Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of devices in a distributed network of broadcast devices, such as Set Top Boxes (STBs). Such devices typically require periodic updates as new versions of operating software is developed. However, it is not possible to guarantee that all devices that have received an updated software version are able to operate correctly. The system initiates a test for a STB and monitors in real time the state of the STB as the software download occurs. The state of the STB is reported to a system controller and the results are output to a test engineer. Other devices in the broadcast network can be controlled by the controller and various troubleshooting or operational tests performed.

Abstract: A digital video recorder is operable to receive and record an audio/video stream including a segment of a program and at least one first advertisement. The digital video recorder is then operable to identify a temporal location within the segment of the program for insertion of a second advertisement during playback of the recorded audio/video stream. The second advertisement is then inserted within the segment of the program during playback.

Abstract: A provider device includes structured data schemas, which may be JSON schemas, that correspond to APIs. A requestor device connects to the provider device and the provider device transmits available schemas. The requestor device receives the available schemas and transmits a communication request that asks for one or more of the available schemas. The provider device receives the communication request, formats information regarding APIs according to the specified schemas, and transmits the formatted information. The formatted information specifies how the requestor device can utilize the APIs. The requestor device generates one or more API commands by processing the formatted data and transmits the API commands to the provider device. The provider device then receives and performs the API commands. Subsequently, the provider device may transmit results to the requestor device, which may evaluate the results.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for reliably and efficiently managing files stored on a data storage medium associated with a computer system such as a set-top box. In one embodiment a method of managing a file is provided. The method includes: mounting a first file system to a second file system; creating, by the first file system, a virtual file by partitioning a file into a plurality of segments and by linking the plurality of segments in an index file; and sending a file operation request, by the first file system, to the second file system based on the segments of the virtual file.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a control circuit that provides a combined power signal and control signal to an LNB of a satellite system. The control circuit output may be transmitted to an LNB by a set-top box (STB) such that the STB may control the LNB. The control circuit may accept an enable signal from the STB to alter the circuit from a transmitting circuit to a receiving circuit. The control circuit may also integrate the functionality of a low pass filter into the communication signal circuit, thereby removing the need for a low pass filter at a power supply output. The control circuit may also provide a low overall power consumption of the circuit by isolating the communication signal from the power supply signal before the signals are combined.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between two devices, such as a set-top box and a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The data may be transmitted via UMTS. Additionally, the user may be allowed to view data because the user has a subscription to access the data through the set-top box. Furthermore, the set-top box may send a notification to the user to query whether the set-top box should transmit the data to the mobile device. In the case that the user responds and requests the data to be transmitted to the mobile device, the set-top box may transmit the requested data to the mobile device.

Abstract: A distributed system architecture is described for control of a Set Top Box (STB). The architecture employs server software implemented as JSON middleware, and provided on the STB 32 as a local server, as well as on a Tooling Device 34 and a Control Application 36. The distributed system facilitates communication with the STB over a data network such as the internet. A remote client device running a browser 30 can interact with the STB 32 to access STB functionality 32.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between two devices, such as a set-top box and a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The data may be transmitted via UMTS. Additionally, the user may be allowed to view data because the user has a subscription to access the data through the set-top box. Furthermore, the set-top box may send a notification to the user to query whether the set-top box should transmit the data to the mobile device. In the case that the user responds and requests the data to be transmitted to the mobile device, the set-top box may transmit the requested data to the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to dynamically creating and embedding code and/or data in an electronic device. In one aspect, data objects are checked for conformance with a schema to prevent incorporation of incorrectly functioning data objects. A debugger may be provided to facilitate source level debugging. In another aspect, embedded interfaces are constructed to access the functionality of certain system components. Additionally, schemas may be complied into code header and files and automatically included in code libraries.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for updating software or firmware or otherwise conveying target software to an electronic device. Target software may be conveyed while the device is packaged or otherwise not connected to external power. Information indicating a current software or firmware version number may be transmitted from an external transceiver to the packaged device. A software update may also be transmitted to the packaged device. The electronic device may use stored information or the stored software update to replace an older and out-of-date software version. The electronic device may also harvest electronic power from an external transceiver signal or may use power from an internal battery source to affect a software update when the device is packaged or otherwise not connected to external power.

Abstract: A provider device includes structured data schemas, which may be JSON schemas, that correspond to APIs. A requestor device connects to the provider device and the provider device transmits available schemas. The requestor device receives the available schemas and transmits a communication request that asks for one or more of the available schemas. The provider device receives the communication request, formats information regarding APIs according to the specified schemas, and transmits the formatted information. The formatted information specifies how the requestor device can utilize the APIs. The requestor device generates one or more API commands by processing the formatted data and transmits the API commands to the provider device. The provider device then receives and performs the API commands. Subsequently, the provider device may transmit results to the requestor device, which may evaluate the results.

Abstract: A message transmitting signal comprised of a sequence of high level and low level pulses arranged to provide a message, such as the IR bit pattern output by a remote control device, is analysed. Distinct durations during which pulses are at a high level are formed into a first table and distinct durations during which the pulses are at low level are formed into a second table. An index is linked to the first and second tables, the index identifying the order, level and distinct duration of the pulses in the signal. The index can be categorised to identify the protocol of the message and can be used to recognise protocols and, in a universal remote control device, to generate message transmitting signals.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to providing an electronic program guide to one or more viewers in manner that does not interfere with others' viewing of other program service content. In one embodiment, altered 3D output signals are used such that one frequency of the output signal contains an EPG data image and a second frequency of the 3D output signal contains visual content from the broadcast service transmission. In another embodiment, an EPG is periodically inserted into video stream during predetermined frames, which are then captured and held by a synchronized headset. In another embodiment, an EPG image is output through the projector onto a projection surface.

Abstract: A universal remote control device (100) is provided which is able to operate different electronic devices such as television sets, recorders, set top boxes, and audio systems. The universal remote control device (100) is provided with a database (10) in which control data collected from a plurality of individual physical remote control units (2) is stored in a structured manner. To enable the memory storing the database (10) to be kept small, repetitious and/or redundant control data is omitted. In addition, the database structure uses a hierarchical structure and inheritance. The control data of a physical remote in memory may be stored, therefore, in part in a child physical remote and also in one or more parent or grandparent virtual remotes. Such a structure enables control information which is common to a number of remotes to be stored in just a single occurrence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of devices in a distributed network of broadcast devices, such as Set Top Boxes (STBs). Such devices typically require periodic updates as new versions of operating software is developed. However, it is not possible to guarantee that all devices that have received an updated software version are able to operate correctly. The system initiates a test for a STB and monitors in real time the state of the STB as the software download occurs. The state of the STB is reported to a system controller and the results are output to a test engineer. Other devices in the broadcast network can be controlled by the controller and various troubleshooting or operational tests performed.

Abstract: A digital video recorder is operable to receive and record an audio/video stream including a segment of a program and at least one first advertisement. The digital video recorder is then operable to identify a temporal location within the segment of the program for insertion of a second advertisement during playback of the recorded audio/video stream. The second advertisement is then inserted within the segment of the program during playback.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a communication interface operable to receive television programming from a television distribution system and to receive profile information, associated with a plurality of profiles, from a server. The television receiver also includes a storage medium and control logic operable to select at least one of the profiles. The communication interface is operable to transmit information specifying the selected profile to the server and receive at least one recording command associated with the selected profile from the server. The control logic is operable to command the communication interface to receive a program specified by the recording command and coordinate storage of the program onto the storage medium.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for selecting advertisements for output by a television receiver based on social network profile data associated with a user of the television receiver. A user of a television receiver is associated with a social network profile. Social network profile data associated with the social network profile is processed to select advertisements for output by the television receiver in association with other content output by the television receiver.

Abstract: A central control box utilizes a receiving element configured to receive an input command, a processor configured to receive a first data signal from a first component, receive state information regarding a second component, and process the received input command based on the state information regarding the second component. The central control box further utilizes a transmitter configured to transmit the first data signal, and a storage device connected to the processor. The storage device is configured to store the state information regarding the second component. Other embodiments include a system and a method for routing a first data signal between a first component and a second component.

Abstract: A method of enforcing a media content subscription for a media content receiver is presented. In the method, a media content receiver is determined to be a primary receiver or a secondary receiver. If the media content receiver is determined to be a primary receiver, the primary receiver is operated according to a content subscription associated with the primary receiver, and communication with a secondary receiver is attempted. If the media content receiver is determined to be a secondary receiver, and the primary receiver communicates with the secondary receiver, the secondary receiver is operated according to a content subscription associated with the secondary receiver. If the primary receiver does not communicate with the secondary receiver, the secondary receiver is operated at a reduced level than determined by the content subscription of the secondary receiver.