Controlling access to broadcast programming

1. A method of controlling access to broadcast programming by way of a local receiving device, wherein the local receiving device is arranged to receive broadcast programming, and to store broadcast programming,

the method comprising associating usage rights with the receiving device, wherein the associated usage rights are stored on an integrated circuit card, and wherein the receiving device incorporates a card reading slot for receiving and reading the integrated circuit card; and enabling the receiving device to determine locally one of at least two different operating modes in which it is to operate in dependence upon the usage rights associated therewith,

the method comprising establishing that a required subscription has been maintained, and if so, associating usage rights so that the local receiving device is operated in a first operating mode, in which the receiving device is enabled to receive and store any broadcast programming received, and to access stored programming, wherein in the first operating mode the local receiving device is also enabled to receive broadcast programming and provide the broadcast programming to a presentation device for presentation,

the method further comprising, if it is established that no current subscription payments have been made changing the usage rights such that the local receiver is changed to be operated in a second operating mode in which the local receiving device is denied access to the broadcast programming and so is unable to receive the broadcast programming, and unable to provide the broadcast programming to a presentation device for presentation, but in the second operating mode the receiving device remains able to access any broadcast programming which has been previously stored locally.

2. A method of controlling access to broadcast programming according to claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the associated usage rights to the receiving device, and storing the associated usage rights.

3. A method of controlling access to broadcast programming according to claim 1 , wherein the broadcast programming is only available by the payment of periodic subscriptions, and wherein, when the associated usage rights reveal that current subscription payments have been made, the receiving device is enabled to operate in the first operating mode and access the broadcast subscription programming and wherein, when no current subscription payments have been made, the receiving device is changed to operate in the second operating mode and is denied access to the current subscription programming, but is enabled to access previously broadcast subscription programming which has been stored locally.

4. A method of controlling access to broadcast programming according to claim 1 , further comprising associating or pairing the integrated circuit card with the receiving device.

5. A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming, the system comprising a local receiving device for receiving the broadcast programming, the receiving device comprising memory for storing broadcast programming accessed by the receiving device, a presentation device for receiving and presenting broadcast programming from the local receiving device, and an access circuit for storing usage rights to be associated with the receiving device and for determining locally the operating mode of the receiving device in dependence upon the stored usage rights and controlling the receiving device to operate in the determined operating mode,

wherein, if it is established that a required subscription has been maintained, associating usage rights with the local receiving device so that it is operated in a first operating mode in which the local receiving device is enabled to receive and store any broadcast programming received, and to access stored programming, and wherein in the first operating mode the local receiving device is also enabled to receive broadcast programming and provide the broadcast programming to the presentation device for presentation,

wherein if it is established that no current subscription payments have been made changing the usage rights so that the operating mode of the local receiver is changed to a second operating mode in which the local receiving device is denied access to the broadcast programming and so is unable to receive the broadcast programming, and unable to provide the broadcast programming to the presentation device for presentation, but in the second operating mode the receiving device remains able to access programming which has been previously stored locally,

wherein the access circuit comprises an integrated circuit card on which the usage rights are stored, and wherein the receiving device incorporates a card reading slot for receiving and reading the integrated circuit card.

6. A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming according to claim 5 , wherein the integrated circuit card carries a processor and storage means, and wherein usage rights received by way of broadcast transmissions are stored in the storage means.

7. A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming according to claim 5 wherein the integrated circuit card is one of: a smart card, a smart chip, a chip card.

8. A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming according to claim 5 , wherein the integrated circuit card is paired to a specified receiving device.

9. A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming according to claim 5 , further comprising a display for presenting broadcast programming accessed by the receiving device, and memory for storing broadcast programming accessed by the receiving device.

10. A system for receiving and accessing broadcast programming according to claim 9 , wherein the memory is provided by at least one hard disc drive in communication with the receiving device.