Patent ID: 6563805
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
A system for prepaid recording of decoded digital audio signals from a satellite digital radio broadcast system wherein digital radio signals are received by a satellite digital audio service receiver which includes a digital radio receiver, a playback circuit, and an output circuit arranged such that the digital radio receiver converts the received digital radio signals to encoded digital signals and outputs them to an input of the playback circuit which converts the encoded digital signals to audio signals for playing through the output circuit; the device comprising:a digital converter, for converting the encoded digital signals to decoded industry standard audio storage format signals, said converter having an input for receiving the encoded digital signals from the satellite digital audio service receiver, an output for outputting the decoded signals, and an enabling input for enabling said digital converter to convert the encoded digital signals to decoded signals; a smartcard module for receiving a smartcard having a prepaid account balance stored thereon, said smartcard module having an enabling output coupled to said enabling input, and wherein said enabling output enables said enabling input if a smartcard having a prepaid account balance greater than zero is presently inserted into said smartcard module; and a digital recorder having an input coupled to said output of said digital converter for receiving the decoded signals, said digital recorder adapted to receive a recording medium and record thereon the decoded signals.