Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content switching in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to receive a user selection for content. The apparatus processes the content and outputs the content to a display. The apparatus also receives an input indicating a content switch, and switches to an alternate content located on a second apparatus. The apparatus transmits the secondary content to the second apparatus, while receiving the alternate content from the second apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus performs at least one of the following: provide a notification to a user when the secondary content has ended or automatically switch the alternate content back to the second apparatus while receiving the user selected content in response to detecting the end of the secondary content. Methods for content switching in a content switching in a content distribution network using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring data and content between devices while maintaining protection of the content. In one embodiment, one or more content protection rules are associated with the content. These rules include for example subscriber-specific, device-specific and/or content-specific rules on use, copying, or distribution. Content may be provided from a first device to second devices compliant with the rules. In one variant, a mobile version of the content is generated and provides to the requesting device. The original version of content is rendered unusable when the mobile version of the content is provided to the second device, and may only be useable again when the content is removed or otherwise disabled on the second device.

Abstract: A local media player in network communication with a remote storage system stores a portion of content. It then compares the portion of content stored on the local media player with content stored on the remote storage system to determine if the portion of content is duplicated on the remote storage system. If so, the portion of content stored on the local media player is replaced with a pointer to a duplicate portion of content stored on the remote storage system. The portion of content is played back by the local media player at least in part by receiving the duplicate portion of content from the remote storage system if the portion of content has been replaced by a pointer, or by accessing the portion of content stored on the local media player if the portion of content has not been replaced by a pointer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith.

Abstract: An access point receives notification of a bit rate setting specifying a throughput needed to transmit corresponding content to a communication device. Based on the bit rate setting, the wireless access point identifies a set of multiple possible modulation-coding options supporting transmission of data at different bit rates greater than the bit rate setting needed to transmit the corresponding content. The wireless access point selects a respective modulation-coding option that provides a throughput bit rate that is lower than a modulation-coding option in the set providing a highest possible throughput bit rate. Selection of the lower bit rate modulation-coding option provides adequate capacity to transmit the corresponding content, yet does so with a higher signal to noise ratio than would be provided by the higher bit rate modulation-coding option. Subsequent to selection, the wireless access point transmits the corresponding content to the communication device via the selected modulation-coding option.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying and configuring WiFi capable devices are described. A WiFi capable device such as security camera, temperature monitor and/or other device intended for use with a home network including a gateway device is preconfigured with WiFi network connection information, e.g., a network identifier such as a first SSID corresponding to a first WiFi LAN network used to supply configuration information. The gateway device is preconfigured to act as an access point for the configuration network to which the first SSID corresponds. The gateway device also supports one or more additional LAN networks, e.g., home networks which can be used for data traffic. The additional LAN networks may include an Ethernet network, a coax cable network, a powerline network and/or an additional WiFi network corresponding to a second SSID. A WiFi capable device is configured via the first network to communicate traffic data via the second network.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing individual customized content delivery features and services to service subscribers are described. Individual service subscribers are issued devices such an RFID chip or IR device such as a remote control capable of transmitting service subscriber identification signals and/or records. A set top box detects signals used to identify individual subscribers and determines a subscriber identifier corresponding to each of the identified subscriber(s) and/or receives service profile record and/or service preference information from the user device. Service and/or other customer records corresponding to detected service subscriber(s) are used to determine what services and/or features are to be provided, what program channels may be accesses, what recorded programs corresponding to a subscriber may be accessed and, in some embodiments, service preference information such as personal preferences/settings relating to program guide presentation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) LAN, and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implement a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for downloading selected multimedia content and applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods enable various options or functionalities for programming content over a home network. A web-based user interface on a consumer device controls a set-top box (STB) over a local home network is utilized. An initial process connects the consumer device to an application server for the necessary web software. After discovery of both the consumer device and the STB on the local home network, an initial page of the application is loaded and the application calls the web services on the STB via the home network to retrieve data and control the STB with a compatible web browser on the consumer device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) LAN, and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implement a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith.

Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol.

Abstract: In response to user requests for content, content may be dynamically mapped to communications channels, e.g., QAM channels, used to communicate multiple programs during the same transmission time slot, e.g., through the use of multiplexed MPEG streams. A customer premise device, e.g., STB, uses a tuner tuned to the QAM channel to receive the communicated stream, recovers multiple programs communicated using the single communications channel, and records and/or displays the recovered programs. In this manner, more programs can be received and recorded than there are tuners in the customer premise device, e.g., STB. In some embodiments a content service provider control node processes user requests for content, maps requested programs to transport streams, communicates mapping decision information to a content distribution node, and communicates QAM tuning information to the user devices which can then receive and record multiple programs communicated via a single communications channel.

Abstract: A system for gradually implementing network services to end users includes substantially redundant first and second control networks, connectable to the end users through a routable communications network. The first control network provides a first service capability to all the end users. The second control network provides a second service capability to a first portion of the end users, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the first portion of the end users. The second control network subsequently provides the second service capability to a second portion of the end users, while continuing to provide the second service capability to the first portion, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the second portion of the end users. The second service capability provided to the second portion of the end users may include revisions based on feedback from the first portion of end users.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.