Abstract: A method (400) for managing a data stream (30) encoded according to a digital transmission protocol and configured for broadcasting to a consumer network device (14) within a broadband communications network (10). A message relating to the data stream is encapsulated (402) within a transport layer data packet (502). The packet has a destination port number field. A value associated with a predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol is created (404) within the field. Based on the value, the packet is forwarded (406) to the consumer network device according to a network layer protocol. When the forwarded message is received by the consumer network device, the consumer network device processes the data stream based on the message, and establishes an application layer communication socket based on the destination port number value. The socket is usable to receive further messages associated with the predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol.

Abstract: A method (400) for managing a data stream (30) encoded according to a digital transmission protocol and configured for broadcasting to a consumer network device (14) within a broadband communications network (10). A message relating to the data stream is encapsulated (402) within a transport layer data packet (502). The packet has a destination port number field. A value associated with a predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol is created (404) within the field. Based on the value, the packet is forwarded (406) to the consumer network device according to a network layer protocol. When the forwarded message is received by the consumer network device, the consumer network device processes the data stream based on the message, and establishes an application layer communication socket based on the destination port number value. The socket is usable to receive further messages associated with the predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol.

Abstract: A method for providing programming information available on a broadcast television service displays the programming information in a “stock ticker” format. The set-top box interacts with a user to obtain user preferences regarding the scrolling programming guide and stores the user preferences as a user profile in a set-top box that is coupled to a television display. A programming information server is accessed over a communication link between the set-top box and the programming information server to obtain programming information. The scrolling programming guide is created based on the stored user profile and overlaid on the television screen when activated by the user, preferably in an unobtrusive location, such as the lower portion of the television display.

Abstract: An Alert/Warning Interface resides in a set top box, which is coupled to a user's television, and an Information Server located in the cable plant origination center or head-end. The end user of the set top box is able to configure a profile that includes weather areas to be monitored, roads traveled, and schools their children attend. This profile is stored on the Information Server, along with the profiles of all other users. The Information Server monitors for alert conditions, such as bad weather, traffic jams, and school closings. If any of these events occurs, a message is sent to the set top box associated with a profile indicating the current error condition. Upon receipt of an Alert message, the set top box places an icon (or other graphic) in a predetermined portion of the screen (e.g., a top/bottom corner) indicating an alert has occurred. The user can then switch to the Alert screen view, at which time the Alert icon turns off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to configure, provision and control a set-top terminal using a wireless web appliance is provided where a wireless communications path is established between the wireless web appliance and the set-top terminal. The set-top terminal is arranged to communicate with a headend controller over a bi-directional communication link having both upstream and downstream communication paths. A configuration change is implemented in response to an unsolicited message that is generated by the set-top terminal and received by the headend controller over the upstream communications path. The configuration change is implemented at the headend, or at the set-top terminal by downloading configuration data from the headend controller over the downstream communication path. The set-top terminal transmits the unsolicited message in response to a control signal generated by the wireless web appliance that is received over the wireless communications path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to configure, provision and control a set-top terminal using a wireless web appliance is provided where a wireless communications path is established between the wireless web appliance and the set-top terminal. The set-top terminal is arranged to communicate with a headend controller over a bi-directional communication link having both upstream and downstream communication paths. A configuration change is implemented in response to an unsolicited message that is generated by the set-top terminal and received by the headend controller over the upstream communications path. The configuration change is implemented at the headend, or at the set-top terminal by downloading configuration data from the headend controller over the downstream communication path. The set-top terminal transmits the unsolicited message in response to a control signal generated by the wireless web appliance that is received over the wireless communications path.