Method to optimize reception of entitlement management messages in a Pay-TV system

A method to optimize reception of entitlement management messages in a subscriber unit comprising a security module, said subscriber unit being configured to receive a transport stream comprising audio/video program data and entitlement management messages providing to the subscriber unit and the security module conditional access information for a given Pay-TV program, the entitlement management messages being identified in the transport stream by packet identifiers and being received by the subscriber unit via a default reception channel, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving, by the subscriber unit from the security module, an information signal including a notification of a requirement to modify at least one operating parameter controlling the subscriber unit or the security module or both the subscriber unit and the security module, the information signal specifying a specific reception channel;
• selecting, by the subscriber unit, the specific reception channel configured for receiving specific entitlement management messages including instructions and data for modifying the operating parameter, said specific entitlement management messages having a specific packet identifier;
• after reception of the specific entitlement management message, modifying the operating parameter according to instructions and data comprised in the specific entitlement management message;
• and
• after modification of the operating parameter, selecting the default reception channel configured for receiving default entitlement management messages having a default packet identifier.