A smart card is provided comprising a first processor and a second processor.
The
first and second processors are capable of decoding a scrambled broadcast signal.
The first processor is activated by a first activating signal, and the second processor
is activated by a second activating signal that differs from the first activating
signal. The first processor can be a primary processor that is used during normal
operations, while the second processor can be a backup processor that is activated
under emergency conditions. The second processor, to be used temporarily when backup
service is required, can be of lower complexity than the first processor, thus
reducing cost. The first and second processors are situated on the card so as to
communicate with an opening in an electrical device such as a integrated receiver.
Preferably, the first processor is situated so as to make electrical contact with
the receiver within an opening when the card is in a first position, and the second
processor is situated so as to make electrical contact with the receiver within
the opening when the card is in a second position. Also provided is a method of
providing a backup program service to a subscriber. The method comprises providing
to the subscriber a smart card of the invention and transmitting a backup activating
signal that activates the second, or backup, processor on the smart card. The backup
activating signal is transmitted upon failure of the primary processor.
