How do the conditional access systems work?
On most systems, the DBS decoders accept a credit-card sized processor board called a SmartCard which plugs into the front and allows the decoder to receive authorized programming. The authorization stream is sent on each transponder along with the video and audio information. The SmartCard can be easily replaced by the owner if necessary to help curb piracy. Pirate DSS SmartCards have been developed and are being sold now, mostly in Canada. It appears the other systems have not yet been broken. DIRECTV has issued several Electronic Counter Measures (ECMs) which have temporarily shut down the pirate cards. They have pushed for several indictments ofmore than one decoder in a household. Channel Master and perhaps other companies sell a MultiSwitch which takes both coaxial outputs from a dual output dish and allows up to four decoders to be connected to it. Note that the base units from most manufacturers can only be connected to one decoder, so the Deluxe unit is necessary in this confi
