Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for flexible, yet secure distribution of digital content items, optionally with an automatic payment mechanism for purchasing such content. The present invention supports the distribution of content to end user devices from a central distribution point, as in client-server models and variations thereof, and/or peer-to-peer distribution, for example between end user devices. In addition, the present invention also supports distribution models within either of these mechanisms for unitary distribution, to a specified end user device, or broadcast/multicast distribution, to a plurality of end user devices. In any case, in order for the distributed content to be operative, for example to be “played back” or otherwise displayed, the recipient end user device must be in communication with a network control center.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring electronic content. The method and apparatus include providing electronic content to a first user, providing the first user with a key packet, the key packet including a decryption key and content rights information, transferring the electronic content and the key packet from the first user to a second user and rendering rights of the first user to the electronic content unusable upon transfer of the electronic content and the key packet from the first user to the second user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring electronic content. The method and apparatus include providing electronic content to a first user, providing the first user with a key packet, the key packet including a decryption key and content rights information, transferring the electronic content and the key packet from the first user to a second user and rendering rights of the first user to the electronic content unusable upon transfer of the electronic content and the key packet from the first user to the second user.

Abstract: A method for protecting digital content is described. The method includes receiving compressed encrypted digital content (810), determining an output format based, at least in part, on all of the following: a user-requested output format; received control information; and a rule determining whether a clear compressed output format is allowed (820); and producing output from the compressed digital content (830) based on a result of the determining (820), wherein, if the rule does not allow clear compressed output format, the compressed encrypted digital content is provided in a form which prevents production of clear compressed output in the producing step. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for protecting content including providing a host, a player, a communications link between host and player for communicating content therebetween, a recordable medium adapted to be played by and recorded to by the player, and an encrypted item of content, and producing a secure content license corresponding to the content, the license including a key for accessing the content, a permission list for determining whether the host or the player is allowed to access the content under pre-defined circumstances, the circumstances including a type of use of the encrypted content, an identification of the recordable medium, the recordable medium identification generated in accordance with a predefined recordable medium identification generation algorithm, and describing at least one physical characteristic of the recordable medium, and an identification of the content, the item identification describing at least one data characteristic of the content.

Abstract: An advertising control method is described. The method includes receiving an advertisement identification message (AIM) at a first mobile device, sending the AIM from the first mobile device to a content display unit (CDU) and storing the AIM in the CDU, selecting at least one content item from among a plurality of content items based, at least in part, on at least one stored AIM, the stoned AIM being stored in the CDU, and displaying the selected content item on the CDU. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring electronic content. The method and apparatus include providing electronic content to a first user, providing the first user with a key packet, the key packet including a decryption key and content rights information, transferring the electronic content and the key packet from the first user to a second user and rendering rights of the first user to the electronic content unusable upon transfer of the electronic content and the key packet from the first user to the second user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing, implementing and using interactive applications and content that are digitally recorded and viewed in real-time and/or a time-shifted mode are provided. The interactive applications may be associated with television programs or may be unrelated thereto, and may be transmitted together with television programs or separately therefrom. Interactive applications that are employed in a time-shifted mode can be matched to current conditions and interactive content may be updated to include current data. Users may view and manipulate highlights of television programs and receive alerts of occurrence of real-time events during viewing of recorded material. Additional manipulations of interactive applications and content are also enabled. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to content, including preventing access to content that corresponds to a blacked out event, until at least one of a time criterion and payment criterion is met. Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for voting with a unique one-time token by an audience member, which is fully automated. The token is preferably usable only within a predetermined lifespan, such that the time period for collecting the data is predefined. If the audience is to be allowed to submit more than one preference, or to have more than one “vote”, preferably a plurality of tokens are provided to the audience member. According to one embodiment, such a plurality of tokens are all preferably of equal weight, or generic. Alternatively, such tokens may optionally and preferably be classified, in which a first token is for voting for a first preference, a second token is for voting for a second preference, and so forth.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for flexible, yet secure distribution of digital content items, optionally with an automatic payment mechanism for purchasing such content. The present invention supports the distribution of content to end user devices from a central distribution point (320), as in client-server models and variations thereof, and/or peer-to-peer distribution, for example between end user devices (310). In addition, the present invention also supports distribution models within either of these mechanisms for unitary distribution, to a specified end user device, or broadcast/multicast distribution, to a plurality of end user devices. In any case, in order for the distributed content to be operative, for example to be “played back” or otherwise displayed, the recipient end user device (310) must be in communication with a network control center (240).