Abstract: A system and method for setting time and date in a device (e.g., a set top box (614), or similar client device) through a network connection when a network time standard server (606, 620) (e.g., a NTP server) is unavailable (e.g., blocked or blacklisted) are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure involves sending (404) a request over a network from a device for information from an Internet address (618), receiving (406) a packet (500) from the Internet address (618) in response to the request, extracting (408) time and date information from a header (502) in the packet (500), and using the extracted time and date information to set (416) the current time and date for the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) for controlling a filter circuit (500) in a signal communication device (300). The apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) of the present disclosure receives (410) an indication of a plurality of channels used to transmit upstream communication signals in an upstream communication portion of a frequency range. Furthermore, the apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) of the present disclosure determines (420) a maximum frequency value among all frequencies used by the plurality of channels based on the indication and adjusts (430) a filter response in a filter circuit (500) used to separate the upstream communication signals from the downstream communication signals in a communication device (300) based on the determined uppermost frequency value.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) for controlling a filter circuit (500) in a signal communication device (300). The apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) of the present disclosure receives (410) an indication of a plurality of channels used to transmit upstream communication signals in an upstream communication portion of a frequency range. Furthermore, the apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) of the present disclosure determines (420) a maximum frequency value among all frequencies used by the plurality of channels based on the indication and adjusts (430) a filter response in a filter circuit (500) used to separate the upstream communication signals from the downstream communication signals in a communication device (300) based on the determined uppermost frequency value.

Abstract: A system and method for setting time and date in a device (e.g., a set top box (614), or similar client device) through a network connection when a network time standard server (606, 620) (e.g., a NTP server) is unavailable (e.g., blocked or blacklisted) are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure involves sending (404) a request over a network from a device for information from an Internet address (618), receiving (406) a packet (500) from the Internet address (618) in response to the request, extracting (408) time and date information from a header (502) in the packet (500), and using the extracted time and date information to set (416) the current time and date for the device.

Abstract: A processing system decodes packetized program information including ancillary program specific information comprising a plurality of hierarchically ordered information tables. The ancillary information is used in acquiring and decoding packetized program information to provide a video program for display. The processing system employs a method involving detection of a mismatch between a version number of a first table of the program specific information (e.g. a virtual channel table (VCT), or channel information table (CIT)) and a corresponding version number of the first table conveyed in a second table (e.g. a master guide table (MGT)). If a mismatch is detected, the first and second tables are forced to contain a compatible first table version number. The packetized program information is decoded to provide a video program for display using the program specific information including the first and second tables including the forced compatible version number.

Abstract: A television, such as an HDTV receiver, includes a plurality of signal inputs each of which is adapted to receive television signals comprising a plurality of channels and communicate the received television signals to a processor/tuner for selection of the various channels by a user for viewing on a display of the television. A channel search routine for the detection of channels in the television signal is accomplished on the currently designated signal input rather than on all signal inputs of the television. The channels detected during the search of the currently designated signal input are included in a channel list that is stored in memory of the television. A GUI is preferably used to initiate the channel search and is capable of displaying the detected channels relating to the currently selected signal input. Channel lists for each signal input are updated as the channels are detected.

Abstract: An HDTV receiver coupled to a terrestrial antenna displays real-time signal strength of terrestrial digital television signals. A graphical user interface preferably displays various data relating to all terrestrial television signals in a scrollable grid format. The grid is displayed within an active video display of a selected television signal from the grid. Audio for the selected channel is also active. A list of all channels tuned or selected is maintained to aid in searching. Channel lists are updated during certain channel searches.

Abstract: An HDTV receiver coupled to a terrestrial antenna displays real-time signal strength of terrestrial digital television signals. A graphical user interface preferably displays various data relating to all terrestrial television signals in a scrollable grid format. The grid is displayed within an active video display of a selected television signal from the grid. Audio for the selected channel is also active.

Abstract: Decoder system initialization involves scanning to associate a particular program guide with individual channels. A similar procedure is also performed upon introduction of a new channel. A system for acquiring program guide information conveyed on one of a plurality of broadcast channels involves scanning through received broadcast channels to identify program guides available on individual channels. A program guide of a selected program guide type (e.g. analog-VBI type, MPEG PSI type or ATSC PSIP type) is associated with a broadcast channel by updating a video decoder database. The program guide of the selected program guide type is acquired and used in capturing packetized program information comprising a program conveyed on an individual broadcast channel. In another feature, data received on an individual broadcast channel is examined to identify program guides of particular type in a predetermined order.

Abstract: Method and apparatus suitable for use within a television receiver for storing program guide information, wherein a scan list identifies a plurality of channels available for viewing, channels not included within the scan list have corresponding program guide data deleted from a program guide database. The program guide database may be arranged as a plurality of objects including channel objects, schedule objects, and program objects.

Abstract: Method and apparatus suitable for use within a receiver for storing program guide information, wherein program guide data associated with non-preferred programming is reduced or deleted from a program guide database.

Abstract: Method and apparatus suitable for use within a television receiver for storing program guide information, wherein user interaction with a graphical object is used to determine the level of program information to be stored and the schedule length for the stored program guide information. User may select to store only basic program information, all extended program information, or a combination of basic program information with a desired degree of extended program information.