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.
Prior to its development, "ad-hoc" or "Occasional Use" satellite news feeds were transmitted either using proprietary encryption methods (eg RAS, or PowerVu), or without any encryption.
Proprietary Encryption methods were determined by encoder manufacturers, and placed major compatibility limitations on the type of satellite receiver that could be used for each feed. BISS was an attempt to create an "open platform" encryption system, which could be used across a range of manufacturers equipment.
Unencrypted satellite feeds allowed anyone with the correct equipment to view the program material. Using BISS the transmission is protected by a 12 digit "session key" that is agreed by the transmitting and receiving parties prior to transmission. The key is entered into both the encoder and decoder, this key then forms part of the encryption of the digital TV signal and only receivers with the correct key will decrypt the signal.
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