Transcoder for decoding encoded TV programs

• US 7,239,706 B1
• Filed: 07/16/1996
• Issued: 07/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
• Original Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
• Inventors: Kowalski, Bernd, Wilhelm, Siegfried
• Primary Examiner(s): Arani; Taghi T.
• Application Number:
  US09/485,408
• Time in Patent Office: 4,004 Days
• Field of Search: 380/240, 380/227
• US Class Current: 380/240
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 by receiver means only

Abstract

A decoder device has a control unit for decoding encoded TV programs. The decoder device has an input for entering an encoded TV program, a decryption device for decoding an encoded TV program into a format which can be played on a television set, an output which can be connected to the television set and is designed to enter the encoded TV program into the television set for play, an interface for an identification or key component, to be used for validation of the decoding device, as well as an interface for a control unit. The interface for the identification or key component is located in the control unit.

Claims

1. A decoder device for decrypting encrypted television programs, the decoder device comprising:

a control unit;

an input for receiving the encrypted television program;

a decryption device for decrypting the encrypted television program into a format reproducible by a television set;

an output capable of being connected to the television set so as to output the decrypted television program to the television set for reproduction;

a first interface for interfacing to at least one of a first identification and a first key carrier component for enabling the decryption device, the first interface being disposed in the control unit;

a second interface for interfacing to the control unit;

a third interface for interfacing to a telecommunications network; and

a fourth interface for interfacing to at least one of a second identification and a second key carrier component, an authorization by at least one of the second identification and the second key carrier component being useable for establishing a connection to a subscriber via the telecommunications network.

2. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 wherein the fourth interface is disposed in the control unit.

3. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 wherein the television set includes a fifth interface for receiving control commands and wherein the control unit is capable of controlling the television set.

4. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first and the second identification and/or key carrier components include a respective smart card or a common smart card.

5. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a sixth interface for connecting the decoder device to a computer, the computer being adaptable for at least one of controlling the decoder device and establishing a connection to a subscriber via the telecommunications network.

6. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 wherein the control unit includes a computer, the computer including a seventh interface for controlling the decoder device and including the first and fourth interfaces.

7. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 wherein the decoder device is integrated in the television set.

8. The decoder device as recited in claim 1 wherein the second interface is a keypad operatable by a user.