Abstract: A method for downloading a document via a communications medium operatively associated with a communications interface, the method including receiving the document from the communications medium, placing an information storage smart card in removable operative association with the communications interface, and conditionally transmitting the document from the communications interface to the information storage smart card and storing the document in the information storage smart card. Other related methods and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A secure access system for controlling access to a plurality of items. The system includes a first IC card reader adapted to receive a first IC card which includes first control information, a second IC card reader adapted to receive a second IC card which includes second control information, and a control integrator receiving the first control information and the second control information and allowing access to a first one of the plurality of items based, at least in part, on both the first control information and said second control information, and to a second one of the plurality of items based, at least in part, on the first control information, without regard to the second control information.

Abstract: A CATV system including a CATV network and apparatus for transmitting over the CATV network information to a multiplicity of subscriber units, each including a CATV decoder and an IC card reader and writer coupled to the CATV decoder, the IC card reader and writer includes two separate IC card receptacles, such that IC cards inserted into the two separate IC card receptacles are separately accessed by the IC card reader and writer.