| 摘要 |
A computer-implemented control method for a rented television 100 comprises, at a server 200 remote from the television, generating permission data for a specific television from user data relating to that particular television, broadcasting (via digital TV broadcast transmitter 202) the generated permission data over a digital broadcast medium (e.g. over the air, cable etc). The broadcast permission data is received at the rented television 100 by digital signal receiver 102, whereupon the permission data is accessed and validated. Dependent upon the outcome of the validation an operation is performed by permission control unit 106 to restrict or enable functions of the television receiver. The method may be used to remotely disable rental television receivers for which no rental payment has been received. The restriction may serve to render the display 110 and/or audio functions inoperable. Also disclosed is a control system for a rented television which is capable of supporting the steps of the above method. |
