Bell ExpressVu Steps Up Its Campaign Against Signal Theft Articles / Bell TV (ExpressVu) Posted by RAD on Aug 11, 2003 - 10:13 AM Bell ExpressVu announced today that it is intensifying its ongoing efforts to combat television signal theft with a series of new initiatives to be launched this year. This comprehensive program includes remotely deactivating satellite receivers that illegally decode programming, the implementation of an improved inventory control system and the introduction of new receivers with embedded signal theft protection. In addition, a campaign will be launched to inform the public about signal theft, which is an industry issue affecting cable and satellite distributors, as well as Bell ExpressVu's new initiatives and the value of subscribing to its services. "The new measures are being taken to ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace and protect the interests of our customers who are paying market rates for the services they receive. Our aim is to retain our loyal customers and eliminate signal theft," said Timothy McGee, President of Bell ExpressVu. "By taking the lead in preventing piracy, we will be able to increase investments in our service and offer Canadians an even greater choice in television programming." Over the last 3 years, Bell ExpressVu has taken action to combat signal theft including seeking legislative changes, law-enforcement and point-of-sale registration. It is now stepping up its efforts by introducing the latest technology against piracy. 1. An electronic countermeasure program will help ensure the use of legitimate access cards in set-top boxes. Through transmission of a signal from Bell ExpressVu's satellites, receivers with illegal cards connected to them for the purpose of stealing television signals will be disabled. 2. By tracking receiver shipments from the manufacturer right through to retail outlets, customer identification procedures at the point of sale and online equipment registration, the new inventory control system will ensure set-top boxes are used by subscribed customers. 3. Enhanced security in the new receivers will provide greater protection against signal theft and improved functionality for program rights management, ultimately offering customers more choice and variety in service selection. "Stealing a program signal from a satellite or cable distributor is a crime. Signal theft is a serious problem across the country and represents a significant threat to the industry," noted Mr. McGee. "The overall cost to the Canadian broadcasting system is annually in the hundreds of millions of dollars as artists, actors and broadcasters, along with satellite and cable service distributors, are deprived of copyright, subscription fees and other revenues." This article is from CHANNEL CANADA   http://irc.channelcanada.com/ The URL for this story is:   http://irc.channelcanada.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=321