Controlling access to broadcast programming
AssigneeEldon Technology Limited
InventorDale Llewelyn Mountain
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A set top box for a television receiver has a paired viewing card. It is also coupled to a hard disc drive for the recording and storage of received broadcasting. If the viewer has a full subscription, the viewer is able to access and view subscription broadcasting by way of the set top box. If the subscription is no longer paid, different usage rights are associated with the set top box so that, whilst the set top box can no longer access the subscription broadcasting, the viewer is still able to access and play any previously stored subscription programming.
Claims12
A method of controlling access to broadcast programming by way of a local receiving device, the method comprising associating usage rights with the receiving device, and enabling the receiving device to operate in one of at least two different operating modes in dependence upon the usage rights associated therewith, wherein, in a first operating mode, the receiving device is enabled to receive and access broadcast programming, whilst in a second operating mode the receiving device is unable to receive and access the broadcast programming but is able to access programming which has been stored locally.
A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming, the system comprising a receiving device for receiving the broadcast programming, and an access circuit for storing usage rights to be associated with the receiving device and for controlling the operating mode of the receiving device in dependence upon the stored usage rights, wherein, in a first operating mode, the receiving device is enabled to receive and access broadcast programming, whilst in a second operating mode the receiving device is unable to receive and access the broadcast programming but is able to access programming which has been stored locally.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.