Abstract: A method and apparatus for brokering the enablement of the communication of encrypted media programs from a plurality of independent broadcasters to a plurality of receivers is disclosed. The system makes use of a pairing key for each provided service, which is differently encrypted by a pairing server and by the broadcaster providing the service. The encrypted versions of the pairing key are decrypted in a first receiver module using information known to the pairing service but not the broadcaster and in a second receiver module using information known to the broadcaster. The pairing key is used to cryptographically bind the first and second receiver modules.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box. The set top box (STB) is configured to receive and display the broadcast signals through a tuner onto a display device. The STB establishes a connection to the Internet through a user initiated action (e.g., when the user accesses the Internet using the STB). A new transmission control/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection is obtained using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the connection. A secure electronic connection is established with a server through the new TCP/IP connection. The purchase information is then transmitted from the STB through the secure electronic connection to the server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmission security is presented. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a receiver communicatively coupleable to an identifiable replaceable conditional access module (CAM) identified by an identification to enable reception of the service, and an authenticator controlling the operability of the receiver according to a comparison between the identification and a list comprising an identification of a plurality of CAMs, wherein the authenticator renders the receiver inoperable according to the comparison.

Abstract: An initiation of a purchase is received from a user into a receiver. Receiver software is activated that causes the display of a purchase screen having at least one field. Purchase information is received from the user into the field. The purchase information identifies an initial television subscription service for an initial activation of the receiver and an initial television programming package for the receiver. A secure electronic connection is established with a vendor and the purchase information is transmitted from the receiver to the vendor. A confirmation number is received from the vendor that confirms that the purchase has been allowed. The receiver also receives authorization for the initial activation of the subscription television service, the receiver, and television programming package. The received authorization is then used to activate and configure the receiver to allow the display of the subscription television services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a media data stream complying with a broadcast encryption standard is disclosed. A dongle is removably coupleable to a rendering device, with the dongle performing transcoding so as to allow presentation of the media in a secure manner without modification of the rendering device software or hardware.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box. The set top box (STB) is configured to receive and display the broadcast signals through a tuner onto a display device. The STB establishes a connection to the Internet through a user initiated action (e.g., when the user accesses the Internet using the STB). A new transmission control/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection is obtained using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the connection. A secure electronic connection is established with a server through the new TCP/IP connection. The purchase information is then transmitted from the STB through the secure electronic connection to the server.

Abstract: A method apparatus for providing conditional access to media programs is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first conditional access module that is integral with a receiver; a second conditional access module that is removably communicatively coupleable with the receiver; and a conditional access kernel that controls the conditional access operations of the first conditional access module and the second conditional access module according to a control structure received by the receiver from a remote source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing conditional access to media programs is disclosed. An embodiment of the method comprises the steps of generating a validation message in at least one of the receiver stations, the validation message comprising an answer to a validation query; transmitting the validation message directly from the receiver to the satellite on an always-on backchannel communications link; and receiving the media programs from the satellite only if the validation message matches an expected validation message.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmission security is presented. A receiver communicatively coupleable to an identifiable conditional access module (CAM) to enable reception of the service uses an authenticator to control the operability of the receiver according to a comparison between the identified conditional access module and a list of conditional access modules.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention utilize a receiver as a terminal to enable commercial transactions to take place that may or may not be coupled with programming that is being broadcast and to provide customers with the option of having their pay-TV bills charged directly to a credit card. The pay-TV provider could allow the customer to activate their pay-TV systems, with the programming package of their choice, without having to call the pay-TV customer service. Utilizing the fact that receivers may have built in modems that are connected to phone lines, connections can be made through that phone line to initiate, transfer, and purchase services and merchandise. If the receiver can successfully establish a secure connection with the pay-TV service provider, vendor, or credit card provider and the billing information is successfully transferred, then the merchandise can be shipped or the appropriate signals can be sent to the receiver to activate the service that the customer has selected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmission security is presented. A receiver communicatively coupleable to an identifiable conditional access module (CAM) to enable reception of the service uses an authenticator to control the operability of the receiver according to a comparison between the identified conditional access module and a list of conditional access modules.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box, wherein the set top box is configured to receive broadcast signals through a tuner; and enable a presentation device connected to the set top box to display the broadcast signals; automatically obtaining a connection to the Internet or a data paging network using a communication module of the set top box without the user requesting the connection, wherein the communication module is different than the tuner; establishing a secure electronic connection with a server through the connection to the Internet or data paging network; and transmitting the purchase information from the set top box through the secure electronic connection to the server.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention utilize a receiver as a terminal to enable commercial transactions to take place that may or may not be coupled with programming that is being broadcast and to provide customers with the option of having their pay-TV bills charged directly to a credit card. The pay-TV provider could allow the customer to activate their pay-TV systems, with the programming package of their choice, without having to call the pay-TV customer service. Utilizing the fact that receivers may have built in modems that are connected to phone lines, connections can be made through that phone line to initiate, transfer, and purchase services and merchandise. If the receiver can successfully establish a secure connection with the pay-TV service provider, vendor, or credit card provider and the billing information is successfully transferred, then the merchandise can be shipped or the appropriate signals can be sent to the receiver to activate the service that the customer has selected.