Method and apparatus for providing prepaid music card for deciphering recorded broadcast audio signals

A method for recording and playing digital signals, comprising:

• receiving an encrypted digital signal comprising a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) signal, the SDARS signal comprising streaming content data and program associated data (PAD) that is synchronized with said streaming content data, said PAD being embedded in said SDARS signal prior to said signal being received and operable to identify a change from a first broadcast segment to a second broadcast segment based on a change in the PAD associated with the streaming content data;
• storing said encrypted digital signal in a buffer as it is being received;
• determining whether a beginning of said second broadcast segment is in said buffer in response to a user request to record said encrypted digital signal, said determination based on a change in the PAD of said stored digital signal;
• recording said encrypted digital signal onto a first recording medium in a recorder and player device only if said beginning of said second broadcast segment is stored in said buffer;
• inserting a card having at least a predetermined value into said recorder and player device;
• determining that said predetermined value corresponds to at least a selected minimum value;
• and
• deciphering said encrypted digital signal and recording said deciphered signal onto one of said first recording medium and a second recording medium if said card has said selected minimum value.

A method for recording and playing an encrypted digital signal, comprising:

• receiving an encrypted digital signal comprising a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) signal, the SDARS signal comprising streaming content data and program associated data (PAD) that is synchronized with said streaming content data, said PAD being embedded in said SDARS signal prior to said signal being received and operable to identify a change from a first broadcast segment to a second broadcast segment;
• storing at least part of said encrypted digital signal in a buffer as it is being received;
• electing to record said encrypted digital signal onto a first recording medium;
• determining whether a beginning of said second broadcast segment is in said buffer based on a change in the PAD of said stored digital signal;
• and
• recording said encrypted digital signal onto said first recording medium only if said beginning of said second broadcast segment is stored in said buffer;
• inserting a card provided with a monetary amount into a card reader connected to said recorder and player;
• verifying that said monetary amount corresponds to a selected minimum value;
• and
• deciphering said encrypted digital signal and recording said deciphered signal onto said first recording medium only if said card has said selected minimum value.