What is a smart card?
A credit card-sized device that protects digital television signals from unauthorised viewing.When plugged into a set-top box, it determines which programmes subscribers have paid to see.
The cards contain tiny but sophisticated computers that decrypt television signals as they pass through the air and turn them into television pictures. Without a smart card, ITV Digital viewers can only watch free-to-air channels like the BBC, ITV and Channels 4 and 5.
Users of pirate cards have been gaining access to pay TV channels like sports and movies without paying.
Where did the pirated cards come from?
Hackers posted on the internet details of the codes needed to create illegal smart cards that gave free access to pay TV services. Criminals used the information to make fake cards and then sold them through pubs, clubs and market stalls for £5-£20. About 100,000 pirated ITV Digital cards are thought to be in circulation.
What is Vivendi Universal?
A former French water group that is now one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world. The chief executive, Jean-Marie Messier (right), has become one of the world's most powerful media moguls after buying a range of businesses including the Universal film studios and music labels, Canal Plus television in France, the Cegetel mobile phone company, directory businesses and internet firms.
What is Canal Plus?
The European film and television distribution arm of Vivendi Universal. The division that makes the smart cards is called Canal Plus Technologies. It supplies cards and software to 12.5m set-top boxes worldwide.
What is NDS Group?
Based in Staines, Middlesex, NDS specialises in building the smart cards and interactive software for pay TV systems that allows paid-for television programmes to be securely beamed to customers' homes.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation is an 80% shareholder. NDS technology is used in almost 28m pay TV set-top boxes worldwide and supports 40% of all satellite receivers. Most of the group's research is carried out in Israel.
