Ever wonder what it is that makes your satellite TV system know which channel you want? Have you ever watched a Pay-per-view movie and wondered 'how do they know what I watched and how to bill me?'

Satellite TV systems include a satellite card - this card is your passport to the satellite system. The satellite card is programmed with a unique code that identifies you as the user. This code is similar to your ATM card -- the magnet strip identifies the account user with a unique PIN.

Satellite cards have a similar function. First, the satellite card allows the satellite receiver to identify your account as a legitimate satellite TV subscriber. Once the satellite receiver acknowledges your account, the receiver will decode the encrypted satellite transmission. Without a satellite card, the receiver would not recognize your subscription and would not decode the satellite signal.

The other purpose of the satellite card is to allow you to subscribe on an 'as-requested' basis to pay-per-view programming. Satellite cards use the same PIN system as a bank ATM card. When you decide on a pay-per-view program (movies, sporting events, etc.), you are asked to enter you PIN number. The PIN number corresponds to your account number, address and unique four-digit number.

Obviously, with millions of satellite TV subscribers, there is a good chance that someone somewhere will have the same PIN number. Because the PIN corresponds to your unique account number and your unique address, even someone with the same PIN number will still have a unique account. The PIN number ensures that someone at your location, using the satellite receiver with the satellite card, will not request programming without your permission.

Satellite TV companies understand the concerns of consumers that their families viewing be safe and age appropriate. The use of a satellite card not only makes it possible for the satellite TV companies to protect their interests but also to protect your interests as well.