Abstract: A programmable display device selects and displays one screen data item from one of screen data groups each constituted of a plurality of screen data items indicative of control conditions. Further, the programmable display device includes a selection information forming section and a screen data group setting section. The selection information forming section is included in a project setting processing section, and based on screen data group information concerning the screen data groups, forms selection information by which one of the screen data groups is selected. The screen data group setting section is included in the project setting processing section, and sets, as a screen data group to be used, the one of the screen data groups which is selected based on the selection information.

Abstract: A user preference information data structure which is capable of classifying and setting user's preference information regarding multi-media contents with multiple items to thereby provide users with user's request-based whole or partial multi-media information, and a method for providing multi-media information by using the user preference information data structure. The multiple item user preference information data structure for multi-media contents comprising: single item user preference information for single items related to the multi-media information; and multiple items user preference information for multiple items formed by combining the single items.

Abstract: A multicasting system includes a delivery server for multicasting a content via at least one upper router and a plurality of lower routers, a plurality of client devices for playing the content multicast by the delivery server and an upper router controller, a content retrieving unit, and a content playing unit. The client device includes an individual storage unit, a content retrieving unit, a content playing unit, a switch time addition unit, and a display controller. The delivery server includes a content delivery unit for delivering each content to the client device. The upper router controller includes a session information retrieving unit, a book scheduling unit, and a schedule information notifier.

Abstract: A bandwidth-limited system for delivering satellite video signals.

Abstract: A method of processing program guide information is provided. The method includes receiving one or more program guide informations contained in service information of a stream provided by a digital television broadcasting system, comparing the received program guide informations with one another, and updating one of the program guide informations to another one of the program guide informations.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a broadcast program, an output unit configured to output video data of the broadcast program received by the receiving unit to a monitor apparatus, a reservation setting unit configured to set reservation of receiving a broadcast program selected from a plurality of broadcast programs, the reservation unit generating reservation information including broadcast start time of a selected broadcast program, a notification unit configured to, based on the broadcast start time included in the reservation information, notify an external apparatus before the broadcast start time that the broadcast start time is approaching, a communication unit configured to receive an operation instruction from the external apparatus, and a control unit configured to control the tuner and the output unit to receive a broadcast program designated by the reservation information and to output video data of the received broadcast program when the communication unit re

Abstract: A system is described that consists of a variable modulation unicast system that utilizes multiple modulation schemes in a cable network for unicast applications and is capable of assigning users to different channels of differing modulation schemes in the network based on a feedback signal received in response to a transmitted probe signal. The system may also, in response to the feedback signal from a remote device in the network, assign a channel from a plurality of channels having differing carrier frequencies and modulation schemes to the remote device and may also modify the carrier frequencies of the channels.

Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process. The CSR checks the CRS to verify that the “callback” function is operational and authorizes payment to the installer.

Abstract: In order to accurately display information on the format of different signals from respective different signal source apparatuses as an image, the output signals of analog signal sources are supplied through an interface, signal lines and other interfaces to an analog signal processing circuit. Also, output signals of digital signal sources and output signals of information generating circuits are synthesized by multiplexers and supplied to a demultiplexer through interfaces, buses and an interface. The signals from the separated signal sources are processed in a digital signal processing circuit. The signals from the separated generating circuits are supplied to an information processing circuit, so that an image corresponding to the information indicating the format of the apparatus and/or the output signal is formed, and is synthesized with the signals from the signal processing circuits to be supplied to a monitor.

Abstract: A method for providing complementary information 226 for a video program is provided that includes receiving complementary information 226 for a video program. A query is received from a consumer. The query is related to a specified portion of the complementary information 226. A query response is provided to the consumer based on the specified portion of the complementary information 226.

Abstract: In a content data distribution network, a system for directing control instructions to selected ones of a plurality of receivers. The system comprises a stored value, stored in a memory location reserved for at least one local parameter in each of the plurality of receivers. An uplink distributes to the plurality of receivers over said content data distribution network a transmitted value. The system compares the stored value and transmitted value such that a True value corresponds to the selected ones of the plurality of receivers at which the control instructions are to be executed. Comparisons may be made to functions of the stored values. Comparisons may be made to multiple stored values. Multiple comparisons may be connected together with boolean operators. The stored values can be changed by the transmitted control instructions.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver system is provided and a method of operating the system. The system includes a first broadcast data receiver (BDR) (2) located at a first location, typically in a premises. The BDR (2) receives video, audio and/or auxiliary digital data broadcast from a remote location via cable, satellite or terrestrial means. The BDR processes the data and displays the processed data on a display screen (10) and/or audio data via speakers connected thereto. At least a second broadcast data receiver (8) is provided at least a second location typically in the same premises. One of the first and second BDRs (2, 8) is made functional by a signal received from the other of the first and second BDRs, via a telecommunications line (4) provided in the premises and connecting the first and at least second BDRs together, thereby ensuring that both BDRs are connected before operation of the two BDRs can be achieved.

Abstract: A live video is directed to a display buffer of the device. The device is preferably a set top box and a live video frame stored in the display buffer is preferably displayed by a display device coupled to the set top box. The display device is preferably a television. A capture command preferably signals the set top box to store one or more frames of the currently displayed live video. Upon receiving the capture command, the live video is paused, thereby preventing the display buffer from loading subsequent live video frames. The live video is then re-directed to a capture buffer, the live video is un-paused, and a current live video frame is captured from the capture buffer. The captured frame is then stored using a conventional storage medium. After the frame is captured, the live video is re-directed from the capture buffer to the display buffer to resume display of the live video.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.

Abstract: An ITV application definition language (ADL) used to generate ITV applications for different types of target platforms and devices. The ADL provides a plurality of core data structure types upon which one or more data structures may be built. Data structures storing ITV content presentation and behavior information are referred to as resources. A resource is associated with a globally unique identifier that allows the data structure to be efficiently stored and retrieved from a hash table. A resource is also associated with an expiration time stamp that indicates when the resource is to be freed from memory. A resource is of arbitrary length, and contains values that differ from the default values stored at a receiving client device. Resources are also packaged into a module that may be catered to a platform and/or profile of a receiving client. The client may quickly determine whether the module is relevant to it by examining the platform and/or profile ID contained in a header of the module.

Abstract: A broadcast program processing apparatus that enables a user to acquire evaluation data provided by others who have already watched a broadcast program when the user intends to play back the recorded broadcast program. A broadcast program receiving apparatus records the broadcast program. Before playing back the broadcast program, the broadcast program receiving apparatus acquires the evaluation data concerning the broadcast program provided by others using a cell phone unit. The acquired evaluation data is outputted in connection with the recorded broadcast program. The user can determine whether he or she wants to watch the broadcast program with reference to the evaluations made by others.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and managing custom media channels within an Interactive Digital Program Guide (IDPG) of a device having a set-top box function associated with a cable or satellite television network. In general, a user interacts with the set-top box function to define a custom media channel. The custom media channel may be defined by a channel name and user preferences. Once the custom media channel is defined, an Internet search is performed based on the user preferences in order to identify media presentations for the custom media channel. Thereafter, when a user selects the custom media channel via the IDPG, the media presentations are played in a substantially continuous stream in either a predetermined or random sequence.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving system incorporating an echo canceling means automatically initiates recording of the broadcast and also controls the sound volume by taking into account the viewer's movements and ambient conditions, by using echo canceling means of the type used in hand-free telephones. The broadcast receiving system includes a broadcast receiving unit for receiving a broadcast in the form of either digital or analog signals; an echo canceling unit; and a determining unit for monitoring the amount of residual echoes in the echo canceling unit, determining whether the amount of residual echoes has exceeded a predetermined value, and instructing a storage unit to store the broadcast if the amount of residual echoes is found to have exceeded the predetermined value.