Encryption methods for satellite radio broadcasting

Abstract

According to the invention, a subscriber to a first satellite radio service can be provided with an option to receive, over their current receiver unit, supplemental content, such as a particular show or channel, which is otherwise only available within a relevant jurisdiction as part of a subscription package to subscribers of one or more other satellite radio services. Thus, without purchasing a full subscription to another service, the subscriber of the first satellite radio service may arrange to receive supplemental content that is otherwise only available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to subscription holders of one or more other services. The invention also provides methods of broadcasting and methods of configuring dedicated and interoperable satellite radio receiver units so that the supplemental content can be received by a subscriber.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . A method for broadcasting subscription package satellite radio content and supplemental satellite radio content over a satellite radio broadcast system comprising the steps of:
 encrypting the supplemental satellite radio content with a first encryption;   encrypting the subscription package satellite radio content and the first-encrypted supplemental radio satellite content with the same second encryption that is different than the first encryption; and   broadcasting the subscription package satellite radio content encrypted with the second encryption and the supplemental satellite radio content encrypted with the first and second encryption over the satellite radio broadcast system.   
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the first encryption utilizes an encryption algorithm that allows a computationally faster and/or less computationally intensive decryption process than can the encryption algorithm employed in the second encryption. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the encryption algorithm used in the first encryption is a symmetrical key algorithm. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the encryption algorithm used in the second encryption is a public key encryption algorithm. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the encryption algorithm used in the first encryption is a symmetrical key algorithm.