Abstract: An improved control and metering system for pay television distribution over a cable network. A control unit is located near each receiver on a subscribers premises and a secure filter, switching and metering unit is located external to the subscribers home. For the basic apparatus power and control signals needed to operate the external unit require no separate wiring as these signals are multiplexed over the coaxial cable that carries the TV signal into the home. An improved switch in the external unit activates a temperature compensated digital metering unit that displays either (or both) the time that the premium programming has been accessed or the totalized cost of the pay programming accessed. When implemented in high density housing districts common equipment is centralized and the apparatus is known as a switched star configuration. Also included is apparatus that permits metering to be accomplished at a central location for a community.