Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling different network nodes of a network access system to share a backhaul communication link are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: connecting a first modem to a first node of the network access system; connecting a second modem to a second node of the network access system; connecting the first modem to a first port of a splitter filter; connecting the second modem to a second port of the splitter filter; and connecting a backhaul communication link to a third port of the splitter filter, which is configured to multiplex signals transmitted by the modems onto the backhaul communication link, wherein the frequency spectrum of the signal transmitted by the first modem does not overlap substantially with the frequency spectrum of the signal transmitted by the second modem.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes a connection module, determination module, and a setting module. The connection module is configured to connect to Internet. The determination module is configured to determine a start-up trigger for the information processing device based on a start-up instruction to the information processing device. The setting module is configured to switch a state for a voice communication function via the Internet based on the start-up trigger and to set the switched state.

Abstract: A method of delivering event notifications includes receiving data from a network-based calendar system at a notification system. The data indicates that a notification related to a calendar-based event is to be sent to a subscriber. The method also includes receiving presence information related to the subscriber from a presence system. The presence information indicates whether the subscriber is present at one or more of a plurality of subscriber devices. The plurality of subscriber devices includes a set-top box device. Further, the method includes sending an event notification related to the calendar-based event to the set-top box device when the presence information indicates that the subscriber is present at the set-top box device.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer video services while enabling users to engage in an instant messaging session in a separate display frame on a video display device, such as a television, are disclosed. Specifically, a user can request the network to activate and display a video session, such as a movie. The user can invite one or more other users to participate in the video session. As other users accept to participate in the video session, the network can activate another session that enables the participants to communicate with each other via instant messages.

Abstract: A wireless video camera system including a single or dual HDTV digital camera; a system for the wireless transmission of uncompressed single or multiple SMPTE 292M, HDSDI data streams over an RF band; and automatic self-pointing transmitting and receiving antennas.

Abstract: A method of providing one-way video transmission and corresponding interactive two-audio communication to remote recipients via a world wide computer network comprising the steps of creating a source digital video signal, broadcast transmitting the source digital video signal via an internet connection, transmitting a corresponding source digital audio signal a VoIP protocol, and transmitting a recipient audio signal to the source location via an Internet connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a local resource manager server that receives a request to distribute media content, and provides signaling information to a global resource manager server. The global resource manager server can determine a media configuration of a network element based on the signaling information and a media capability of a recipient media processor. The signaling information can be provided to the local resource manager server to enable an initiating media processor to present the media content at the recipient media processor over a virtual private network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for displaying, among other things, call status information associated with one or more communication devices on a television. In one embodiment, an integrated set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a data storage unit for storing data associated with at least one monitored communication device; a communication interface in communication with a cable head end for receiving communication data associated with the monitored communication device and television media content; a decoder for decoding the television media content; and a processing unit for executing the computer executable instructions to generate a user interface using the communication data to depict a call status associated with the monitored communication device on a television couple to the set top box.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive a call originating from an IP Multimedia Subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the call in accordance with a destination address included in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header message, and selectively answer the call at any of a plurality of terminal devices including a mobile cellular phone coupled to the media processor via a femtocell. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the call through a speaker of a presentation device operatively coupled to the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Sharing computer video in a videoconference. The method may include acquiring video on a computer. The method may also include coding the acquired video on the computer. Transmitting the coded video from the computer to a videoconferencing unit may also be included in the method. Also, the method may include packaging the transmitted video coded on the videoconferencing unit. Furthermore, the method may include transmitting the packaged video to a videoconferencing destination.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for receiving multimedia from a plurality of endpoints participating in a conference session, including multimedia from an endpoint that was muted during the conference session. A muting state is detected at a particular endpoint during the conference session and the multimedia from the particular endpoint is recorded even though it is not forwarded and rendered to the other endpoints during the conference session. Information associated with the multimedia data for the conference session is stored to indicate the time period during which the muting state was detected at the particular endpoint. Techniques are also provided for granting access at a later time to the stored multimedia data for conference session, including access controls to the muted multimedia.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to cause a media processor to invoke a software application in the mobile device server. The mobile device server can support voice communications over a cellular communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating with a patient through a television in the patient's hospital room are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to receive a media program signal from a set-top box (STB), monitor ambient sound, and suppress a portion of the ambient sound according to the media program signal. The media program signal can correspond to a media program presentable at least audibly by the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a videophone system implemented over a cable television network. The instant invention provides a videophone comprising a camera for capturing images associated with a videophone signal, a videophone unit and a set top terminal or cable modem connecting the videophone to a cable television network. Videophone signals created at the call origination site are encoded and transported to a predetermined destination over an existing cable television network. The system uses IP addresses as phone number on the network. Additionally, transport of videophone signals between different cable systems is accomplished via a high-speed long distance data network, such as, for example, a satellite network, that provides communication between the headends of the different cable television systems. The set top terminal may be a conventional subscriber terminal, a cable modem or a subscriber terminal configured to operate as a cable modem.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving and providing voice mail messages from a server are described. In accordance with the invention voice mail messages may be retrieved via requests made via a set top box. Voice mail messages are retrieved in response to the request from a voice mail server which is also accessible via the telephone network. Retrieved voice mail is transcoded and included in a video on demand (VOD) file. Text, call ID information and/or other information as, e.g., an automatically generated transcript of the voice mail message, may be included in the VOD file. The VOD file is supplied to a VOD server which provides the file including the message to the set top box for display. A user can view the messages and switch from viewing one message to the next by using video play back commands.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method of authorizing use of a set top box is disclosed. The set top box is operatively coupled to a network device that has an internet protocol (IP) address associated with an account of a subscriber. The method includes blocking a service to the set top box when capabilities of the set top box do not match a pending order associated with the account.

Abstract: One embodiment is a handheld portable cellular device that receives and plays feature length movies. In one exemplary embodiment, a multifunctional handheld portable cellular device (HPCD) has a body, a display and a processor. The processor plays a feature length movie on the display. The HPCD orders, via a wireless connection to a network, the feature length movie before a public release date of the feature length movie, and plays the feature length movie on the display before the public release date.

Abstract: A media device comprising: a memory storing a communication client application; a processor, coupled to the memory and operable to execute the communication client application, wherein the client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user to establish a call with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network; and a remote control unit comprising wireless communication means arranged to transmit data to the processor, a control means coupled to the wireless communication means and configured to control the wireless communication means, user input means coupled to the control means and arranged to receive input commands from the user and provide the input commands to the control means, and a microphone coupled to the control means and arranged to receive audio signals from a user, wherein, responsive to the control means receiving a command to establish a call from the user input means, the control means is arranged to activate the wireless communication means from a deacti

Abstract: A method and system for multicasting video signals over a network. A standard definition (SD) picture-in-picture (PIP) multicast video signal is encoded from a video signal. A common network address is assigned to the SD PIP multicast video signal for both SD PIP video content and high definition (HD) video content.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing instant messaging in conjunction with an audiovisual, video, or audio program are provided. The methods include providing an audiovisual, video, or audio program to a user. Viewer/listener input is received requesting activation of a program-based instant messaging function. A viewer/listener identifier corresponding to the viewer/listener is associated with a program identifier that uniquely identifies the audiovisual, video, or audio program being provided to the user to thereby generate a program viewer/listener record. The program viewer/listener record is transmitted to an electronic database. A list of other users who are viewing or listening to the program in addition to the viewer/listener is acquired from the electronic database. The list of other users is transmitted to the viewer/listener.

Abstract: A television receiver system and corresponding method, the television receiver system comprising: a television receiver for receiving broadcast television signals, signal processing apparatus operable to process the received television signals for output to a television screen, and a control device allowing a user to select a viewing activity by controlling the output to the television screen. The television receiver further comprises a memory storing a communication client application; and communications processing apparatus operable to execute the communication client application. The client application is programmed so as when executed to allow the user to establish bidirectional communications with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network, and to provide notifications to the user of incoming communication events from other users.

Abstract: A method includes receiving video content via an access network of a video distribution network at a set-top box device associated with a subscriber. One or more communication devices are associated with the subscriber. The method includes sending the video content to a display device coupled to the set-top box device. The method includes receiving a notification of a message directed to a particular communication device of the one or more communication devices at the set-top box via the access network. The method includes selecting a message indicator based on configuration settings associated with the subscriber. The method also includes sending the message indicator to the display device to overlay a portion of the video content.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on a device event. A set-top box detects a wireless device. A communication channel is established with the wireless device configured to initiate a voice call. A command message is received, by the set-top box, over the communication channel. The command corresponds to a device event experienced by the wireless device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inventions that integrate a home television set top box (“STB”) or home media center with a smart voicemail system of a telephone service provider. Smart voicemail features, such as email notification of voicemails, or online playback of voicemails, may be used to obtain digital voicemail audio files that are then stored and maintained in a home computer network. These files can be served over the network via a networked television STB or a media center computer, to a display monitor during normal usage. Embodiments cause new voicemail notifications to be displayed during typical operation of a television with the STB or media center computer and provide users with an interface for responding to new voicemail notifications, and reviewing, managing, and playing back voicemail. Messages received thus can be easily identified and reviewed through an interface with which subscribers are extremely comfortable.

Abstract: A method of setting up communication sessions in a telepresence call including a multiple point-to-point connections between at least two telepresence systems, wherein the information required for setting up the communication sessions is embedded in a control protocol message flow establishing a first communication session between the two telepresence systems.

Abstract: A system for storing data during a video telephony call includes a portable terminal which requests data storing; a base station connected to the portable terminal and requests storing of the data to a recording server; a recording server which requests a user registration and data storing to a data management server, and transmits a message indicative of the start of the data storing to the base station; and a data management server which provides the storage of the recorded data.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6).

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server operably couplable to an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network and an Interactive Television (ITV) system, where the server includes a controller to receive a session transfer request from a first communication device operably connected to the ITV system and presenting media content where the session transfer request includes identification information associated with a second communication device operably connected to the ITV system, and transmit an INVITE message to the second communication device and transmit a media adjustment message to a Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP) of the IMS network, where the media content is adjusted and transmitted to the second communication device based on receipt of the media adjustment message, where the adjusted media content is generated by the MRFP based on the identification information associated with the second communication device.

Abstract: An Internet Set-Top Box (ISTB) and a method of providing wideband IP telephony services using the ISTB are provided, which are capable of implementing wideband voice communication services using a wideband voice codec, controlling a Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) packet payload to process a variety of wideband speech frame payloads, and providing high-quality wideband IP telephony services by controlling a jitter buffer to maintain conference call synchronization.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus including a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; a communicating unit that performs communication with a mobile apparatus; a signal converting unit that converts the received broadcast signal; and a controller that controls the signal converting unit to convert the broadcast signal into a format corresponding to the mobile apparatus, and controls the communicating unit to transmit the converted broadcast signal to the mobile apparatus.

Abstract: A handset is configurable to communicate with an entertainment system. The handset includes a front side that includes a first set of controls configured to control an audio stream or a video stream of the entertainment system. The handset also includes a back side that is opposite the front side, the back side including a first phone call disposition control corresponding to a first disposition action.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. In another embodiment, the caller is a hotel guest and the called party is a hotel concierge and vice versa. The concierge provides information to the hotel guest such that the hotel guest can tune in to a channel on their hotel television set and access the information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet television stream using mobile device trajectory information. In yet another aspect, the methods and systems select using mobile device location information cohabitation content for sharing a display screen on a mobile device with program content in an Internet television stream.

Abstract: A system and communication method for the system interconnecting the optical network with the radio communication network is provided. The solution mainly applies to an optical access network employing fiber for transmission and the radio communication network connected to the optical access network, wherein a base station of the radio communication network is connected to the optical access network and communicates to an entity in the optical access network to achieve interconnection between the optical network and the radio communication network. After the interconnection is established, a user equipment can enjoy communication services through the interconnected radio communication network and the optical network.

Abstract: The integrated computer, television and telephone integrates several entertainment devices, such as a personal computer, TV, Internet Router, USB Router, Satellite receiver, home telephone, and a digital camera with their components, into one device. The integrated apparatus includes three cables extending from the housing. The three cables are used to provide power, satellite reception, and a home phone line. The apparatus includes document printing using the built-in wireless capability. An Internet router allows Internet communication of local area devices. A digital camera is included to allow video and still photography, as well as video conferencing. In case a home phone line is not available, it is possible to use wireless connections, such as HSDPA or GPRS, provided by mobile telecommunication companies.

Abstract: A method for providing viewing information is presented. The method includes displaying a call recipient list including at least one call recipient; and displaying a channel being viewed by each call recipient on the call recipient list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: A system for placing a telephone call on hold and presenting video to the user that has been placed on hold comprises video on hold arbiter that either is a part of the server or the switch of an IP telephony system. The video on hold arbiter comprises a hold monitoring module, a switch interface module and a media source interface module. The video on hold arbiter monitors calls between parties for the selection of a hold signal indicating that a first caller is placing a second caller on hold. The video on hold arbiter then determines the capabilities of the first caller and the second caller, a source video signal and switches the call to a video-on-hold status. In the video-on-hold status, the video on hold arbiter provides a video signal to the caller on hold from the determined source video and matching the capabilities of the party on hold. Video on hold arbiter and monitors for an off hold signal.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing telephony services via a set-top box. A provider telephony services system executes an authentication procedure to authenticate a set-top box associated with a user account. Subsequently, the set-top box receives a data stream representing a voicemail associated with the user account, wherein the data stream is selectively transcoded in real-time for delivery to the set-top box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: A system and method for providing video surveillance may include providing digital television services to a customer via middleware. The middleware may include digital rights management services. Digital surveillance services may be provided to the customer via the middleware. In providing digital surveillance services to the customer, the customer may be enabled to access surveillance equipment via the middleware from a remote location using a telecommunications device, where the telecommunications device is authorized to access the surveillance equipment by the digital rights management services.

Abstract: A remote control system (1) comprises a plurality of controlled devices (100, 100a, etc.), a specifying means (101) for specifying one controlled device (100) that the user desires as a remote control target, and a control device (200) for remotely controlling the one controlled device according to first identification information for identifying the one controlled device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide messages to television users are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a request for a voicemail message from the television user, determining a voicemail mailbox associated with the television user, and sending at least one of a list of one or more voicemail messages or a voicemail message to a display device associated with the television user.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including multiplexed data receiving unit that receives multiplexed data including at least audio data, an extracting unit that extracts the audio data from the multiplexed data, a telephone unit that transmits/receives telephone audio data, and an audio output unit that outputs at least one of the extracted audio data and the telephone audio data. The telephone unit continues to transmit/receive the telephone audio data when an occurrence of an initiating event of the multiplexed data receiving unit is detected while the telephone audio data is being received. The audio output unit outputs the telephone audio data when the occurrence of the initiating event is detected while the telephone audio data is being received. The multiplexed data receiving unit initiates receiving the multiplexed data when the occurrence of the initiating event is detected while the telephone audio is being received.

Abstract: A head end controller is described. The head end controller controls a plurality of service units in a telecommunications system with a multi-carrier transmission scheme. The head end controller includes a logic circuit that generates control messages for the plurality of service units. Each service unit is assigned to at least one subband of a transmission bandwidth. The head end controller further includes a transceiver that is coupled to a distribution network of the transmission system, wherein the transceiver broadcasts control messages to the plurality of service units. The plurality of service units are configured to use a multiple access scheme to transmit on a radio frequency carrier using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) so that transmissions from the plurality of service unit are received from the distribution network at the transceiver synchronized within an OFDM waveform.