 ~ ~

define the program cost. The information in this block is used by the addressable controller-decoder to describe an impulse pay-per-view transaction when ~he subscriber enters the necessary commands into the keyboard requesting that a program be viewed on an impulse pay-per-view basis.
The subscrlber specific information contained in the addressable sub-packets includes three different types of informat;on, basic subscriber data, impulse pay-per-view data, and punch through data. This lnformation is contained in several different possible message types, any one of which can be provided-in an addressable sub-packet.
In general, as illustrated in Fig. 5, each sub-packet lncludes 160 bits with a field ldentifying the addressable controller-decoder address~ a fleld ident~fying the message type number, a field to identlfy the decryption slgnature, and a field for the error detection CHECKSUM~
More specifically, the first 8 bits are devoted to the individual subscriber address which is really the 8 least signific~nt blts of the subscriber a~dress, the 16 most significant bits of the subssriber address being the group 1~173g8 address contained in the header packet. The next 5 bits of the addressable sub-packet define the tyPe of message type which is included in the addressable sub-packet. Thexe are seven different message types, numbered 1-7, illustrated. However, other message types can be used as needed. Messages are transmitted in encrypted form.
The next 3 bits of each addressable sub-packet define the signature number. The signature number is a code used to select key fragments from the subscriber unit signature key stored in the subscriber unit memory to enable the addressable controller-decoder to decrypt the message contained in the addressable sub-packet.
The next 128 bits of each addressable sub-packet contain a message of the type defined by the message type indicator referred to above. The last 16 bits of the addressable sub-packet contain the error check word CHECKSUM.
As illustrated in Figure 6A, message type l contains three portions, all of which include subscriber data. Thirty-two bits of message type l define an authorizatlon bit map. This bit map is a 32 bit representation of the addressable controller-decoder subscription tier authorization. This field indicates to the addressable controller-decoder which programming tiers have been paid for by subscription. This information originates in the business center computer and is stored in the real time controller disc memory.
The next 80 bits of message type 1 define the common audio key necessary to decrypt the encrypted audio signals. The ~3~7~ ~33 common audio key is in encrypted form because it is present in an encrypted message. Since each message is encrypted differently for each receiver unit, the encryptlon of the common audio key is individualized for each subscriber unit. Each subscriber unit decrypts the message to obtain the common audio key through the use of its subscriber unit signature key stored in its memory at the factory.
The last 6 bits of message type l are devoted to a field which defines the "home" channel which the terminal receiver will tune to when the decoder is in the off mode. The home channel number originates in the business center computer and is stored in the real time control disc memory.
Message type 2, as illustrated in Figure 6B, contains subscriber impulse pay~per-view information. The first 32 bits of message type 2 define a blocking bit map which restricts all access to certain program tiers. This information originates in the business center computer and is stored in the real time controller disc memory as subscriber specific information.
In general, along with the authorization bit map memory each addressable controller-decoder has a blocking bit map memory which will prevent the display of certain programming tiers which, while normally available for impulse pay-per-view transactions, have been designated by the subscriber as unsuitable for viewing by his/her household. For e~ample, one of the programming tiers ~ ~ 73~8 60713-378 may contain æexually explicit movies which the subscriber does not wish to have hls/her children view. Although the children may have knowledge of the subscriber's pass code which will normally initiate an impulse pay-per-view transaction~

3 ~ ~

~hey will not be able to initiate same if that programming tier is designated as being blocked.
Normally, the subscriber, upon initiating the subscription, will inform the system operator of which programming tiers are to be blocked. The system operator, through the real time controller, will then advise the subscribers' addressable controller-decoder of same by providing the necessary blocking bit map. The block~ng bit map can only be changed by the syste~ operator and will normally only be changed upon communication from the subscriber, such as written authorization to alter the blocking pattern. The blocking bit map is under the control of the system operator and can be changed at any time through the real time controller.
The next 28 bits of message type 2 are used for addressable controller-decoders having telephone communication capabllity.
These bits define the day, hour, and minute of the month when the addressed subscriber unit will instruct the auto dial accessory to call the business center computer. Th~s information originates in the business center computer and ls stored in the real time controller disc 3~

7 ~ ~ ~

memory as subscriber specific information. The next 16 bits o~ message type 2 define the credit/debit value for the impulse pay-per-view transaction. This number defines the amount which the viewer must pay for the privilege of viewing the program involved in the impulse pay-per-view transaction.
The transaction number, defined in the next 8 bits of the message, indicates one of 256 transaction numbers and is implemented for each new impulse pay-per-view transaction.
This precludes the poss~bility of a double credit or debit being implemented by the addressable controller-decoder in the case of two or more broadcasts of the same program.
This information originates in the business center computer~
The next 16 bits define the telephone password and are used for addressable controller-decoders having telephone communicationscapability. This word is used to validate a telephone response from the bus~ness center computer after an auto dial sequence has been completed. This field originates in the real time controller and may not be accessed by the head end operator.

~ ~ 7~

The next 16 bits of this message contain the credit card password. This field is stored and used by those addressable controller~decoders equipped with an electronic credit card option. The password is used to validate the insertion of the correct electronic credlt card (Smart Card) each time one is inserted into the unit. The impulse pay-per-view data transfer will not be allowed unless this validation process has successfully been completed. This field originates in the real time controller and may not be accessed by the head end operator.
The last 16 bits of message type 2 are devoted to an overflow call-in level. This data tells the addressable controller-decoder when to call the business center computer if the call at the previously designated call-in tlme has not been completed, either because the subscriber's telephone line is inoperable or is in use at the designated call-in time.
Message type 3 is illustrated in Fig. 6C. This message type contains additional impulse pay-per-view telephone data. The first 64 blts thereof define the call-in telephone number. The next 64 bits thereof define an a1ternate call-in telephone number in case the previously designated telephone number is busy at the designated call-in t~me.

~ 3~3$~

fig. 6D illustrates message type 4.
Message type 4 contains global data, that is, data which is sent in an addressable sub-packet having a global address which contains control information applicable to all addressable controller-decoders wlthin the group defined by the header packet. Message type 4 contains 128 bits wh~ch define an 8 channel reassignment table. The addressable controller-decoder uses the information contained in this table to alter the channel tuning characteristics of the receiver.
When a user enters a channel number lnto the receiver, the addressable controller-decoder scans the çhannel reassignment table.If a match is found between the channel entered and the in entry of the table, the out entry is passed to the receiver in its place. This feature is meant to facilitate the dynamic reassignment of transponder frequencles with transparency to the users when required. It is employed, for instance, when a particular transponder in satellite B is malfunctioning such that a program can be recelved by means of a transponder on a different frequency. Th~s information originates with the head end operator only and is stored in one table in the real time 3 ~ ~

controller. Th1s data is common to all subscribers and, as indicated before, is sltuated in a message which is addressed globally.
Fig. 6E depicts message type 5.
Message type 5 encompasses 128 bits and functions the same as message type 4 for an additional 8 RF channels. This information originates with the head end operator also and would be used in conjunction with a message type 4 and only when more than 8 RF channels required reassignment.
This message is also addressed globally.
Message type 6, as illustrated in Fig. 6F, contains both punch-through data and global data. The use of this message type creates an imrnediate punch-through into the data stream and forces a new packet header for this one message alone. By punched-through data, it is meant that the data in the data stream is immediately routed through the addressable controller-decoder, without processing, to a selected one of decoder peripheral devices, one of which is the recelver, whlch, in turn, process and/or d~splay the data.
The first 32 bits of message type 6 provide information for the direct control of the 4 b~t9 7 segment d~splay on the receiver.
When enabled, data in this field will be ~3~ 73~8 displayed on the recelver display. Each bit ls mapped to one LED segment. This permits all displays to, for example, display the same time.
The next 16 bits of message type 6 relate to the status of the ind~vidual addressable controller-decoder and, in particular, to the control and reset functions thereof. Each bit ~n this field is used to reset a certain function of the addressable controller-decoder.
For example, one bit may reset the addressable controller-decoder flags such as the addressable controller-decoder tamper flag. Another bit may be used to reset the user's selected 4 d~g~t passcode employed in parental control and impulse pay-per-view transactions.
The next 16 bits of message type 6 are devoted to audio threshold and data threshold ~nformation. The aud~o threshold byte is used to program the cut-out threshold for the audio data stream. The data threshold byte is used to program the cut-out threshold for the control data stream.
The next 30 blts of the message type 6 has to do with geographic blacklng out of certain programm1ng, normally sporting events and the like. Such programming is often ,A.

~173~8 ~roadcast with the restrictlon that it not be receivàhle in the geographic area where the event is taking place such that attendance at the sporting event will not be adversely affected.
In general, each addressable controller-decoder, in addition to the authorization bit map memory and the blocking bit map memory has a blackout code memory and a geographic code memory. A message type 6 is addressed to all decoders within a given geographic area and each addressed decoder is supplied with a specific zip code for storage in its geographic code memory.
The zip code is different for each geographic area.
The addressable controller-decoders are then globally addressed wlth a command for each decoder having a speciflc zip code stored in its geographic code memory to enter a specific blackout code in lts blackout code memory. The blackout code is transmitted via message type 6, as is the zip code.
Each program is broadcast in con~unction with program tier authorization information in the associated header. Each ~3~'73~

receiving unit, upon receipt of a program, will compare the Drogram tier author;zatlon accompanying that program w~th the blackout code 1n ~ts blackout code bit memory. If the transmitted tier informatlon matches the blackout code in the blackout code bit memory, the rece~ver will be unable to d1splay the program.
Since the zip codes and the blackout codes are down loaded into the addressable controller-decoders prior to the broadcast of a program to be blacked out in a specific geographic area, all of the addressable controller-decoders in the geographlc area to be blacked out will black out the program simultaneously.
Th~s is a great operational advantage.
Normally~ b1acking out of a program within a specific geographic area requ~res each of the addressable controller-decoders within the geographic area to be addressed separately, an operation which may take ten m~nutes or 00re, This cannot be done prior to the broadcast of the program to be blacked out because the previous program norma11y will not be blacked out. On the other hand, if it is done after commencement of the program to be blacked out, some of the viewers will be ab1e to receive at least a portion of the blackout ~3~L~3~

program, causing irritation on the part of the viewers because they have been able to view a portion of the program before it is blacked out, The 32 bits of message type 6 ~nclude a trap message bit map for peripheral interfacing. Each bit in this field is used to trap the associated message types, The addressable controller-decoder will take these messages and output them to peripheral devices for further processinq, but will not take any further action. Message type 6 will, however, never be trapped.
Fig. 6G depicts a message type 7.
lS Message type 7 comprises two 64 bit peripheral device signatures. These signatures define the output to which a particular trapped message should be routed for connection to a particular peripheral device. For example~ a teletext display unit, for displaying stock market transaction ~nformation may be connected to a specific output of the addressable controller-decoder. Messages to be displayed by this peripheral device will be sent through a message type 6 and trapped in the addressable controller-decoder memory. A message type 7 will then be provided to 1nstruct the addressable controller-decoder to route the previously trapped message to the teletext display peripheral.

~7~

Since the header portion of the data stream contains, among other information, program-related information such as the parental guidance level, the program tier authorization designation and Impulse pay-per-view information for a particular channel or tier, a different header is broadcast for each channel or tier of programming The addressable packets, on the other hand, each contain information usable only by particular addressed receivlng units, such as program authorization information, the encrypted common audio key, program blocking lnformation, etc. The addressed packets are broadcast on all channels or tiers simultaneously.
lS As illustrated in Fig. 7, a particular channel or tier of programming is selected in the tuning section of the receiver in response to the manipulation by the subscriber of the keyboard associated therewith. The keyboard slgnals are processed and received as an input to the microcomputer whlch controls the tuning section of the receiver. As described above, the microcomputer in the receiver exchanges Information with the microcontroller in the decoder relat~ng to, among other things, the channel or tier selected and the frequency to which the tuning section is tuned.

3 ~ ~

The tuned signal is transferred from the tuning section to the video control circuit of the decoder. The diqital component of the tuned signal is separated from the video component. The video and audio control ~nformat~on and the encrypted audio signals are transferred to the appropriate circuits for processinq, The header ~s then located and examined to obtain the group address. The group address is compared to the group address stored in the decoder memory. If the group addresses match, th~s ind~cates that at least one of the addressable packets ~n the data stream may contain ~nformation pertlnent to the particular lS rece1ving unit.
The sync ~nformation, program-related information, and ~mpulse pay-per-view ~nformation in the header (appl~cable to all receiv~ng units) is captured and stored in the memory under control of the decoder m~croprocessor. The sync and v~deo control lnformat~on are used to reconstruct and process the video slqnals which, ~ cleared for d~splay, are routed back to the recelver.
If the rece~ving un~t ~s not with~n the addressed group, the sequence ends, and the circuit awaits the next header.

~ 3 11 7 ~

If the receiving unit ~s withln the addressed group, each addressable packe~ is monitored in turn. Information in any packet with a global address (applicable to all receiving units ln the group) ls captured and stored for future use.
When a packet is located with the address of the receiving unit, the type of message contained therein is noted and the decryption information in the packet, along with key information 1n a memory in the decoder are used to decrypt the message. The information in the message is then stored for use by the micro-controller. How and when the message information w~ll be used depends upon the nature of the ~nformatlon.
For example, if the messa~e is a command to set the authorization bit map or blocking bit maps (used to determine if the selected channel or tier is withln the subscr~pt~on and the display thereof is not blocked for some reason), the appropriate memories will be set. When a partlcu1ar channel or tier is selected for viewlng, the micro-controller will consult these memories andmake a decislon as to whetner the selected channel or tier can be viewed without further action, whether an impulse pay-per-view transaction ~ 736~

is required or whether this material cannot be displayed under any circumstances.
On the other hand, if the message contains instructions with respect to billing, such as the call-ln time, this information w111 be stored until needed. At the appropriate time, the microcontroller will use this information to actuate the audio dial and modem circuits to report information to the system operator.
Accordingly, the header contains a unique combination of data--sync information, group address information, and program-related informatlon. This data, when used in coniunction with informatlon stored in the decoder memory, previously obtained from the addressable packets or, in the case of the subscrlber slgnature key, stored in the memory in the factory, controls the reconstruction and display of the program, billing procedures and varlous other control functlons. This data format and operating system constitutes a simple way of distrlbuting program and control lnformatlon in a secure manner, It should now be appreciated that the present invention relates to a signal transmission system ln whlch lndividual subscriber rece~ver units can be addressed and ~3173~

controlled on a real time basis. This is possible through the use of a data stream which is inserted into the horizontal blanking portions of the distributed composite television signal and which includes an encrypted audio portionS a header portion containing information applicable to the control of all of the receivers, and a plurality of addressable portions containing information for the control of specific subscriber units. Each of the addressable portions contains a message and information to enable the addressed subscriber unt~ to decrypt the message. The messages are alterable in real time by an in-line controller such that the system operator has direct control over the various functions of the addressed subscriber unit.
While only a single preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many variations and modifications could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of these variations and modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims:

3~

Claims (32)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for transmitting data in a communications system of the type including broadcast signal originating means, a plurality of broadcast signal receiving means, each having an address, means for distributing the broadcast signal from the originating means to each of the receiving means, the method comprising the steps of generating a broadcast signal having active video signal portions, generating an audio signal portion, generating a data stream, inserting the audio signal portion and the data stream into the broadcast signal, between the active video portions thereof, the step of generating a data stream comprising the steps of generating a header portion comprising program related information applicable to all receiving means and address information common to each of a plurality of receiving means defining a group, generating separate control information portions individualized for each of the receiving means in the group, respectively, associating each of the individualized control information portions with address information specific to the receiving means in the group for which the control information portion is individualized, to form a plurality of addressable portions, one for each receiving means in the group, the header portion and the plurality of addressable portions in series as a unit comprising the data stream, the separate control information portions thus being transmitted to the respective receiving means in the group without repeatedly retransmitting the header portion with each addressable portion.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of selecting an addressable portion and altering the control information portion therein on a real time basis.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating the program related information, the step of generating the program related information comprising the steps of generating information relating to the display of the active video portion of the broadcast signal and inserting the display information into the header.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating the program related information, the step of generating the program related information comprising the steps of generating video signal synchronizing information and video signal decode information and inserting the video signal synchronizing information and video signal decoding information into the header.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the audio signal portion comprises the step of encrypting an audio signal.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating the program related information, the step of generating the program related information comprising the steps of generating audio signal decryption information and inserting the audio signal decryption information into the header.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating the program related information, the step of generating the program related information comprising the steps of generating program authorization information and inserting the program authorization information into the header.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the system has an impulse pay-per-view capability and further comprising the step of generating the program related information, the step of generating the program related information comprising the steps of generating program identification and view cost information and inserting the program identification and view cost information into the header.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the receiving means addresses includes a set of most significant bits and wherein all of the receiving means in the group have the same set of most significant bits in their addresses, and wherein the step of generating the header portion comprises the steps of generating the set of most significant bits of the addresses of the receiving means in the group and inserting the set of most significant bits into the header.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the receiving means addresses includes a set of least significant bits and further comprising the step of generating the set of least significant bits for each receiving means in the group to form the address information specific to the receiving means in the group.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of separately generating a plurality of separate messages comprises the steps of generating audio signal decryption information, encrypting the audio signal decryption information with a key stored in the receiving means in the group to which the portion is addressed, generating information to enable the receiving means to which the portion is addressed to utilize the stored key to decrypt the audio signal decrypting information, the audio signal decryption information and the information to enable the decrypting of the audio decrypting information comprising the control information portion.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of separately generating control information portions comprises the steps of generating a message, encrypting the message, generating information for decrypting the encrypted message, the encrypted message and information for decrypting same comprising the control information portion.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein each receiving means in the group has a stored unique decryption key comprising a plurality of fragments and wherein the step of generating information for decrypting the selected message comprises the steps of generating decryption key fragments selection information to permit designated key fragments to be selected from the stored key for decrypting the message, and the decryption key fragment selection information comprising the control information portion.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of generating a message comprises the steps of generating an indication of the selected message type, the message type indication comprising the control information portion.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the receiving means has telephone communications capability with the originating means and wherein the step of generating a message comprises the step of generating telephone communication instruction information.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of generating telephone communication instruction information comprises the step of generating transaction data, credit data, call time data, and program value data.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of generating telephone communication instruction information comprises the step of generating call-in telephone number data.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of generating a message comprises the step of generating channel reassignment.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the receiving units comprises a digital display and wherein the step of generating a message comprises the step of generating display control data.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the receiving means has an erase and reset capability and wherein the step of generating a message comprises the step of generating erase and reset control function data.
21. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of generating a message comprises the step of generating audio and data threshold control data.
22. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving means is used in conjunction with one or more peripheral devices for processing, recording, or displaying broadcast signal information and wherein the step of generating a message comprises the step of generating peripheral device data.
23. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of preventing all non-addressed receiving means from processing the control information in an error containing addressed portion.
24. A method of processing data received by an addressable receiving means in a broadcast signal of the type including active video portions, an encrypted signal and a data stream, the data stream comprising a header portion including group address information in the form of the most significant bits of the address of a group of receiving means and a first type of decryption key data and a plurality of addressable portions, the addressable portions including information individualized for and applicable to the control of only a single receiving means in the addressed group, the individualized information including receiving means address information in the form of the least significant bits of the address of the receiving means, an encrypted message including a second type of decryption key data, and message decryption data, the header portion and a series of addressable portions being transmitted as a unit such that the header portion is not repeatedly retransmitted with each addressable portion, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) determining whether the group address information matches the most significant bits of the address of the receiving means;
(b) processing the information in the header portion to obtain the decryption key data of the first type;
(c) if the group address information matches the most significant bits of the address of the receiving means, testing each addressable portion in the unit, in sequence, to determine whether the receiving means information therein matches the least significant bits of the address of the receiving means;
and, if a match is present, (d) processing the individualized information in the addressed portion to decrypt the encrypted data and therein the second type of decryption key data; and (e) using the first type of decryption key data and the second type of decryption key data to decrypt the encrypted signal.
25. A direct broadcast satellite communications system comprising broadcast signal originating means and a plurality of broadcast signal receiving means, each receiving means having an address comprising a set of most significant bits and a set of least significant bits, said originating means comprising program processing means generating video signals and audio signals and means for generating real time signal control means, means for generating program related signals for all receiving means in a group having an address with a particular set of most significant bits, means for generating separate control signals for individual receiving means in the group having an address including a particular set of most significant bits, means for scrambling the video signals to form a broadcast signal, the audio signals, program related signals, control signals and address information comprising a data stream including a header portion comprising the program related information and a set of most significant bits common to the receiving means in a group and a plurality of addressable portions comprising control information individualized for a particular receiving means in the group and a set of least significant bits associated with the particular receiving means, the header portion addressable portions in series being inserted into the broadcast signal as a unit, so that the header portion need not be repeatedly retransmitted with each addressable portion, means for transmitting the broadcast signal, and wherein each of the receiving means comprises means for tuning said broadcast signals, an addressable controller-decoder means, said decoder means including means, effective when a broadcast signal is received including the header portion and an addressable portion with the address of the addressable controller-decoder means, for descrambling and separating said video signals, audio signals, control signals and program related information associated with said receiving means and for controlling said addressed receiving means to process and display the video signals and audio signals in accordance with the control signals and program related information.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein said control information comprises an encrypted message portion and a message decryption information portion, and wherein said addressable controller-decoder means comprises means for recognizing its address and means for decrypting the message when the set of least significant bits in its address is recognized.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein said addressable decoder-controller has telephone communications capability with said signal originating means and wherein said message contains instructions for telephone communication between the decoder and said originating means.
28. A receiving means having an address including a set of most significant bits and a set of least significant bits for use in a communications system of the type transmitting a signal comprising video and audio information for a program, a data stream comprising a header containing a most significant bit portion designating a group of receiving units, sync information and program related information, and a plurality of addressable portions associated with the header, each containing a least significant bits portion, and information for the control of the particular addressed unit having the address matching the set of most significant bits in the header and the set of least significant bits in the addressed portion, the header and a series of addressable portions being inserted into the signal as a unit such that the header need not be repeatedly retransmitted with each addressable portion, the receiving unit comprising means for receiving the signal, means for selecting a program to be viewed, means for tuning the selected program, means for separating the data stream from the video and audio information, means for examining the header to determine if the receiving unit is within the group having an address including the set of most significant bits in the header, means for capturing and storing the information in the header, means actuated if the receiving unit is within the addressed group, for examining each addressed portion associated with the header to determine if the set of least significant bits of the address of the individual receiving unit match the set of least significant bits in the addressed portion, means for capturing and storing the control information in the addressed portion if the individual receiving unit address is present, and means for processing and displaying the video and audio information in accordance with the stored header and control information.
29. The receiving unit of claim 28, wherein said audio information is in encrypted form, said control information comprising audio decryption information and wherein said processing and displaying means comprises means for decrypting the audio information in accordance with the audio decryption information captured from an addressed portion addressed to the individual receiving unit.
30. The receiving unit of claim 28, wherein each of said addressed portions comprises a message and wherein said means for capturing and storing the control information comprises means for capturing the message.
31. The receiving unit of claim 30, wherein said message is transmitted in encrypted form and said addressed portion comprises information for decrypting the message and further comprising means for decrypting the message using the decrypting information in the addressed portion.
32. The receiving unit of claim 30, further comprising means for storing message decryption information and means for using the stored message decryption information and decryption information in said addressed portion to decrypt the message.
CA000507979A 1985-05-01 1986-04-30 Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system Expired - Fee Related CA1317368C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US72929085A 1985-05-01 1985-05-01
US729,290 1985-05-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1317368C true CA1317368C (en) 1993-05-04

Family

ID=24930383

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000507979A Expired - Fee Related CA1317368C (en) 1985-05-01 1986-04-30 Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4739510A (en)
EP (1) EP0200310B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS61253936A (en)
CA (1) CA1317368C (en)
DE (1) DE3688855T2 (en)

Families Citing this family (195)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4965825A (en) 1981-11-03 1990-10-23 The Personalized Mass Media Corporation Signal processing apparatus and methods
USRE47642E1 (en) 1981-11-03 2019-10-08 Personalized Media Communications LLC Signal processing apparatus and methods
US7831204B1 (en) 1981-11-03 2010-11-09 Personalized Media Communications, Llc Signal processing apparatus and methods
GB2143352A (en) * 1983-07-15 1985-02-06 Philips Electronic Associated Authorising coded signals
US4866770A (en) * 1986-07-08 1989-09-12 Scientific Atlanta, Inc. Method and apparatus for communication of video, audio, teletext, and data to groups of decoders in a communication system
US4890321A (en) * 1986-07-08 1989-12-26 Scientific Atlanta, Inc. Communications format for a subscription television system permitting transmission of individual text messages to subscribers
US4937866A (en) * 1986-08-13 1990-06-26 U.S. Philips Corporation System for decoding transmitted scrambled signals
DE3642629A1 (en) * 1986-12-13 1988-06-23 Grundig Emv SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING ENCRYPTED TRANSFER INFORMATION
GB8629971D0 (en) * 1986-12-16 1987-01-28 Thorn Emi Home Electron Signal locking
JPS63199540A (en) * 1987-02-16 1988-08-18 Toshiba Corp Method and equipment for transmitting data
JP2521183Y2 (en) * 1987-09-29 1996-12-25 ソニー株式会社 Digital signal processing circuit
US5323462A (en) * 1988-03-10 1994-06-21 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. CATV subscriber disconnect switch
US5505901A (en) * 1988-03-10 1996-04-09 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. CATV pay per view interdiction system method and apparatus
US5003384A (en) * 1988-04-01 1991-03-26 Scientific Atlanta, Inc. Set-top interface transactions in an impulse pay per view television system
US5058160A (en) * 1988-04-29 1991-10-15 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. In-band controller
US4882743A (en) * 1988-08-01 1989-11-21 American Telephone And Telegraph Multi-location video conference system
IE65325B1 (en) * 1988-10-07 1995-10-18 Gen Instrument Corp IPPV programming distribution control system
USRE36988E (en) * 1988-12-23 2000-12-12 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Terminal authorization method
US5355480A (en) 1988-12-23 1994-10-11 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Storage control method and apparatus for an interactive television terminal
US5113440A (en) * 1989-07-21 1992-05-12 Oci Communcations, Inc. Universal decoder
JPH0382238A (en) * 1989-08-25 1991-04-08 Kondeishiyonaru Akusesu Technol Kenkyusho:Kk Cryptographic key delivering method
IL92310A (en) * 1989-11-14 1994-05-30 News Datacom Ltd System for controlling access to broadcast transmissions
US5282249A (en) * 1989-11-14 1994-01-25 Michael Cohen System for controlling access to broadcast transmissions
JP2653536B2 (en) * 1990-02-22 1997-09-17 シャープ株式会社 Communications system
JP2811887B2 (en) * 1990-03-27 1998-10-15 ソニー株式会社 Receiver
US5682425A (en) * 1990-04-23 1997-10-28 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Information signal transmission system
US5267312A (en) * 1990-08-06 1993-11-30 Nec Home Electronics, Ltd. Audio signal cryptographic system
AU656542B2 (en) * 1990-10-01 1995-02-09 Thomas A. Bush Transactional processing system
US5245420A (en) * 1990-11-27 1993-09-14 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. CATV pay per view interdiction system
US5239540A (en) * 1990-11-27 1993-08-24 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving and communicating digital data signals with corresponding program data signals which describe the digital data signals
US6847611B1 (en) * 1990-12-10 2005-01-25 At&T Corp. Traffic management for frame relay switched data service
US5253275A (en) * 1991-01-07 1993-10-12 H. Lee Browne Audio and video transmission and receiving system
US5550825A (en) * 1991-11-19 1996-08-27 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Headend processing for a digital transmission system
US5689648A (en) * 1992-01-31 1997-11-18 Raychem Corporation Method and apparatus for publication of information
WO1994013107A1 (en) 1992-12-09 1994-06-09 Discovery Communications, Inc. Advanced set top terminal for cable television delivery systems
US7336788B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2008-02-26 Discovery Communicatoins Inc. Electronic book secure communication with home subsystem
US7509270B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2009-03-24 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic Book having electronic commerce features
US7849393B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2010-12-07 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic book connection to world watch live
US7835989B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2010-11-16 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic book alternative delivery systems
US7168084B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2007-01-23 Sedna Patent Services, Llc Method and apparatus for targeting virtual objects
US7401286B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2008-07-15 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic book electronic links
US8073695B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2011-12-06 Adrea, LLC Electronic book with voice emulation features
US9286294B2 (en) 1992-12-09 2016-03-15 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content suggestion engine
US5537623A (en) * 1993-03-01 1996-07-16 International Business Machines Corporation Multiple group address recognition
US5495284A (en) * 1993-03-12 1996-02-27 Katz; Ronald A. Scheduling and processing system for telephone video communication
US20030185356A1 (en) 1993-03-12 2003-10-02 Telebuyer, Llc Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability
US6323894B1 (en) * 1993-03-12 2001-11-27 Telebuyer, Llc Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
US7019770B1 (en) 1993-03-12 2006-03-28 Telebuyer, Llc Videophone system for scrutiny monitoring with computer control
US5434850A (en) 1993-06-17 1995-07-18 Skydata Corporation Frame relay protocol-based multiplex switching scheme for satellite
US6771617B1 (en) * 1993-06-17 2004-08-03 Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd. Frame relay protocol-based multiplex switching scheme for satellite mesh network
US7865567B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2011-01-04 Discovery Patent Holdings, Llc Virtual on-demand electronic book
US7861166B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2010-12-28 Discovery Patent Holding, Llc Resizing document pages to fit available hardware screens
US8095949B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2012-01-10 Adrea, LLC Electronic book with restricted access features
US9053640B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2015-06-09 Adrea, LLC Interactive electronic book
JP2848432B2 (en) * 1993-12-27 1999-01-20 日本電気株式会社 Receiving station management device
US20020120545A1 (en) * 1994-01-27 2002-08-29 Ronald A. Katz Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
MY125706A (en) * 1994-08-19 2006-08-30 Thomson Consumer Electronics High speed signal processing smart card
US5619249A (en) * 1994-09-14 1997-04-08 Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. Telecasting service for providing video programs on demand with an interactive interface for facilitating viewer selection of video programs
US5594794A (en) * 1994-10-18 1997-01-14 General Instrument Corporation Of Delaware Method and apparatus for free previews of communication network services
TW250616B (en) 1994-11-07 1995-07-01 Discovery Communicat Inc Electronic book selection and delivery system
US5590202A (en) * 1995-01-18 1996-12-31 Zenith Electronics Corporation Countdown system for conditional access module
US6122482A (en) * 1995-02-22 2000-09-19 Global Communications, Inc. Satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system
US5640452A (en) * 1995-04-28 1997-06-17 Trimble Navigation Limited Location-sensitive decryption of an encrypted message
DE19515680A1 (en) * 1995-04-28 1996-10-31 Sel Alcatel Ag Encoder and decoder for flow of news in packets
US6108365A (en) * 1995-05-05 2000-08-22 Philip A. Rubin And Associates, Inc. GPS data access system
US5621793A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-04-15 Rubin, Bednarek & Associates, Inc. TV set top box using GPS
US5953418A (en) * 1995-06-14 1999-09-14 David Hall Providing selective data broadcast receiver addressability
US5802311A (en) * 1995-06-15 1998-09-01 David Hall Using adaptive redundant packet retrieval to improve reliability in a unidirectional data broadcasting system
US5794221A (en) 1995-07-07 1998-08-11 Egendorf; Andrew Internet billing method
US6035037A (en) * 1995-08-04 2000-03-07 Thomson Electronic Consumers, Inc. System for processing a video signal via series-connected high speed signal processing smart cards
US5852290A (en) * 1995-08-04 1998-12-22 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Smart-card based access control system with improved security
US5969748A (en) * 1996-05-29 1999-10-19 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Television schedule system with access control
JPH103568A (en) * 1996-06-14 1998-01-06 Hitachi Ltd Electronic purse application system and transaction device using ic card
US6020189A (en) * 1996-08-30 2000-02-01 The Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine Fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs) and methods of use
US6044401A (en) * 1996-11-20 2000-03-28 International Business Machines Corporation Network sniffer for monitoring and reporting network information that is not privileged beyond a user's privilege level
US5878135A (en) * 1996-11-27 1999-03-02 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Decoding system for processing encrypted broadcast, cable or satellite video data
US6324592B1 (en) * 1997-02-25 2001-11-27 Keystone Aerospace Apparatus and method for a mobile computer architecture and input/output management system
DE19710972A1 (en) * 1997-03-17 1998-10-01 Ulrich Kretzschmar Method and device for data transmission
US7127733B1 (en) * 1997-06-17 2006-10-24 Rice Ingenieria S.A. De C.V. System for bi-directional voice and data communications over a video distribution network
WO1998058494A2 (en) * 1997-06-17 1998-12-23 Carlos Gonzalez Ochoa Aleman System for the bidirectional communication of voice and data through a distribution network
US6081524A (en) 1997-07-03 2000-06-27 At&T Corp. Frame relay switched data service
US6169584B1 (en) 1997-12-05 2001-01-02 Motorola, Inc. Automatic modulation control of sync suppressed television signals
CN1232120C (en) * 1998-07-20 2005-12-14 卡纳尔股份有限公司 Navigation system for multichannel digital television system
US20030037235A1 (en) * 1998-08-19 2003-02-20 Sun Microsystems, Inc. System for signatureless transmission and reception of data packets between computer networks
JP4253875B2 (en) * 1998-09-30 2009-04-15 ソニー株式会社 Transmission method and transmission device, reception method and reception device, transmission method and transmission system
US6976265B1 (en) * 1998-10-08 2005-12-13 Ati International Srl Method and apparatus for controlling display of content signals
US7565546B2 (en) 1999-03-30 2009-07-21 Sony Corporation System, method and apparatus for secure digital content transmission
US6697489B1 (en) * 1999-03-30 2004-02-24 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for securing control words
US7730300B2 (en) * 1999-03-30 2010-06-01 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for protecting the transfer of data
US7346920B2 (en) * 2000-07-07 2008-03-18 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation System, method and article of manufacture for a common cross platform framework for development of DVD-Video content integrated with ROM content
US20050198574A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2005-09-08 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Storyboard
US7188193B1 (en) 2000-01-20 2007-03-06 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation System, method and article of manufacture for a synchronizer component in a multimedia synchronization framework
US7178106B2 (en) * 1999-04-21 2007-02-13 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation Presentation of media content from multiple media sources
US20050182828A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2005-08-18 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Platform specific execution
US6769130B1 (en) * 2000-01-20 2004-07-27 Interactual Technologies, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for late synchronization during the execution of a multimedia event on a plurality of client computers
JP2003529118A (en) * 1999-04-21 2003-09-30 リサーチ・インベストメント・ネットワーク・インコーポレーテッド System, method, and article of manufacture for updating content stored on a portable storage medium
US20060193606A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2006-08-31 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Two navigation
US6453420B1 (en) 1999-04-21 2002-09-17 Research Investment Network, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for authorizing the use of electronic content utilizing a laser-centric medium
US6529949B1 (en) * 2000-02-07 2003-03-04 Interactual Technologies, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for remote unlocking of local content located on a client device
US20060041639A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2006-02-23 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Platform detection
US6941383B1 (en) 2000-01-20 2005-09-06 Interactual Technologies, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for java/javascript component in a multimedia synchronization framework
US7458091B1 (en) 2000-01-20 2008-11-25 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation System, method and article of manufacture for a business layer component in a multimedia synchronization framework
US7448021B1 (en) 2000-07-24 2008-11-04 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation Software engine for combining video or audio content with programmatic content
ES2275344T3 (en) * 1999-07-06 2007-06-01 Swisscom Mobile Ag PORTABLE BROADCASTING RECEIVER WITH AN IDENTIFICATION MODULE.
ES2175897T3 (en) * 1999-10-18 2002-11-16 Irdeto Access Bv OPERATING METHOD OF A CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM FOR WAVE EMISSION APPLICATIONS.
AU2470501A (en) * 1999-10-26 2001-05-08 Mkpe Consulting Method and apparatus for ensuring secure distribution and receipt, and secure authorized exhibition of digital audiovisual data
US7039614B1 (en) * 1999-11-09 2006-05-02 Sony Corporation Method for simulcrypting scrambled data to a plurality of conditional access devices
US7392481B2 (en) * 2001-07-02 2008-06-24 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation Method and apparatus for providing content-owner control in a networked device
US20040220926A1 (en) * 2000-01-03 2004-11-04 Interactual Technologies, Inc., A California Cpr[P Personalization services for entities from multiple sources
US20040220791A1 (en) * 2000-01-03 2004-11-04 Interactual Technologies, Inc. A California Corpor Personalization services for entities from multiple sources
US20050251732A1 (en) * 2000-01-20 2005-11-10 Interactual Technologies, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for executing a multimedia event on a plurality of client computers using a synchronization host engine
US7225164B1 (en) * 2000-02-15 2007-05-29 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for implementing revocation in broadcast networks
US20040205812A1 (en) * 2000-06-22 2004-10-14 Candelore Brant L. Method and apparatus for routing program data in a program viewing unit
US7689510B2 (en) * 2000-09-07 2010-03-30 Sonic Solutions Methods and system for use in network management of content
DE10050536C1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-08-14 Thomson Brandt Gmbh Customizable radio
US7370343B1 (en) * 2000-11-28 2008-05-06 United Video Properties, Inc. Electronic program guide with blackout features
WO2002057917A2 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Peer-to-peer network computing platform
US7139398B2 (en) * 2001-06-06 2006-11-21 Sony Corporation Time division partial encryption
US7895616B2 (en) 2001-06-06 2011-02-22 Sony Corporation Reconstitution of program streams split across multiple packet identifiers
US7350082B2 (en) * 2001-06-06 2008-03-25 Sony Corporation Upgrading of encryption
US7747853B2 (en) 2001-06-06 2010-06-29 Sony Corporation IP delivery of secure digital content
US7793326B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2010-09-07 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator
US7908628B2 (en) * 2001-08-03 2011-03-15 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content coding and formatting
US20030084171A1 (en) * 2001-10-29 2003-05-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc., A Delaware Corporation User access control to distributed resources on a data communications network
FI114521B (en) * 2001-12-19 2004-10-29 Mcasting Oy Method and apparatus for disseminating localized information
JP4557548B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2010-10-06 ソニー エレクトロニクス インク Partial encryption and packet identifier mapping
US7823174B2 (en) 2002-01-02 2010-10-26 Sony Corporation Macro-block based content replacement by PID mapping
US7376233B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2008-05-20 Sony Corporation Video slice and active region based multiple partial encryption
US7155012B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2006-12-26 Sony Corporation Slice mask and moat pattern partial encryption
WO2003061173A2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2003-07-24 Sony Electronics Inc. Elementary stream partial encryption
US7292691B2 (en) 2002-01-02 2007-11-06 Sony Corporation Progressive video refresh slice detection
US7292690B2 (en) 2002-01-02 2007-11-06 Sony Corporation Video scene change detection
US7765567B2 (en) 2002-01-02 2010-07-27 Sony Corporation Content replacement by PID mapping
US7302059B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2007-11-27 Sony Corporation Star pattern partial encryption
US7242773B2 (en) * 2002-09-09 2007-07-10 Sony Corporation Multiple partial encryption using retuning
US7233669B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2007-06-19 Sony Corporation Selective encryption to enable multiple decryption keys
US7215770B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2007-05-08 Sony Corporation System and method for partially encrypted multimedia stream
US7039938B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2006-05-02 Sony Corporation Selective encryption for video on demand
US7218738B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2007-05-15 Sony Corporation Encryption and content control in a digital broadcast system
US20070220580A1 (en) * 2002-03-14 2007-09-20 Daniel Putterman User interface for a media convergence platform
US20090180025A1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2009-07-16 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for overlaying graphics on video
US7530084B2 (en) * 2002-05-28 2009-05-05 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for synchronizing dynamic graphics
US8818896B2 (en) 2002-09-09 2014-08-26 Sony Corporation Selective encryption with coverage encryption
US7724907B2 (en) 2002-11-05 2010-05-25 Sony Corporation Mechanism for protecting the transfer of digital content
US8572408B2 (en) 2002-11-05 2013-10-29 Sony Corporation Digital rights management of a digital device
US8645988B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2014-02-04 Sony Corporation Content personalization for digital content
US8667525B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2014-03-04 Sony Corporation Targeted advertisement selection from a digital stream
US20040165586A1 (en) * 2003-02-24 2004-08-26 Read Christopher Jensen PID filters based network routing
US7409702B2 (en) * 2003-03-20 2008-08-05 Sony Corporation Auxiliary program association table
US7292692B2 (en) * 2003-03-25 2007-11-06 Sony Corporation Content scrambling with minimal impact on legacy devices
US20050036067A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2005-02-17 Ryal Kim Annon Variable perspective view of video images
US7286667B1 (en) 2003-09-15 2007-10-23 Sony Corporation Decryption system
US20050060748A1 (en) * 2003-09-16 2005-03-17 Showtime Networks Inc. Programming service offer presentment and instant actvation system, method, and computer program product
US20050066357A1 (en) * 2003-09-22 2005-03-24 Ryal Kim Annon Modifying content rating
US7853980B2 (en) * 2003-10-31 2010-12-14 Sony Corporation Bi-directional indices for trick mode video-on-demand
US20050097596A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-05-05 Pedlow Leo M.Jr. Re-encrypted delivery of video-on-demand content
US7620180B2 (en) * 2003-11-03 2009-11-17 Sony Corporation Preparation of content for multiple conditional access methods in video on demand
US7343013B2 (en) * 2003-12-16 2008-03-11 Sony Corporation Composite session-based encryption of video on demand content
US7263187B2 (en) * 2003-10-31 2007-08-28 Sony Corporation Batch mode session-based encryption of video on demand content
US20050097597A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-05-05 Pedlow Leo M.Jr. Hybrid storage of video on demand content
US7346163B2 (en) * 2003-10-31 2008-03-18 Sony Corporation Dynamic composition of pre-encrypted video on demand content
US20050102702A1 (en) * 2003-11-12 2005-05-12 Candelore Brant L. Cablecard with content manipulation
US20050216946A1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2005-09-29 Johnson Dan S Audio/video component networking system and method
US20050240963A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Showtime Networks, Inc. Interactive gateway
US20060123451A1 (en) * 2004-12-07 2006-06-08 Showtime Networks Inc. Enhanced content in an on-demand environment
US7895617B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2011-02-22 Sony Corporation Content substitution editor
US8041190B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2011-10-18 Sony Corporation System and method for the creation, synchronization and delivery of alternate content
WO2006066052A2 (en) 2004-12-16 2006-06-22 Sonic Solutions Methods and systems for use in network management of content
US8675631B2 (en) * 2005-03-10 2014-03-18 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and system for achieving faster device operation by logical separation of control information
US20100157833A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2010-06-24 Qualcomm Incorporated Methods and systems for improved timing acquisition for varying channel conditions
CN106210860B (en) * 2005-03-30 2020-12-25 乐威指南公司 System and method for rich video navigation
US8719857B1 (en) 2005-08-24 2014-05-06 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing parental control features in video mosaic environments
US7555715B2 (en) * 2005-10-25 2009-06-30 Sonic Solutions Methods and systems for use in maintaining media data quality upon conversion to a different data format
US7623607B2 (en) 2005-10-31 2009-11-24 Qualcomm Incorporated Methods and apparatus for determining timing in a wireless communication system
US8948329B2 (en) * 2005-12-15 2015-02-03 Qualcomm Incorporated Apparatus and methods for timing recovery in a wireless transceiver
US20100153885A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2010-06-17 Rovi Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for interacting with advanced displays provided by an interactive media guidance application
CN100525434C (en) * 2005-12-31 2009-08-05 华为技术有限公司 Method for granting power to user in receiving system under digital TV condition
US8185921B2 (en) 2006-02-28 2012-05-22 Sony Corporation Parental control of displayed content using closed captioning
US7555464B2 (en) * 2006-03-01 2009-06-30 Sony Corporation Multiple DRM management
US9032430B2 (en) * 2006-08-24 2015-05-12 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic environments
US20080163059A1 (en) 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Guideworks, Llc Systems and methods for creating custom video mosaic pages with local content
US8578416B1 (en) 2007-04-27 2013-11-05 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing blackout recording and summary information
CN101527809B (en) * 2008-03-06 2011-01-26 瑞昱半导体股份有限公司 Method for inserting voice data into transmission data
US8763045B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2014-06-24 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for providing customer service features via a graphical user interface in a television receiver
US9357262B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2016-05-31 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for graphical control of picture-in-picture windows
US8473979B2 (en) 2008-09-30 2013-06-25 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for graphical adjustment of an electronic program guide
US8937687B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2015-01-20 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for graphical control of symbol-based features in a television receiver
US8572651B2 (en) 2008-09-22 2013-10-29 EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for presenting supplemental information in an electronic programming guide
US8582957B2 (en) 2008-09-22 2013-11-12 EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for visually displaying recording timer information
US8793735B2 (en) 2008-09-30 2014-07-29 EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for providing multiple channel recall on a television receiver
US8397262B2 (en) 2008-09-30 2013-03-12 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for graphical control of user interface features in a television receiver
US9100614B2 (en) * 2008-10-31 2015-08-04 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Graphical interface navigation based on image element proximity
US8605584B2 (en) * 2009-07-02 2013-12-10 Qualcomm Incorporated Transmission of control information across multiple packets
US8756636B1 (en) * 2010-07-20 2014-06-17 The Directv Group, Inc. Method and system for testing an integrated receiver decoder with signals from outside the local market area
KR101490409B1 (en) 2014-02-13 2015-02-05 현대자동차주식회사 Control unit for in-vehicle ethernet and method for controlling therof

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4225884A (en) * 1977-02-14 1980-09-30 Telease, Inc. Method and system for subscription television billing and access
GB2062426B (en) * 1979-04-30 1982-11-17 Indep Broadcasting Authority Apparatus for decoding digital information processed for inclusion in a wide band tv video signal
US4292650A (en) * 1979-10-29 1981-09-29 Zenith Radio Corporation Stv Subscriber address system
WO1981002961A1 (en) * 1980-03-31 1981-10-15 Tocom Addressable cable television control system with video format data transmission
US4424532A (en) * 1980-05-14 1984-01-03 Oak Industries Inc. Coding and decoding system for video and audio signals
US4531021A (en) * 1980-06-19 1985-07-23 Oak Industries Inc. Two level encripting of RF signals
US4393404A (en) * 1981-02-26 1983-07-12 Zenith Radio Corporation Special services teletext communications system
US4388643A (en) * 1981-04-06 1983-06-14 Northern Telecom Limited Method of controlling scrambling and unscrambling in a pay TV system
US4388645A (en) * 1981-04-13 1983-06-14 Zenith Radio Corporation Teletext communication system with timed multipage local memory
JPS58131874A (en) * 1982-01-30 1983-08-05 Sony Corp Television signal transmission system
US4484217A (en) * 1982-05-11 1984-11-20 Telease, Inc. Method and system for remote reporting, particularly for pay television billing
US4531020A (en) * 1982-07-23 1985-07-23 Oak Industries Inc. Multi-layer encryption system for the broadcast of encrypted information
US4575755A (en) * 1982-12-14 1986-03-11 Tocom, Inc. Video encoder/decoder system
GB2140656A (en) * 1983-05-13 1984-11-28 Philips Electronic Associated Television transmission system
US4599647A (en) 1983-11-03 1986-07-08 General Instrument Corporation Receiver with interface for interaction with controller-decoder
CA1244090A (en) 1984-10-26 1988-11-01 General Instrument Corporation Cryptographic system for direct broadcast satellite network
CA1272284C (en) 1984-11-19 1990-07-31 Geographic blackout method for direct broadcast satellite system
US4694491A (en) 1985-03-11 1987-09-15 General Instrument Corp. Cryptographic system using interchangeable key blocks and selectable key fragments
US4685131A (en) 1985-03-11 1987-08-04 General Instrument Corp. Program blocking method for use in direct broadcast satellite system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS61253936A (en) 1986-11-11
EP0200310A2 (en) 1986-11-05
DE3688855D1 (en) 1993-09-16
DE3688855T2 (en) 1994-03-17
EP0200310A3 (en) 1987-10-07
EP0200310B1 (en) 1993-08-11
US4739510A (en) 1988-04-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA1317368C (en) Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system
CA2179223C (en) Method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a signal decoder in a broadcasting system
US4887296A (en) Cryptographic system for direct broadcast satellite system
US6055315A (en) Distributed scrambling method and system
AU643926B2 (en) Virtual channels for a multiplexed analog component (MAC) television system
US4599647A (en) Receiver with interface for interaction with controller-decoder
US5497187A (en) In-band/out-of-band data transmission method and apparatus for a television system
US7155611B2 (en) Method of operating a conditional access system for broadcast applications
US5235643A (en) Satellite receiver retuning system
US4531020A (en) Multi-layer encryption system for the broadcast of encrypted information
US4410911A (en) Multiple signal transmission method and system, particularly for television
WO1996031982A1 (en) Information terminal having reconfigurable memory
US5349641A (en) Process for the transmission and reception of conditional access programmes with a reduced programme switching time
EP0179612B1 (en) Cryptographic system for direct broadcast satellite network
US5682426A (en) Subscriber site method and apparatus for decoding and selective interdiction of television channels
AU656873B2 (en) System for broadband descrambling of sync suppressed television signals
WO1994013108A1 (en) In-band/out-of-band data transmission method and apparatus for a television system
CA2175040A1 (en) Method and apparatus for providing on demand services in a subscriber system
AP896A (en) Subscriber site method and apparatus for decoding and selective interdiction of television channels.
CA2147301A1 (en) Subscription television system and terminal for enabling simultaneous display of multiple services
Angebaud et al. Scrambling and controlling access to an all-digital broadcast programme
Stow et al. Eurocrypt-a versatile conditional access system for MAC broadcasts
JPH0136307B2 (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MKLA Lapsed
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20090504