Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering video program content with selective viewing capability. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a personal video recorder (PVR), which can be a portion of an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), an access key, coupled to the PVR, and a storage medium containing the video program content, wherein the video program content is stored on the storage medium in an encrypted manner, the access key is used to access the program content on the storage medium, and the storage medium is removable from the PVR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering video program content with selective viewing capability. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a personal video recorder (PVR), which can be a portion of an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), an access key, coupled to the PVR, and a storage medium containing the video program content, wherein the video program content is stored on the storage medium in an encrypted manner, the access key is used to access the program content on the storage medium, and the storage medium is removable from the PVR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering video program content with selective viewing capability. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a personal video recorder (PVR), which can be a portion of an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), an access key, coupled to the PVR, and a storage medium containing the video program content, wherein the video program content is stored on the storage medium in an encrypted manner, the access key is used to access the program content on the storage medium, and the storage medium is removable from the PVR.

Abstract: A device and method for multiple access cards to interface to at least one integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) and methods for using the device. The interface device of the present invention contains multiple access card readers and houses multiple access cards. The device can switch between access cards based on pre-configured software that rotates the cards according to various conditions. In another embodiment, the device can simultaneously operate all the cards. The device can select one card for the IRD based on responses acquired for the various conditions. In addition, the present invention allows monitoring access card authorizations and blackout states in multiple IRDs. A single access card can be applied to more than one IRD simultaneously, and the IRDs can be different versions. In addition, the present invention provides a satellite broadcast center with the capability of testing multiple access cards in real time either sequentially, or in parallel, through multiple IRDs.

Abstract: An IRD is provided with expanded self-test capabilities, both hardware and software, that will provide standardized and more precise diagnostics. The IRD runs a sequence of tests to determine the fitness of the IRD and the health of the ODU. As the tests are completed, the results are displayed on-screen and written to a report. If a test fails, the appropriate remedial action such as “reset to factory default settings”, “service call” or “replace IRD, access card, modem, ODU” is also written to the report. The IRD appends the test report to a header message and forwards it to the service provider. The satellite service provider archives the report, modifies the header message to provide customer contact information and the responsible dealer, and forwards the file to the service dealer. To improve service and accountability, the dealer may send an acknowledgement back to the service provider and customer.

Abstract: A smart card is provided comprising a first processor and a second processor. The first and second processors are capable of decoding a scrambled broadcast signal. The first processor is activated by a first activating signal, and the second processor is activated by a second activating signal that differs from the first activating signal. The first processor can be a primary processor that is used during normal operations, while the second processor can be a backup processor that is activated under emergency conditions. The second processor, to be used temporarily when backup service is required, can be of lower complexity than the first processor, thus reducing cost. The first and second processors are situated on the card so as to communicate with an opening in an electrical device such as a integrated receiver.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for removing a card from an opening in an electrical device. The apparatus comprises: a card including a semiconductor chip capable of making electrical connection with a contact in the opening and wherein the cards fits into the opening with substantially no part protruding therefrom and a tool that is adapted to effect removal of the card from the opening. This has the advantage that the card makes the appropriate internal contacts and can only be removed by authorized users. This stops theft of the card from retail outlets. In addition, the invention also prevents children and animals removing the card and damaging it in the home environment.