Dual communication link for satellite TV receiver
First Claim
1. In a satellite television receiver adapted for connection to an associated television monitor, said receiver having means for an operator to select for display on its associated television monitor the programming broadcast by one of a plurality of transponders from one of a plurality of satellites, said satellite receiver having an associated remote control, said remote control having means for an operator to select for display the programming being broadcast by one of a plurality of transponders from one of a plurality of satellites, said satellite television receiver selection means including a programmable microprocessor, the improvement comprising means to program said microprocessor to thereby inhibit access to a selected transponder of a selected satellite, said programming means including said remote control in cooperation with the receiver operator selection means so that both said remote control and said receiver operator selection means are required to program said receiver.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A satellite television reception only receiver includes a programmable microprocessor which has a communications link for communicating between a plurality of receivers connected in a multiple receiver installation. An antenna is connected to only one receiver in the network, and it controls operation of the antenna, and the information relating to the antenna is transmitted to the other receivers to update them. The microprocessor further provides a means to programmably restrict access to particular satellites or transponders on satellites at each individual receiver, and vary the particular transponders or satellites restricted from receiver to receiver.
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Citations
14 Claims
- 1. In a satellite television receiver adapted for connection to an associated television monitor, said receiver having means for an operator to select for display on its associated television monitor the programming broadcast by one of a plurality of transponders from one of a plurality of satellites, said satellite receiver having an associated remote control, said remote control having means for an operator to select for display the programming being broadcast by one of a plurality of transponders from one of a plurality of satellites, said satellite television receiver selection means including a programmable microprocessor, the improvement comprising means to program said microprocessor to thereby inhibit access to a selected transponder of a selected satellite, said programming means including said remote control in cooperation with the receiver operator selection means so that both said remote control and said receiver operator selection means are required to program said receiver.
- 11. A satellite television receiver adapted for connection to (1) an antenna for receiving programming broadcast by any one of a plurality of transponders transmitting from any one of a plurality of satellites, and (2) a television monitor for displaying the programming selected by said receiver, the receiver having means permitting operator selection of any one of said plurality of transponders for display, an associated remote control, said remote control permitting operator selection of any one of said plurality of transponders for display, said receiver transponder selection means including a programmable microprocessor, and means to program said microprocessor to inhibit operator selection of any one or more of said transponders, said programming means including the remote control coacting with the receiver transponder selection means to successfully enter a program inhibiting access to any one or more of said transponders.
Specification