By Dr. Mark F. Medress , General Instrument Corporation, Videocipher Division
The VideoCipher II satellite television scrambling system provides secure satellite distribution of high quality video and stereo audio to both commercial distribution systems and individual homes with satellite TVRO equipment. Over 50 programming services have selected the VideoCipher II system, making it the de facto standard for entertainment program distribution. Hundreds of thousands of commercial and consumer descramblers are in operation today, providing higher quality television reception than is available with clear transmission, along with communication and control features that enhance the programming value.
Since the VideoCipher II system is designed for both CATV and DBS applications, it supports a number of important subscriber features. These include a flexible subscriber interface with an on-screen display, store-and-forward impulse pay-perview, a parental lockout capability, and a text service for program guides, messages, and other information.