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PAY-PER-VIEWvHotel SystemGeneral descriptionvHOTEL is a low cost, high security PPV Television System dedicated fundamentally to hotels, but also applicable to apartment complexes,hospitals and similar institutions. It may be installed into standard coaxial television distribution networks. Although the system has beenespecially designed to make use of Digital Terrestrial or Satellite TV channels as signal sources, others such as DVD or video camera delivered TVsignals can also be applied.The system processes the signals of the available video sources and transmits them as vHOTEL scrambled programs on Vestigial Side Band TVchannels within the45-862 MHz band. These channels are accessible to the guest together with the clear channels of the existing SMATV installation.vHOTEL comprises:a) The Headend where the scrambling modules are installed.b) The Server on which the vHOTEL application runs. All data of the system are administered and maintained on this server. An UPS issupplied together.c) The Room Descramblers that control the access to the pay programs. Each descrambler is configured with an address which is used bythe management system.Contact from the room to the Server is accomplished through a phone call without the need for vocal reply: guest dials the PBX’s number whichis shown on the screen and follows the instructions from the automatic operator. The code number of the signed up TV program and additionalinformation (hours, cost) will have been shown on the screen when selecting it by zapping (the program may be presented cleared during apredetermined time interval). There is one unique code number for each program/room combination. Once confirmed the request, the Serversends authorization data to the headend’s scrambling module that is related to the program chosen. Confidence is absolute. Processes ofrequesting and accessing are totally automatic; the system only requires operator’s intervention for restricting access to adult programs whenminors are present in the room (it is also possible to turn to the operator for a nonautomatic purchase).vHOTEL features “Black image / No sound” scrambling. To regenerate the picture without distortion, encoded keys are transferred to thedescrambler on the vertical retrace. Shaded areas indicate the vHOTEL equipment:- Headend: provides the scrambled multichannel signal. The headend contains the Scrambling Modules, one per each pay program being distributed.- Server: is the workhorse of the system. Includes an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). It is connected to the headend, to the PBX and to the LAN of the hotel.- Room Descrambler: autonomous unit that requires no attention on the part of the guest. It is connected to the TV set through an SCART lead.166Pay-Per-View