System and method for controlling access to video events associated with video broadcast services

A video services receiver system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer, the system comprising:

• a receiver interface configured to receive system-wide service information (SI) that is common to a plurality of video services receivers in a satellite video system, the SI including system-wide blackout information for events on a service provided by the satellite video system, and the SI including join-in-progress indicators for back-to-back events on the service, and the receiver interface configured to receive a program specific information (PSI) table that is specific to only one satellite transponder in the satellite video system, the PSI table conveying service-specific blackout information for events on the service, the service-specific blackout information being distinguishable and distinct from the system-wide blackout information;
• a display interface for the display;
• at least one memory element configured to store the system-wide blackout information as dated blackout information for events on the service, and to store the service-specific blackout information as frequently updated blackout information for events on the service, wherein the system-wide blackout information and the service-specific blackout information are stored to be distinguishable and distinct from one another;
• and
• a processor coupled to the receiver interface, the display interface, and the at least one memory element, the processor being configured to control access to a current event on the service by analyzing the system-wide blackout information, the service-specific blackout information, and the join-in-progress indicators, and the processor being configured to present video content associated with the current event if access is granted;
• wherein the processor controls access to the current event by:
• granting access to the current event when the system-wide blackout information for the current event authorizes access;
• denying access to the current event when (1) the system-wide blackout information for the current event indicates a blackout for the current event, and (2) a join-in-progress indicator for the current event is in a first state;
• granting access to the current event when (1) the system-wide blackout information for the current event indicates a blackout for the current event, and (2) the join-in-progress indicator for the current event is in a second state, and (3) the service-specific blackout information for the current event authorizes access;
• and
• denying access to the current event when (1) the system-wide blackout information for the current event indicates a blackout for the current event, and (2) the join-in-progress indicator for the current event is in a second state, and (3) the service-specific blackout information for the current event prohibits access.