Abstract: Methods and systems for video coding are provided. A method includes receiving a digital video stream. The digital video stream includes multiple sequential independent frames. The method further includes storing a first frame of the digital video stream. The method also includes encoding a second frame of the digital video stream using motion compensation with the stored first frame as a reference.

Abstract: A digital television autoprogramming and tuning method and apparatus. In a digital television which can tune both MPEG 2 and PSIP format signals, a method of tuning uses one or more tables of information populated during an autoprogramming process. For MPEG 2 channels, the physical channel equals the major channel number and can be directly tuned. For PSIP channels, the major channel indexes a TSID which is used to determine a physical channel. If the TSID does not correspond to the correct program, the correct TSID is determined from the Program Specific Information in the data transport stream 134 and the system re-tunes to the correct physical channel. The autoprogramming process sequentially steps through each physical channel and populates the autoprogramming tables with information about each channel it finds, saving only a single TSID for a given major PSIP channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for video coding are provided. A method includes receiving a digital video stream. The digital video stream includes multiple sequential independent frames. The method further includes storing a first frame of the digital video stream. The method also includes encoding a second frame of the digital video stream using motion compensation with the stored first frame as a reference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building and maintaining a database in a digital television receiver from information received in MPEG and PSIP tables uses the MPEG tables as a master to facilitate creating, updating, and deleting the database. Each database entry is encapsulated in a memory chain control structure such that freeing memory does not require consideration of the specific content of data in the database.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a set-top box that effects a reduction in memory requirements includes a front-panel board and a DTV board subject to a reset sequence and having a non-volatile memory associated therewith for storing values including a power-state value. The improved architecture eliminates the need for a non-volatile memory associated with the front-panel board by querying the power-state variable in the non-volatile memory associated with the DTV board and effecting a boot-up sequence when the power-state variable is set to ON and by effecting a reset in response to certain detected conditions.

Abstract: A flash memory initialization sequence in a DTV set-top box of the type having a program-controlled microprocessor associated with a front panel board and a DTV board for processing at least part of an audio/visual television signal in which the sequence, upon application of start-up power, determines whether or not a selected file exists indicative of at least a partial formatting of the flash memory and causes the main DTV application to execute in the event the selected file exists. Conversely, where the selected file is not detected, the initialization sequence runs an initialization routine that at least formats a portion of the flash memory, thereafter creates the selected file indicative of the desired formating of the flash memory, and returns control to re-determine whether or not the selected file exists to cause the main DTV application to then execute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building and maintaining a database in a digital television receiver from information received in MPEG and PSIP tables uses the MPEG tables as a master to facilitate creating, updating, and deleting the database. Each database entry is encapsulated in a memory chain control structure such that freeing memory does not require consideration of the specific content of data in the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building and maintaining a database in a digital television receiver from information received in MPEG and PSIP tables uses the MPEG tables as a master to facilitate creating, updating, and deleting the database. Each database entry is encapsulated in a memory chain control structure such that freeing memory does not-require consideration of the specific content of data in the database.

Abstract: A digital television autoprogramming and tuning method and apparatus. In a digital television which can tune both MPEG 2 and PSIP format signals, a method of tuning uses one or more tables of information populated during an autoprogramming process. For MPEG 2 channels, the physical channel equals the major channel number and can be directly tuned. For PSIP channels, the major channel indexes a TSID which is used to determine a physical channel. If the TSID does not correspond to the correct program, the correct TSID is determined from the Program Specific Information in the data transport stream 134 and the system re-tunes to the correct physical channel. The autoprogramming process sequentially steps through each physical channel and populates the autoprogramming tables with information about each channel it finds, saving only a single TSID for a given major PSIP channel.

Abstract: A digital television autoprogramming and tuning method and apparatus. In a digital television which can tune both MPEG 2 and PSIP format signals, a method of tuning uses one or more tables of information populated during an autoprogramming process. For MPEG 2 channels, the physical channel equals the major channel number and can be directly tuned. For PSIP channels, the major channel indexes a TSID which is used to determine a physical channel. If the TSID does not correspond to the correct program, the correct TSID is determined from the Program Specific Information in the data transport stream 134 and the system re-tunes to the correct physical channel. The autoprogramming process sequentially steps through each physical channel and populates the autoprogramming tables with information about each channel it finds, saving only a single TSID for a given major PSIP channel.

Abstract: A system and method for processing packetized video data. Encoded data representing a first video program having a first display resolution is received, and encoded data representing a second video program of a second display resolution lower than said first display resolution is received. Transmission identification information is generated for signaling a transition from said first display resolution to said second display resolution, and said first video program encoded data and said second video program encoded data and said identification information are incorporated into packetized data. Said packetized data are provided for output to a transmission channel.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a set-top box that effects a reduction in memory requirements includes a front-panel board and a DTV board subject to a reset sequence and having a non-volatile memory associated therewith for storing values including a power-state value. The improved architecture eliminates the need for a non-volatile memory associated with the front-panel board by querying the power-state variable in the non-volatile memory associated with the DTV board and effecting a boot-up sequence when the power-state variable is set to ON and by effecting a reset in response to certain detected conditions.

Abstract: A flash memory initialization sequence in a DTV set-top box of the type having a program-controlled microprocessor associated with a front panel board and a DTV board for processing at least part of an audio/visual television signal in which the sequence, upon application of start-up power, determines whether or not a selected file exists indicative of at least a partial formatting of the flash memory and causes the main DTV application to execute in the event the selected file exists. Conversely, where the selected file is not detected, the initialization sequence runs an initialization routine that at least formats a portion of the flash memory, thereafter creates the selected file indicative of the desired formating of the flash memory, and returns control to re-determine whether or not the selected file exists to cause the main DTV application to then execute.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and apparatus for providing enhanced functionality to a digital terminal device, such as a set top box configured with a default application program. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a media receiving apparatus. The media receiving apparatus is communicatively coupled to and is integral to the form factor of a set top box. In the present embodiment, the media receiving apparatus is adapted to receive a digital storage media, such as a memory stick. In the present embodiment, the media receiving apparatus is further comprised of an accessing mechanism coupled to the media receiving apparatus. The accessing mechanism is adapted to access the data disposed within a received digital storage media. In the present embodiment, the present invention is further comprised of a relaying mechanism coupled to the media receiving apparatus.

Abstract: A closed caption decoder includes circuitry for processing closed caption according to the Electronic Industries Association EIA-708 and EIA-608 standards. The EIA-708 memory buffers (48) store caption data both for the EIA-708 and the EIA-608 standards. Therefore, the decoder memory requirements are reduced.

Abstract: A coder/decoder including a device for constructing from the preceding decoded image and from the current source image two pyramids of images of unlike resolution. Each pyramid contains the same number of images ordered identically according to their resolution. Each image corresponds to a level of resolution which is half as large in the horizontal and vertical directions of the image as a preceding level of resolution. Each pyramid is applied to a first and second serial input of the hierarchical motion estimator which outputs a motion vector having a magnitude which is proportional to the estimated motion between the two pyramids.