Satellite television system and method

Abstract

A system for controlling the acquisition of encrypted program signals such as television or other signals utilizing existing equipment in use in telecommunications networks. The transmitted program signals are encrypted subject to decryption for presentation by a receiver such as a television receiver. A subscriber unit associated with the receiver receives the signals and is connected to the telecommunications network. The subscriber unit also receives program order commands from a subscriber and responsive to such a command transmits to the telecommunications network an order which enables the telecommunications network to identify the directory number to which the subscriber unit is connected and the number of the subscriber unit. Upon validation the telecommunications network returns to the subscriber unit a first decryption key which is stored in the subscriber unit. At substantially the same time the telecommunications network delivers to the program provider the order and identification of the ordering entity. The program provider returns via the telecommunications network to the subscriber unit a second decryption key and signal activating the first decryption key. Upon commencement of transmission of the ordered program an auxiliary signal is transmitted to the subscriber unit activating the second decryption key. The activation of both decryption keys and the use thereof provides decryption of the encrypted program signal and delivery of the decrypted signal to the television receiver. The signaling through the telecommunications network does not require call connection.