Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for increasing the efficiency of remote service transactions. According to the present invention, a smart card includes optics for receiving information from a television channel and a modem for providing real-time two way communication with a remote service provider. To maintain system security, data that is provided to the card may be encrypted. The present invention also includes applications of the smart card such as remote financial services, near video-on-demand with automated order and billing, pay-per-view with automated order and billing, appointment TV, home shopping, real-time market studies and opinion polls and electronic gaming and sweepstakes.