Patent ID: 8646011

Claim:
A method of implementing a certification program for user devices that receive and render entertainment content received from an entertainment access system that supplies users with content from multiple content providers, the method comprising: establishing specifications to which the devices are to conform regardless of manufacturer, said specifications being established by a first entity; establishing a testing protocol to determine if the devices are manufactured in accordance with the specifications; imposing the specifications on the manufacturers of the devices by the entertainment access system; implementing the testing protocol on devices manufactured by a plurality of different manufacturers; issuing a certificate to device manufacturers whose devices are demonstrated to be able to successfully complete the testing protocol, wherein issuing the certificate further comprises authorizing each certified manufacturer to use the certificate mark on certified devices or certified device packaging indicating that the certified devices comply with specifications issued by the entertainment access system; and delivering to each certified manufacturer a cryptographic credential to be installed on each of the certified devices for use in an authentication process enabling the certified device to gain access to the entertainment access system, said cryptographic credentials being delivered by a second entity different from the first entity.