All Satellite Dish Channel PowerVU Keys & Biss Key

What is the BISS key?

BISS(Basic Interoperable Scrambling System) for satellite signal scrambling developed by Europeans broadcasting union (EBU) and devices manufacturer. BISS is a system used on private video feeds shared via satellite between organizations. BISS : Basic Interoperable Scrambling System, usually known as BISS is a satellite signal scrambling system developed by the European Broadcasting Union and a consortium of hardware manufacturers. Organizations like the EBUEurovision use BISS to distribute their content to partners securely.

Prior to its development occasional use satellite news feeds were transmitted either using proprietary encryption methods (e.g. PowerVu) or without any encryption. Unencrypted satellite feeds allowed anyone with the correct equipment to view the program material. BISS was an attempt to create an "open platform" encryption system which could be used across a range of manufacturers equipment. Proprietary encryption methods were determined by encoder manufacturers and placed major compatibility limitations on the type of satellite receiver (IRD) that could be used for each feed.

Biss Control Words are static and are only changed by the Broadcasters when they need to. With this encryption, there is no decoding process as such just the final Biss Control Word.

PowerVu is a conditional access system for digital television developed by Scientific Atlanta. It is used for professional broadcasting, notably by Retevision different Network. It is also used by cable companies to prevent viewing by unauthorized viewers and non-cable subscribers.

PowerVu has decoders that decode signals from certain satellites for cable distribution services. These decoders can also be used satellite receivers if properly configured. PowerVu is considered very secure since it uses a complicated system to authorize each PowerVu receiver and trace its history of ownership and usage citation needed. Most PowerVu users are professional cable or satellite companies using the service and equipment for signal redistribution because regular users cannot afford it. A consumer PowerVu subscription TV service is available for c band dish users in the United States.

Simple BISS works by the two parties sharing a common key, the sender then encrypts the broadcast and the receiver uses the key to decode that video.

BissKey:

There is also an enterprise version of BISS where the broadcaster will encrypt the stream and the system will send the content key using secret means to decoders who are pre-registered with the BISS headend.