Abstract: A data transport device for transporting a data stream, the device including: a data stream processing unit for receiving an input data stream including a plurality of data items, performing processing in dependence on the content of the items and forming an output data stream including at least some of the data items; and a data item injection unit including a memory for storing a plurality of injection data items and associated with each injection data item an injection action, and an injection processor arranged to retrieve the injection action for each of the injection data items in turn and in dependence on the retrieved injection action to inject the associated injection data item into the output data stream.

Abstract: A cable modem is used for supporting a multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) standard and a data over cable service interface specification (Docsis) standard. The cable modem includes a first terminal coupled to the coaxial cable, a second terminal, a downstream processing circuit for the Docsis standard coupled to the second terminal, and a band pass filter coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal. The band pass filter receives a downstream signal with a plurality of television channel signals and a MoCA standard system signal from the coaxial cable via the first terminal, passes through and transmits the television channel signals of the downstream signal to the downstream processing circuit to be processed, and rejects a MoCA standard system signal of the downstream signal to prevent it from entering the downstream processing circuit.

Abstract: An addressable optical network interface unit includes an optical input and a radio frequency output. The unit also includes an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit that converts optical signals received at the optical input into radio frequency signals, a directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the optical-to-electrical conversion circuit and a radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a first output of the directional coupler. The radio frequency receiver receives radio frequency signals input through the optical input. The unit also includes a controller that is coupled to the radio frequency receiver, and a filter circuit that is coupled to a second output of the directional coupler. The filter circuit includes multiple signal paths that filter out signals in different frequency ranges. Switches are provided that select one of the signal paths through the filter circuit. These switches are controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus are described for facilitating the collection of data from television receivers. First and second television receivers exchange data over a wireless communication link. The first television receiver transmits the data received from the second television receiver to a data collection system associated with a television provider. The data collection system processes the received data to analyze the operation of the second television receiver.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus can be used to provide adaptive power control in CATV systems. In various examples, adaptive power control can adjust the power output to amplifiers based upon the load of a communication signal being amplified. The power output can be calculated to maintain specified performance levels for amplification of the communication signal.

Abstract: A downstream bandwidth conditioning device includes a forward path. A coupler is connected within the forward path providing a secondary path. A tuner connected to the coupler is tunable based on an input from a microprocessor. The tuner provides a tuner output of a selected channel, the selected channel being at least one high frequency channel and one low frequency channel. A channel analyzer connected to an output of the tuner provides the microprocessor with a modulation output that differs when the selected channel is an analog modulation versus a digital modulation. A slope adjustment circuit connected within the forward path between the coupler and the supplier side connector is adjustable based on an slope control output provided by the microprocessor. An output compensation circuit connected within the forward signal path between the coupler and the supplier side connector is adjustable based on a level control output from the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system and method for providing video signals wherein the video signals from a single video source may be separately passed over two different transmission paths. Each transmission path includes an encoder, a communications channel and a decoder. The output of each communications path at the decoder provides the video signals and an alarm signal. The alarm signal indicates an error or disruption of the video signals over the corresponding communications path. The outputted video and alarm signals are provided to a video protection switch (VPS) device which provides the video signal from the second transmission path if the alarm signals indicates an error or disruption in the first transmission path. In one embodiment, the VPS has multiple switches, one for each of plural video sources, and a redundant switch and protection ports. The redundant switch and protection ports may be connected to receive the video and alarm signals if one of the switches in the VPS fails.

Abstract: A distortion-cancellation method for analog CATV or QAM transmission over cable is provided wherein a single feedback path from the output of a multiple-channel multiple-port upconverter/modulator is down-converted and used to reduce or cancel undesirable noise components including LO leakage, spurious, and modulated noise. The method allows for real-time monitoring, tuning, or control of the CATV/QAM output and of interfering signals and aging effects as compared to a desired performance metric.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for affordably distributing cable communication signals at greatly reduced power consumption levels with high signal quality with an active tap having gain stage characterized by low power (less than 1 Watt), low noise figure (less than 3 dB), high bandwidth (typically DC-2 GHz), and high gain (at least 15 dBmV).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and method for attenuating intermodulation interference. In particular, methods and systems to attenuate intermodulation interference contained within an aggregate signal having a transmitted signal that was transmitted over a communications channel having channel effects that produce the intermodulation interference are provided. The communications channel may be a cable television distribution network and the signal may be a cable television signal. A method is provided to predict when intermodulation interference will be large, so that actions within a receiver can be taken to reduce the impact of the interference and improve overall receiver performance.

Abstract: For a playing experience in a computer game that more accurately captures the experience of professional football or another sport, it would be advantageous to be able to hide from an opponent a selected player formation and play selection until the play actually begins. Similarly, in other computer games such as war games and role-playing games, it is desirable to be able to hide from other players certain properties—e.g., equipment, disposition of forces, etc.—held by each player while making this information available to the player holding these properties. In the present invention, a signal processor is inserted in the link between the game console and the television set and auxiliary displays are provided that are visible only to individual players. The signal processor detects certain frames containing information that should not be displayed to all players, removes that information from the signal to the television set and displays it instead on the appropriate auxiliary display.

Abstract: A system for locating an impairment in a coaxial cable network comprises an encoder, an impairment detector, and a decoder. The encoder couples to the network at a predetermined encoding point, upstream of the impairment. The encoder automatically encodes an identification code on a signal originating downstream of the encoding point and associated with the impairment. The impairment detector couples to the network at an access point, upstream from the encoding point, and receives signals from the network. The detector is adapted to detect from the received signals the signal associated with the impairment and generate a detected version of the signal. The decoder is adapted to decode the identification code from the detected version of the impairment signal. Once the identification code is determined, the encoder and encoding point are identified, and the location of the impairment is determine to be downstream of the encoding point.

Abstract: Even if high speed are available between the router and the multimedia unit through the IP line (up to 24 Mbits/sec), this is still the bottleneck in term of data transfer. Indeed in practice the vast majority of IP users have access speed between 2 to 5 Mbits/sec and the development of other services (telephony, videoconference, push VOD, game) are bandwidth consuming. It is now an object of the invention to propose a solution to reduce the data flow between the router and the multimedia unit over IP line.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter connects to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are communicated between passive and active ports of the entry adapter through a pair of directional couplers which allow a MoCA-enabled embedded multimedia device (eMTA) at the passive port to communicate with multimedia devices of the MoCA network connected to the active ports.

Abstract: An image processing method and its associated image processing circuit for processing an image based on a sequential couleur avec memoire (SECAM) system are provided. The image includes a first pixel, a second pixel and a third pixel, which are successively arranged in a same vertical line and are respectively corresponding to a first image signal and a second image signal and a third image signal. The image processing method includes steps of calculating a chroma signal via a vertical filtering process according to the first image signal, the second image signal and the third image signal; calculating a chroma angular frequency via a frequency modulation process according to the chroma signal; and generating a chromaticity according to the chroma angular frequency.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an in-home network for passively communicating multimedia content or information from the CATV network and between subscriber devices connected to the ports of the CATV entry adapter, using CATV signals in a CATV frequency band and network signals in a different in-home network band.

Abstract: A streaming device may broadcast multimedia content, such as television signals, to electronic devices in a customer premises. The device may include a tuner to receive a signal, corresponding to a number of television channels, and to extract a second signal corresponding to a selected channel. The device may include a media processor to transcode the extracted signal to a second encoded format. The device may further authenticate a destination device as a destination device that is authorized to receive at least some of the television channels, and receive, from the destination device, channel selection information that identifies the selected channel. The device may further include a communication interface to transmit the signal, in the second encoded format, to the destination device.

Abstract: RF signal amplifiers for cable television networks are provided that include an RF input port. a power amplifier coupled to the RF input port and a power divider having an input that is coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The power divider includes a first directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The directional coupler includes a first output branch and a second output branch. A first bypass circuit is coupled between the first and second output branches of the first directional coupler. A response of the power divider includes a null that substantially blocks signals received at the input of the power divider from passing to outputs of the power divider in a subset of frequencies within the range of 5 MHz to 1550 MHz. These RF signal amplifiers may provide improved performance, robustness and reliability when used in MOCA networks.

Abstract: A network module receives network global positioning system (GPS) signals and that transmits a video signal to a remote device that includes time stamps that are based on the network GPS signals. The network module receives a device parameter from the remote device that indicates that local GPS signals are available to the remote device. The network module reduces a frequency of the time stamps when the device parameter indicates that local GPS signals are available to the remote device.

Abstract: A source of video data may be coupled to a plurality of sinks using a wireless branch device with more than one connector. Numbers may be assigned to the connectors in a sequence depending on the wireless technology used by each connector. Examples of wireless technologies include DisplayPort, HDMI, and Wireless Gigabit Alliance. Sinks coupled to the branch device are interrogated to determine the number of connectors and each connector's wireless technology.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an in-home network for passively communicating multimedia content or information from the CATV network and between subscriber devices connected to the ports of the CATV entry adapter, using CATV signals in a CATV frequency band and network signals in a different in-home network band.

Abstract: A communication system for accessing media items via a display device. A receiver is coupled to the display device and a transmitter is coupled to a computer system. Media items stored locally on the computer system and/or remotely on a remote server may be wirelessly transferred from the transmitter to the receiver for display on the display device. In addition, the transmitter and the receiver may be pre-paired prior to delivery to the user, allowing for the network to be configured without any user input. Advantageously, embodiments provide a user with the ability to conveniently view content stored on a computer or a web server without the user having to perform any wireless network setup procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide automatic compensation for frequency attenuation of a video signal transmitted over a cable are provided. Frequency compensation is applied to a received video signal that was transmitted over the cable to thereby produce a compensated video signal. A shape of a horizontal sync portion of the compensated video signal is analyzed. The frequency compensation is automatically adjusted based on the shape of the horizontal sync portion of the compensated video signal. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection between a video display equipment (such as a set-top box) having an analog modem and a remote computer. The translation apparatus receives a connection initiation request from the video display apparatus and responsive to the connection initiation request establishes a modem connection with the video display apparatus. The translation apparatus further receives communication data from the video display apparatus via the modem connection and transmits the communication data to the remote computing apparatus via a packet-based network. The translation apparatus can also receive communication data from the remote computer and relay the same to the video display apparatus. The connection can be established upon powering up of the video display apparatus, upon loading of an Interactive TV application or upon other pre-determined event. The connection can be maintained “always-on” or substantially “always-on”.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor that includes a memory and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller can be programmed to receive media content from a set top box where the set top box is a separate device from the media processor and where the media content includes video content. The controller can also be programmed to receive supplemental content from a mobile communication device where the supplemental content is based on reading of a two dimensional bar code by the mobile communication device, and where the supplemental content comprises an image. The controller can further be programmed to generate augmented content by overlaying the supplemental content with the media content and to provide the augmented content to a display device for presentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a band rejection filter. The band rejection filter includes a first signal transmission channel called a direct channel and a second signal transmission channel called a secondary channel. The direct channel and the secondary channel being designed to introduce at a first rejection frequency a phase difference of 180° between the signal circulating via the direct channel and the signal circulating via the secondary channel. Additionally, the secondary channel includes a filtering element for which the cut-off frequency is different from the first rejection frequency in a way to create a second rejection frequency.

Abstract: A method for processing an input signal is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input signal. The method also includes applying a first transfer function to the input signal to produce a first signal, wherein the first transfer function exhibits a high pass characteristic. The method further includes applying a second transfer function to the input signal to produce a second signal, the second transfer function exhibiting a low pass characteristic.

Abstract: To improve transmission of digital broadcast information, there is proposed a method of transmitting digital broadcast information from a main transmitter (12) to at least one repeater (14). There is generated a composite digital broadcast signal carrying first digital broadcast information according to a first digital broadcast specification (DVB-T) and second digital broadcast information according to a second digital broadcast specification (DVB-H). The composite digital broadcast is then broadcasted such that the second digital broadcast information (DVB-H) is sent in a transmission mode used for transmission of the first digital broadcast information (DVB-T).

Abstract: Protocol conversion based on a communication protocol and data modulation based on a communication method are performed, in advance, on desired transmission data by a host device, which is an external device. Then, the converted data will be written to a memory in a transmitting device. According to a transmission command from an input section, a logical device reads out the converted data stored in the memory, and then outputs the read data from a transmitting section.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are bypassed around the CATV communication paths within the entry adapter to maintain adequate signal strength and to allow a passive port of the entry adapter to be used as part of the MoCA network. MoCA signals are suppressed from exiting the CATV entry adapter onto the CATV network.

Abstract: An optical network system including an OLT and ONUs is provided that can prevent the loss of a multicast signal. When receiving an encryption key generation request from the OLT, the ONU generates an encryption key, and transmits the generated encryption key to the OLT. When receiving a notice of timing from the OLT, the ONU updates the encryption key of a belonging group. When receiving a report message from a STB through the ONU, the OLT analyzes the report message, stores a group that the STB belongs to as well as the ONU in a second table, and transmits the encryption key generation request to the ONU. When receiving the encryption key from the ONU, the OLT further stores the encryption key in the second table, and transmits to the ONU a notice of the timing in which the encryption key is valid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a relay apparatus for transmitting ancillary data and to a method for same, and particularly, to a relay apparatus for transmitting ancillary data for a terrestrial digital television broadcast and to a method for same.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller operable to receive signaling information from a local resource manager (LRM) identifying a recipient media processor (RMP) and describing at least one media characteristic of media content selected by an initiating media processor (IMP) to be presented at the RMP, determine a location of the RMP and a media capability of the RMP, compare the media capability of the RMP to the at least one media characteristic of the media content, determine a media configuration of at least one network element in an interactive television network based on the comparison, configure at least one network element of a virtual private network (VPN) based on the media configuration, and transmit signaling information to the LRM to enable the IMP to present the media content at the RMP over the VPN. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Addressable tap units for a cable television network include a radio frequency input and a radio frequency output. These tap units may further include a radio frequency receiver that is configured to receive a radio frequency signal input at the radio frequency input. A filter circuit, which may be a plug-in filter circuit, is coupled between the radio frequency input and the radio frequency output. The filter circuit includes at least one filter that filters out signals in one or more frequency bands. The tap units also may include a plurality of switches that select one of a plurality of signal paths through the filter circuit. The plurality of switches may be controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal. The tap unit may also include an alternate radio frequency path that bypasses the plug-in filter module so that signals incident at the radio frequency input traverse the alternate radio frequency path if the plug-in filter module is not installed in the addressable tap unit.

Abstract: Automatically recovering from broken network connections in streaming media scenarios. Server software executing on the server communicates with client software executing on the client during the streaming media session. If the streaming media session is interrupted, the server software and the client software exchange messages to associate the client with a client state stored by the server and to re-synchronize playback of the content.

Abstract: A TV function extension assembly is electrically connected with a core circuit of a display apparatus through a gold finger connector. It comprises a function extension module, an external interface, and a memory. The function extension module is connected with the core circuit of the display apparatus through the gold finger connector for mutual communication and data communication. The external interface is connected between the function module and an external device or external network to enable mutual communication and data transmission between the function extension module and the external device or external network. The memory is connected with the function extension module to store data transmitted by the function extension module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video signal transmission apparatus including: an optical transmitter that uni-directionally transmits video data from a video source; an optical receiver that receives the video data and outputs the received video data to a sink device; a first transmission medium that transmits the video data at a high speed; a second transmission medium that transmits identification information for identifying the sink device at a low speed; an identification information acquisition control section that acquires the identification information from the sink device; a storage section that stores general-purpose identification information used for plural types of sink devices; a acquisition possibility determination section that determines whether the identification information can be acquired from the sink device; and a general-purpose identification information reply control section that replies the stored general-purpose identification information to the video source device if determined th

Abstract: An audio video matrix switch with automatic line length signal compensator provides for the determination of the line length and an automatic compensation signal to be generated, and for that compensation signal to be used to provide an equalizing gain to the transmitted signal thereby providing a higher quality signal to the output device. A system of the present invention includes a matrix switch assembly receiving inputs from a plurality of audio and video signal sources, and a plurality of audio and video output device. Each of the video output devices is equipped with a differential signal receiver and equalizer module which receives a routed signal from the matrix switch, determines the cable length, and provides a compensation signal to the audio and video signals to compensate for the cable length, and provides that compensated signal to an output device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a reconfigurable pattern filtering engine may include assembling a hardware filter from a plurality of minimum length hardware filters. A length of the assembled hardware filter may vary in multiples of a length of one of the minimum length hardware filters. The assembled hardware filter and the minimum length hardware filters may be integrated within a single chip. Specific messages in the data stream may be filtered using the assembled hardware filter. The assembled hardware filter may use at least one filter coefficient, an inclusion mask, and an exclusion mask to filter messages. At least a portion of the filtered messages may be stored in memory via direct memory access transfers.

Abstract: A video signal transceiver has a triax port, a baseband port, a demodulator for converting a HF video signal received at said triax port into a baseband video signal for outputting at said baseband port and at least one modulator for converting a baseband control signal received at said baseband port into a HF control signal for outputting at said triax port, a fibre-optical port, an optical receiver for converting an optical video signal received at said fibre-optical port into a baseband video signal, a switch for connecting either an output of said demodulator or of said optical receiver to a video signal line of said baseband port, and an optical transmitter for transmitting, via said fibre-optical port, an optical control signal derived from said baseband control signal.

Abstract: A downstream bandwidth output level and/or output level tilt compensation device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tuner that identifies low and high band signal channels, and a channel analyzer that determines a format of each of those channels. A signal measurement measures low and high band signal strengths. An offset circuit adds or subtracts an offset value to the low and/or high band channel signal strengths depending on whether the respective channel is analog or digital. A microprocessor compares the low and high band signal strengths, including any offset values, to a predetermined signal strength loss curve. A variable output level compensation device and a variable slope adjusting circuit are provided to amplify and adjust the gain slope of the downstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A high definition video transmitter and receiver are disclosed. The transmitter provides high definition video to a one-point receiver or to multipoint receivers. The transmission network is asynchronous and the receiver re-synchronizes the video. The transmission can be wired or wireless.

Abstract: A cost-efficient digital CATV network to improve signal quality, provide reliability, and offer the ability to meet demands for interactive services is described. Analog or digital video downstream channels are converted to a digital format by a digital headend transmitter. Relatively costly error-encoding for digital video channels is also part of the digital headend transmitter. Downstream analog and digital video channels in the digital format are transmitted using time-division multiplex technology from a headend to nodes using standard network protocols, such as SONET. Standard network protocols provide error-monitoring and status indication of transmit data, thus ensuring high signal quality and reliability. Time-division multiplexing facilitates easy adding or dropping of information to a transmit path. Flexibility to add or drop information is critical in providing interactive services. Data from interactive services can be added or dropped at points of presence throughout the digital CATV network.

Abstract: There are provided a method, a system and machine-readable medium for encoding a video broadcast. The method includes obtaining one or more first compression settings for the video broadcast from an electronic program guide (EPG), the EPG associating the video broadcast with the one or more first compression settings. The method further includes compressing the video broadcast using the one or more first compression settings into a distribution broadcast. Yet further, the method includes distributing the distribution broadcast. There is also provided a method, system and machine readable medium to provide compression settings for encoding a video broadcast. The method includes inserting one or more compression settings into an electronic program guide (EPG) in association with the video broadcast based on a content type of the video broadcast. The method further includes distributing the EPG.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using a front internal dual band television antenna or a pair of internal dual band antennas for a portable entertainment module having a housing and a display screen. A front spiral antenna is embedded in the housing around the periphery of the display screen and is tuned to compensate for the influence nearby components. A rear logo-periodic antenna is located inside the rear of the housing and is modified to have various environmental openings to fit around existing components, vents and structures in the housing. Any pair of different antenna architectures could be used.

Abstract: A modular interface allows new functionalities to be added to a television receiver. A module can be added to the television receiver through the interface that will enable additional functionalities on the television. The interface allows copy protection of digital video and audio content by incorporating HDCP technology, thereby also allowing the manufacturer of the interface to control the access to the interface.

Abstract: Digital Visual Interface (DVI), or High Definition Multi-media Interface (HDMI), data is received from a source and sent to a transmitter chip that includes a transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) receiver that outputs a 3-data and 1-clock physical signaling stream representing the DVI or HDMI data. This stream is rendered into I and Q data by an ASIC or FPGA and sent to a wireless transmitter for modulation, upconverting, and transmission to, e.g., a nearby display device without ever rendering the data into baseband video on the transmitter chip. The display device has a receiver chip that is essentially the inverse of the transmitter chip.

Abstract: A video transmission system includes a network module that receives network global positioning system (GPS) signals and that transmits a video signal to a remote device that includes time stamps that are based on the network GPS data. A remote device receives the video signal and that plays the video signal based on local timing generated from local GPS signals.

Abstract: An improved interactive network system is provided that allows the Network Operator to control the transfer of information to and from the network end users, the system preferably using triggers or markers embedded within the programming broadcast to users via the network. As a consequence of this system, the Network Operator is able to efficiently garner revenues from third parties transacting business over the network and to control the look and feel of programming offered to network users. Additionally the system can be used as a means of limiting network access, filtering programming, providing on-screen graphics or audible signals for particular programming types or providers, bookmarking programming, profiling network users, targeting advertising, and simplifying network transactions.

Abstract: A method for dynamically configuring a network component to reroute media streams is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request for content from a first network connected component and determining a type of media service needed for at least a portion of the content. Moreover, the method includes configuring a network data relaying component to forward at least a portion of the content from a second network connected component to a third network connected component.