Abstract: Broadcast receivers operate in a power-saving standby mode while retaining the ability to receive broadcast program, software, and firmware updates. The most power hungry circuits are deprived of power in the standby mode using a wake-up switch controlled by an update sensor that actively monitors the broadcast channel in the standby mode. If the receiver receives an update-pending indication while in the standby mode, then the wake-up switch provides power to those components needed to receive the update without indicating a power-on condition to the user.

Abstract: A content delivery networked is monitored to verify operation of control channels for the delivery of content to a customer. Monitoring includes joining a connection with at least one control channel in the network, decoding content of a signal in the control channel, determining whether the decoded content complies with a pre-determined rule corresponding to content transmitted in the control channel, and producing a report indicating whether the decoded content is compliant with the rule. In addition, a graphical user interface (GUI) displays the status and results of testing the control channel. The GUI is configured to perform generating a display representing testing status of a plurality of DSG tunnels in a first frame and test results of the DSG tunnels in a second frame and providing details of a DSG tunnel test when selected by a user.

Abstract: To provide a television receiver, server, operation system for the television receiver, and operation program of the television receiver for enabling an operator to control the television receiver as intended without causing a conflict between user operation and operator operation without using a gateway, a television receiver 110 capable of being operated via a network has an operation instruction receiving section 112 that receives an operation instruction given via the network, an operation accepting section 111 that accepts operation that is directly given without via the network, a restriction determining section 113 that distinguishes between the operation based on the operation instruction received in the operation instruction receiving section 112 and the operation accepted in the operation accepting section 111 and that determines whether or not to restrict each operation, and a receiver-side control section 115 that executes control associated with the operation when the restriction determining sect

Abstract: A system and method for determining the resources available or used in a remote device is disclosed. The system can be used to determine whether the remote device is using expected resources as originally configured or to determine whether resources are available to support new or extended services. The method can be used to configure or reconfigure the remote device for its intended use or as reconfigure a remote device for new, different or extended purposes.

Abstract: The preferred method involves the use of an embedded data field within the video stream to transport a predetermined/known source string of data which in normal operation is carried intact through the entire head-end, grooming, distribution and access portions of the provider's network. An element or multiple elements are positioned at one or more points in the network. The elements continually monitor the stream to verify that a predetermined data string is located in the embedded data field.

Abstract: An STB analysis system comprises an STB checker client and an STB analysis server. The STB checker client comprises an STB query interface to communicate with the STB analysis server to acquire information indicative of the operational status of an STB and to display the information graphically. A user requests data relating to a particular STB by entering the MAC address of an STB into a query field. The STB checker client interacts with an STB analysis server to acquire information relating to the subscriber associated with the STB MAC address, the services authorized for the STB, and data indicative of the status and performance of the STB. In addition, the STB analysis server interacts with the STB operating system to retrieve diagnostic data from the STB logs. The STB checker client further is adapted to permit remotely resetting the STB regardless of its current status.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a modem and a conditioning device can be provided and coupled at a signal transmission line of a CATV system at a premise of a user according to embodiments of the application. The apparatus can provide selected information (e.g., Table 1) upstream for use that can improve operations or increase capabilities at one or more users.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network management method and system for use in a broadband network having a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network provided with network elements operable for communicating telephony, data, and video signals with customer-premises equipment of a subscriber includes an HFC network manager for monitoring status and configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment. A service, design, and inventory (SDI) database is operable with the HFC network manager for storing data indicative of the configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment. A fault manager having an alarm visualization tool is operable with the HFC network manager and the SDI database for generating visual displays of the status and configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment.

Abstract: A subscription system for providing content by subscription using an Internet connection is disclosed. The subscription system includes a content object store and an interface. The content object store stores a plurality of content objects. The interface is configured to receive a request to initiate a subscription with a first address for a particular account using the Internet. The subscription allows use of the plurality of content objects by the particular account without individually charging for the plurality of content objects. It is verified that a first connection speed is greater than a first threshold value before allowing the subscription, where the first connection speed is over the Internet with the first address. A request to access the subscription of the particular account is received from a second address with the Internet. It is verified that a second connection speed is greater than a second threshold value. The second connection speed is over the Internet with the second address.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring transmissions of media content (such as audio and audiovisual content) in order to obtain independent and objective data regarding the use of specific media content recordings or works within the transmissions. Processing and reporting of such data is provided in various ways to serve a variety of business needs. Methods for employing content identification technology to efficiently and automatically obtain reliable, accurate, and precise monitoring data are also disclosed. Various information products and services based on such monitoring systems are proposed.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a card slot, a fan, a temperature sensor, a memory component and a control unit. The card slot accepts an IC card. The fan rotates to cool the IC card. The temperature sensor measures a first temperature. The memory component stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the first temperature and a second temperature of the IC card. The control unit acquires the second temperature based on the first temperature and the correlation information. The control unit determines if the second temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The control unit switches from a first output mode, in which an audio-video signal is outputted via the IC card, to a second output mode, in which the audio-video signal is outputted by bypassing the IC card, when the control unit determines that the second temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system comprising a first filter having an input and an output adapted to compensate for the characteristics of a first length of twisted-pair wire is disclosed. A first bypass path has an input and an output for bypassing the first filter. A second filter has an input and an output adapted to compensate for the characteristics of a first length of twisted-pair wire. A second bypass path has an input and an output for bypassing the first filter. A third filter has an input and an output adapted to compensate for the characteristics of a first length of twisted-pair wire. A third bypass path has an input and an output for bypassing the first filter. The three filters can be configured form a signal path or one or more filters removed from the signal path by switching in bypass paths.

Abstract: An IRD is provided with expanded self-test capabilities, both hardware and software, that will provide standardized and more precise diagnostics. The IRD runs a sequence of tests to determine the fitness of the IRD and the health of the ODU. As the tests are completed, the results are displayed on-screen and written to a report. If a test fails, the appropriate remedial action such as “reset to factory default settings”, “service call” or “replace IRD, access card, modem, ODU” is also written to the report. The IRD appends the test report to a header message and forwards it to the service provider. The satellite service provider archives the report, modifies the header message to provide customer contact information and the responsible dealer, and forwards the file to the service dealer. To improve service and accountability, the dealer may send an acknowledgement back to the service provider and customer.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the resources available or used in a remote device is disclosed. The system can be used to determine whether the remote device is using expected resources as originally configured or to determine whether resources are available to support new or extended services. The method can be used to configure or reconfigure the remote device for its intended use or as reconfigure a remote device for new, different or extended purposes.

Abstract: A replacement pathway in an STB is utilized to determine loss of packets and delivery error during reception of media broadcasts, and to retrieve replacement data from one or more replacement media servers. The retrieval of the replacement data is performed during playback of the received media broadcasts. The communication of media broadcast incorporates delays to accommodate the retrieval of replacement data. Alternatively, received broadcast media streams are buffered to enable retrieval of replacement data and to provide seamless presentation of media content in the media broadcasts. The replacement media server performs access authentication operations during replacement data retrieval. The replacement media server is accessed via markup language, for example, HTML and/or XML, based interfaces and/or dedicated APIs.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a communication unit, an obtaining unit, a deter urination unit, and a generation unit. The communication unit communicates with node devices. The obtaining unit obtains specific information that specifies a reproduction interval on a reproduction time axis during which content data are reproduced by the node device. The determination unit determines a reproduction score related to a number of reproductions of the content data at each of a plurality of time positions on the reproduction time axis, based on the specific information obtained by the obtaining unit. The generation unit generates an output signal for outputting reproduction score information indicating the reproduction scores of the plurality of time positions, based on the reproduction score determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: An adaptive data stream filter removes narrowband interference from the CATV return path prior to these paths being combined in the network. A method for removing narrowband interference from the CATV return path detects potential narrowband interference in real-time and adapts a filter to remove this potential narrowband interference. An exemplary embodiment of the above method uses previously created filters that are combined based on detected interference in an adaptive manner to continually adapt to new interference sources. Another exemplary embodiment of the above method calculates new filter coefficients for the data stream filter based on detected interference. In another embodiment, two filters are operated in a ping-pong manner for each band of interference identified as above threshold. This enables updating of one filter while another filter is performing the data stream filter operation.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a return path in a cable television test environment. A cable television test environment comprising a plurality of head-ends connected to a plurality of set top boxes through a one-way forward matrix switch having “M” inputs and “N” outputs is adapted to provide a reverse path for each of the available “N” outputs. A low band reverse signal is received from each of a plurality of set top boxes. The low band reverse signal from each of the plurality of set top boxes is combined to produce a composite signal. The composite signal is split into a plurality of composite signal sources. Each of the composite signal sources is sent to each of the plurality of head-ends (M) via the transmission means connecting that head-end to the matrix switch. The low band composite QPSK signal from the source diplexer travels in the reverse direction to the head-end. Each head-end is assigned a unique set of frequencies for return communications from the STBs serviced by that head-end.

Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning premise device for use as part of a CATV system and for placement on or near a user's premise to reduce noise created on the user's premise that would otherwise be injected into upstream transmission channels and passed into an RF main signal distribution system of the CATV system. The device includes a variable attenuation device, a signal measurement circuit, a memory circuit and an electronic circuit, which is configured to iteratively determine (i) whether an incremental amount of additional attenuation is to be applied and (ii) whether at least a portion of a previously applied incremental amount of attenuation is to be removed. The electronic circuit includes a counting circuit, a threshold comparison circuit configured to compare a peak signal strength to a predetermined threshold, and a peak comparison circuit configured to compare a contemporary peak signal strength to a previous peak signal strength.

Abstract: When a failure detection server calculates a measurement average value at every predetermined time with respect to measured values collected in the past, and collects measured values from cable modems, the server sets a failure determination threshold value by adding or subtracting a predetermined difference threshold value to or from the measurement average value so as to determine the presence of failure. A failure analysis server performs a screening process of inputting determined failure information and eliminating logically conflicting failure information, obtains a differential of the screened failure information between this time and previous time so as to extract changed failure information and newly generated failure information, and then, repeats state determination at an upstream connection point, starting from a cable modem having failure information, so as to estimate the failure generated location.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate the management of receiving device health. One embodiment provides a receiving device health manager that identifies receiving devices having degraded operational states, based on operational state data received from those receiving devices. The receiving device health manager may further determine and initiate corrective actions with respect to the identified receiving devices, based on information about customers associated with the receiving devices and/or about the receiving devices themselves. In one embodiment, a corrective action may include a customer service contact to schedule a receiving device repair visit by a technician. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A centralized audio video testing system utilizes a remote client device. The remote client device includes a decoder, a renderer, a media engine, a video capture module and a frame module. The decoder receives a transmitted video stream from a video streaming server and to generate a decoded video stream. The renderer receives the decoded video stream and generates a rendered video stream that is able to be displayed on a display of the remote client device. The media engine receives the rendered video stream and plays the rendered video stream on a media player resident on the remote client device. The video capture module captures frames of the played rendered video stream. The frame manager receives the captured frames of the played rendered video streams and creates a degraded streaming video file.

Abstract: A method and system of analyzing the perceived quality of streaming media that includes transmitting at least one data packet from a stream sender to a stream receiver via a network connection; analyzing the data packets at the stream receiver, where the stream receiver determines whether there are data packets missing from the stream sender's data packets; requesting retransmission of specific data packets missing from the stream receiver; and retransmitting at least one specific data packet missing from the stream sender to the stream receiver.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method are described herein that obtain retry request information from packet recovery server(s) and based at least in part on the obtained retry request information determine whether or not to launch probes to monitor specific network element(s) within an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network to diagnose a problem without having to monitor everyone of the network elements all of the time.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: Use of direct sequence spread spectrum test signals injected at the same time and frequency of active network services to perform non-interfering measurements in the forward and reverse path of a CATV plant. Ideally, a plurality of transmitters, each transmitting a test signal with a unique spreading code, whereby multiple overlapping test signals are received simultaneously at the receiver (CDMA).

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium box is disclosed for determining a networked device connection status of an IP set top. A signal strength parameter request is generated associated with the networked device's operation. This request is transmitted to a specific point in a network system where it is received at specific hardware and/or software point. Then a reply or signal strength parameter is generated in response to the signal strength parameter request. This reply or signal strength parameter is transmitted across the network system from the specific hardware and/or software point back to the networked device. There it is loaded into a signal strength parameter variable and displayed to the user.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: Techniques to monitor operation of an information distribution system and delivery of programming, guide data, and other information by the system. These techniques may be used for diagnostics, quality control, and other purposes, and for various types of systems. In accordance with one method, a directive is received to monitor a particular channel at a particular terminal. In response to the received directive, a command is sent (e.g., via a remote control unit) to the terminal. Contents are then received from the terminal, captured, and reported. The reported contents may be used to visually verify the contents being delivered to the terminals, check what the viewers may observe, mimic and test interactive experiences of the viewers, observe actual viewing conditions at the terminals, and perform other tests and diagnostics. The received contents may be captured as one or more video frames, as a video sequence, or in some other format.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: A system for validating two-way continuity of a customer premises equipment (CPE) unit in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. A two-way client uses a two-way query interface to acquire information indicative of the two-way operational status of a subscriber CPE units from a two-way validation server and to display the information graphically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of managing a reception state of data in a digital broadcasting system has monitoring functions of a cable network, a broadcasting channel and received data realized for a set-top box as a digital broadcasting receiver of the digital broadcasting system, and a notification message depending on generated reception error of the data is transmitted to a head end, thereby efficiently managing data transmission of the cable network, the broadcasting channel and each server of the head end.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) connected to the HFC cable network are “pinged” and their responses recorded. The two most responsive STBs in each node of the HFC cable network are identified. The most responsive STB is added to a primary ping list and the next most responsive STB is added to a secondary ping list. The STBs on the primary list are “pinged” and their responses recorded. If an STB on the primary list fails to respond, the secondary STB associated with the node is pinged. If both the primary and secondary STB associated with a node fail to respond to the “ping,” the node is identified as non-responsive. If all of the nodes associated with a modulator (or a demodulator) are identified as non-responsive, the modulator (or demodulator) is identified as “non-responsive.” Additionally, network devices are pinged and their responses noted. Using the responsiveness of nodes and network devices, faults in segments in an HFC cable network can be identified and located.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for detecting modification to a video content receiver within a content distribution system is described. In one step, a message is generated by a content provider. The message is sent to the content receiver by way of a network. The message includes an intentionally-inserted error that a normally-operating content receiver would detect. The message is check for either authenticity or authorization. The message is received by the content receiver from the network. At a point physically remote to the content receiver, it is detected that the content receiver failed to detect the intentionally-inserted error in the message.

Abstract: A test system can include a test controller, a source system, and a measurement system. The source system can provide a test video clip or test packetized data stream that is injected into a broadcast portion of a service provider's access network at a point similar where other broadcast content would be introduced. The measurement system can be coupled to network equipment downstream or to a capture device, which is coupled to network equipment downstream. Configurations allow for more than one source system, measurement system, or capture system to allow flexibility in implementation for a particular application. The test system can be used to detect a problem or other issue before a customer at a customer premises would experience degradation in quality of experience.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system according to an embodiment includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: A system for pinpointing CDP sources in a two-way HFC CATV network comprises a headend CPD radar unit, a return path switch, and a computer. The radar unit is coupled to a headend combiner. The return path switch is coupled between the nodes of the CATV network and the radar unit. The computer is connected to the radar unit and the return path switch. The computer controls the radar unit and switch and causes them to perform constant sequential CPD monitoring of the nodes of the network. The system further comprises a portable radar-calibrator unit that is carried into the field and connected to various points along the coaxial cable portion of the network. The portable radar unit is used to detect CPD sources in the field and to calibrate the network as to time delay. The portable unit communicates with the headend radar unit through the CATV network.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: A method of determining when cable modems in a distributed digital data delivery service over cable TV hybrid fiber coaxial cable network have a headroom problem and resolving said problem. The method involves measuring the burst power from each cable modem, and if the burst power is too low, requesting the cable modem whose burst power is too low to increase its transmit power, and keeping track of which modems have been requested to increase their power. If a predetermined number of requests to increase power have not resulted in the cable modem transmitting with sufficient power for reliable reception, the cable modem is listed as having a headroom problem. Subsequent requests for upstream bandwidth from all modems with headroom problems are analyzed to determine if the requested burst size is too large and will result in a headroom problem. If so, a calculation as to the maximum number of spreading codes that each modem with a headroom problem can simultaneously transmit on without a headroom problem.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: An open cable set-top box diagnosing system in which a point of deployment (POD), separated from a main circuit unit, having a newly defined interface is used to check an operation state of an open cable set-top box, transmits the checked state to a predetermined server, according to which the operation state of the open cable set-top box is diagnosed. The open cable set-top box diagnosing system includes an open cable set-top box for checking its own operation state by using a diagnosis resource by a communication protocol between a point of deployment (POD) separated from the main circuit unit and the main circuit, and a head end for providing a service corresponding to a request signal received from the open cable set-top box or providing a broadcast program to the open cable set-top box, and checking the operation state of the open cable set-top box.

Abstract: A time slot is provided for each terminal unit or cable drop of a signal distribution system in a repeated sequence to communicate detected conditions “upstream”. The time slots are defined in accordance with a time base responsive to broadcast time signals. An identification of each terminal unit is transmitted from a directional coupler corresponding to the terminal unit or cable drop after latching an output of a condition detector responsive to detection of a condition by a sequence of tones or tone pairs, preferably using circuits ubiquitous in the telecommunications industry. A printer is provided for each channel at a central facility and the transmitting terminal unit is identified in response to another time base operating synchronously with the time base defining the time slots and assigning the time slots to respective terminal units. Provision is made for synchronization of counters, error checking and control of polling frequency.