Abstract: SYNC parsing for Cable Modem Clock Synchronization is implemented using software processing with hardware assist in a manner that achieves the cost benefits of software SYNC parsing with the time accuracy of hardware SYNC parsing. Hardware scans for the arrival of new MPEG frames. Whenever any MPEG frame arrives, the MPEG frame is processed to extract MAC packets. If a SYNC packet is discovered during this processing, the software determines the SYNC arrival time, a comparison is made between the time the SYNC arrival time and the SYNC time value, and the software uses the difference to adjust the Cable Modem clock. Implementation variations include different approaches to when timestamps are recorded, the calculation of the SYNC arrival time, the use of software to process the MPEG frame and MAC packets, and the use of software to perform the time comparison.

Abstract: An interactive television commerce system, includes a video broadcast distribution network having multiple in-band channels and an out-of-band data path. A video on demand server stores a plurality of product video clips. Each of the plurality of product video clips is stored in association with a respective unique clip identifier and has video images promoting a specific product and associated interactive data embedded in the video images. A commerce transfer point server broadcast, via a first of the multiple in-band channels, a first commerce related video program having video images promoting multiple different products and associated interactive data embedded in the video images, and the unique clip identifiers associated with those of the stored plurality of product video clips having video images promoting the multiple different products promoted in the video images of the first commerce related video program.

Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: System for providing CATV subscribers an access to a UMS (Unified Messaging System) and/or VMS (Voice Mail System), wherein each subscriber is provided with a TV set connected to the CATV network directly-or-through a set-top box. The system comprises a connection between subscribers of the CATV network and the UMS and/or VMS and an interface for permitting exchange of information between the subscribers and the UTMS and/or VMS and a client software for the UMS and/or VMS, which when the connection is through the set-top box resides on, or is coupled to, the set-top box. The interface may comprise a UMS and/or VMS handler and a CATV network handler for providing data connection between the UMS and/or VMS and the subscribers. The interface may also comprise a multimedia message management interposed between the UMS and/or VMS handler and the CATV network handler.

Abstract: An access system and method for providing interactive access to an information source through a television distribution system is disclosed. The distribution system includes a television distribution network, headend distribution equipment at the headend of the distribution network, and a plurality of terminals at terminal ends of the distribution network. An input device and an upstream transmitter are associated with one of the terminals to input a command for the information source and to transmit the inputted command on an upstream channel of the distribution network, respectively. A headend server, upstream receiver, and data encoder are associated with the headend distribution equipment. The headend server is interfaced to the information source. The upstream receiver is interfaced to the headend server to receive and forward the command to the headend server.

Abstract: When transmission of on-demand video data interrupts transmission of broadcast video data from a distribution server 17 to a user terminal 18, the distribution server 17 transmits substitute I frame data to the terminal 18 after on-demand video data transmission in complete and before resuming broadcast video data transmission. The user terminal 18 decodes and displays the substitute I frame data, and then uses the decoded substitute I frame data as a reference frame to decode and display the first several frames of broadcast video data received directly after resumption of transmission.

Abstract: A method of converting application data to transport data in a power line communication system includes receiving application data from an application in a device through a service access point. The connection type and connection specification for the application data is then analyzed to determine if a connection exists for the application data. If a connection exists for the application data, mapping the application data is mapped into transport data.

Abstract: A system for detecting the time exceeding conditions of at least one application being executed by a processor, including: an element for storing time conditions, the conditions being sorted by increasing deadline order; a register for storing the condition closest to the current date; and a comparator of the deadline contained in the register with the current date of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting multimedia data to a set-top box for distribution to a headend of a cable television. The apparatus includes an input for a signal containing multimedia data. The apparatus has a module for compressing the multimedia data and also a packetizing module. The packetizing module adds a header. Since the headend is the only destination of the multimedia data, a destination address is unnecessary in the header, but the header does include an indicator as to source and an order identifier for each of the packets. The headend can then receive the packets, re-order the packets and decompress the multimedia data. The data may then be processed by a processor at the headend that is assigned at the beginning of an interactive session.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a primary device that detects the proximity of additional remote devices, which are intended to be within the same local network. The primary device communicates with the remote devices using wireless communication. In the event that the remote devices are outside of a predetermined range, the remote devices are disabled.

Abstract: An audio/visual distribution system includes head end equipment for receiving a radio frequency audio-visual (A/V) signal from an information source, and a plurality of transmitters and receivers. The transmitters are coupled to the head end equipment and tune to any of a plurality of RF channels, convert the RF signal to a baseband A/V signal and transmit the baseband signal over twisted pair cabling for a distance of up to 2000 feet. The receivers receive the baseband signal and reconvert the baseband signal to an RF signal. The transmitters utilize differential drivers which receive voltages from a filtered split supply power source in order to drive the baseband signals over twisted pairs. The receivers include equalizers utilized in conjunction with the video signal, and differential amplifiers. The receivers generate NTSC baseband (stereo) audio and video signals and/or an RF signal.

Abstract: A cable distribution system with distributed architecture that can accommodate both digital and analog subscribers. Each home has at least one Room Interface Unit (RIU), one for each television. There is a local service module associated with a group of RIUs (e.g., one for every ten RIUs). There is also a local headend in the vicinity. The local headend has a block of integrated tuner/receiver/decoders that can be controlled to tune in a selected video channel. The selected video channels and a group of standard channels are multiplexed and sent to the local service modules where a group of programmable converters (one for each RIU) place the channel selected by its corresponding RIU at a predetermined frequency. Each of the RIUs associated with a particular local service module receive the corresponding channel. Depending upon whether the subscriber has subscribed to digital or analog service, they will have either a digital or an analog RIU.

Abstract: Signal processing under attenuated transmission conditions. Within an orthogonal signal space, the number of orthogonal signals that are used to transmit information from a transmitter to a receiver is reduced and the transmitted power of each of the now remaining orthogonal signals is modified; this may involve increasing the power of all of the remaining orthogonal signals equally or alternatively modifying them individually. The same modulation used before the reduction may also be used afterwards; within communication systems having multiple transmitter-receiver paths, this will ensure that the communication system's throughput and efficiency will remain unchanged even when one (or more) transmitter-receiver paths are highly attenuated. In addition, robust mode operation is provided for ranging and registering of transmitter devices when entering the communication system.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining a plurality of CATV channel signals at the head end of a CATV distribution system including a first plurality of band-pass filters each having an input for receiving a separate predetermined channel signal and an output, the output of the band-pass filters being directly connected to one another, a second plurality of band-pass filters, each having an input for receiving a separate predetermined channel signal and an output, the output of the band-pass filters being directly connected to one another, and a combiner for combining the channel signals from the first plurality with the channel signals from the second plurality.

Abstract: A broadcast transmitting apparatus stores and manages the material for composing a broadcast program as AV data, creates storing control information showing a process control method when storing this AV data in a broadcast receiving apparatus, and storing management information showing management information during storing, and registers them as reference information and stores and manages, and transmits according to schedule information managing the schedule of the broadcast program. On the other hand, the broadcast receiving apparatus executes an storing control command according to the storing control information, and stores and manages the AV data according to the storing management information. Further, the broadcast transmitting apparatus creates application information from the reference information being stored and managed, and transmits it together with service application for executing broadcast program service.

Abstract: There is provided a video geographic information system for supplying the geographic information, which is maximized in a sense of reality, in a dynamic environment without a pre-processing for camera information and video stream, the system comprising a video server to load a video stream stored in a database and to transmit out of the video server through a network; a Geo server to load camera information stored in the database if image information and video frame information are input from the outside through a network, to retrieve geographic information stored in the database, to process the retrieved geographic information corresponding to a user request of queries and analysis, and to transmit the processed geographic information out of the Geo server through a network; a video player to receive a video stream from the video server through a network, to output the video stream, and to output image information and video frame information corresponding to a user request of selection, queries, analysis for

Abstract: A data broadcast program control system is made up of a transmission apparatus for repeatedly transmitting a plurality of data elements that constitute a data broadcast program, and a broadcast apparatus for receiving and broadcasting the plurality of data elements. The transmission apparatus generates control information for instructing the broadcast apparatus to perform change processing on the constitution of the data broadcast program, and transmits the control information to the broadcast apparatus. The broadcast apparatus receives the control information, and performs the change processing on the constitution of the data broadcast program according to the control information. The broadcast apparatus broadcasts the data broadcast program whose constitution has been changed.

Abstract: Described herein is a technology for in the realm of digital video broadcast technology or other such technology. One implementation, described herein, relates to broadcasting web content to client devices in a DVB (digital video broadcast) environment using rotational sequences of data modules (e.g., DSMCC carousels). One implementation, described herein, relates to emulating an interactive browsing experience of web content over a broadcast channel. One implementation, described herein, relates to the client device “smartly” caching select portions of the web content being broadcast. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A CATV system is provided that includes a head-end with laser transmitters to provide data to a multitude of nodes through a forward optical network tree. The nodes convert the optical signals into electrical signals and retransmit the television and data signals through a coaxial network tree to customer interface units (CIUs). The nodes include respective controllers which identify status signals from the equipment of the nodes and transmit the status signals and a reference signal to the head-end controller for display on a display of the head-end controller. The reference signal allows monitoring that the return optical transmitter and network are operating correctly and allows the return signals from the nodes to be aligned. The status signals from the nodes include laser operation, laser bias current and laser power output for the laser transmitters of the nodes.

Abstract: A customer-side receiver unit and method include a network interface module for receiving multiplexed information in the form of one or more of voice, audio, visual and data from a head-end network. A transport layer termination entity terminates layers of protocol associated with the information. A transport converter is coupled to the transport layer termination entity to convert streaming data in the information to a format usable by a local network. A dedicated stream port is coupled to the transport converter to output the streaming data content to the local network.

Abstract: In a cable data system, frequency division multiplexed upstream data traffic is first split for subsequent signal processing. In the course of performing an analog RF signal splitting operation, signal splitter output amplitude is decreased as an artifact of an RF signal splitter. A signal splitter indicator type that is used per signal splitter, provides an indication to the CMTS channel interface cards to control the amount of compensating gain required to restore the original signal to its original amplitude.

Abstract: A method for automatically searching a cable TV band is disclosed to effectively perform a cable TV band searching in a TV or a set-top box which is available for receiving a ground wave broadcast signal. The method includes the steps of: detecting a cable TV band for a channel of a VHF frequency band; and detecting a cable TV band for a channel of a frequency band a ground TV does not use in order to confirm whether the detected cable TV band is accurate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing a plurality of channels within a multimedia system includes processing that begins by receiving a plurality of channels from a multimedia source. The processing then continues by receiving a plurality of channel selection commands from client modules. The processing continues by selecting a channel of the plurality of channels for each of the channel selection commands to produce selected channels. As such, for each channel selection command, a corresponding channel is selected from the plurality of channels. The processing continues by encoding the selected channels based on a data conveyance protocol (e.g., encoding scheme and/or modulation scheme). The encoded channel data is then conveyed to a plurality of clients.

Abstract: Outer code covered synchronous code division multiple access for cable modem (CM) channels. Outer pseudo-noise (PN) code is employed, along with orthogonal codes (OCs), to spread CM signals thereby mitigating inter-code-interference (ICI) effects caused by residual multi-path propagation within CM communication systems. The added and implemented PN sequences have relatively good autocorrelation properties (when compared to the autocorrelation properties of the OCs) that mask the possible bad autocorrelation and/or cross-correlation properties of the OCs. This outer-code covered PN coding, along with the OC coding, enables much better performance in the presence of residual multi-path. The PN code's added complexity is very minimal as the PN may use the same chip rate of the orthogonal code while providing for better performance in the presence of residual multi-path components.

Abstract: A broadcasting apparatus used in a computer system includes a receiver, a control circuit, an audio data stream controller, and a video data stream controller. The receiver is used to receive signals transmitted from a network. The control circuit is used to generate a broadcasting audio signal and a broadcasting video signal based on the signals transmitted from the receiver. The audio data stream controller is electrically connected to the control circuit and an audio device to generate a sound signal according to the broadcasting audio signal and an audio signal generated by the audio device, and to transmit the sound signal to a speaker. The video data controller is electrically connected to the control circuit and a video device to generate a graphic signal according to the broadcasting video signal and a video signal generated by the video device, and to transmit the graphic signal to a monitor.

Abstract: A server or proxy server transmits streaming video data. An identification is made of either: an average or minimum available bandwidth of a link over which a data stream of a given video segment is to be transmitted or a capability of a recipient host to which the data stream is to be transmitted. A selection is made of either: a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of bandwidths so that the selected range contains the identified average minimum available bandwidth; or a corresponding one of a plurality of different data stream types so that the identified capability of the recipient host is used to process data of the selected data stream type. The data stream is coded in a manner which takes advantage of the range of bandwidths or type of data stream that has been or is to be selected. The coded data stream is transmitted over the link to a recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for an interactive television commerce environment, acting as a central point of control and information for enabling and facilitating information distribution and transactions in this environment. The apparatus is an essential element of an interactive television (ITV) commerce system, and enables the introduction of interactive commerce services in cable, satellite, and other broadcast networks. Other services provided include interfacing with off-line interactive ads, historical review and tracking services for users, and providing feedback and ITV ad modification capabilities to advertisers. The apparatus, residing at a local head end, can also add to or modify ads by inserting content of local relevance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission system which includes: a plurality of single program encoders for encoding and multiplexing respective single programs constituted with video/audio/data signals; a PSIP generator for generating PSIP that provides detailed information on video/audio/data broadcasting programs to be multiplexed in the single program encoders; a multiple program multiplexer for multiplexing digital broadcasting stream transmitted from the signal program encoders and the PSIP transmitted from the PSIP generator; and a transmission unit for transmitting digital broadcasting signals multiplexed in the multiple program multiplexer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of communication between terminals and a central server, in which these terminals, whose principal function is MPEG-2 decoding, are diverted from this function, on request and after authorization, in order to partake in parallel in the common implementation of an auxiliary function under control of said server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for serving information data such as video data to one or more users, comprising: one or more storage medium units for storing data of said information data; one or more end devices for receipt of said information data by the user; managing means for managing distribution of said data to said end device, the managing means being capable of receiving demand data form said user and related to data selected by the user in the end device, and which managing means output distribution control data including channel information of the selected information data and routs information from the end device; and least one ATM switch for connecting the storage medium unit, the end device and the managing means, and for routing the data from the storage medium unit and the distribution control data from the managing means.

Abstract: A video imager processor and two radio frequency transceivers are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a Compact Flash card commonly utilized in mobile computers. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the baseband signal from the RF transceivers, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement.

Abstract: The integration of gateway services such as, but not limited to, one or none of Network Address Translation (NAT), firewalls, proxies, tunneling, and/or Virtual Private Networking (VPN) into RF cable devices such as, but not limited to, cable modems and/or set-top boxes advantageously provides additional capabilities for accessing the internet over an RF cable connection.

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a name contained in a TV program being broadcast to a name requested by a TV viewer and providing the TV program containing the changed name are provided. The digital broadcast system includes a digital content receiver belonging to a user requesting a name change service; and a digital broadcast server for broadcasting a TV program to the digital content receiver, and if changing a name contained in the TV program to a different name is requested, providing the TV program containing a changed name to the digital content receiver. The TV viewer can watch a TV program in which original names are replaced by the viewer's name or acquaintances' names.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for consolidating equipment, services, and information and for distributing information from a consolidated information distribution center (CIDC) to a plurality of head ends using spectrally efficient transport. The CIDC generates an optical signal encoded with information of multiple channels aggregated through a multi-level encoding scheme and sends the optical signal to a plurality of head ends via an optical fiber. When a head end receives the optical signal, it decodes the optical signal in multiple stages to produce information of multiple data streams, from which desired data streams are selected.

Abstract: Audiovisual reproduction system triggered by payment from a user, developed around a microprocessor device, said system comprising memory containing, in compressed digital form, audio and visual information to be used, a display and digital audio reproduction unit enabling formation of a multimedia environment, wherein the display comprises a video monitor and an interactive interface with the user by an interface program which reacts to external events and translates the external events for a multitasking operating system as events which trigger, via a graphical module of a library of integrated tools and services, a display of windows or frames providing a modification of physical operating parameters of the audiovisual reproduction system, said external events comprising at least a down event interpreting coincidence of a placement of pointing device with the position of at least a representation displayed by the graphic module, and an event which triggers modification of the physical operating parameters

Abstract: A packet-switched communication system for use with a communication device for bi-directional communication includes a network interface configured to couple to at least one of a circuit-switched network and a packet-switched network, a communication session module coupled to the network interface and configured to establish a communication session with the communication device through the at least one of the networks, and to obtain caller information associated with the communication device, and a communication processing apparatus coupled to the network interface and the communication session module and configured to provide signals to the at least one interface for causing prompts to be played by the communication device, to receive an indication from the communication device via the network interface requesting paging of a called party, and to send an electronic message toward a pager associated with the called party, the electronic message containing the caller information associated with the communicati

Abstract: In response to a request to establish video communication between a video-enabled (e.g., videophone) and non-video-enabled (e.g., cellular telephone) communication device, two-way audio communication is established between the two devices. One-way video communication is also established between a server and the video-enabled device. Video signals generated by the video-enabled device during the two-way audio communication are captured and cached within the server. The cached video signals may be subsequently retrieved and displayed by a computer terminal or video-enabled communication device.

Abstract: A method and system for provisioning a specific device to receive video and/or data services from a plurality of service providers at a physical drop in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop associated with the specific device. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, receives the electronic message, stores the information, and upon receiving a sign-on request from a requesting device that is requesting access to one of the video and/or data services, determines whether the requesting device is authorized to access the requested video and/or data service based on the stored information.

Abstract: A communication control apparatus having a server apparatus and able to simplify procedures and operations to attend party communication, wherein the server apparatus 103 receives information designating terminal apparatuses 1052 to 1054 and a request seeking that the designated communication apparatuses attend the multipoint communication via a communication circuit, outputs inquiries PAI if the designated terminals intend to attend the multipoint communication via the communication circuit, and when receiving an answer PAA from the designated terminal apparatuses that they will attend said multipoint communication, controls the multipoint communication among a plurality of the terminal apparatuses including the designated communication apparatuses.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for providing a video preview as part of an electronic program guide in a Set-Top Box or other television receiver device. A listing of television programs is presented to a viewer, for example, in the form of a grid showing television programming as a function of time. When a command is transmitted by the viewer from a remote commander to initiate a preview of a specified program, the program is mapped to a video file containing a preview of the specified program. The video file may be stored in a local disc drive or at a service provider head end. The video file can then be played in a window of the electronic program guide to provide a preview of the specified program to the user.

Abstract: A plurality of information streams are transferred in a broadcast manner from a host device 205 connected to a LAN 204 in a switching station 200. A host device 101 at a subscriber site 100 is placed within the same network as the LAN 204, and then receives the streams transferred over a subscriber line 300. Each of the streams is assigned with a socket using a destination port number. The host device 101 receives in real time, stores, or discard the streams based on the definition of the sockets at the host device.

Abstract: A user is provided with a media services menu in response to user input. The media services menu may be displayed on a display device such as a television. User input may be provided via a remote control device. Information contained in or provided in connection with the media services menu is responsive to a user experience level, to one or more user determined settings, and/or to a lack of user input.

Abstract: A set-top electronics and network interface unit arrangement is connected to an internal digital network interconnecting devices in the home. The digital network operates on a single, nomodulated, baseband channel. Entertainment services are introduced into the network through network interface units that are coupled to an external network and to the internal network. The network interface units perform the necessary interfacing between the external and internal networks, and make the entertainment services available to all terminals connected to the internal network. Set-top electronics that are separate from the network interface units connect to the internal network and convert the information in the digital data stream for display, by a television, for example.

Abstract: A method of measuring quality of service includes receiving, from a content server, a transmission of a first media stream and comparing that first media stream with a second media stream that corresponds to the first media stream prior to transmission thereof. This comparison provides a basis for determining a quality of service of the transmission.

Abstract: A distributed broadcast system for receiving, processing, scheduling and broadcasting a wide variety of media objects is disclosed. The system comprises: a media object tracking system, a channel editing segment, a broadcast facility, and a plurality of end-user PCs. The media object tracking system receives media objects from a plurality of distinct sources and tracks their distribution, modification, and use. Associated with the media-object tracking system are a plurality of editing stations, where received media objects may be processed to create broadcast-ready material. The channel editing segment preferably comprises a plurality of channel editing centers (CECs) and one or more channel management centers (CMCs) which aggregate broadcast-ready media objects and schedule them for broadcast. Each scheduled media object is encoded in accordance with subscription information associated with the service to which the media object belongs.

Abstract: Requests are received for retrieving and storing data from and to a plurality of storage devices. A processor is designated for handling each request, based, e.g., on the load of each processor. A request for retrieving data is forwarded directly from the designated processor to the storage device via a switch. Responses from the storage devices are routed directly to the designated processor via the switch. The switch independently routes the request for retrieving data and the responses between the storage devices and the processor, based on directory information obtained by the processor. Data provided by a designated processor is stored on the storage devices via a switch. The switch independently routes the data to be stored directly from the designated processor to the storage devices, based on directory information created by the processor. Requests and responses are exchanged between the switch and the storage devices via at least one high speed network connected to the storage devices.

Abstract: A user model for interactive television systems organizes access devices into households, with each access device in a household being logical extensions of each other. Each household can have multiple user objects, with each user object having its own independent configuration of attributes and data. Other access devices (if any) in the household automatically receive the configuration information of a new or reconfigured user object without any further action by the user. When a user adds a new access device to the household, the new access device automatically receives the configuration information of user objects already existing in the household, without any further action by the user.

Abstract: Program production supporting component, transmission equipment controlling component, material creation managing component, and storing component are interconnected through a network, and managing component and exterior supporting component are connected to the network, thereby making it possible to realize a program production and transmission apparatus capable of efficiently execution creation of program component information with production information produced based on production schedule information, creation of a program progress table formed based on the program component information, and processing for editing and transmission based on the program progress table at timing as required.

Abstract: A communication system whereby media quality can be measured with high accuracy and can be properly reflected in the calculation of charges, thus making it possible to provide a high-efficiency information delivery service. Delivery unit controls the delivery of a media stream. Accounting control unit performs accounting control based on media quality information transmitted from a subscriber side, and authentication unit authenticates a device which is to receive the media stream. Receiving unit controls the reception of the media stream, and connection information management unit manages connection information for specifying the media stream. Media quality measurement control unit controls the measurement of media quality of the specified media stream, generates media quality information and transmits the media quality information to a station.