摘要:
A method and apparatus for modifying a video signal to allow it to carry encoded data which is detectable at a suitably compliant receiver (18) but is not recorded by a conventional video recorder (13). One application is to carry a descrambling key to prevent useful recording (but not viewing) of a scrambled television signal since the key will not be recorded.
摘要:
Method and apparatus for disabling the effect of video copy-protect signals using differences in the characteristics of television and VCR circuitry. Copy-protect signals include pseudo-sync pulses and/or added AGC pulses in the video blanking interval. The method alters the level of the video signal during the vertical blanking interval, e.g., level-shifting, to render the copy-protect signals ineffective to prevent unauthorized copying by a VCR. The apparatus includes a sync separator (44) for detecting the vertical blanking interval, pulse generating circuits (58, 60, 62, 72, 74) for producing pulses of predetermined widths during this interval, and a summing circuit (88, 90, 92) for summing the predetermined pulses with copy-protect signals thereby to shift their level. An alternative method increases the effective frequency of the copy-protect signals during the vertical blanking interval to achieve attenuation and/or low-pass filtering in the VCR circuitry thereby rendering the signals ineffective in preventing copying.
摘要:
A copy protection system and method enabling storage of copy protection information separately from protected content is disclosed. One embodiment includes a mechanism for playing a recording medium, the recording medium having stored thereon a digital content file and a copy protection information file, the mechanism producing a digital content signal from the digital content file and a copy protection signal from the copy protection file; a digital to analog converter operatively connected to the mechanism for converting the digital content signal to an analog signal; a copy protection detector connected to the mechanism for detecting a copy protection trigger present in the digital content signal; and a signal modifier connected to the copy protection detector for modifying the analog signal to include the copy protection signal in response to detection of the copy protection trigger.
摘要:
A video signal is modified so that a television/receiver still produces a normal picture from the modified signal, whereas videotape recording of this signal produces generally unacceptable pictures. Videotape recorders have an automatic gain control circuit (Fig. 2) which measures the sync pulse level in a video signal and develops a gain control correction signal for keeping the video applied to an FM modulator in the videotape recording system at a fixed predetermined level. A portion of the back porch intervals following the trailing edges of a substantial number of sync pulses are significantly raised and lowered to improve the playability of the original signal without reducing the effectiveness of the copy protection of the copied signal. This is achieved most simply by adding pulses to selected lines of the video signal during the back porch interval, which pulses significantly raise or lower the voltage amplitude during the blanking interval so to provide a signal where the average value is approximately equal to the blanking interval. The sync level and the sync duration on the selected lines are also reduced to enhance the effectiveness of the process.