Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The method includes receiving a data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, acquiring transmission-parameter-channel signaling information including transmission parameter information of the mobile service data, and fast-information-channel signaling information, acquiring binding information describing a relationship between at least one ensemble transferring the mobile service data and a first virtual channel contained in the at least one ensemble by decoding the fast-information-channel, and acquiring status information of the first virtual channel, displaying content data contained in the mobile service data according to the binding information and the status information of the first virtual channel.

Abstract: Accelerated channel change (ACC) strategies are described for supplying a client module with media information by transitioning between a first delivery of media information provided by first delivery functionality and a second delivery of media information provided by second delivery functionality without exceeding prescribed data rate limitations. The first delivery functionality can represent server-based functionality for delivering a unicast stream of media information at a data rate (or maximum data rate) of some excess amount over the nominal rate of delivery, starting at a selected location within the media information. The second delivery functionality can represent any functionality for delivering the media information at the data rate (or maximum data rate) of the nominal rate of delivery. A join interval separates the first delivery at the excess rate and the second delivery at the nominal rate.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a network-centric service distribution architecture that integrates a wireless access system in the residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a local broadband network, such as a Residential-Business Broadband Network (RBN), to the service provider's broadband transport network and to a service provider's broadband packet network. The system includes Media Terminal Adapter is coupled via the RBN to the access port(s) and via the service provider's broadband transport network to the service provider's broadband packet network. The access port is coupled to the Media Terminal Adapter via either a RBN (e.g., a Local Area Network—LAN) or simply via a traditional POTS line interface. The access port receives and sends wireless signals to a plurality of RBN devices, allowing the user to control theses devices remotely from the residence, business, SOHO or public environments.

Abstract: The present system uses point-to-point data links between intelligent network elements located in the feeder/distribution network to provide reliable, secure, bi-directional broadband access. Digital signals are terminated at the intelligent network elements, switched and regenerated for transmission across additional upstream or downstream data links as needed to connect a home to a headend or router. The intelligent network elements can be co-located with or replace the standard network elements to take advantage of existing network configurations. A tree-and-branch network architecture is therefore established in which each intelligent network element is assigned a routing ID employed in the point-to-point transmissions while leaving legacy analog signals unimpeded. In this manner, the data links are made over relatively short runs of coax cable, which can provide greater bandwidth than the typical end-to-end feeder/distribution connection between a home and the headend or optical network unit.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a plurality of activities, comprising: via a CPE telephony device simultaneously connectable to a POTS connection and to a connection to a data network: facilitating, via the POTS connection, a PSTN call, and facilitating, via the data network connection, a display of data to a call participant of the PSTN call, the data provided the data network.

Abstract: Digital multimedia is broadcast to wireless receivers on a unidirectional wireless broadcast channel, while control data necessary for presentation of the multimedia is provided on a bidirectional, point-to-point wireless link.

Abstract: A system and method for upstream transmission and the media access control of upstream transmission of groups of fixed sized cells, such as ATM cells in a point to multipoint optical network, such as a passive optical network. The upstream media access control scheme is responsive to grouping information reflecting a parameter of a group of fixed sized cells. The parameter may reflect the length of the relevant payload of the group the fixed sized cells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method a method for controlling a digital broadcast receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signal having mobile service data and main service data multiplexed therein, extracting transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling information and fast information channel (FIC) signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, acquiring a program table, by using the IP signaling channel within an ensemble included in the received broadcast signal, and controlling the system to create a list of channels mapped with all ensembles transmitted through at least one physical frequency, by using the acquired program table.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for enforcing a rate limit for data traffic. One method identifies a unidirectional stream of data packets flowing though a server to a downstream end user. The unidirectional stream is classified according to a rate class, with each rate class having an associated rate limit. Each rate limit specifies a maximum bit rate at which the unidirectional stream may flow. When the actual bit rate of the unidirectional stream exceeds the maximum bit rate permitted for the associated rate class, packets of data are discarded to reduce the bit rate.

Abstract: A media recognition system comprises an object management space, an object processing module and a media object space for storing media objects generated by object processing, wherein a pattern definition list stored in the object management space includes a plurality of action statements defining script programs to be executed in association with pattern formulas which designate the attributes of objects. The object processing module generates a new media object having different attributes by executing media processing corresponding to the input media object based on the pattern definition list, and repeats recursive media processing on the generated media object as the new input media object in accordance with the pattern definition list.

Abstract: A method and system of transporting multimedia signals from a source 12 to customer equipment (CE) 14. The method and system being applicable to cable, telecommunications, and other systems where signals are transported from a source 12 to CE 14.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for providing digital multimedia broadcasting confinement service. The system includes: a relay center side system, which is adopted to the relay center, according to the relay center side packet identification description (PID) key, for modifying the PID of transport stream and generating the distorted program specific information (PSI); and a terminal side system, which is adopted to the DMB terminal, according to the terminal side PID key, for recovering the distorted PSI of the transport stream received from the relay center and decoding it. The method includes the steps of: identifying whether the actual PID of the TS is consistent when the TS is demultiplexed by audio/video PID acquired through the program map table (PMT) analysis of the TS; generating a preset alarm signal; modifying the PID of the audio/video data in the PMT according to the terminal side PID; and demultiplexing the TS according to the modified PID value.

Abstract: A media converter capable of converting digital data of a unidirectional interface to digital data of a bidirectional interface or converting vice versa and converting digital data in commercial use to digital data for consumers or converting vice versa so that consumers are able to obtain even high quality images is provided. The media converter has a function for inputting digital data of a unidirectional interface and converting the inputting digital data to digital data of a bidirectional interface, and a function for inputting digital data of a bidirectional interface and converting the inputting digital data to digital data of a unidirectional interface, wherein the unidirectional interface is an HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Data Interface) format digital interface, and the bidirectional interface is a digital interface conforming to IEEE1394.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the reliability in the synchronous streaming of data from a sender to multiple receivers, especially in networks having a limited bandwidth. The sender is configured to change the format of the data to be sent by segmenting the data into packets having maximum size, and identifying each packet with a message number. The transmit rate of the sender is adjusted according to the throughput bandwidth of the link so as to avoid congesting the link. Each receiver is configured to re-assemble the packets based upon the message number allocated to each packet, and re-create the data in the original format for being read by standard HDJ Radio Exciters. The Receivers may also be configured to keep track of the packet numbers and request re-transmission of lost packets, using the ARQ (Automatic Retransmission Request) scheme.

Abstract: An advanced video multiplexer system designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. The system optimizes identifies a multi-program transport stream best able to accommodate new sessions based upon Quality of Service (QoS) and QAM utilization ratios. MPTS channels are rebalanced via re-grouping and transrating as necessary to optimize bandwidth utilization. Multiple video formats are supported via built-in transcoding. The multiplexer manages encryption resources and supports new sessions using previously allocated encryption resources where possible. Sessions can be grouped into encryption channels either by using a single authorization tier per channel policy, or by requiring all clients of the group to be in physically separated service groups. Encryption channels can be released when a channel no longer serves any clients or when one or more other channels that have been assigned the same entitlement can accommodate any remaining clients.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A signal conditioner (SC) and method for communicating via a shared transport medium (STM) between a BTS and remote antenna entity (RAE). A first SC connects to the BTS and a second SC connects to the RAE. Each SC connects to a cable modem or BPL modem that interfaces to the STM. The first SC receives an RF signal carrying an analog baseband signal (ABS) representing digital signals for multiple communication channels. The first SC generates a CDS based on power level measurements of the ABS, and then transmits the CDS to the second SC via the STM. The second SC recovers the CDS, converts the CDS to another ABS, generates an RF signal carrying the other ABS, and transmits this RF signal to the RAE for transmission away from the RAE. The first SC and second SC also facilitate communication of a CDS from the RAE to BTS.

Abstract: A system and processes create a transport stream carrying several encapsulated contents, watermarks, and other ancillary data. The transport stream is re-multiplexed while keeping synchronous and deterministic operation. Synchronous deterministic operation allow each derived transport stream to be broadcasted in Single Frequency Networks, as all re-multiplexers have the same signal at the input and selecting the same content generates exactly the same stream in multiple locations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first ranging timing description describing at least a duration of time during which a subject cable modem (CM) may burst and a duration of time during which the subject CM and other CMs in a multiple access network are not permitted to burst is translated into a second ranging timing description describing a duration during which a burst from the subject CM is expected to be received by a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The CMTS is conditioned to receive a burst from the subject CM during the duration of time described by the second ranging timing description. A timing offset is determined from at least an actual time a burst from the subject CM is received by the CMTS and the duration of time during which the subject CM and other CMs in the multiple access network are not permitted to burst to produce a determined timing offset. The determined timing offset is reported to compensate for delay in the multiple access network and the subject CM.

Abstract: A method of combining data with other material comprises the step of repetitively distributing the data in the other material. The data is for example metadata associated with the other material. The other material may be one or more of video, audio and data material preferably in a defined file format e.g. MXF. The material and data from the file are preferably mapped to one of several signal interfaces such as SDI, SDTI and AES3, where the file metadata is repetitively distributed through the stream signal interface by one of several multiplexing methods.

Abstract: A method of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data. The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams. Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments.

Abstract: A device and a method for providing programs to multiple end user devices. The method includes: providing to multiple end user devices, via an edge device, at least one type of media stream out of unicast media stream and a multicast media stream; wherein the at least one type of media stream convey a group of programs; receiving a request from a first end user device to view a first program that belongs to the group of programs; and selectively switching, in response to bandwidth constraints imposed on a communication path coupled to the edge device, a type of a media stream that conveys the first program to a second end user device.

Abstract: An advanced video multiplexer system designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. The system optimizes identifies a multi-program transport stream best able to accommodate new seesions based upon Quality of Service (QoS) and QAM utilization ratios. MPTS channels are rebalanced via re-grouping and transrating as necessary to optimize bandwidth utilization. Multiple video formats are supported via built-in transcoding. The multiplexer manages encryption resources and supports new sessions using previously allocated encryption resources where possible. Sessions can be grouped into encryption channels either by using a single authorization tier per channel policy, or by requiring all clients of the group to be in physically separated service groups. Encryption channels can be released when a channel no longer serves any clients or when one or more other channels that have been assigned the same entitlement can accommodate any remaining clients.

Abstract: An architecture for providing high-speed access over frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) channels allows transmission of ethernet frames and/or other data across a cable transmission network or other form of FDM transport. The architecture involves downstream and upstream FDM multiplexing techniques to allow contemporaneous, parallel communications across a plurality of frequency channels. Furthermore, the architecture allows a central concentrator to support a plurality of remote devices that each have guaranteed bandwidth through connection-oriented allocations of bi-directional data flows. The upstream and downstream bandwidth allocation can support symmetrical bandwidth as well as asymmetrical bandwidth in either direction. The architecture generally can be used to support connection-oriented physical layer connectivity between a remote device and the central concentrator.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: The network unit includes a signaling unit and a video transmitting unit. The signaling unit is configured to receive a request from a decoding device requesting transmission of the video channel. The video transmitting unit is configured to transmit the video channel towards the decoding device, initially as a dedicated multimedia stream dedicatedly supplied to the decoding device and including an anchor frame as a first transmitted video frame, and further in time as a common multimedia stream commonly supplied to a plurality of decoding devices. The video transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the video channel within the dedicated multimedia stream having an earlier time frame with respect to transmission of the video channel within the common multimedia stream, and the video channel is to be initially played at an averagely slower motion speed than the nominal motion speed that the common multimedia stream is to be played.

Abstract: In a data multiplexing device which multiplexes and transmits the transport stream packets of program data consisting of a plurality of data elements constructed in the form of transport stream packets, a program distribution system, a program transmission system, a pay broadcast system, a program transmission method, a conditional access system, and a data reception device according to the present invention, by generating a scramble key Ks corresponding to one or more data elements among the plurality of data elements constituting a program and by scrambling each data element, an audience can subscribe for each data element.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus and method of reducing an output time of broadcast content, includes for the apparatus, a transport stream generator generating a transport stream from a digital broadcast signal, a transport stream buffer buffering the transport stream, a controller determining whether the buffered transport stream is reliable; a transport stream processor searching for interpretation information for interpreting broadcast content from the buffered transport stream, and searching for the broadcast content based on the interpretation information, if the buffered transport stream is determined as reliable, and an audio and video processor processing the searched broadcast content. Therefore, it is possible to quickly output and provide broadcast content to users.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Temporary increased broadband bandwidth services for high speed access and download of Internet websites are provided to end user DSL subscribers by a system and method to increase speed of accessing certain Internet websites to incentivize the end user DSL subscribers to purchase higher speed broadband services and to incentivize content providers to pay for the temporary increased broadband services. The speed category of a customer premises equipment turbo modem is controlled by either a wired or wireless serving center computer processor, based on either the wired or wireless serving center computer processor determining whether to download Internet and video content at a predetermined selected speed category.

Abstract: The remultiplexing apparatus comprises a control information selecting means for selecting a packet containing program control information from the inputted bit stream, a program control information editing means for editing contents of the selected program control information and generating new program control information corresponding to an outputted bit stream, and a remultiplexing means for multiplexing again the packet containing media information in the inputted bit stream and the program control information generated by the program control information editing means.

Abstract: A packet encapsulator includes a filter module that identifies one or more carousel packets from a plurality of received packets. These one or more carousel packets are then stored in a packet buffer. The packet encapsulator also includes a channel queue for enqueuing packets for transmission across a broadcast transmission medium. For instance, the channel queue also receives the forwarding packets from the filter module. The channel queue also receives the one or more carousel packets from the packet buffer when at least a predetermined amount of available bandwidth exists in the broadcast transmission medium. The broadcast transmission medium may be a digital broadcast network such as a DVB handheld (DVB-H) network or a DVB terrestrial (DVB-T) network. Alternatively, the broadcast transmission medium may be a cable network.

Abstract: A DOCSIS set-top gateway device uses multiple embedded cable modems so that one eCM can remained tuned to a frequency being used for a current two-way data session and another eCM can be used to tune to a different frequency. The other eCM that tunes to a different frequency is disabled from operating in the upstream direction to avoid conflict with the two-way eCM in communicating with a CMTS. The eCMs in the DSG are controlled by a client controller that interfaces applications local to the DSG to a central device, such as a CMTS. A message may be sent to a client application requesting content on a traffic flow using a different frequency than the two-way capable sCM. The client controller instructs the upstream-disabled eCM to tune to the different frequency, meanwhile the two-way eCM stays tuned to the current frequency.

Abstract: Provided is an access mediator system for mediating convergence services of communication and broadcasting using a non-communicative appliance. The access mediator system includes: a non-communicative appliance access interface unit performing an interface function so as to converge a non-communicative appliance comprising an interface supporting image and voice multimedia data but not including a communication function; a broadband convergence network access interface unit performing an interface function so as to access a broadband convergence network connected to various service provider servers via wire and wireless interfaces; and a main processor accessing a selected service provider server via the broadband convergence network access interface unit to mediate the selected service provider server and the non-communicative appliance.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital television (DTV) signal in a DTV receiver, the method includes receiving a digital television signal including video streams and an event information table carrying information for events on predefined virtual channels; parsing the event information table, the parsed event information table comprising bit rate information defining one or more bit rates associated with video streams in the digital television signal; and processing the video streams according to the parsed bit rate information.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint telecommunication system can be made more flexible by providing upstream units with generators and locators for generating at least two subsequent overhead cells located next to each other and neighbouring a larger number of data cells for supplying system information. Downstream units are provided with detectors for detecting the subsequent overhead cells. This new signal flame structure allows a larger number of data cells to be exchanged without being interrupted by an overhead cell. Each cell consists of at least 53 bytes in accordance with the Asynchronous Transfer Mode or ATM standard. The at least two overhead cells comprise two overhead cells for supporting 54 data cells, or comprise three overhead cells for supporting 103 data cells. The point-to-multipoint telecommunication systems comprise passive optical networks, with upstream units corresponding to line terminators, and with downstream units corresponding to network terminators.

Abstract: Data representing video content is distributed over a passive optical network (PON) on virtual channels that are assigned to television (TV) channels as subscribers request the TV channels and de-assigned from TV channels when subscribers are no longer viewing them. Associating and de-associating TV channels with virtual channels can be performed with very low latency by using a near-physical layer protocol, such as the Physical Layer Operation Administration and Maintenance (PLOAM) protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning physical channels in a content-based network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network having a plurality of cable modems, and the physical channels are assigned to the cable modems based at least in part on any multicast transmissions that may exist on the system. When two cable modems are receiving the same multicast transmission, the invention causes tuning of one or more of the cable modems to the same physical channel in order to limit the total number multicast transmissions on the network. Multicast transmissions typically comprise video or audio information, but other types of information may also be multicast according to the invention. In another embodiment, a multicast transmission list (containing a list of multicast transmissions and the corresponding physical channels) is sent to the set of cable modems. This list is used by the modems (or associated CPE) to manage channel allocation and tuning.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for remultiplexing program bearing data. The remultiplexing method and system are applicable to MPEG-2 compliant transport streams carrying video programs. Remultiplexing functions may be distributed across a network. The remultiplexer can furthermore optimize the bandwidth of transport streams by replacing null transport packets with transport packet data to be inserted into the output transport stream. Remultiplexing and program specific information can be seamlessly dynamically varied without stopping, or introducing a discontinuity in, the flow-of outputted transport packets.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for switching between media channels. Pursuant to these methods and systems, a broadcast source may provide multicast streams to client devices for presentation of media channels to a user. When a client device requests to switch channels, a client device that is receiving the requested channel initially transmits a unicast stream for the requested channel to the client device switching channels. The requesting client device upon receipt of this unicast stream may then provide the corresponding channel to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing a channel according to direct channel change information transmitted from a broadcasting station. The apparatus includes a broadcast receiver, a tuner and a controller for checking parsed DCC information. The broadcast receiver receives a broadcast signal. The tuner tunes channels and stores the tuned channels in memory. The controller parses DCC information received in the broadcast signal and checks for a target channel included in the DCC information. The controller then changes a channel by selecting one among plural virtual channels according to a predetermined priority when several virtual channels correspond to the target channel.

Abstract: A method for capturing a broadcast is disclosed. The method for capturing a broadcast includes detecting an approximate start time of the broadcast, wherein said detecting includes monitoring for a broadcast trigger, identifying the broadcast and a timed length thereof, such that, based on the timed length and the approximate start time, an approximate end time may be calculated, and recording the broadcast from the trigger to the approximate end time, wherein said recording has captured the broadcast of radio advertising.

Abstract: A data communication method for a wireless communication terminal (101) that receives data transmitted intermittently from a transmitting side and plays the data in real time, includes: a step (502, 606 and 607) for requesting to a server (203) and acquiring therefrom, the data characteristics (401-405) of the data transmitted intermittently; a step for determining, based on the data characteristics (401-405), the data transmission rate at which data will not cause either overflow or underflow during real-time playback of the data, and the amount of buffering of data to be stored in advance in a buffer memory from the start of data transmission from the transmitting side to the beginning of playback; a step (504, 611) for transmitting the data transmission rate and the amount of buffering to a base station (121, 202).

Abstract: Methods for the optimal allocation of bandwidth among a plurality of video-on-demand (VOD) programs available on each link of a VOD tree network, where a server at the root node of the tree network broadcasts the multiple VOD programs. Each node in the network has demands for a subset of the programs and each link connecting nodes in the network has a limited amount of available bandwidth capacity. The available bandwidth is allocated on each link optimally among all programs that are carried on that link. The bandwidth allocated to a specific program may be different on different links of the network, as the bandwidth allocated may be decreased, but not increased, from one link to the next along the paths from the root node to the destination nodes. The methods use equitable resource allocation models with a lexicographic minimax objective function.

Abstract: An active step attenuator can attenuate the RF signal from a cable modem or other RF source. The active step attenuator converts the RF energy into a DC control signal that controls the attenuation applied to the RF signal. The voltage of the control signal is proportional to the RF energy, so that the active step attenuator attenuates a stronger RF signal more than a weaker RF signal. The active step attenuator may be in the form of a diplex circuit, one branch of which passes signals in one frequency band without attenuation and the other branch of which actively attenuates signals in another frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reconfiguring protocol data for a multiplexed data stream which is reduced to carry fewer services for cable-side transmission in a cable television plant or the like. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reconfiguring protocol data for a desired combination of data streams contained within an incoming high data rate multiplexed data stream, such as a high data rate Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulated multiplexed data stream, when the incoming multiplexed data stream is reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video on demand, the method includes: (i) sending, by a resource manager, authorized media stream identification information to a modulation and radio frequency transmitter; (ii) receiving, by a radio frequency transmitter, at least one media stream encapsulated within addressable packets; wherein the at least one media stream is associated with corresponding received identification information; and (iii) determining, by the modulation and radio frequency transmitter, whether to modulate and transmit the received media stream in response to relationship between the authorized media stream identification information and between the receives identification information.