Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing conditional access control using a parametric-based conditional access code. The parametric-based access code is generated by a access grantor, such as a homeowner, parent, employer, rental company, etc., from a set of parameter values associated with an access control device. Such parameters can include date and time, location, purchase amount, type of purchase, etc. Once a parametric-based access code is generated, it can be used by the grantee, i.e., the person seeking access, at the appropriate access control device. The access control device extracts the conditional parameter values and compares them to current parameter values of the access control device. Access is granted only when the conditional parameter values match the current parameter values.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using a wide screen television receiver operating at 2f.sub.H as a VGA or SVGA monitor. The VGA or SVGA board in a computer is programmed to generate an RGB video signal representing a picture having fewer than a normal number of horizontal lines than a conventional VGA or SVGA picture having a 4:3 format display ratio, in order to define a picture having a wide format display ratio, for example 16:9. The separate synchronizing signals of the RGB video signal are converted in polarity and phase, as necessary, to a form recognizable by a video processing circuit of the wide screen television receiver.