A plurality of copies of an information signal are prevented from being
formed. For example, a transmitter such as IRD, STB, or the like transmits
an information signal supplied from the outside via a radio wave or the
like to each apparatus in a system. Together with a monitor, a speaker,
and the like, for example, two recorders such as VTRs or the like are
provided in the system. It is assumed that the recorder is executing the
recording operation. The transmitter recognizes that the recorder is under
the recording operation. Even if the other recorder issues a request
indicating that it wants to perform the recording operation in this
situation, the operation responsive to the request is not permitted. By
such a management, a plurality of recorders in the network are prevented
from recording the same information signal. A plurality of copies are
prevented from being formed with respect to the same information signal.
