Abstract: A display device and method aiming to protect access to audiovisual documents recorded in a memory. The display device includes a setting device for setting a masking threshold of the documents. The display device further includes a masking device for masking recorded documents the seniority of which in the memory is greater than the masking threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of switching communication channels enabling a card reader to communicate with several card circuits, each circuit having a communication channel. The reader applies a power supply voltage to the card by electrical contacts arranged on a connection button. The reader transmits a control signal for controlling the switching of the communication channel to an electrical contact located in the inserted part of the card but not on the button. Finally, the reader sets up activation signals for at least one circuit to enable said circuit to communicate via the connection button. The invention also relates to a removable device and a receiver for reading said device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for downloading a binary configuration file in a programmable circuit implemented in a device. The device comprises at least one central processing unit, a plurality of connectors, and a programmable circuit enabling all or a part of the signals received by said connectors to be processed and transmitted to at least one other circuit of the device. The device analyzes the signals present on the connectors in order to define what other devices are connected and whether the connections are operational. Then, a configuration file is selected from among a set of configuration files according to the operational connections and is downloaded from a memory of the device into the programmable circuit. The invention also relates to a device having a component programmed according to the method previously described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device (1) provided for smart card readers (SCR), a smart card reading activation device (2) and associated products including a set-top box and a daisy chain. The control device comprises means for communicating (11) with at least two smart card reading devices (SCR3, SCR4, SCR5), means for processing (12) information received from those reading devices and means for activating (13) at least one of those reading devices for a current communication. The activating means are intended to send selection data (SD) towards all those reading devices, those selection data enabling each of the reading devices to determine if it is selected or not for the current communication.

Abstract: A system comprising a first converter linked to a first tuner and optionally, to a second tuner via switching means, optionally a second converter linked to the second tuner means for detecting whether the second converter is in service and means suitable for actuating the switching means in such a way as to link the second tuner to the second converter when one detects that the latter is in service and, in the converse case, to link it to the first converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device and method aiming to protect access to audiovisual documents recorded in storage means. The device comprises means for: setting a masking threshold of said documents, masking recorded documents the seniority of which in said storage means is greater than said masking threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for downloading a binary configuration file in a programmable circuit implemented in a device. The device comprises at least one central processing unit, a plurality of connectors, and a programmable circuit enabling all or a part of the signals received by said connectors to be processed and transmitted to at least one other circuit of the device. The device analyzes the signals present on the connectors in order to define what other devices are connected and whether the connections are operational. Then, a configuration file is selected from among a set of configuration files according to the operational connections and is downloaded from a memory of the device into the programmable circuit. The invention also relates to a device having a component programmed according to the method previously described.

Abstract: The appliance comprises an audio port, which is usable as an interface for testing of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance comprises stereo output ports, one port for a reception of digital test signals from a control computer and the other port for a transmission of digital signals from the appliance to the control computer. For the separation of the test signals and the audio signals a test adapter is used which is coupled between the appliance, the control computer and an amplifier for the audio signals. The test signals are modulated onto a carrier signal having a frequency of above 20 kHz, for example a frequency within the frequency range of 1-10 MHz. This allows a serial connection, which is compatible with the widely used RS232 link for set-top boxes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of switching communication channels enabling a card reader to communicate with several card circuits, each circuit having a communication channel. The reader applies a power supply voltage to the card by electrical contacts arranged on a connection button. The reader transmits a control signal for controlling the switching of the communication channel to an electrical contact located in the inserted part of the card but not on the button. Finally, the reader sets up activation signals for at least one circuit to enable said circuit to communicate via the connection button. The invention also relates to a removable device and a receiver for reading said device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical supply apparatus and a device and an electrical power supply module. The apparatus comprises means of reception of a supply voltage originating from the supply module, having a higher voltage level in normal mode and at least one lower voltage level in standby mode, means of activation of at least one functionality of the apparatus, which are operational in normal mode and disabled in standby mode, and means of switching of the supply module toggling the supply voltage at least from the standby mode to the normal mode. The apparatus comprises means of communication to the supply module, including the means of switching, means of transmission of a current to the supply module and means of variation of intensity of this current, the means of communication controlling a toggling of the supply voltage at least from the standby mode to the normal mode through a variation of this current.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device (1) provided for smart card readers (SCR), a smart card reading activation device (2) and associated products including a set-top box and a daisy chain. The control device comprises means for communicating (11) with at least two smart card reading devices (SCR3, SCR4, SCR5), means for processing (12) information received from those reading devices and means for activating (13) at least one of those reading devices for a current communication. The activating means are intended to send selection data (SD) towards all those reading devices, those selection data enabling each of the reading devices to determine if it is selected or not for the current communication.

Abstract: The appliance comprises an audio port, which is usable as an interface for testing of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance comprises stereo output ports, one port for a reception of digital test signals from a control computer and the other port for a transmission of digital signals from the appliance to the control computer. For the separation of the test signals and the audio signals a test adapter is used which is coupled between the appliance, the control computer and an amplifier for the audio signals. The test signals are modulated onto a carrier signal having a frequency of above 20 kHz, for example a frequency within the frequency range of 1-10 MHz. This allows a serial connection, which is compatible with the widely used RS232 link for set-top boxes.

Abstract: System comprising a first converter 1 linked to a first tuner 2 and optionally, to a second tuner 2′ via switching means 6, optionally a second converter 1′ linked to the second tuner 2′ means 11 for detecting whether the second converter 1′ is in service and means suitable for actuating the switching means 6 in such a way as to link the second tuner 2′ to the second converter 1′ when one detects that the latter is in service and, in the converse case, to link it to the first converter 1.