Sometimes, the programming provided by Dish Network and DirecTV are illegally tapped and watched by several users without authorization. This article creates awareness about Signal Theft efforts taken by Dish Network and DirecTV to eradicate it.
Signal Theft
Satellite Signal Theft is the act of tapping into cable TV systems and receiving satellite signals illegally without any authorization. Signal theft has become a menace by unscrupulous elements of the society. Signal Theft takes place, when a subscriber does not subscribe to the satellite TV service and does not possess the right to view programming, intercepts the signal and view programming.
Filing lawsuits against unauthorized usage of satellite signal is a way of discouraging signal theft. Satellite TV providers use the legal system to act forcefully on suspected signal theft, which results in loss of profit and also higher costs. Satellite TV providers encourage subscribers to report cases of Signal Theft, to play a proactive role in protecting Intellectual property.
How Dish Network and DirecTV stop Signal Theft?
Dish Network and DirecTV follow a variety of methods to prevent unauthorized access of satellite signals. They reduce signal theft by Blacklisting Access Cards and employ Electronic Counter Measures.
Blacklisting Access Cards
DirecTV cancels the operation of specific access cards and they maintain a database of all such cancelled access cards. DirecTV will block or blacklist the Conditional Access Module ID used by the access card. If subscribers use an access card with a blacklisted Conditional Access Module ID, then an error message will be displayed.
Electronic Counter Measure
Electronic Counter Measure is used to lock signals emitted by a force. Dish Network and DirecTV have controlled the use of satellite signals that are broadcasted to cause functions improperly in unauthorized access cards. This is referred to as Electronic Counter Measures. Some of the counter measures used by satellite TV providers are Datastream Updates, Tier Wipes, Looping Methods and EEPROM Corruption.
Datastream Updates
Datastream Updates is a new software that renders illegal receivers useless. Datastream is sent to the unauthorized access cards and cause them to cease reception.
Tier Wipes
Tier wires are the updates that are transmitted through satellite signals to the receiver to reconfigure the software of any unauthorized access card. Reprogramming the unauthorized access card will repair Tier Wires.
Looping Methods
Looping Methods use the ROM program in every access card. By using this method, the unauthorized access card can be disabled. The instructions in the ROM program are sent by the satellite signal and that cause the unsubscribed access cards to enter an infinite loop. Once the card is engaged in infinite loop, then it is not able to read or write any data or signal in a normal process.
EEPROM Corruption
EEPROM Corruption is the most dangerous form of Electronic Counter Measure that is installed in every access cards that maintains all of the data operations of the card. Instructions will be sent via satellite signals with EEPROM Corruption and these instructions will detect unsubscribed access cards. Once an unsubscribed access card is detected, then the instructions will attack and damage the EEPROM of the access card.
Along with the above methods, the practice of filing civil lawsuit against illegal tapping of signals without authorization will also reduce signal theft and discourage potential offenders.