home shopping services however the 34 authentication remote controls 34 of fig5 8a of the invention can be used to identify particular operators and allow them to access such restricted services further the authentication remote control according to the invention may provide operator identification for restoring operator preferences including pre stored settings for audio bass treble etc video color hue brightness favorite channels operator tailored menus viewing habits etc for example the channels of particular interest to each individual the so called 34 favorite channels 34 or channel priority configurations can be stored within a storage means in the set top box or side car attached thereto so that the individual can restore these configurations by informing the system that he or she is now in control of the authentication remote as by inputting his or her fingerprint data on the platen 30 to make use of the foregoing restrictions and tailorable preferences it is preferred that at least one person be empowered as a 34 gate keeper 34 the gate keeper is initially set by entering fingerprint data for that person perhaps in combination with a key the key may be a numeric or alphanumeric code which is entered into the set top box by the channel select buttons or may be a card or conventional key the gate keeper inters each of the other persons authorized to obtain access or set preferences for example as the gate keeper a parent can inter a child into the system by setting the child 39 s channel selection authority in addition or alternatively the gate keeper can select a basic set of channels and preferences for children and guests who are not known to the system that.