Abstract: Systems and methods for on-demand purchasing and distribution of products associated with a television program (“assets”) to consumers, such as music, telephone ringtones, videos, CDs, DVDs, coupons, and other products. An asset tag insertion system inserts an asset tag into a television signal; the asset tag identifies an asset associated with a television program represented by the television signal. A settop box program is responsive to an asset tag contained in a television signal for extracting the asset tag and displaying information corresponding to the asset tag to a viewer. The settop box program is further responsive to a command from the viewer for a purchase or other transaction involving the asset, for generating an order command corresponding to an order for the asset. The settop box program is further responsive to communicate the order command to an order management system, which delivers the asset to the purchaser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing periodic subscription television services comprises a way for subscribers who cannot afford the fees for full time television services such as a regular cable television service to obtain subscription service to a plurality of allocated channels on a periodic basis. The method comprises the steps of allocating channels to a periodic service offering and storing in memory of service denial apparatus service code data which represents the allocated channels. The service denial apparatus for providing periodic service comprises a service denial device such as a switch 389 or other circuit controlled by a controller 260 of service denial apparatus for periodically closing and opening service lines to the periodic service subscriber in accordance with predetermined periodic service intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing periodic subscription television services comprises a way for subscribers who cannot afford the fees for full time television services such as a regular cable television service to obtain subscription service to a plurality of allocated channels on a periodic basis. The method comprises the steps of allocating channels to a periodic service offering and storing in memory of service denial apparatus service code data which represents the allocated channels. The service denial apparatus for providing periodic service comprises a service denial device such as a switch 389 or other circuit controlled by a controller 260 of service denial apparatus for periodically closing and opening service lines to the periodic service subscriber in accordance with predetermined periodic service intervals.

Abstract: An off-premises method and apparatus for the interdiction of unauthorized channels of a broadband cable television signal includes common circuitry for adjusting the amplitude and equalization levels of the broadband CATV signals and one or more subscriber modules for generating jamming signals of different frequencies which are used to interdict one or more unauthorized channels. Each subscriber module is associated with a subscriber and is programmable and addressable to adjust the jamming parameters of that subscriber independently of other subscribers. Each subscriber module circuit comprises a plurality of latches, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of digital to analog converters. Each of the digital to analog converters drives one or more frequency agile oscillators with its analog output to generate the jamming signals.

Abstract: An off-premises method and apparatus for the interdiction of unauthorized channels of a broadband cable television signal includes common circuitry for adjusting the amplitude and equalization levels of the broadband CATV signals and one or more subscriber modules for generating jamming signals of different frequencies which are used to interdict one or more unauthorized channels. Each subscriber module is associated with a subscriber and is programmable and addressable to adjust the jamming parameters of that subscriber independently of other subscribers. Each subscriber module circuit comprises a plurality of latches, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of digital to analog converters. Each of the digital to analog converters drives one or more frequency agile oscillators with its analog output to generate the jamming signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for broadband signal distribution is equipped with a detector for detecting when the apparatus is open and is further adapted to receive an entry code generator. If the entry code generator is not installed or, if installed, fails to generate an entry code which matches an authorized entry code stored in the apparatus, the apparatus enters a particular mode of operation whereby service provided by the apparatus is interfered with. The entry code generator comprises a circuit board for coupling with an electrical connector of the apparatus having at least one ear which precludes closure of a cover to the apparatus. A method of screening access to the apparatus from others than authorized service personnel includes waiting a predetermined period of time for coupling the access code generator before service is interfered with. Furthermore, the stored access code may be changed or the predetermined time varied by addressable command from a headend of a broadband signal distribution system.