multiple computer platform based broadcasting, transmission, datacommunications, electronic communications and telecommunications applications, apparatus, installations, instruments and circuits all for processing, logging, storing, transmitting, reproducing, receiving, displaying and/or printing out images, sound and/or data by cable, multipoint microwave distribution system (MMDS), satellite and terrestrial means, namely, computer programs controlling a broadcasting system comprising graphical user interfaces to configure and control conditional access to pay television services, data services and for billing subscribers for such services, managing control station hardware, compression engine apparatus and equipment, receiver apparatus and equipment, providing service information, diagnostic apparatus and instruments, schedule control parameters, Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) data generation, on-line help and password protection, electronic financial transaction and electronic trading apparatus and instruments; hardware for computer programs controlling a broadcast system comprising multiple hardware platforms supporting elements of the control system for broadcast transmission and telecommunications receivers, access cards - encoded cards incorporating programmable memories, access card readers, signal redundancy and backup capabilities, electronic apparatus and instruments for the management of a broadcast system; compression engines comprising encoders, multiplexers, modulators and video, audio and data inputs, cable, satellite, multipoint microwave distribution system (MMDS) and terrestrial transmission and broadcast signal redundancy capability; electronic receivers, namely, professional receivers, editing and distribution capability, analogue to digital and digital to analogue converters, videotext apparatus and instruments, consumer satellite receivers with electronic program guides, hidden broadcast signal fingerprinting, pc receiver hardware integrating with pc software applications, data reception and storage, all receivers including access cards - encoded cards incorporating programmable memories and access card readers; receivers with support for interactive applications and transactions including return path mechanism to computer programs controlling broadcast system; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods , all for use by professional broadcasters and/or transmission service providers