ZA200705723B

ZA200705723B - A method of broadcasting

Info

Publication number: ZA200705723B
Application number: ZA200705723A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Molakeng Mosiuoa Sophonia
Original assignee: Molakeng Mosiuoa Sophonia
Priority date: 2007-07-12
Filing date: 2007-07-12
Publication date: 2009-09-30
Also published as: WO2009009806A2; WO2009009806A3

Description

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BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION ]

[001] This invention relates to a method of broadcasting and more particularly relates to a telecommunication system enabling a user to purchase prepaid air time in order to receive and view particular events, movies or programmes broadcasted over the telecommunication system during certain time slots. © [002] A telecommunication system for broadcasting moving pictures and sound over a particular distance is also commonly known as a television. There are various . bands on which televisions operate and are normally dependable upon the country.

For example, in Africa ultra high frequencies (UHF) and very high frequencies (VHF) are the most commonly known. - [003] The electromagnetic waves of UHF has a frequency of between 300 MHz and 3 GHz, whilst the radio frequency range of VHF is between 30 MHz to 300 MHz. .

[004] Higher frequencies behave more like light and do not penetrate buildings or travel around obstructions well enough to be used in a conventional broadcast TV system, so they are generally only used in satellite television, which uses frequencies from 2 to 12 GHz. TV systems in most countries relay the video as an AM (amplitude-modulation) signal and the sound as a FM (frequency-modulation) signal.

[005] Various channels exist (transmitted by the broadcaster) each having a particular frequency associated therewith. This enables a user to view various

CL —————————————————— oo | 3 channels on the TV system. However, this also enables the broadcaster to “close” certain channels to predetermined audiences. For example, Channel 1, Channel 2 and Channel 3 may be available for viewing by a user, whilst Channel 4 (having a particular frequency) is unavailable for viewing by the same user.

[006] Normally the right to broadcast an event is sold to a particular broadcaster.

For example, the right to broadcast a sports event such as a soccer match may be sold to one broadcaster, allowing such broadcaster, to the exclusion of any other broadcaster, to broadcast the event over Channel 1, either live or in a predetermined timeslot. This enables a user to determine which event, movie or programme he : wishes to view by changing between various channels.

[007] However, certain channels may be unavailable for a pre-selected audience.

For example, satellite TV requires a particular decoder and satellite dish before the user will be able to view any channels broadcasted via such satellite TV.

Furthermore, the user is normally required to subscribe to such service, before the user will be able to view the various channels broadcasted. ~ : [008] In most instances the subscription fees are expensive and do not allow the : user to subscribe only to one or two channels. Hence, the user is required to subscribe to all the channels available at a predetermined fee, despite the fact that the user may not be interested in viewing the programmes, ‘movies or events, broadcasted over certain channels.

[009] Also, the user is normally required to enter into a contract for at least 12 to 24 months, hence not allowing the user to subscribe only for a particular event, such as a Soccer World Cup or the like, which may be broadcasted only for a couple of weeks. y

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[0010] It is an object of the current invention to at least partially alleviate some of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention provides for a method of broadcasting which method includes the steps of; acquiring an airtime voucher, activating a decoding device using the airtime voucher; and unscrambling a scrambled broadcasted signal by means of the decoding device. :

[0012] The airtime voucher may be a randomised activation code, alternatively may ) be an activation signal transmitted to the decoding device. }

[0013] The airtime voucher may be valid for a predetermined ‘amount of time, alternatively a predetermined timeslot to enable a user to view a particular program, movie or event broadcasted within such timeslot. The airtime voucher may further be valid for a pre-selected Channel. :

[0014] The airtime voucher may be measured in any suitable measuring unit, alternatively may be measured in monetary value.

[0015] The method may include the steps of purchasing the airtime voucher by means of a credit card, electronic banking, telephone banking or by means of cash

EE —————...SS oo | 5 from any suitable outlet, alternatively over the Internet. The airtime voucher may further be purchased via an ATM.

[0016] The method may further include the step of activating the decoding device by entering the activation code via a keypad or a remote control capable to communicate with the decoding device. ‘The activation code may consist of numerical numbers, alternatively of alphabetical letters or any combination of the aforementioned. :

[0017] The method may further include the step of communicating to the user, via the decoding device, that airtime has been loaded onto the decoding device. . [0018] The decoding device may be any type suitable decoder such as an MNET decoder, alternatively a DSTV decoder: : . 15 :

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention is now further described by way of example with reference to ~ 20 the accompanying drawings wherein Fig 1is a flow diagram of a broadcasting system according to the invention. Co

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS :

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a broadcasting system 10 which includes a broadcaster 12 broadcasting a scrambled signal 14 via a broadcasting tower 16. It is common cause

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AS ) 6 that a user requires a decoder 18 in order to unscramble the scrambled signal 14 before the user will be able to view any programmes, movies, events or the like on a

TV 20.

[0021] The broadcasting system 10 further includes a payment system 22 which is in communication with the broadcaster 12, and is capable to generate an activation code, normally in the form of a voucher 24, which may be utilised as an input 26 to activate the decoder 18.

[0022] In use, the user will purchase a voucher 24 from the payment system 22.

Payment may be made by any suitable means such as cash, electronic banking, telephone banking or via credit card.

[0023] The payment system is capable to allow a user to select a particular timeslot, - alternatively an amount of broadcasting time to be purchased. For example, the user may select to purchase airtime for a program broadcasted between 19h00 and 20h00 on Channel X. Alternatively the user may select to purchase airtime equal to one - hour of viewing time. - -

[0024] The voucher normally displays an activation code which activation code the user keys into the decoder 18. The decoder 18, after being activated, is capable to oo receive and unscramble the scrambled signal 14 broadcasted. oo

[0025] The activation code normally consists of a combination of numerical numbers and alphabetical letters.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention the activation code may be communicated to the user via a short service message (SMS). Any suitable

EE ———— handheld device such as a cellular telephone may be utilised as the receiver for the activation code.

[0027] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other embodiments exist which fall within the scope of the current invention. For example, the activation code may be communicated directly to the decoder 18 via the broadcasting tower 16.

[0028] Furthermore, airtime may be purchased over the Internet whereby the activation code is sent to the user via e-mail interface.

[0029] The voucher may further enable the user to view a particular program displayed within a particular timeslot and Channel. For example, the user may select to watch a sports event, such as a soccer match, broadcasted over Channel X for a period of one hour. : 15 ‘ : :

[0030] It will be appreciated that the above described invention will enable a user, to

N enjoy the benefits of satellite TV or the like, without the need to pay a monthly - subscription fee. - - y

Claims

N EE ———— a 8 CL —___eL Ill CLAIMS

1. A method of broadcasting which includes the steps of acquiring an airtime voucher, activating a decoding device using the airtime voucher; and _unscrambling a scrambled broadcasted signal by means of the decoding device.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the airtime voucher includes a randomised activation code. - :

3. “A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the airtime voucher is an activation B signal transmitted directly to the decoding device. -

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the airtime voucher is valid for a predetermined amount of time.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the airtime voucher is measured in a suitable measuring unit or credits.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the airtime voucher is measured in monetary value.

EE — ° 1: 2007/03723

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 which includes the step of purchasing the airtime voucher by means of a credit card.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the airtime voucher is purchased by means of electronic banking.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 8 wherein the airtime to voucher is purchased by means of telephone banking.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the airtime voucher is purchased by means of cash from any suitable outlet. :

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the airtime voucher is purchased via the Internet. : :

12. A method is claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the airtime voucher is purchased from an ATM. .

13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 which includes the step of communicating the activation code to the user via e-mail.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the activation code is communicated to the user via a short service message (SMS).

15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the decoding device is capable to communicating to the user the amount of airtime loaded.

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16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 whéfein @e(idvAiich 8B 7 2 3 consists of numerical numbers.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the activation code consists of alphabetical letters. :

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 17 wherein the activation code consists of a combination of numerical numbers and alphabetical letters.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 which includes the step of activating the decoding device by entering the activation code into the decoding device via a keypad.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the activation code is communicated to the decoding device via a remote control. :

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the decoding device is-any suitable decoder. -

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the decoding device is an MNET, decoder.

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 22 wherein the decoding device is a DSTV decoder. ’

24. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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DATED THIS q DAY OF JULY 2007 7 FOR THE APPLICANT BEZUIDENHOUTS DU RANDT INC