PRODUCTION LINE BOOT SECTOR LOCK

摘要

Hacking of a class of Set-Top Boxes known as Integrated Receiver-Decoders (IRDs) used to receive satellite broadcasts for display on television sets is prevented by use of connections to the reprogramming enable pin (22) of a flash memory (12). If a user attempts to reprogram the boot sector of the flash memory (12) in order to obtain free services via piracy, the set-top box is destroyed. The invention relates to the design and manufacture of IRDs that are resistant to hacking via unauthorized reprogramming.