An Addressable Satellite Encryption System for Preventing Signal Piracy

Satellite signals which transmit television and other commercial communications can no longer be thought of as secure. The advent of lowv cost TVRO´s has opened the door to the threat of signal piracy. In response to this threat, a signal security system was developed which masks both audio and video intelligibility. The system can effectively shield programming, control its delivery, and protect private sensitive information. Presently it is used at C-band and Ku-band with conventional TVRO´s and all existing satellites. It is, of course, directly applicable for the use in the Direct Broadcast Systems in the near future.