Method and apparatus for providing copy protection using a transmittal mode command

Apparatus for controlling copy protection of proprietary signal material transmitted via digital delivery networks, wherein a service provider enables a copy protection process which prevents unauthorized copying of the signal material by consumers, the apparatus comprising:

• a control/billing center for supplying copy protection control signals as directed by the service provider;
• means for transmitting selected commands in response to the copy protection control signals to selectively control the copy protection process;
• and
• means located with each consumer for applying the copy protection process to the signal material in response to the transmitted selected commands to prevent or allow viewing or copying of the signal material.

A method of providing copy protection of signal material transmitted via a digital delivery network, wherein a service provider enables a copy protection process via a set-top box located at a consumer's facility, comprising the steps of:

• supplying selected control bit patterns from the service provider to the consumer's facility via the digital delivery network;
• storing a copy protection configuration in the set-top box;
• receiving the control bit pattern in said set-top box;
• and
• applying the copy protection process to the transmitted signal material in response to the control bit pattern each time a selection of the material is made at the consumer's facility to prevent or allow the selected signal material to be copied.

A method of providing copy protection of signal material transmitted via a digital delivery network, wherein a service provider enables a copy protection process via set-top boxes located at consumers' facilities, comprising the steps of:

• establishing selected requirements for activating, controlling and modifying a copy protection process for the signal material and for reporting the corresponding usage thereof;
• providing copy protection control software in response to the selected requirements;
• generating via the control software, mode and configuration control bit patterns which enable real time on/off mode control and programmable copy protection process configuration control respectively;
• transmitting the mode control and configuration control code words to the set-top boxes;
• selectively applying the copy protection process to the transmitted signal material in response to the transmitted mode bit pattern each time a selection of the signal material is made via the set-top boxes to prevent or allow the selected signal material to be viewed or copied.