Abstract

Apparatus and method for reducing the cost and complexity of equipment placed on subscribers' premises in a subscription communications system, such as a cable television system, while at the same time providing security against unauthorized system access includes a microprocessor controlled frequency converter in proximity to the subscriber's premises to convert information transmission signals to subscriber-receivable frequencies; a channel selection unit at the subscriber's premises for producing a command signal to initiate the transmission of information to the subscriber; and a verification circuit coupled to receive the command signals, to verify the same and electronically to instruct the microprocessor. The microprocessor may be provided with plural, plug-in converter modules for feeding signals to several subscribers and may be made responsive to subscriber generated auxiliary function signals from alarm detector units, utility meter reading devices, and the like.