Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally, but not exclusively, related to the area of interactive auctions, particularly to interactive Internet-based auctions that may be simultaneously televised and where bidders may input bids over channels other than the Internet. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: The invention is generally, but not exclusively, related to the area of interactive auctions, particularly interactive Internet-based auctions that may be simultaneously televised and where bidders may input bids over channels other than the Internet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally, but not exclusively, related to the area of interactive auctions, particularly to interactive Internet-based auctions that may be simultaneously televised and where bidders may input bids over channels other than the Internet. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method of providing a secure communication between first and second devices is described. The method includes encrypting a random key using an encryption key at a first device and transferring the encrypted random key to the second device for encryption of data communicated from the second device to the first device. The encrypted data received from the second device is decrypted using the random key. The method typically includes transferring a control word encrypted with an encryption key to the second device for decryption, and encryption using the random key. The encrypted control word received from the second device is then decrypted using the random key. The invention extends to a method of enabling a decoder, and to a decoder, to decode a data stream. It also extends, inter alia, to a method of authenticating an enabling device and to an enabling device.

Abstract: The invention is generally, but not exclusively, related to the area of interactive auctions, particularly interactive Internet-based auctions that may be simultaneously televised and where bidders may input bids over channels other than the Internet.

Abstract: A method of providing a secure communication between first and second devices is described. The method includes encrypting a random key using an encryption key at a first device and transferring the encrypted random key to the second device for encryption of data communicated from the second device to the first device. The encrypted data received from the second device is decrypted using the random key. The method typically includes transferring a control word encrypted with an encryption key to the second device for decryption, and encryption using the random key. The encrypted control word received from the second device is then decrypted using the random key. The invention extends to a method of enabling a decoder, and to a decoder, to decode a data stream. It also extends, inter alia, to a method of authenticating an enabling device and to an enabling device.

Abstract: In a method for providing a secure communication between two devices, a first device generates a random key (Ci) and transfers this key to a second device in a first message encrypted using a public key. The second device decrypts the first encrypted message by means of a corresponding secret key to obtain the random key (Ci) and this random key is used to encrypt and decrypt all transmissions between these devices. In a decoder for a pay TV system, comprising a conditional access module and a smart card, this method is applied to provide a secure communication between the control access module and the smart card and/or between the decoder and the conditional access module.