A content distribution system and method which prevents unauthorized
access to secured content such as movies and music. The apparatus
includes a source, a receiver, an authorized security device such as a
conditional access module (CAM) for decrypting authorized content, an
output device for outputting content and a backend for managing accounts
and system operations. One aspect of this invention provides a mechanism
for providing secured content on a medium such as a DVD optical disc.
These devices may verify that there is authorization to play the secured
content, add watermarks to the secured content, convert the secured
content to a displayable form and provide a means for preventing output
of the secured content.