Abstract: The invention is directed to a methodology for validating user identities. A user telephone number is registered, and in a subsequent communications link, the registered telephone number is obtained. A user may provide the registered telephone number by directly inputting the number via the communications link, or the registered number may be obtained from signaling information provided in connection with the establishment of the communications link. A security code established at the time of registration of the user telephone number, and associated with that number, is then obtained from the user via the communications link. After both the registered telephone number and the security code have been obtained, they are processed in a manner to identify a validation status of the user.

Abstract: The invention provides an audio/video amplifier comprising an AV-signal receiver for receiving the signals from one or more program sources; a post-processing circuit connected with said AV-signal receiver for processing audio/video signals of said program source(s) or controlling the volume thereof; a microprocessor for controlling said AV-signal receiver and said post-processing circuit; an auxiliary power supply for powering said AV-signal receiver and said microprocessor; a main power supply controlled by the microprocessor for powering said post-processing circuit; and a signal identifying/comparing module arranged between said AV-signal receiver and said microprocessor for identifying and comparing input AV signals and outputting the result to the microprocessor.