Abstract: A method of authenticating communication between a receiver/decoder and a remote server is disclosed. The method involves using an identifier of the receiver/decoder to authenticate the communication, the identifier being based on a smartcard number. Also disclosed is a gateway which is adapted to receive data from a receiver/decoder, which data are not in internet protocol, and to convert said data into internet protocol for transmission to an internet service provider.

Abstract: A subscriber information management system for use with a broadcast system, and a method of managing subscriber information, are described. The system includes storing subscriber internet parameters relating to internet services access and storing subscriber broadcast parameters relating to broadcast services access. The internet and broadcast parameters are linked.

Abstract: A method of transmission of digital information in a digital broadcast system including a central transmission station and one or more decoders, the central station transmitting at least one transport stream comprising a stream of packets encapsulating data tables or sections within their payloads, one or more encapsulated sections including a medium access control (MAC) address used to control the reception of that section by one or more decoders wherein the MAC address is dynamically assigned by the central transmission station and communicated to the or each decoder in an address assignment message using a fixed IP address.