Abstract: A set top terminal is provided that includes a receiver having at least one tuner for receiving programming content over a content delivery system and a processor operatively associated with the receiver. The set top terminal also includes a switched digital video (SDV) application module operatively associated with the processor. The SDV application module is configured to perform an autodiscovery process by tuning to prescribed autodiscovery frequencies received by the tuner while the SDV application module is being initialized.

Abstract: A distributed content analysis network uses the processing capabilities of customer-premises equipment as subordinate nodes for analyzing multimedia programs. A master node selects a program and identifies subordinate nodes that are available for analysis, which may include both nodes tuned to the program and idle nodes. The master node divides the program into segments for analysis and instructs each subordinate node to analyze a segment. The subordinate nodes then provide analysis results back to the master node, which may build a metadata profile for the program based on the analysis.

Abstract: A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and providing enhanced screenshots may include executing instructions stored in memory to evaluate at least a portion of a viewing frustum generated by the instructions to determine one or more objects included therein, obtain metadata associated with the one or more objects, and generate at least one enhanced screenshot indicative of the at least a portion of the viewing frustum by associating the metadata of each of the one or more objects with a location of each of the one or more objects within the at least one enhanced screenshot to create hotspots indicative of each of the one or more objects such that selection at least one hotspot by a computing system causes at least a portion of the metadata associated with the at least one hotspot to be displayed on a display device of a computing system.

Abstract: A security device transmits captured information wirelessly while transmitting checksums for the information via a power line. The security device may be a security camera, a badge reader, or the like.

Abstract: A method of forming a picture in picture (PIP) service over an internet protocol (IP) transmission to one or more users, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for a PIP channel comprising a first predetermined channel superimposed with a second predetermined channel; determining if the PIP channel already exists; forming the PIP channel if it does not already exist; and transmitting the PIP channel on a dedicated channel to any users who have requested that PIP channel.

Abstract: A method for identifying a transmitter in a digital broadcasting system includes: receiving a broadcast signal in which a TxID sequence for identification of a transmitter is embedded; correlating the received broadcast signal with a plurality of elementary code sequences of a pseudo-random sequence sequentially; and identifying the transmitter by using the correlation results.

Abstract: A transport stream processing apparatus includes a demodulation module, a transport stream storage module, a multiplexer, and a conditional access system interface. The demodulation module is for demodulating an input signal to generate a first transport stream. The transport stream storage module is for storing a second transport stream. The multiplexer has an output port, a first input port for receiving the first transport stream, and a second input port for receiving the second transport stream. The multiplexer selectively couples the first input port or the second input port to the output port. The conditional access system interface is coupled to the output port of the multiplexer for coupling a conditional access module. The conditional access system interface transmits a transport stream outputted from the output port of the multiplexer to the conditional access module for signal processing when the conditional access module is coupled to the conditional access system interface.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method for using a flat panel display are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a host and a flat panel display. The host and the flat panel display include a processing unit respectively. The flat panel display further includes a display module and a controlling switch, so that the controlling switch determines whether the flat panel display is connected with the host. When the flat panel display is connected with the host, the display module receives a first video signal transmitted from the host. When the flat panel display is detached from the host, the display module receives a second video signal from the flat panel display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products provide social and interactive applications for mass media based on real time ambient-audio and/or video identification. In some implementations, a method includes: receiving descriptors identifying ambient audio associated with a media broadcast; comparing the descriptors to one or more reference descriptors; and determining a rating for the media broadcast based at least in part on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods pertaining to a client-server architecture for communicating video frames across a network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first engine residing on a first device, with the first engine adapted to encode a succession of video frames of a user interface of a program for transmission across the network. The encoding of the video frames is based on one or more feedback parameters and includes video compression techniques. In the same embodiment, the system includes a first command process engine operatively coupled to the program. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second engine residing on a second device, the second engine adapted to decode the succession of video frames after transmission across the network. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second command process engine operatively coupled to the first command process engine and adapted to communicate user input of the second device to the program via the first command process engine.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content reception apparatus includes a communication module and a communication controller. The communication module is configured to communicate with a content transmission and reception control apparatus. The communication controller is configured to communicate with the content transmission and reception control apparatus by the communication module, to receive content transmittable time information of a content transmission apparatus managed by the content transmission and reception control apparatus, to request content managed by the content transmission apparatus based on the content transmittable time information, and to receive the content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to enabling users of peer to peer clients to socially interact while viewing videos. According to one embodiment, a first client and a second client are physically remote from each other. A first video and a second video are for the same show but are in different formats. The first client accesses the first video and the second client accesses the second video. The users of the first client and the second client are enabled to socially interact with each other using peer to peer communications between the first client and the second client.

Abstract: Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods pertaining to a client-server architecture for communicating video frames across a network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first engine residing on a first device, with the first engine adapted to encode a succession of video frames of a user interface of a program for transmission across the network. The encoding of the video frames is based on one or more feedback parameters and includes video compression techniques. In the same embodiment, the system includes a first command process engine operatively coupled to the program. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second engine residing on a second device, the second engine adapted to decode the succession of video frames after transmission across the network. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second command process engine operatively coupled to the first command process engine and adapted to communicate user input of the second device to the program via the first command process engine.

Abstract: A method and a device for transmitting a transport stream according to a digital television-transmission standard for stationary and/or mobile receivers with program and service data for a national and a regional broadcast determines the transmission capacity in the transport stream provided in each case for the national and the regional broadcast through a first multiplexer within a centrally positioned headend. The first multiplexer then fills the transport stream with program and service data for national broadcast within the transmission capacity of the transport stream provided for the broadcast and marks the transmission capacity provided within the transport stream for the regional broadcast.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a switched digital video (SDV) client to intelligently generate and transmit reverse request in a SDV system. In this manner, reverse channel traffic is reduced. During rapid channel changes using the up and down keys on a remote control, the SDV client waits a predetermined amount of time before generating a reverse request that is subsequently transmitted upstream to a headend server. By way of example, changing broadcasted channels quickly will not generate a reverse request until the predetermined amount of time is over. In the event that a changed channel is an SDV session, a program select request is immediately generated in order to begin receiving the SDV session.

Abstract: A set top box includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive a digital video stream, calculate a hash of an I-Frame within the digital video stream, and submit the hash to a server. The processor is further configured to receive location information in response to submitting the hash to the server.

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 method includes connecting a communications device to an Internet Multimedia Subsystem network. The method includes transmitting presence information indicating multimedia capabilities of the communications device and requesting multimedia content from a multimedia server to cause the multimedia server to transmit multimedia content. The method includes detecting connection of a peripheral device to the communications device and determining that the multimedia capabilities have increased due to the connection of the peripheral device. The method includes updating the presence information to indicate the increased multimedia capabilities and transmitting the updated presence information to cause the multimedia server to transmit the multimedia content adjusted for the increased multimedia capabilities indicated in the updated presence information.

Abstract: A packet structure for a Mobile Display Digital Interface (MDDI) includes a flexible sub-frame length to efficiently transmit large packets. A windowless video stream packet avoids repetitive transmissions of video packets when some parameters are unchanged, saving bandwidth. An enhanced reverse encapsulation packet combines the feature of a separate round trip delay packet with a separate reverse encapsulation packet. A link freeze is used to halt a transmission of a data stream at any point in the transmission and resume the transmission by a host.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for transmitting wireless data across a coaxial cable. In one aspect, a set of computer-readable media provides a method that includes receiving a request from a mobile device for data and transmitting the data across a coaxial cable to a cable modem. The method further includes sending the data to the mobile device through a base station, wherein the base station communicates with the cable modem in order to receive the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system and method of reading and rewriting EDID in a video transmission system includes a transmitter transmitting a video signal and a receiver receiving the video signal that the transmitter transmitted which are connected to each other through digital interface, the method includes a reading step where the transmitter reads the EDID of the receiver through the digital interface; a first transmitting step where the transmitter transmit the video signal to the receiver on the basis of the EDID which the transmitter read; a second transmitting step where the receiver transmits a first message related to the EDID of the receiver; and a third transmitting step where the receiver transmits a second message related to the EDID of the receiver; wherein the transmitter, which received the first message from the receiver, does not read the EDID of the receiver until the second message is received.

Abstract: Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. Secondary content (e.g., promotions, advertisements, etc.) can also be selectively replaced if desired in order to make the remotely delivered content more appropriate to the remote user's context.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of providing a personal broadcasting service according to scheduling are provided. The system for providing a personal broadcasting service includes a producer client which produces and transmits a broadcasting schedule, a broadcasting server which establishes a broadcasting channel according to the broadcasting schedule and provides broadcasting content produced by the producer client through the broadcasting channel, and a viewer client which receives the broadcasting content through the broadcasting channel.

Abstract: A content display-playback system includes a content providing apparatus, a content display-playback apparatus, and an operation control apparatus for controlling the apparatuses. On the basis of operation control by the control apparatus, content is transmitted from the providing apparatus to the display-playback apparatus for display and playback through a network. The control apparatus includes an input operation receiving unit for receiving an operation input, a control signal generating unit for generating a control signal for transmitting and receiving the content among the providing, display-playback, and control apparatuses in response to the operation input, and a storage unit for storing selection-history information.

Abstract: Video content delivery method is provided for operating in a network environment to display online content, including television content on a media device through a Web browser having an application program interface (API), at least in part to emulate a television viewing experience. Online content is received at a server from content source(s) and delivered to users in response to receiving a content request at the server. Requested online content is transmitted to the Web browser, instructions are provided to store the online content in the API of the Web browser. Online content is rendered from the API to the Web browser graphical user interface (GUI) and the online content is asynchronously updated between the server and the Web browser while rendering of the online content, at least in part to emulate a television viewing experience. Instructions are provided for storing the state information from the GUI to the API.

Abstract: A video interface kernel with a defined application program interface includes each of a plurality of core functions for interfacing with video equipment and video processing subsystems. The core functions include such functions as video capture and video output, video recording and playback, and event notification. Functions of the video interface kernel also include video analysis functions and/or interfaces to analysis subsystems, as well as interfaces to point-of-sale terminals, access control systems, and location tracking systems. An intelligent video management module facilitates managing the interactions among the other modules of the kernel, further simplifying the application level interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovery and/or utilization of bandwidth within a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a switched architecture (e.g., broadcast switched) content-delivery network such as a cable television network. Reclamation, overflow, and/or triage logical processes are selectively applied in order to more efficiently manage bandwidth utilization within the network while maintaining user experience, and optionally achieve one or more business and/or operational goals.

Abstract: Particular embodiments provide interaction between items in a network. For example, lists of content may be shared between items connected through a network. A user may use a first item to select a second item in which content should be outputted. Instead of sending the content to the second item, the first item may generate and send a list of content to the second item instead of the content. A messaging infrastructure is used to allow the items to communicate the list of content between each other. The second item can then process the list and then determine how to access the item. This allows two different items to share content without the transfer of content between them. In another example, an item may be used to interact with a user interface of a second item. For example, an input device on a first item is used to provide input to a second item.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic service guide multiplex transmission interface method comprising: Step S102 in which an electronic service guide system generates electronic service guide broadcasting data according to system configuration data and the electronic service guide broadcasting data is sent to a multiplexer via a interface; the step S104 in which the multiplexer receives and multiplexes the electronic service guide broadcasting data and the multiplexed electronic service guide broadcasting data is transmitted to a modulation emitter; step S106 in which the modulation emitter receives the multiplexed electronic service guide broadcasting data, modulates the data and transmits the modulated data to user terminal; and step S108 in which the user terminal is tuned to receive the electronic service guide broadcasting data and demultiplexes it, and generates, stores and displays electronic service guide service navigation information.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for broadcasting digital data to a targeted set of reception terminals in which said data are previously scrambled by a series of control words transmitted in a conditional access control message. This method comprises the following steps: on transmission, particularise said access control message using a reversible function F for which the inverse function F?1 is executable only in terminals in the targeted set, and on reception, redetermine the original access control message in each terminal in the targeted set using said inverse function.

Abstract: A method of controlling quality of video data transmitted from a first user terminal to at least one other user terminal in a communication system includes detecting at said first user terminal a condition that indicates that the quality of the video data is below an acceptable threshold; automatically generating instructions based on the detected condition for a user of the first user terminal, said instructions intended to provide a humanly implementable remedy to improve the quality of the video data; outputting the instructions to the user in a humanly comprehensible form; and receiving an input from a user of the first user terminal responsive to the instructions to implement the remedy and thereby improve the quality of the video data.

Abstract: In a broadcast system (210) each broadcast content item is identified by a broadcast Content Reference Identifier (CRID). In a storage device (220) with a storage (240) each broadcast content item is identified by a local CRID. A processor (230) stores a CRID list that includes for CRIDs an associated validity interval including a starting date and an ending date during which interval the CRID is unique for the content item. When the processor receives (400) a broadcast CRID, it determines (410) an initial validity interval for the broadcast CRID. The initial validity interval includes a starting date and an ending date during which interval the broadcast CRID is unique for the broadcast content item. It then determines (420) whether the initial validity interval overlaps with a validity interval stored in the CRID list for an identical CRID. If there is no overlap it adds (430) the broadcast CRID to the CRID list.

Abstract: Provided Web broadcast information is managed by annotation markers. At least one marker is received that annotates the audio and/or video information and the annotated audio and/or video information is saved in an electronically searchable file.

Abstract: Methods and system for transferring images between devices is disclosed. For example, differently scaled images by a host device may automatically and/or selectively be transferred to a media player for display. In turn, appropriately scaled images may be transferred automatically and/or selectively to another display device for example a TV, camera or printer. The selectivity may occur either at the host level or at the player level.

Abstract: A control method for controlling via a network a transmitting apparatus which transmits contents and a receiving apparatus which receives contents is configured to include the steps of acquiring chapter information which indicates scene partition positions of contents from the transmitting apparatus, and transmitting an instruction to the receiving apparatus to cause the receiving apparatus to reproduce the contents from a scene partition position of the contents indicated by the acquired chapter information.

Abstract: Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user.

Abstract: Communication device capabilities may change during an established multimedia session due to connection of a peripheral device. For example, a user listens to an Internet radio service on a mobile phone through a set of headphones. Later, the user connects the mobile phone to stereo system in a car. The mobile phone can leverage the car's stereo system to present higher quality audio than it could present with the headphones. Functionality can be implemented in a communication device to detect connection of a peripheral device and determine multimedia capabilities of the peripheral device. The communication device updates its presence information to indicate the multimedia capabilities of the peripheral device. In response, a multimedia server determines multimedia capabilities indicated in the presence information have changed and optimizes delivery of multimedia content based on the updated multimedia capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of delivering a video stream. The method operates by determining a group of video streams to be provided to a particular destination over a particular communication link. Next, the band width of the link is allocated to the video streams based upon the particular properties of the various video streams to be transmitted. The video streams are processed so that they fit into the band width allocations. Next, the video streams are transmitted in separate channels, synchronized with respect to each other, to reach the subject destination.

Abstract: A data relay apparatus and method using a telephone number are provided. The data relay apparatus includes: a searching unit that searches for an IP address of a host apparatus corresponding to a receiver's telephone number received from a sender; and an output unit that outputs information transmitted from the sender to the host apparatus having the searched IP address.

Abstract: A method is provided for maximizing utility of a media delivery network having a media source, a first media adaptor, a second media adaptor and a media renderer. The media source can provide data in a first format and a second format. The first media adaptor can receive the data in the first format from the media source. The second media adaptor can receive the data in the second format from the media source. The first media adaptor can further provide data in a third format based on the received data in the first format. The second media adaptor can further provide data in a fourth format based on the received data in the second format. The media renderer can render the data in the third format and can render the data in the fourth format.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a hybrid fiber network (HFN) means to identify a fiber node by a unique address. An addressing module is installed in proximity to, or collocated with, a fiber node. The addressing module comprises an addressing module identifier that associates the addressing module with a particular fiber node. Network parameter values are received from the fiber node by the addressing module and reported to a reporting station.

Abstract: A method for providing a service on a device. The method includes instantiating a service provider that provides the service, where the service provider implements a service provider interface (SPI) corresponding to the service and where the SPI is defined by a service provision framework for providing services to Xlets. The method further includes using the service by a first Xlet, where the first Xlet uses the service provider interface (SPI).

Abstract: Channel changes between services with differing bandwidth in a switched digital video system. A services map published by the headend and distributed to all of the edge devices, allows a bandwidth requirement to be correlated with each request from a device in the home. The bandwidth requirement is passed upstream along with the request for service and is subject to a system resource management validation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the management of radio frequency spectrum within a network such as a CATV network. In one aspect of the invention, an improved signal reflector apparatus adapted for use in the network is disclosed, the reflector circuit being designed to strongly reflect signal frequencies at the lower end of the CATV reverse band, and/or above the higher end of the forward band, while simultaneously allowing the rest of the reverse band and the entire forward band to pass freely through the device. This selective filtering of the spectrum allows control signals generated within a premises or private network to be directed (by reflection) to other devices within that network. A blocking element (e.g., amplifier) may also be used to provide control of the transmission and attenuation profile of the reflector apparatus. The passage of power signals such as DC or low frequency AC is also optionally provided.

Abstract: A projection system distributed on a network, the projection system comprising a projection server and at least one projection client. The projection client hosts a projector array of multiple projectors which together project a tiling of an image onto a projection surface. The projection server accepts an incoming request from the projection client via the network, the request providing the projection server with area information for a projection area of the projector array onto the projection surface. The projection server determines a layout for the image by calculations using the area information. Layout information based on the layout is transmitted via the network to the projection client in response to the request, and image data is projected in accordance with the layout information received from the projection server.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.

Abstract: When stored stream data is deleted/edited, the packet sequence completely included in a deletion range is deleted from the stream data, and the stream data is segmented into first stream data before the start point of the deletion range and second stream data after the end point of the deletion range. First and second stream management data corresponding to the first and second stream data are generated. The index value of the packet including the start point of the deletion range is written in the header of the first stream management data. The index value of the packet including the end point of the deletion range is written in the header of the second stream management data. In addition, an index base value for correcting the index value is written in the header of the second stream management data.