To detect at least one of a copy protection indicator and a redistribution
control indicator in an analog video signal, the video format of the
analog video signal is determined, e.g., by detecting the horizontal
frequency and vertical frequency of the signal. Based at least on the
determined video format, a region of the analog video signal that may
contain the indicator is identified. The region may for example be one or
more video lines in a vertical blanking interval. The region is examined
until the indicator is detected. The indicator is confirmed, e.g., by
re-detecting one or more occurrences of the same indicator value(s) later
in the video signal. Once confirmed, the indicated copy protection and/or
redistribution control may be effected by limiting either or both of
copying and redistribution of the analog video signal. The indicator may
for example be Copy Generation Management System Analog plus
Redistribution Control (CGMS-A+RC) information.