Patent ID: 8756624

Claim:
A method comprising: via a predetermined provider machine communicatively coupled to a communications network, registering and authenticating a set-top box with each of a plurality of service providers according to an agreement between each of said plurality of service providers and said provider, said set-top box adapted to implement a plurality of applications provided by said plurality of service providers, said registering and authenticating comprising: receiving first authentication information from the set-top box; sending second authentication information to said set top box, wherein, responsive to receiving said second authentication information, said set top box is adapted to register itself with each of said plurality of service providers by transmitting said second authentication information to each of said plurality of service providers; receiving said second authentication information and a request for guidelines for charging via a connection set up by each of said plurality of service providers; verifying said second authentication information received via said connection from each of said plurality of service providers; sending guidelines for charging to each of said plurality of service providers; and sending a confirmation to each of said plurality of service providers.