Abstract: The device has a voice and/or manual user interface for accessing its functions. The functions are accessible through a hierarchy of menus in which the branches can be short-circuited by voice instructions referred to as voice short-cuts. According to the invention, means are provided for storing the sequences of interactions performed by the user and for detecting the cases in which a voice short-cut could have been used instead of the sequence of interactions. In this case, a message is sent to the user in order to inform him or her of the existence of the detected voice short-cut. The invention also relates to a process for aiding with learning the voice instructions of the device using the means above.

Abstract: To transmit digital data representing a content from a source (1) to a receiver (2) through a digital communication channel, the data being scrambled by at least one control word (CW), the method includes the following steps. The source generates an encryption key (KCW) which it stores temporarily. It encrypts the control word with the encryption key and transmits to the receiver the scrambled digital data (3) and the encrypted control word (4), the latter being transmitted through an encrypted communication channel (21). The receiver then performs an operation (22) of authentication of the source. When the source is authenticated by the receiver, it transmits the encryption key (KCW) to it. The receiver then decrypts the control word and descrambles the data so as to present them to a user. The encryption key is then erased from the memories of the source and the receiver when the content has been entirely transmitted.

Abstract: The digital data are stored by a content provider in a database (10) in a form scrambled by control words. When a user wishes to receive data through a broadcasting network (5), he transmits an encryption key to the content provider.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a process for timestamping digital data comprising:

Abstract: The process comprises the steps consisting in:

Abstract: The communication network comprises a device of a first type (1) furnished with a source of data to be broadcast over the network and at least one device of a second type (2) intended to receive the said data.

Abstract: A system for securely storing secret information comprises an apparatus (10; 1) containing the secret information, a device meant to use said secret information to decrypt a digital content and a remote server (20). The apparatus can send the secret information to the server (20) that has means for storing the secret information. A process with the following steps is proposed: initiating a remote communication between the apparatus (10; 1) and the remote server (20); sending the secret information from the apparatus (10; 1) to the server (20); storing the secret information on the server (20). A method for distribution of a digital content is also described.

Abstract: The invention is to be used in the Digital Video Broadcasting—Common Interface environment for accessing the Conditional Access Module (CAM). The host application handles objects of the Conditional Access (CA) through a private Application Program Interface (API). Each CAM may have its own private CA API but the data channel remains identical whatever the CAM is. This new mode coexists with the two already defined modes: low level Man Machine Interface, and high level Man Machine Interface. If a Set top Unit “understands” the private CA Application Program Interface (API), then it may access the features of the plugged CA through its private CA API Protocol. Otherwise, it remains on the standard API. With this extension, an STU can have a Conditional Access User Interface which perfectly fits into the overall User Interface of the STU. Thus b broadcaster can ensure that its look and feel are respected on its STUs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for reading digital data (10) receiving data representing a content designed to be connected to a digital home network. It comprises: first means for encrypting (13) data in accordance with a protection mode specific to a line whereby the device is to be connected to another digital network device, the encrypted data being in that case supplied to a first output (S1); and second means for encrypting (14) data in accordance with a mode specific to the home network, the encrypted data being in that case supplied to a second output (S2). The invention also concerns a device for recording and restoring digital data designed to be connected to said reading device (10).

Abstract: A speech based man-machine communication system is given, comprising more than one controllable device provided with speech synthesis function. Each of the devices in question is provided with its own unique voice pattern. The devices are connected via a bus, so that a central authority handles all the requests from the user. Because the user uses his natural language, commands can be ambiguous. Therefore an algorithm for handling ambiguous situations is provided.

Abstract: A radiation emitting device, such as an LED, is optimally driven in dependence on the value of a carrier frequency of a signal to be transmitted. The current provided to the radiation emitting element is controlled responsive to the carrier frequency. When using an LED, the current value is increased with decreasing duration of current flow. The apparatus is usable for remote controls suitable for controlling two or more devices.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is a process for the detection of SCART type connections in a home systems network.This process includes the following steps:a) disactivate video sources connected to the network,b) put video receivers connected to the network on standby,c) send a video signal from a first video source,d) detect switched on video receivers,e) memorize the connection between the said first source and the said switched on video receivers, if any,f) disactivate the first said source, and put switched on video receivers on standby,g) repeat the process starting from step c, with each remaining source.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of reception of signals from at least two transmitters (RCi), wherein for each transmitter the data ("0", "1") are represented by the time interval (T0i, T1i) between two consecutive pulses transmitted by this transmitter, said time intervals and the pulse widths (Tpi) being characteristic of each transmitter, and wherein said method includes the following steps: reception of a resultant signal that is the sum of the signals from by said transmitters; determination of the parameters of said resultant signal, these parameters including the width and spacing of the pulses; analysis of said parameters and assignment of a data item to one of said transmitters. The invention also concerns a receiver device, a remote controller, and a system of reception. The invention is applicable notably in the field of television and video.

Abstract: A device such as a pay TV decoder, a television receiver, a VCR or a remote control is automatically customized with information such as channel, frequency, and/or remote control codes that is stored in memory in a smart card. The smart card transmits the information to the device via a smart card reader. The information is transmitted to the device in response to the smart card being coupled to the smart card reader. Customization by smart card facilitates efficient production of devices such as pay TV decoders because all devices can be identical during manufacturing and customized easily after manufacturing. For example, a cable TV operator can customize each pay TV decoder with channel allocation information appropriate for the site of the decoder by using a smart card.

Abstract: Program related data contained in the broadcast signal of an advertisement for a future television show are evaluated and compared with the current TV set tuning when a LEARN button on a remote control is pressed. A VCR tunes to the present TV channel and stores the program related data for the future television show. The apparatus also ensures that a program to be recorded will start and end at the right time and that broadcast advertisements will be skipped during recording, are disclosed.

Abstract: A video signal processing system, such as a pay TV system, that includes a smart card access control feature decodes control information from data included in groups of video line intervals that represent data channels. Each channel includes data arranged in packets of data. Each packet includes both descriptor data and application data. The packets of data are extracted from the video lines by a data dispatcher. After receiving a packet from a data channel, the data dispatcher analyses the descriptor data to determine the target for the application data. The data dispatcher transmits the application data contained in the packet, without analyzing the data, to the correct target processor unit, e.g. either a control access processor or a decoder intelligent processor. Information that may be transferred to the decoder processor includes, a specific channel allocation table, data related to the VTR of the customer, and information related to a geographic location.

Abstract: The device of the invention for a pay-television system comprises an emitter and several receivers using "smart cards". In addition to the unscrambling control signals, the emitter sends encrypted authentication messages to which a correct response can be given only by the receivers where valid cards are used.

Abstract: In a system for controlling access to signals such as pay-TV signals, the signals include data packets that are received and by a decoder and forwarded to a smart card for access authorization processing. The data packets contain information that updates entitlement or access authorization data inside the smart card. Time-related data is added to the data packets. The smart card checks to determine if the time-related data evolves between two successive packets. If not, the smart card inhibits the delivering of descrambling parameters to the decoder.

Abstract: To counter illicit prevention of the invalidation of a smart card in a pay television network, for example when the period of validity for the card has expired, a verification of the card reader's ability to write to the card's memory is made. This verification consists in periodically sending a data item to be stored in the card. A counter on the card is reset by the writing voltage of the card's storage. In the event the writing voltage does not reach the counter, the counter's overflow output is connected to a read inhibition circuit which blocks functions of the card.

Abstract: A subscriber/user TV system operates in response to locally stored entitlements. A user gains access to a program only if the description of the program is consistent with entitled rights owned by the user. Each night at a given hour, decoders affiliated with the system tune to a predetermined video or audio channel, a so-called Barker channel. Decoders previously in a stand-by mode are activated in order to tune to the Barker channel. The program provider then sends the entitlement data on the Barker channel while every affiliated decoder is responsive to an incoming data stream.