Abstract: A multimode scrambling system for video signal transmission systems is described. The system provides for baseband video scrambling controlled by a central originating computer facility. The scrambling of each field of a video changes on a per field basis. The video signal is scrambled in several modes including vertical interval scrambling, alternate line inversion, bogus sync pulse generation, video compression and video offset techniques. A scrambling sequence is sent by a unique algorithm, sent during the vertical interval to each system decoder. The algorithm is reordered for each of a plurality of fields of the video signal and the reordering position is identified by a unique synchronization pulse transmitted during the vertical interval of the video signal. Additional security measures are provided to inhibit a subscriber from avoiding a transmitted disable command, or an attempt to invade the subscriber decoder mechanical packaging security.

Abstract: Apparatus for encoding and decoding information. Multiple scrambling techniques are provided to prevent unauthorized reception of a television picture signal. A first mode of scrambling provides for shifting randomly occurring horizontal synchronization pulses within each field of video signal producing horizontal as well as vertical instability. Video line inversion of selected lines within a field comprises a second mode of scrambling of the signal. A third mode of scrambling provides for amplitude shifting the television signal during selected portions of the signal which contains luminance and chrominance information following a line synchronization pulse.

Abstract: During non-program hours, a subscription broadcast television station broadcasts in place of programming the time of a future special broadcast as well as other information to enable decoding circuitry of subscribers. The receiver at the subscriber's residence tunes during non-broadcast hours all subscription television broadcast frequencies, and compares the subscriber's identification number with information being broadcast. When a coincidence between the received identification number being broadcast, and a stored identification number is obtained, the time of the future special broadcast is stored in a memory. At the time of a subscription broadcast identified in the memory, tuning data is recalled from a memory for tuning the receiver to receive the special broadcast. The subscriber's decoding apparatus is also activated permitting descrambling of the special program broadcast.

Abstract: A composite video signal containing an information portion and a synchronization pulse is encoded by shifting the level of the synchronization pulse and also by inverting the information portion. The encoding is switched on and off at a randomly chosen frequency, under the control of random number generator enabled at regular intervals. The encoded signal is transmitted with a data signal representing the random number so that a receiver can decode the received signal. The transmitted data can include details of undesired recipients, to disable their decoders. Applied to a pay TV system, the transmitted data can include the rate to be charged for the program and a billing mechanism at the receiver will meter the appropriate charge.

Abstract: Information encoding apparatus comprises at least two modulators, each operating on a different channel, means for combining the outputs of the modulators, means for applying an information signal to the modulators for modulating the carrier waves in their channels according to the information signal, a random data terminal and means responsive to the random data signal to enable the combining means to receive a carrier wave modulated with said information from individual modulators in turn. The invention also includes transmitting apparatus for transmitting the encoded information together with a signal from the random data terminal and the invention also includes receiving apparatus for receiving and decoding the information under the control of the random data signal extracted from the received signal.