Controlled-access broadcast signal receiving system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data. A signal indicating the limited reproduction right is transmitted by the broadcaster and stored by the receiver with the data. The receiver reproduces and processes the data as a function of this signal.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for receiving, recording, and reproducing data signals, comprising:
 receiving means for receiving said data signals and an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;   processing means, coupled to said receiving means, for processing said data signals to produce processed data signals;   control means for controlling said processing means in response to said access-control signal;   storage means for storing said processed data signals and for storing said access-control signal;   means for reproducing said stored processed data signals to produce reproduced data signals and for retrieving said stored access-control signal; and   reprocessing means coupled to said control means for reprocessing said reproduced data signals in response to said retrieved access-control signal.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said data signals are digital video data signals. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means receives said data signals and said access-control signal from a broadcasting station. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means further comprises a tuner for receiving broadcast signals. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said receiving means further comprises a modem for receiving said access-control signal. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means further comprises a modem for receiving said access-control signal. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means further comprises a user interface for receiving said access-control signal from a user. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler. 
     
     
       9. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler and an encipherer and wherein said reprocessing means comprises a decipherer. 
     
     
       10. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processing means comprises an encipherer and wherein said reprocessing means comprises a decipherer. 
     
     
       11. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processed data signals are stored on a record medium and said access-control signal is stored in a separate storage medium. 
     
     
       12. Apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein said record medium is a video tape. 
     
     
       13. Apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein said separate storage medium is an integrated circuit memory. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processed data signals and said access-control signal both are stored on a common record medium. 
     
     
       15. Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a clock, coupled to said receiving means and to said control means, for supplying a clock signal to said control means;
 wherein said data signals include a clock reference signal; and 
 wherein said clock signal is synchronized with said clock reference signal. 
 
     
     
       16. Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a decoder, coupled to said reprocessing means, for decoding said reprocessed data signals. 
     
     
       17. Apparatus for receiving and recording data signals, comprising:
 receiving means for receiving said data signals and an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;   processing means, coupled to said receiving means, for processing said data signals to produce processed data signals;   control means for controlling said processing means in response to said access-control signal; and   storage means for storing said processed data signals and said access-control signal.   
     
     
       18. Apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler. 
     
     
       19. Apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein said processing means further comprises an encipherer. 
     
     
       20. Apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said processing means comprises an encipherer. 
     
     
       21. Apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said storage means comprises a storage cassette. 
     
     
       22. Apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein said storage cassette contains a record medium on which said processed data signals are recorded and an integrated circuit memory in which said access-control signal is stored. 
     
     
       23. Apparatus for reproducing processed data signals, comprising:
 means for reproducing stored processed data signals to produce reproduced data signals and for retrieving a stored access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;   reprocessing means for reprocessing said reproduced data signals to produce reprocessed data signals; and   control means for controlling said reprocessing means in response to said retrieved access-control signal.   
     
     
       24. Apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein said reprocessing means comprises a descrambler. 
     
     
       25. Apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein said reprocessing means comprises a decipherer. 
     
     
       26. Apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein said processed data signals and said access-control signals are stored in a storage cassette. 
     
     
       27. A method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data, comprising the steps of:
 transmitting from said broadcaster to said receiver an access-control signal generated by a remote provider and said data, said access-control signal indicating said limited reproduction right;   receiving, at said receiver, said access-control signal and said data;   processing, at said receiver, said data in response to said access-control signal to produce processed data;   storing, at said receiver, said processed data and said access-control signal;   retrieving, at said receiver, said stored access-control signal;   reproducing, at said receiver, said stored processed data to produce reproduced data; and   reprocessing, at said receiver, said reproduced data in response to said retrieved access-control signal.   
     
     
       28. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce said data N times. 
     
     
       29. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce said data until date Y. 
     
     
       30. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce said data until time T. 
     
     
       31. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said data is transmitted in scrambled form and said step of processing said data comprises descrambling said data. 
     
     
       32. The method, according to  claim 31 , wherein said step of processing said data further comprises enciphering said data; and
 wherein said step of reprocessing said reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data.   
     
     
       33. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said step of processing said data comprises enciphering said data; and
 wherein said step of reprocessing said reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data.   
     
     
       34. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said data is transmitted and stored in scrambled form, and said step of reprocessing said reproduced data comprises descrambling said reproduced data. 
     
     
       35. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said processed data and said access-control signal are stored on a storage cassette. 
     
     
       36. A method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in prerecorded data, comprising the steps of:
 transmitting from said broadcaster to said receiver an access-control signal generated by a remote provider, said access-control signal indicating said limited reproduction right;   receiving, at said receiver, said access-control signal;   reproducing, at said receiver, said prerecorded data; and   processing, at said receiver, said reproduced data in response to said access-control signal.   
     
     
       37. The method, according to  claim 36 , wherein said step of processing said reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data. 
     
     
       38. The method, according to  claim 36 , wherein said step of processing said reproduced data comprises descrambling said reproduced data. 
     
     
       39. A method for reproducing prerecorded data comprising the steps of:
 reproducing an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals from a first storage medium;   reproducing processed data from a second storage medium in response to said access-control signal to produce reproduced data; and   reprocessing said reproduced data in response to said access-control signal.   
     
     
       40. A method for erasing prerecorded data stored on a record medium in response to an access-control signal stored in a separate memory, comprising the steps of:
 retrieving said access-control signal from said separate memory;   determining that said access-control signal is an ERASE signal; and   erasing data stored on said record medium in response to said ERASE signal.   
     
     
       41. Method comprising the steps of:
 receiving information in scrambled or coded form;   receiving, at a device, access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information;   descrambling or decoding the information;   modifying the information with a key at a device to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   providing the modified information to a storage usable externally from the device; and   providing said key to said device for modifying the information.   
     
     
       42. The method according to claim 41, further comprising the step of providing the access control signal to the storage. 
     
     
       43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the access control signal is able to represent a numerical limit to reproduce the information and temporal limit to reproduce the information. 
     
     
       44. Apparatus comprising:
 a receiver for receiving information in scrambled or coded form, and for receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information;   a unit for descrambling or decoding the information;   a modifying unit that modifies the information with a key at a device to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   a writing apparatus for writing the modified information to a storage medium usable externally from the information processing apparatus and for writing to said storage medium said key to modify the information.   
     
     
       45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said writing apparatus further writes said access control signal to said storage medium. 
     
     
       46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the access control signal represents a numerical limit on the number of times for reproduction of the information and temporal limit on the reproduction of the information. 
     
     
       47. Method comprising the steps of:
 receiving, at a device, information via communication medium;
 storing said received information in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof on a storage detachable from the device, and 
 modifying the form of the information subsequently read from the detachable storage according to an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information. 
   
     
     
       48. The method according to claim 47, wherein the form to prevent unauthorized use includes encrypted form. 
     
     
       49. The method according to claim 47, wherein the form to prevent unauthorized use includes scrambled form. 
     
     
       50. Apparatus comprising:
 a receiver for receiving information via communication medium;   a writing unit for writing to a storage medium detachable from the apparatus said received information in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof; and   a modifier for modifying the form of the information subsequently read from the detachable storage medium according to an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information.   
     
     
       51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the form to prevent unauthorized use includes encrypted form. 
     
     
       52. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the form to prevent unauthorized use includes scrambled form. 
     
     
       53. Method comprising the steps of:
 receiving, at a device, information in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information; and   writing the received information in said form to prevent unauthorized use to a storage medium that is usable externally from the device.   
     
     
       54. The method according to claim 53, further comprising the step of writing the access control signal to the storage medium. 
     
     
       55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the access control signal represents a numerical limit for reproduction of the information and a temporal limit for reproduction of the information. 
     
     
       56. The method according to claim 53, further comprising the step of writing to the storage medium a key used to put the information into said form to prevent unauthorized use. 
     
     
       57. The method according to claim 53, wherein the information is put into said form to prevent unauthorized use using a key. 
     
     
       58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the received information is scrambled information. 
     
     
       59. Apparatus comprising:
 a receiver for receiving information in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof and for receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information; and   a writing apparatus for writing the received information in said form to prevent unauthorized use to a storage medium that is usable externally from the device.   
     
     
       60. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said writing apparatus also writes the access control signal to the storage medium. 
     
     
       61. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the access control signal represents a numerical limit for reproduction of the information and a temporal limit for reproduction of the information. 
     
     
       62. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said writing apparatus further writes to the storage medium a key used to put the information into said form to prevent unauthorized use thereof. 
     
     
       63. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the information is put into said form to prevent unauthorized use using a key. 
     
     
       64. The apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the received information is scrambled information. 
     
     
       65. Apparatus comprising:
 a receiver for receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce information;   a storage medium detachably coupled to the apparatus and being usable externally from the apparatus;   a controller for controlling operation of the information processing apparatus;   a modifying unit connected to the controller for modifying information to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   an unmodifying unit connected to the controller for removing modifications to said information that prevent unauthorized use; and   a decoder for decoding information.   
     
     
       66. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said unmodifying unit is supplied with information stored on the storage medium. 
     
     
       67. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the modifying unit modifies the information using a key. 
     
     
       68. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the modifying unit encrypts the information. 
     
     
       69. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the unmodifying unit removes modifications to the information using a key. 
     
     
       70. The apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the unmodifying unit descrambles the information. 
     
     
       71. The apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the unmodifying unit decrypts the information. 
     
     
       72. A method comprising the steps of:
 reproducing from a storage medium detachably coupled to a device information in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   receiving, via said communication medium, an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information; and   altering the form of the information stored on the storage medium according to the access control signal.   
     
     
       73. The method according to claim 72, wherein the access control signal represents the number of times the information can be used or a temporal limit on when the information can be used. 
     
     
       74. The method according to claim 72, further comprising the step of receiving via said communication medium a key used to put said information in the form to prevent unauthorized use. 
     
     
       75. The method according to claim 72, further comprising the step of storing an access control signal on the storage medium before connecting to the remote site via the communication medium. 
     
     
       76. The method according to claim 72, wherein the form of the information to prevent unauthorized use is encrypted information. 
     
     
       77. The method according to claim 72, wherein the form of the information is scrambled information. 
     
     
       78. A system, comprising:
 a storage medium usable externally from said information processing device, said storage medium adapted to store information in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   an interface for connecting, via a communication medium, to a provider when information is reproduced from the storage medium, and for receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce the information; and   a unit for altering the form of the information stored on the storage medium according to the access control signal.   
     
     
       79. The system according to claim 78, wherein the storage medium is rewritable. 
     
     
       80. The system according to claim 78, wherein the access control signal represents the number of times the information can be used or a temporal limit on when the information can be used. 
     
     
       81. The system according to claim 78, further comprising a receiver for receiving a key used to put said information in the form to prevent unauthorized use. 
     
     
       82. The system according to claim 78, wherein said storage medium stores an access control signal. 
     
     
       83. The system according to claim 78, wherein the form of the information to prevent unauthorized use is an encrypted form. 
     
     
       84. The system according to claim 78, wherein the form of the information to prevent unauthorized use is a scrambled form. 
     
     
       85. A method for playing back prerecorded data comprising the steps of:
 reproducing an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to play back said data signals from a first storage medium;   reproducing processed data from a second storage medium in response to said access-control signal to produce reproduced data, the reproduced data needing modification to enable the user to use said data;   modifying said reproduced data in response to said access-control signal; and   playing back said modified data in a form enabling the user to use said data.   
     
     
       86. The method according to claim 85, wherein said first storage medium and said second storage medium are the same storage medium. 
     
     
       87. The method according to claim 86, wherein said first storage medium is a predetermined region of said same storage medium. 
     
     
       88. The method according to claim 86, wherein said predetermined region is a sub-code region of said same storage medium. 
     
     
       89. The method according to claim 85, wherein said first storage medium is different from said second storage medium. 
     
     
       90. The method according to claim 85, wherein said processed data is scrambled data, descrambled data, encrypted data, recorded data or coded data. 
     
     
       91. The method according to claim 85, wherein said step of modifying said reproduced data comprises descrambling said reproduced data, decrypting said reproduced data, encrypting said reproduced data or decoding said reproduced data. 
     
     
       92. A playback apparatus for playing back prerecorded data, comprising:
 reading means for reproducing from a first storage medium an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to play back said data signals, and for reproducing processed data from a second storage medium in response to said access-control signal to produce reproduced data;   a unit for modifying said reproduced data in response to said access-control signal; and   output means for playing back said modified data in a form enabling the user to use said data.   
     
     
       93. The playback apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said first storage medium and said second storage medium are the same storage medium. 
     
     
       94. The playback apparatus according to claim 93, wherein said first storage medium is a predetermined region of said same storage medium. 
     
     
       95. The playback apparatus according to claim 94, wherein said predetermined region is a sub-code region of said same storage medium. 
     
     
       96. The playback apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said first storage medium is different from said second storage medium. 
     
     
       97. The playback apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said processed data is scrambled data, descrambled data, encrypted data, recorded data or coded data. 
     
     
       98. The playback apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said unit either descrambles said reproduced data, decrypts said reproduced data, encrypts said reproduced data or decodes said reproduced data. 
     
     
       99. A method for controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising the steps of:
 storing data signals received via a signal transmission medium;   storing an access control signal received via said signal transmission medium, said access control signal being generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, and said access control signal defining the number of times said stored data signals can be reproduced or a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be reproduced;   reproducing the stored access control signal to determine if said data signals can be reproduced;   reproducing said stores data signals depending upon said reproduced access control signal; and   outputting to a monitor, in displayable form, said reproduced data signals.   
     
     
       100. The method according to claim 99, further comprising the step of encrypting said data signals subsequent to receiving said data signals. 
     
     
       101. The method according to claim 99, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a time reference signal; and   synchronizing clock operation with said time reference signal.   
     
     
       102. The method according to claim 99, further comprising the step of receiving a cryptographic key along with said access control signal, wherein said cryptographic key is used to decrypt said data signals. 
     
     
       103. The method according to claim 99, further comprising the step of
 storing said data signals and access control signal in a same storage medium.   
     
     
       104. The method according to claim 99, wherein said access control signal includes a second access control signal which defines usage rights of a part of said data signals. 
     
     
       105. The method according to claim 99, wherein said access control signal specifies erase timing at which said data signals are erased. 
     
     
       106. The method according to claim 99, further comprising the step of receiving said access control signals along with said data signals. 
     
     
       107. The method according to claim 99, further comprising the step of decrypting said stored data signals in accordance with said access control signal. 
     
     
       108. A reproduction apparatus for controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising:
 a writing apparatus for writing data signals received via a signal transmission medium to a storage medium, and for writing an access control signal received via said signal transmission medium to said storage medium, said access control signal being generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, and said access control signal defining the number of times said stored data signals can be reproduced or a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be reproduced;   a reading apparatus for reproducing the stored access control signal to determine if said data signals can be reproduced, and for reproducing said stored data signals depending upon said reproduced access control signal; and   output means for outputting to a monitor, in displayable form, said reproduced data signals.   
     
     
       109. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, further comprising an encryptor for encrypting said data signals subsequent to receiving said data signals. 
     
     
       110. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, further comprising:
 a receiver for receiving a time reference signal; and   a clock synchronizer for synchronizing clock operation with said time reference signal.   
     
     
       111. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, further comprising a receiver for receiving a cryptographic key along with said access control signal, wherein said cryptographic key is used to decrypt said data signals. 
     
     
       112. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said writing apparatus stores said data signals and access control signal in a same storage medium. 
     
     
       113. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said access control signal includes a second access control signal which defines usage rights of a part of said data signals. 
     
     
       114. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said access control signal specifies erase timing at which said data signals are erased. 
     
     
       115. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said access control signals are received along with said data signals. 
     
     
       116. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 108, further comprising a decryptor for decrypting said stored data signals in accordance with said access control signal. 
     
     
       117. A method of controlling the use of data signals, comprising the steps of:
 receiving and storing data signals;   receiving and storing a first access control signal generated by a remote site to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals;   checking the stored first access control signal prior to processing the stored data signals to determine if said data signals can be used;   receiving and storing a second access control signal generated by a remote site to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals if said first access control signal does not grant said user rights to use said stored data signals, said second access control signal defining a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be used;   processing said stored data signals; and   outputting said processed data signals.   
     
     
       118. The method according to claim 117, further comprising the step of loading a removable storage medium on which said data signals are stored. 
     
     
       119. The method according to claim 117, wherein the processing of said data signals is executed at a decoding or descrambling circuit. 
     
     
       120. The method according to claim 117, further comprising the step of encoding or scrambling said processed data signals. 
     
     
       121. The method according to claim 117, further comprising the step of receiving a cryptographic key along with said data signals wherein said cryptographic key is used to decrypt said data signal. 
     
     
       122. The method according to claim 117, wherein the process of receiving said first access control signal is executed separately from the process of receiving said data signals; and said method further comprises the step of receiving a cryptographic key along with said first access control signal. 
     
     
       123. The method according to claim 117, further comprising the step of storing said data signal and access control signal in a same storage medium. 
     
     
       124. The method according to claim 117, wherein said access control signal includes second access control signal which defines usage of a segment of said data signals. 
     
     
       125. The method according to claim 117, wherein said access control signal specifies erase timing at which said data signals are erased. 
     
     
       126. The method according to claim 117, wherein said step of processing said data signals comprises descrambling said data signals. 
     
     
       127. The method according to claim 117, wherein said step of processing said data signals comprises decrypting said data signals. 
     
     
       128. An apparatus for controlling the use of data signals, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving and storing data signals, and for receiving and storing a first access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals;   a controller for checking the stored first access control signal prior to processing the stored data signals to determine if said data signals can be used, said receiver further receiving and storing a second access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals if said first access control signal does not grant said user rights to use said stored data signals, said second access control signal defining the number of times said stored data signals can be used or a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be used;   a processor for processing said stored data signals; and   an output controller for outputting said processed data signals.   
     
     
       129. The apparatus according to claim 128, further comprising a removable storage medium on which said data signals are stored. 
     
     
       130. The apparatus according to claim 128, further comprising a unit for modifying said processed data signals to a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof. 
     
     
       131. The apparatus according to claim 128, further comprising a cryptographic key received along with said data signals wherein said cryptographic key is used to decrypt said data signal. 
     
     
       132. The apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said first access control signal is received separately from said data signals; and further comprising a cryptographic key received along with said first access control signal. 
     
     
       133. The apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said data signal and said access control signals are stored in the same storage medium. 
     
     
       134. The apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said access control signal includes second access control signal which defines usage of a segment of said data signals. 
     
     
       135. The apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said access control signal specifies erase timing at which said data signals are erased. 
     
     
       136. The apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said processor descrambles said data signals. 
     
     
       137. The apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said processor decrypts said data signals. 
     
     
       138. A method of controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising the steps of:
 receiving data signals;   storing said received data signals in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   receiving a request to reproduce said stored data signals;   determining, in response to said received request, whether said stored data signals can be reproduced;   connecting to a remote site in response to the determination that said store data signals cannot be reproduced;   receiving an access control signal which grants a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals   modifying the form of said stored data signals; and   reproducing said modified data signals.   
     
     
       139. The method according to claim 138, further comprising the step of storing said data signals in a removable storage medium. 
     
     
       140. The method according to claim 138, further comprising the step of further processing said modified data signals. 
     
     
       141. The method according to claim 138, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a time reference signal; and   synchronizing a clock operation with said time reference signal.   
     
     
       142. The method according to claim 138, further comprising the step of
 receiving a cryptographic key along with said data signals, wherein said cryptographic key is used to decrypt said data signal.   
     
     
       143. The method according to claim 138, wherein the process of receiving said access control signal is executed separately from the process of receiving said data signals, said method further comprising the step of receiving a cryptographic key along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       144. The method according to claim 138, further comprising the step of storing said data signal and access control signal in a same storage medium. 
     
     
       145. The method according to claim 138, wherein said access control signal includes a second access control signal which defines usage of a segment of said data signals. 
     
     
       146. The method according to claim 138, wherein said access control signal specifies erase timing at which said data signals are erased. 
     
     
       147. The method according to claim 138, wherein said step of modifying said form of said data signals comprises descrambling said data signals. 
     
     
       148. The method according to claim 138, wherein said step of modifying said form of said data signals comprises decrypting said data signals. 
     
     
       149. An apparatus for controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving and storing data signals in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof, and for receiving a request to reproduce said stored data signals;   a controller for determining, in response to said received request, whether said stored data signals can be reproduced, said receiver further connecting to a remote location to receive an access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce said control data signals if said stored data signals cannot be reproduced;   a unit for modifying the form of said stored data signals; and   a reproducing element for reproducing said modified data signals.   
     
     
       150. The apparatus according to claim 149, further comprising a removable storage medium for storing said data signals. 
     
     
       151. The apparatus according to claim 149, further comprising a processor for further processing said modified data signals. 
     
     
       152. The apparatus according to claim 149, further comprising:
 a time reference signal received by said apparatus; and   a clock whose operation is synchronized with said time reference signal.   
     
     
       153. The apparatus according to claim 149, further comprising a cryptographic key received along with said data signals, wherein said cryptographic key is used to decrypt said data signal. 
     
     
       154. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said receiver receives said first access control signal separately from said data signals, and wherein a cryptographic key is received along with said first access control signal. 
     
     
       155. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said data signal and said access control signals are stored in a same storage medium. 
     
     
       156. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said access control signal includes a second access control signal which defines usage of a segment of said data signals. 
     
     
       157. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said access control signal specifies erase timing at which said data signals are erased. 
     
     
       158. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said unit descrambles said data signals. 
     
     
       159. The apparatus according to claim 149, wherein said unit decrypts said data signals. 
     
     
       160. A method of controlling access to digital data, comprising the steps of:
 receiving a request from a user to use digital data;   determining whether said user is a subscriber to use said digital data;   determining if said request defines the number of times said digital data can be used or a temporal limit on which said digital data can be used; and   transmitting to said user an access control signal determined by said request, if said user is determined to be a subscriber, said access control signal being generated to grant said user rights to use said digital data.   
     
     
       161. The method of claim 160, wherein said step of transmitting said access control signal to said user is performed only after the terms of payment for said use of said digital data have been satisfied. 
     
     
       162. The method of claim 161, wherein said terms of payment are prepayment by said user for the use of said digital data. 
     
     
       163. The method of claim 161, wherein said terms of payment are immediate authorization for payment by said user for the use of said digital data. 
     
     
       164. The method according to claim 160, further comprising the step of transmitting said digital data along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       165. The method according to claim 160, further comprising the step of transmitting a cryptographic key along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       166. The method according to claim 165, wherein said cryptographic key is a key used to encrypt or decrypt said digital data. 
     
     
       167. The method according to claim 160, wherein said access control signal defines erase timing at which said digital data are erased. 
     
     
       168. The method according to claim 160, further comprising the step of determining whether the user has prepayed for a fee corresponding to the identified request. 
     
     
       169. The method according to claim 160, further comprising the step of identifying whether said request is a purchase of the digital data. 
     
     
       170. The method according to claim 160, further comprising the step of checking said user's payment, wherein if the payment is proper, said access control signal is transmitted. 
     
     
       171. An apparatus for controlling access to digital data, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving a request from a user to use digital data;   a controller for determining whether said user is a subscriber to use said digital data, and for determining if said request defines the number of times said digital data can be used or a temporal limit on which said digital data can be used; and   a transmitter for transmitting to said user an access control signal determined by said request, if said user is determined to be a subscriber, said access control signal being generated by a remote provider to grant said user rights to use said digital data.   
     
     
       172. The apparatus of claim 171, wherein said access control signal is transmitted to said user only after the terms of payment for said use of said digital data are satisfied. 
     
     
       173. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein said terms of payment are prepayment by said user for the use of said digital data. 
     
     
       174. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein said terms of payment are immediate authorization for payment by said user for the use of said digital data. 
     
     
       175. The apparatus according to claim 171, said digital data is transmitted along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       176. The apparatus according to claim 171, wherein a cryptographic key is transmitted along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       177. The apparatus according to claim 176, wherein said cryptographic key is a key for encrypting or decrypting said digital data. 
     
     
       178. The apparatus according to claim 171, wherein said access control signal defines erase timing at which said digital data are erased. 
     
     
       179. The apparatus according to claim 171, further comprising a payment determiner for determining whether the user has prepayed for a fee corresponding to the identified request. 
     
     
       180. The apparatus according to claim 171, further comprising a request processor for identifying whether said request is a purchase of the digital data. 
     
     
       181. The apparatus according to claim 171, further comprising a payment processor for checking said user's payment, wherein if the payment is proper, said access control signal is transmitted. 
     
     
       182. A method of erasing stored data signals, comprising the steps of:
 receiving an access control signal generated by a remote site to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals wherein said access control signal includes an erase control signal which establishes a time on which said stored data signals are to be erased and either a temporal limit on the usage of data signals or a numerical limit on the number of times data signals can be used; and   erasing said stored data signals at the time established by said erase control signal.   
     
     
       183. The method according to claim 182, wherein said access control signal defines usage rights of a part of the data signals. 
     
     
       184. The method according to claim 182, further comprising the steps of:
 storing said access control signal in a storage medium; and   storing a cryptographic key in the same storage medium in which said access control signal is stored.   
     
     
       185. The method according to claim 182, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving said data signals via fiber optic network; and   storing said data signals in a solid-state memory.   
     
     
       186. The method according to claim 182, further comprising the step of requesting data signals to be transmitted at a later time. 
     
     
       187. The method according to claim 186, further comprising the step of preselecting either a type of data signals or data signals provided by a particular data signals supplier. 
     
     
       188. An apparatus for erasing stored data signals, comprising:
 storage medium for storing an erase control signal which establishes a time on which said stored data signals are to be erased and either a temporal limit on the usage of data signals or a numerical limit on the number of times data signals can be used;   a receiver for receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals; and   a writer for erasing said stored data signals at the time established by said erase control signal.   
     
     
       189. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said access control signal defines usage rights of a part of the data signals. 
     
     
       190. The apparatus according to claim 188, further comprising a storage medium for storing said access control signal and a cryptographic key. 
     
     
       191. The apparatus according to claim 188, further comprising:
 a fiber optic network for receiving said data signals; and   a solid-state memory for storing said data signals.   
     
     
       192. The apparatus according to claim 188, further comprising a delayed data requester for requesting data signals to be transmitted at a later time. 
     
     
       193. The apparatus according to claim 192, wherein the data signal is preselected as being from a particular type of data signals or provided by a particular data signals supplier. 
     
     
       194. A method of controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising the steps of:
 receiving and storing data signals;   receiving and storing a first access control signal generated by a remote site to grant a user rights to reproduce a selected portion of said stored data signals;   enabling reproduction of only said portion of said stored data signals, consistent with said first access control signal;   transmitting a request to reproduce at least the remainder of said stored data signals;   receiving a second access control signal generated by a remote site in response to said request to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, said second access control signal defining the number of times said stored data signals can be reproduced and a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be reproduced; and   reproducing said stored data signals consistent with said second access control signal.   
     
     
       195. The method according to claim 194, further comprising the steps of:
 storing said first access control signal in a storage medium; and   storing a cryptographic key in the same storage medium in which said first access control signal is stored.   
     
     
       196. The method according to claim 194, wherein said data signals are received via a fiber optic network, said method further comprises the step of storing said data signals in a removable solid-state memory. 
     
     
       197. The method according to claim 194, further comprising the step of requesting data signals to be transmitted at a later time. 
     
     
       198. The method according to claim 197, further comprising the step of preselecting either a type of data signal or data signals provided by a particular data signals supplier. 
     
     
       199. An apparatus for controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving and storing data signals, and for receiving and storing a first access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce a selected portion of said stored data signals;   a controller for enabling reproduction of only said portion of said stored data signals, consistent with said first access control signal;   a transmitter for transmitting a request to reproduce at least the remainder of said stored data signals, said receiver further receiving a second access control signal generated by a remote provider in response to said request to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, said second access control signal defining one or more of the number of times said stored data signals can be reproduced and a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be reproduced; and   a reader for reproducing said stored data signals consistent with said second access control signal.   
     
     
       200. The apparatus according to claim 199, further comprising a storage medium for storing said first access control signal and a cryptographic key. 
     
     
       201. The apparatus according to claim 199, wherein said data signals are received via a fiber optic network, and further comprising a removable solid-state memory for storing said data signals. 
     
     
       202. The apparatus according to claim 199, wherein said transmitter transmits a request for data signals to be transmitted at a later time. 
     
     
       203. The apparatus according to claim 202, wherein the data signal is preselected from either a particular type of data signals or is provided by a particular data signals supplier. 
     
     
       204. A method for controlling access to data signals stored in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof, comprising the steps of:
 receiving via a signal transmission medium a first access control signal;   receiving, subsequent to the reception of said first access control signal, a second access control signal, said first and second access control signals being generated by a same entity to grant a user rights to access said stored data signals, and said second access control signal representing a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be accessed;   replacing said first access control signal with said subsequently received second access control signal; and   outputting said stored data signals if said second access control indicates that said stored data signals can be used.   
     
     
       205. The method according to claim 204, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a time reference signal; and   synchronizing a clock operation with said time reference signal.   
     
     
       206. The method according to claim 204, further comprising the step of loading a removable medium on which said data signals are stored. 
     
     
       207. The method according to claim 204, further comprising the step of modifying the form of said data signals to enable use thereof by a user. 
     
     
       208. The method according to claim 207, further comprising the step of further processing said modified data signals to prevent unauthorized use of the further processed data signals. 
     
     
       209. The method according to claim 207, further comprising the step of receiving a cryptographic key along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       210. The method according to claim 204 further comprising the step of receiving a cryptographic key along with said data signals, wherein said cryptographic key is used so as to decrypt said data signal. 
     
     
       211. An apparatus for controlling access to data signals stored in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving via a signal transmission medium a first access control signal, and for receiving, subsequent to the reception of said first access control signal, a second access control signal, said first and second access control signals being generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to access said stored data signals, and said second access control signal representing a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be accessed;   a controller for replacing said first access control signal with said subsequently received second access control signal prior to using said stored data signals; and   a decryptor for decrypting said stored data signals if said second access control signal indicates that said stored data signals can be used.   
     
     
       212. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein said receiver receives a time reference signal; and further comprising a clock whose operation is synchronized with said time reference signal. 
     
     
       213. The apparatus according to claim 211, further comprising a removable medium on which said data signals are stored. 
     
     
       214. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein said decryptor modifies said data signals to a form such that a user can use said modified data signals. 
     
     
       215. The apparatus according to claim 214, further comprising a processor for processing said modified data signals. 
     
     
       216. The apparatus according to claim 214, wherein said receiver receives a cryptographic key along with said access control signal. 
     
     
       217. The apparatus according to claim 211, wherein said receiver receives a cryptographic key along with said data signals, wherein said cryptographic key is used so as to decrypt said data signal. 
     
     
       218. Method for controlling usage of data comprising:
 requesting data signals to be transmitted at a later time;   receiving via a fiber optic network data signals in a form to prevent unauthorized use thereof;   receiving a first access control signal corresponding to said data signals, wherein said first access control signal comprises a second access control signal which defines usage of a segment of said data signals, and wherein said first access control signal is generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;   storing said data signals in a solid-state memory;   checking said access control signal; and   modifying said data signals to a form authorized for use subsequent to checking said access control signal.   
     
     
       219. Method according to claim 218, further comprising the step of preselecting the data signal as being a particular type of data signals or provided by a particular data signals supplier. 
     
     
       220. An apparatus for controlling reproduction of data signals stored on a recording medium, comprising:
 a receiver for retrieving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce said data signals and which represents the number of times said data signals can be reproduced;   a reader for reproducing said data signals from said recording medium wherein said data signals are stored in an encrypted form;   a decryptor for decrypting said reproduced data signals; and   a controller for controlling the reproduction and decryption of said data signals in response to said retrieved access control signal.   
     
     
       221. The apparatus of claim 220, wherein said data signals are compressed signals, and further comprising a decoder for decoding the decrypted data signals. 
     
     
       222. The apparatus of claim 220, wherein the access control signal is retrieved over a communication channel. 
     
     
       223. The apparatus of claim 220, wherein the access control signal is retrieved by reproducing said access control signal from said recording medium. 
     
     
       224. The apparatus of claim 220, wherein the access control signal is rewritable. 
     
     
       225. An apparatus for controlling reproduction of data signals stored on a recording medium, comprising:
 a receiver for retrieving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce said data signals and which represents a temporal limit on which said data signals can be reproduced;   a reader for reproducing said data signals from said recording medium, wherein said data signals are stored in an encrypted form;   a decryptor for decrypting said reproduced data signals; and   a controller for controlling the reproduction and decryption of said data signals in response to said retrieved access control signal.   
     
     
       226. The apparatus of claim 225, wherein said data signals include clock reference data for adjusting the time of a clock used in reproducing said data signals. 
     
     
       227. The apparatus of claim 225, wherein said data signals are compressed signals, and further comprising a decoder for decoding the decrypted data signals. 
     
     
       228. The apparatus of claim 225, wherein the access control signal is retrieved over a communication channel. 
     
     
       229. The apparatus of claim 225, wherein the access control signal is retrieved by reproducing said access control signal from said recording medium. 
     
     
       230. An apparatus for receiving transferred data signals, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving said data signals transferred to said apparatus, an access control signal generated by a remote provider and transferred to said apparatus, the access control signal granting a user rights to reproduce said data signals at the apparatus and representing the number of times said data signals can be reproduced, and data signals transferred to the apparatus, and   a storage device for storing said received data signals in an encrypted form, and for storing said received access control signal.   
     
     
       231. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said apparatus from the same remote provider. 
     
     
       232. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said apparatus over different communication paths. 
     
     
       233. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said apparatus over the same communication path. 
     
     
       234. An apparatus for receiving transferred data signals, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving said data signals transferred to the apparatus, an access control signal generated by a remote provider and transferred to the apparatus, the access control signal granting a user rights to reproduce said data signals at the apparatus and representing a temporal limit on which said data signals can be reproduced, and data signals transferred to the apparatus; and   a storage device for storing said received data signals in an encrypted form and storing said received access control signal.   
     
     
       235. The apparatus of claim 234, wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said apparatus from the same remote provider. 
     
     
       236. The apparatus of claim 234, wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said apparatus over different communication paths. 
     
     
       237. The apparatus of claim 234, wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said apparatus over the same communication path. 
     
     
       238. An apparatus for controlling reproduction of data signals stored on a recording medium, comprising:
 a receiver for retrieving a first access control signal generated by a remote provider and stored on said recording medium together with said data signals, said first access control signal granting a user rights to reproduce the data signals from the recording medium;   a writer for rewriting said first access control signal to produce a second access control signal; and   a reader for reproducing said data signals from said recording medium.   
     
     
       239. The apparatus of claim 238, wherein at least one of said access control signals represents the number of times said data signals can be reproduced. 
     
     
       240. An apparatus for transferring data signals, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving from a user's receiver apparatus a request for a desired data signal, and for receiving from said user's receiver apparatus a request for limited rights to use said requested data signal at the receiver;   an access signal provider for providing an access control signal as a function of said requested limited rights; and   a transmitter for transferring said requested data signal and said generated access control signal to said receiver, said access control signal controlling an access controller at the user's receiver apparatus to limit the user's receiving apparatus to N uses of said data signal where N>1, or to limit the user's receiver apparatus to use said data signals for only a predetermined time duration.   
     
     
       241. An apparatus for receiving data signals, comprising:
 a transmitter for transmitting a request requesting a desired data signal, and requesting limited rights to use said requested data signal;   a receiver for receiving said requested data signal, and receiving an access control signal that is generated by a remote provider as a function of said requested limited rights;   a controller for controlling the use of said data signal in response to said received access control signal; and   a storage device for storing said received data signal in an encrypted form.   
     
     
       242. The apparatus of claim 241, wherein said access control signal represents the number of times said data signals can be used. 
     
     
       243. The apparatus of claim 241, wherein said access control signal represents a temporal limit on which said data signals can be used. 
     
     
       244. The apparatus of claim 241, wherein said access control signal defines one or more of the number of times said data signals can be used and a temporal limit on which said data signals can be used. 
     
     
       245. The apparatus of claim 241, wherein said storage device comprises a fixed storage medium. 
     
     
       246. The apparatus of claim 241, wherein controlling the use of said received data signal comprises decrypting said received data signal. 
     
     
       247. An apparatus for controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising:
 a storage device for storing data signals received via a signal transmission medium, and for storing an access control signal received via said signal transmission medium, said access control signal being generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, and said access control signal defining one or more of the number of times said stored data signals can be reproduced and a temporal limit on which said stored data signals can be reproduced;   a controller for checking the stored access control signal prior to reproducing the stored data signals to determine if said data signals are can be reproduced;   a reader for reproducing said stored data signals depending upon said access control signal; and   an output controller for outputting to a monitor, in recognizable form, said reproduced data signals.