Abstract: The invention relates to a device or matrix which can be used indiscriminately and intelligently to direct data flows (1) generated by various sources (2) towards one or more destination devices (3), the latter forming sources of new data flows, in a common interface environment (4). According to the invention, (i) source (2) refers to a tuner or another data transfer device capable of generating an MPEG-2 (Motion Picture Expert Group) data flow and compatibles, and (ii) destination device (3) refers to removable or integrated devices (5) within the system, which are capable of filtering, transforming or regenerating the contents of the original incoming flow, or devices which receive the resulting data flows (6). The purpose of the invention is to enable the indiscriminate routing of data from different sources (2) through the filtering modules (5) within one system (4), such that more than one application associated with the system can be handled simultaneously.

Abstract: 7The invention relates to a novel method of introducing a pay digital television mechanism whereby the content broadcaster or operator does not require a subscriber management infrastructure. According to the invention, the user is not committed to the operator but instead freely acquires content access time credit by means of an electronic transaction via a point of purchase8 on the Internet or a mobile phone message server. Moreover, the inventive system eliminates the need for customized validation and authentication information for each user to be sent permanently via the broadcast channel9 since said information is managed by means of a secure transfer mechanism when the credit is being purchased, with the time and content privileges acquired on the user platform being stored. The saving made in relation to the bandwidth is considerable when the number of users increases. 7 This translation, which appeared in the original, is acceptable, except where noted. 8 “Point of purchase” should be “point of sale.