Patent ID: 7865057

Claim:
A method of encoding an analog video signal, comprising the acts of: providing a digital video signal including content and data pertaining to control of subsequent uses of the content; converting the digital video signal to an analog video signal; extracting the data from the digital video signal; generating signals modifying at least one characteristic in blanking intervals of the analog video signal from the extracted data to define an encoded pattern corresponding to the data, wherein each of the modified characteristics is of the type to inhibit making an acceptable analog recording of the video signal; and using the generated signals to modify the analog video signal; wherein the at least one characteristic defines the encoded pattern which specifies the three states of: an off state; an indication of allowing subsequent digital storage; and an indication of how long to allow subsequent digital storage; wherein the indication of how long to allow subsequent digital storage is a watermark located in the modified analog video signal including an encoded number of digital storage duration units.