Abstract: The digital broadcast recording apparatus (100) includes a recording unit (160) for recording digital broadcast, a detection unit (170) for detecting a packet containing information regarding a portion permitted to be recorded from a stream of a program prohibited from being recorded in the digital broadcast, and a control unit (140) for controlling, when the recording unit (160) records the program prohibited from being recorded, the recording unit (160) to record the portion permitted to be recorded based on the information contained in the packet detected by the detection unit (170).

Abstract: A method to reduce bandwidth necessary for renewal of subscriptions for reception of broadcast services including: defining a plurality of sets of subscriber identification numbers, each set being associated with a product; splitting a set of subscriber identification numbers into groups of subscribers; searching for an available subscriber identification number related to the desired product at the time of initialization of a new subscriber; confirming that an inhibit duration has elapsed between the end of the previous subscription and the start of the new subscription; sending an initialization message to the new subscriber addressed with his unique identification address and containing the subscriber identification number of, and rights to, his product; preparing a group rights renewal message for the product to the group containing the subscriber identification number, this message comprising the group header containing this subscriber and a compressed bitmap allowing to individually address each of the

Abstract: A device and method for multiple access cards to interface to at least one integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) and methods for using the device. The interface device of the present invention contains multiple access card readers and houses multiple access cards. The device can switch between access cards based on pre-configured software that rotates the cards according to various conditions. In another embodiment, the device can simultaneously operate all the cards. The device can select one card for the IRD based on responses acquired for the various conditions. In addition, the present invention allows monitoring access card authorizations and blackout states in multiple IRDs. A single access card can be applied to more than one IRD simultaneously, and the IRDs can be different versions. In addition, the present invention provides a satellite broadcast center with the capability of testing multiple access cards in real time either sequentially, or in parallel, through multiple IRDs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of setting a channel are disclosed, wherein the method includes steps as follows. First, a channel is locked as a locked channel. Then, when the locked channel is switched to another channel, a screen is controlled to display information related to the locked channel, and first duration after the locked channel is switched to foresaid another channel is counted. Then, a prompting is performed when the first duration exceeds a first predetermined period.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, which facilitates a terminal to be used in further consideration of user's convenience. The present invention includes displaying a channel list in which receivable channels including at least one pay broadcast channel are listed, receiving a broadcast viewing authority for watching the pay broadcast channel from a broadcast viewing authority server via a broadcasting network or an internet network, storing the received broadcast viewing authority, and updating the stored broadcast viewing authority each time a broadcast mode is entered. Accordingly, when the broadcast viewing authority is updated in the mobile terminal to prevent illegal copying or piracy of the broadcast viewing authority, the terminal user needs not to temporarily stop viewing the corresponding broadcast. Moreover, each time the mobile terminal enters a broadcast mode, an old broadcast viewing authority is deactivated and a new broadcast viewing authority is received.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service access method, device, and system, and relates to the field of television services, to guarantee multicast security of a network device. The method includes: obtaining an authorized multicast address list according to program channel list information provided by a server; receiving an Internet Group Management Protocol IGMP packet request sent by a user terminal device, where the IGMP packet request carries a multicast address; verifying the multicast address in the IGMP packet request according to the multicast address list; and sending a media data stream corresponding to the verified multicast address to the user terminal device. The solutions of the present invention are suitable for realizing the security of multicast of network device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for implementing an interactive near video on demand (NVOD) channel. The present invention relates to the field of NVOD channels and can implement an interactive NVOD channel at a low operation cost. The method includes: sending NVOD program metadata to a user equipment; receiving a request for playing an NVOD program, where the playing request is sent by the user equipment and includes the NVOD program that a user selects from the NVOD program metadata through the user equipment; determining, according to the playing request, a next NVOD program to be played, and sending a media stream of the determined NVOD program in multicast/broadcast mode. The present invention is mainly applied to NVOD channels and may be applied to IMS-based IPTV systems.

Abstract: An electronic equipment control system including a plurality of pieces of electric equipments connected with one another through a network. A piece of electric equipment among the plurality of pieces of electric equipments comprises: a setting and inputting unit to set and input broadcast content setting information regarding view of a broadcast content; a broadcast content setting information storage unit to store the content setting information; a transmission unit to transmit the content setting information set and input by the setting and inputting unit to another piece of electric equipment connected to the network; a reception unit to receive the content setting information transmitted from another piece of electric equipment connected to the network; and an update unit to update the content setting information stored in the content setting information storage unit based on the content setting information received by the reception unit.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display, transmitter, memory, and a controller configured to recognize a first SIM card having a first SIM identification that identifies the first SIM card, and to receive access data having conditional broadcast access information via user input, the access data being associated with the first SIM identification. The controller is further configured to store the access data based upon the recognition of the first SIM card in the memory, cause the display to display received broadcast content in accordance with conditions specified by the access data, and delete the access data from the memory after the first SIM card is removed from the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A content delivery system headend is provided which includes a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend also includes an input for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions and a subscriber control unit. The subscriber control unit is configured to compare channel change requests received by the SDV manager from subscribers to a current subscription plan that specifies a pre-established set of channels to which the subscriber has previously subscribed. In this way tuning information for accessing channels specified in the channel change requests is only supplied if the channel change requests request channels included in the current subscription plan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a television broadcasting receiving apparatus which carries out a parental control based on rating information in a video/audio data included in a television broadcasting wave including a receiving unit to receive the television broadcasting wave, an auto preset unit to orderly tune channels in which a video/audio data of a program is viewable by scanning the television broadcasting wave, a rating table obtaining unit to obtain a rating table included in the television broadcasting wave when the channels in which the video/audio data of the program is viewable are orderly tuned by the auto preset unit, and a rating table storage unit to store the rating table obtained by the rating table obtaining unit.

Abstract: Firmware is installed in a cable modem, enabling detection of the presence or absence of a cable trap in the feed of a customer location. Such a cable modem includes a trap-detection module and a trap-detection object. The trap-detection module is configured to determine whether a video signal is present at a cable-television frequency. The trap-detection object is configured to store data as to whether the video signal is present. For example, a first piece of data is stored if the video signal is present, indicating absence of a properly functioning cable trap between a cable head-end and the cable modem. A second piece of data is stored if the video signal is absent, indicating presence of a properly functioning cable trap between the cable head-end and the cable modem.

Abstract: With a contents viewing and listening management method using a contents viewing and listening management apparatus, a viewing and listening request of a content is made for displaying a predetermined content. Information relating to users whose viewing and listening of the relevant predetermined content is restricted, and information relating to administrators who manage viewing and listening of a content by the users are managed. If restriction is set to a content relating to the viewing and listening request, a relevant user ID is obtained. Whether or not the requested is a content of which viewing and listening has been permitted by the administrator as to each of the users is determined. If the content of which the viewing and listening has been requested is not permitted, a message which requests permission for viewing and listening of the requested content is transmitted to a second terminal possessed by the administrator.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a table storage component, a viewing control acquisition component, a first determination component, a table acquisition component and a table updating component. The first determination component determines whether or not one of a following is satisfied: a column determination condition that a column number of a program viewing control information is greater than a first specific number of a first viewing control table, and a row determination condition that a row number of the program viewing control information is greater than a second specific number of the first viewing control table. The table acquisition component acquires a second viewing control table via a television broadcast when the first determination component determines that one of the column determination condition and the row determination condition is satisfied. The table updating component replaces the first viewing control table with the second viewing control table.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to broadcast advanced television system committee (ATSC) video in switched digital video (SDV) systems. An example SDV broadcast method includes de-multiplexing at least one program stream from at least one of a plurality of multiple program transport streams (MPTSs), and connecting at least one program stream to a SDV broadcast engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a private broadcast channel service, e.g., a virtual closed circuit television service, on packet networks such as Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. For example, a customer subscribes to the private broadcast channel service for a group having a plurality of confirmed members who have confirmed their desire to participate. The network service provider enables one or more of the group members to upload media content to the service provider's network. The service provider then broadcasts the uploaded media content to all the confirmed members such that each confirmed member may view the media content by simply tuning to the appropriate channel assigned for the private broadcast channel service.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to community access or cable television (CATV) signals and to in-home entertainment signals sharing a CATV distribution network. A low-pass filter is disclosed which can be used to restrict in-home entertainment signals that are using the CATV distribution network from leaving a subscriber premise network. The low-pass filter is placed at an entry port of a CATV subscriber premise network. The low-pass filter allows both upstream and downstream CATV signal frequency bands to enter and exit the subscriber premise network. The low-pass filter blocks signals in the in-home entertainment frequency band from exiting the subscriber premise network. The low-pass filter includes at least one LC resonant circuit element, and at least one mechanical resonant circuit element. The low-pass filter is sized small enough that it can fit in existing CATV equipment.

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: A system and method for determining entitlement to content residing on a server. A subscriber computing device operated by a subscriber generates a request for access to a requested content residing on a content access provider server. The subscriber has an account with a multi-channel video program distributor (MVPD) and the account comprises subscription information indicative of the services provided by the MVPD to the subscriber. The content request is received by the content access provider and forwarded to an entitlements server. The entitlement determines whether the subscriber is entitled to receive the requested content based on the subscription information and sends an access granted message to the content access provider server when the subscriber is entitled to receive the requested content.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the distribution and control of digital content such that Quality of Experience (QoE) is maintained. Content is protected from when the content is encrypted to when it is used. To ensure the QoE of particular content, a content owner embeds a list of required or preferred components that must be employed to render the content. The content owner's list of required or preferred components specifies specific components “trusted” to correctly process the content. The specified chain of preferred components is compared to possible devices in the system that processes the content. If there are multiple acceptable devices for a specific link, a preference system is employed to determine the device that executed the particular part of the chain. The preference system is based upon a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, performance characteristics, user preferences, expected stability, power requirements and system preferences.

Abstract: A media guidance application is provided by which users can view program listings associated with programming that the user may access using other user equipment devices. The media guidance application, implemented on, for example, a remote system, may determine through communications with television equipment whether or not the television equipment is authorized to provide a particular package of television programming to be viewed by the user. For example, an online program guide application may determine whether or not television equipment allows a user to view particular channels and, based on that determination, proceed to determine what packages of programming the user subscribes to. A customized program guide may then be displayed based on what programming the user subscribes to on various systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for blocking inappropriate or undesired media content. Commercials are reviewed and assigned ratings or other attributes. Metadata including one or more flags identifying a commercial's rating or other attribute is embedded or inserted into media guidance application data for the commercial or for the media content during which the commercial is to be displayed. The media guidance application data is then sent to a viewer's equipment. The equipment receives the media guidance application data, parses the data for the metadata, and then determines if the commercial can be displayed based on parental control restrictions set by a user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of setting a channel are disclosed, wherein the method includes steps as follows. First, a channel is locked as a locked channel. Then, when the locked channel is switched to another channel, a screen is controlled to display information related to the locked channel, and first duration after the locked channel is switched to foresaid another channel is counted. Then, a prompting is performed when the first duration exceeds a first predetermined period.

Abstract: Systems and methods to validate restriction event control streams sent to a video distribution system are provided. A particular method includes receiving a control stream from a content provider via a content proxy device. The control stream is associated with a restriction event and directs a media service delivery platform to associate a substitute service with a virtual network for at least one geographical region. The method also includes evaluating validity of the control stream based on content proxy information associated with the content proxy device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.

Abstract: A computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a computer configure blackout event data indicating at least one event criterion data for selecting client devices subject to the blackout event for restricted content data; configure client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event criterion data; configure at least one substitution event data table for the client device group; and send restricted content and the substitution event data table embedded in the restricted content data to each client device in the client device group.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for verifying an occurrence of a blackout event in a data distribution system, the system including but not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium; and computer program comprising instructions to receive restricted content data at the data distribution system; instructions to receive at the data distribution system, blackout event data indicating at least one criterion for selecting client devices subject to a blackout event for the restricted content data; instructions to place at the data distribution system, client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event data criterion; and instructions to correlate at the data distribution system, the blackout event data with the retune activity data to verify the occurrence of the blackout event in the client devices.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for transferring content authorization information between television receivers. Authorization information for content and features associated with a television receiver is securely stored on a portable storage device. The portable storage device may be moved and connected to a different television receiver in order to transfer the authorization information to the different television receiver. The other television receiver accesses information on the portable storage device and allows the user to access the content and features that are authorized on the home television receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multiple content channels and engagement scoring are disclosed.

Abstract: A multimedia content output apparatus for filtrating multimedia content signals according to audience age includes an image capturing element, an age identifying module and a control circuit. The control circuit receives an image signal and a content-classification identifying message. The image capturing element captures an audience image for the age identifying module to analyze the audience image and obtain an age identification value according to the audience's age. The control circuit loads plural age identification value ranges, and preset content-classification codes corresponding to each of the age identification value ranges. Then the control circuit determines whether the content-classification identifying message matches with the preset content-classification code corresponding to the age identification value range. If matched, the control circuit transforms the image signal as a display driving signal and outputs to a display unit for displaying images.

Abstract: a method for controlling child lock of an Internet protocol television and an electronic program guide server are disclosed. The method comprises: an electronic program guide (EPG) server providing a child lock setting interface for a user and receiving a child lock setting set by the user via the child lock setting interface; and after the EPG server receives information about demanding or changing to a predetermined channel from the user, the EPG server judging whether to directly play the predetermined channel for the user according to the child lock setting. The present invention is capable of conveniently achieving various child lock functions, and the implementation of this solution does not rely on the set top box of the user terminal and is applicable universally.

Abstract: A method for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. A playlist is received from a control server. One or more channel change control messages are sent to a client in accordance with a playlist. The one or more channel change control messages include tuning information for tuning to one or more programs or channels at times indicated in the playlist. An apparatus for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. The apparatus may be a content delivery system headend. The content delivery system headend system may have a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend may have an input for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for previewing broadcasting data on a mobile terminal are provided. When a user selected broadcast channel is an authority-restricted channel, data associated with the selected broadcast channel is output according to a presence or non-presence of a preview authority for the selected broadcast channel.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Access to media content is restricted. A message may be sent to a remote computer requesting access to the media content, wherein the message is based at least in part on user input. A response to the message may be received from the remote computer. It may be determined whether to provide access to the media content based on the response.

Abstract: A hybrid tuner, comprising multiple individual tuners having differing capabilities of receiving programs or channels of broadcast audio or video content, can be controlled by periodically determining the capabilities of each individual tuner to receive broadcast channels, storing such information into a guide database and then utilizing such information to select appropriate individual tuners to tune in desired programs. If the tuners that can receive a desired program are already in use, the program they are currently receiving can be switched to a different tuner to free up the tuner that can receive the desired program without interrupting the consumption of the program currently being received. When determining the capabilities of an individual tuner to receive a particular channel, one or more tokens associated with such a channel, and utilized to prevent unauthorized access to such a channel, can be obtained from the guide database and provided to the tuner.

Abstract: Users of portable devices may stream video content to the portable device based on an entitlement determination that includes determining the location of the portable device. A device may receive a request to authenticate the portable device to receive the streaming video content and determine whether the portable device is in a geographic location corresponding to a customer premise of an account associated with the portable device. The video content may be streamed when the portable device is in the geographic location corresponding to the customer premise.

Abstract: Video content is streamed to portable devices based on an entitlement determination that includes determining the location of the portable device. Channel listings available for the portable device may be filtered based on the determined entitlements. A device may determine an indication of a location of the portable device and determine entitlements defining which of the plurality of video content items are permitted to be viewed by the portable device, where the entitlements are determined based at least on the indication of the location of the portable device. The device may further transmit, to the portable device, a listing of the plurality of video content items, filtered based on those of the plurality of video content items that are permitted to be viewed by the portable device, as determined by the entitlements.

Abstract: A parental control method, including receiving a channel selection command from a user to select from a plurality of channels for playing, each of the channels having a plurality of programming content, performing a parental control procedure prior to allowing playing of the programming content of one of the channels, during at least one specific timeslot, and allowing playing of the programming content prior to performing a parental control procedure for at least one of the following the one channel outside of the at least one specific timeslot, and another one of the channels. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and transmitting method as well as a receiving apparatus and receiving method configured to be able to recognize only channel selection information for digital broadcasting that is viewable at the receiving end. A communication unit 79 transmits a viewing license and channel selection information to a receiving apparatus that receives digital broadcasting. The viewing license includes a license expiration date given as terms of use for content of digital broadcasting, and a scramble key for unlocking scrambling applied to content. The channel selection information is information related to digital broadcasting channel selection. The present invention can be applied to a server that communicates with a receiving terminal which receives digital broadcasting, for example.

Abstract: One or more of a topology location test and a distance test are applied to determine if a CPE device has moved in a cable plant. An indication of service fraud is provided if the CPE topology location or distance test indicate an unauthorized CPE device move.

Abstract: A channel-switching apparatus and method in a digital broadcasting system omits conditional access control in logical channel-switching in one physical channel from processes that are executed for channel-switching in a digital broadcasting system, thereby reducing channel-switching time.