Abstract: A method of verifying a blackout event is disclosed that includes receiving blackout event data from an event log database of a video distribution platform at a subscriber event transmission interface (SETI) communicating with an electronic data warehouse (EDW) system. The method also includes creating at least one EDW load-ready file that includes at least a portion of the blackout event data.

Abstract: Methods and systems to authorize devices and/or perform other actions based on identifying content distributors are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems access video content playing at a client device, calculate fingerprints of a portion of the video content, identify a distributor of the video content based on the fingerprints, and perform an action in response to the identification of the distributor of the video content, such as actions to authorize the client device or other associated devices (e.g., second screens) to receive content from the distributor, actions to present sponsored content to the client device or associated devices, and so on.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing packetized content to users via a bandwidth-optimized network. In one embodiment, legacy and IPTV streams are carried over the same switched digital infrastructure, and freely intermixed without regard to their encoding or type. A user's selection for IPTV content is transmitted to an IP proxy (such as a gateway apparatus or a headend server), then on to the switched digital server which causes provision of the requested content back to the proxy for formatting. The formatted content is then delivered to the requesting IP-capable device. The entire carrier class program stream is therefore available as IP-encapsulated content to the IP capable devices (and as legacy content to legacy devices) without any significant modifications to the network infrastructure or bandwidth penalty.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method and a system. The method includes receiving a first media stream, in a first network device from a remote network device, using a first network protocol. The may method include converting the first media stream in real-time to a second media stream according to a second network protocol and transmitting the second media stream to a user device. The method may include receiving a first trick-mode command according to a first trick-mode protocol from the user device, wherein the first trick-mode command includes rewind, fast forward, or pause. The method may include converting the first trick-mode command into a second trick-mode command according to a second trick-mode protocol and transmitting the second trick-mode command to the remote network device.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for controlling digital film play-count and a system thereof, wherein a play-count parameter is added into a KDM file where a key delivery message used for controlling film play is embedded, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film, setting RSA key abstracts of an FDM packager of all authorized contracting film producers, safely importing the KDM and play-count into a security module, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film. The film is not permitted to play unless existing play-count is less than the authorized play-count in the FDM. The invention fulfills the requirements and demands for controlling the distribution and playback of digital films in the second-tier market using technologies such as the authorized play-count and a method to charge on the basis of play-count.

Abstract: A system for pipelined encryption and packetization of audio video (AV) data may consecutively encrypt a number of AV data units based on a security mechanism, associate the encrypted AV data units with a security header, where the security header is generated before the AV data units are encrypted, and the security header includes information related to the security mechanism, generate network packets for transporting the encrypted AV data units and the associated security header based at least in part on an order in which the AV data units are encrypted, where one or more of the network packets is generated contemporaneous with encrypting one or more of the AV data units, and provide the network packets for transport to a client device as the packets are generated, where the AV data units are encrypted and the network packets are generated without accessing memory external to the system.

Abstract: A system includes a video-on-demand server and an authentication server. The video-on-demand server is configured to provide video-on-demand content through a broadband connection to a set-top box device. The authentication server is in communication with the video-on-demand server. The authentication server is configured to receive a request to allow access to a video-on-demand package that includes the video-on-demand content, to determine if a user is currently authorized to constantly receive a broadcast package that includes a plurality of broadcast channels related to the video-on-demand content, and to authorize a broadcast channel in the broadcast package when not currently authorized to receive the broadcast package.

Abstract: A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving a current request from a user for first video information. Such a request may, for example, be received with a user interface module. A first video stream and a second video stream may be received simultaneously, where the first video stream comprises the first video information currently requested by the user, and the second video stream comprises second video information not currently requested by the user. A video receiver module may, for example, perform such receiving. The first video stream may be processed to present the first video information to the user at the current time. Further, the second video stream may be pre-processed in preparation for being presented to the user in the future. A video processing module may, for example, perform such video stream processing.

Abstract: A placeshifting device handles content from a media source (e.g., a set-top box) that might incorporate a form of copy-protection such as HDCP. In one case, when a placeshifting mode is entered (as opposed to a pass-through mode), the copy-protection capability of the interface (e.g., an HDMI interface) is simply disabled. In another case in which the media source includes a copy protection “flag” or the like that can be interrogated by the placeshifting device, the placeshifting device determines whether the media source copy-protection is enabled, and only then disables the copy-protection capability of the interface. In another case in which selectable output control (SOC) is available in the media source, the placeshifting device determines whether alternate interfaces are available (e.g., component video, composite video, and the like), and if so, disables the interface having copy-protection capability.

Abstract: The concept of profiling the STB (01) through the Smart Cards (02) as per the service provider specific requirements makes towards interoperability. Smart cards (02) are embedded with greater operator specific intelligence. The scheme used in the present invention mainly focuses on downloading of profiling data from smart card (02) to the STB (01) and pushing CAS implementation fully from STB to Smart card (02).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for controlling digital film play-count and a system thereof, wherein a play-count parameter is added into a KDM file where a key delivery message used for controlling film play is embedded, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film, setting RSA key abstracts of an FDM packager of all authorized contracting film producers, safely importing the KDM and play-count into a security module, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film. The film is not permitted to play unless existing play-count is less than the authorized play-count in the FDM. The invention fulfills the requirements and demands for controlling the distribution and playback of digital films in the second-tier market using technologies such as the authorized play-count and a method to charge on the basis of play-count.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system for providing secure distribution of video-on-demand content. The interactive information distribution system includes at least one programming source for storing at least one partially encrypted video program, and a distribution center including a remote server. The remote server stores the at least one partially encrypted video program received from the at least one programming source. The remote server also processes the partially encrypted video program corresponding to a subscriber requested video program to produce a fully encrypted video program. A subscriber-side distribution network, coupled to the distribution center, causes transmission of the fully encrypted video program to the requesting subscriber.

Abstract: Two or more set-top boxes are installed in a household. A communications link, preferably a physical link, is provided between or among the set-top boxes. One of the boxes is designated as a “master” box while the other box or boxes are “slaves.” The slave box will use the communications link to communicate in a secured and encrypted manner with the master box. If that communication is severed, e.g., if an attempt is made to move the slave box to another household to provide unauthorized service in that household, the slave box will stop working when it can no longer communicate with the master box.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adding or extracting metadata for video streams. The system receives a video stream compressed according to a video encoding standard, and generates a packet for transmission across a packet-switched network. The system inserts at least one compressed segment of the video stream into a payload of the packet. The system also receives metadata that describes content within the video stream and is not compressed according to the standard, inserts the metadata into the packet without compressing the metadata according to the standard, and transmits the packet across the packet-switched network to a target device.

Abstract: A wireless receiver, in the form of a mobile telephone, includes a DAB receiver and a GSM/GPRS transceiver which enables bi-directional point-to-point data communications via a service provider. The DAB receiver is arranged to receive media data from an over-the-air broadcast channel, the media data primarily representing television and radio streams. In order that the streams can be decoded and decrypted by media playing software on the wireless receiver, a provisioning operation is employed to provide NSC header files and DRM licenses to users in response to them making content requests. The header files and licenses are sent over a separate data channel and in advance of the broadcast content.

Abstract: An audio/video content receiver configured to receive media content by a broadcast data path, the media content includes a host module having a tuner configured to assign logical channel indices to media channels to allow selection, at the host module, of the media channels for reproduction by selecting the corresponding logical channel index, the host module storing channel association data associating the logical channel indices with the received media channels. A removable conditional access module (CAM) includes an access controller decoding access-controlled encoded broadcast content, the host module and the removable CAM to provide an encrypted communication link for decoded access-controlled encoded broadcast content between the CAM and the host module. The host module includes a detector configured to detect a conflict of logical channel index between the channel association data acquired by the host from the broadcast data path and the channel association data provided by the CAM.

Abstract: A method of processing broadcast data includes: performing RS encoding and CRC encoding on mobile service data to generate an RS frame belonging to an ensemble including a signaling information table including access information of the mobile service data and identification information for identifying a stream where keys to decrypt the mobile service data are obtained; mapping a portion of data in the RS frame to a group including known data sequences, FIC data, and TPC data, wherein the FIC data includes information for rapid mobile service acquisition, and the TPC data includes FIC version information for indicating an update of the FIC data; and transmitting a broadcast signal including the group. The group further includes data blocks. First, fourth, fifth and sixth known data sequences are inserted into third, fifth, sixth and seventh data blocks, respectively. Second and third known data sequences are inserted into a fourth data block.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device which automatically detects whether digital channels are scrambled according to a command and a method for searching channels thereof are provided. The broadcast receiving device includes a channel map storage unit which stores broadcast channel data regarding broadcast channel, an input unit which receives a command, and a channel searching unit which scans digital channels among the broadcast channel data according to the command and detects whether the digital channels are scrambled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to identification and handling of data streams using coded preambles. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an interface with a communication channel, transmitter coupled with the interface to transmit one or more data streams via the interface, and a processing element, the processing element to receive one or more data streams for transmission. Upon receiving multiple data streams for transmission of a first type of data, including a first data stream and a second data stream for transmission of the first type of data, the processing element is to select a first preamble for the first data stream and a second preamble for the second data stream, where the first preamble is distinguishable from the second preamble.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate the provisioning of data and video services to client devices using communication standards and/or protocols that are not compatible with corresponding CPE device(s). An IPTV adapter can be embedded in a CPE device, can be connected to a CPE device, or can be a stand-alone device, and the tuning adapter can translate/reformat communications between client devices and an upstream component and/or content server. The IPTV adapter can support various communication standards and protocols.

Abstract: Various arrangements for descrambling multiple television channels concurrently are presented. A set-top box may receive a first plurality of television channels as scrambled data packets. A previously-received locally-stored networking information table may be accessed that associates each of the multiple television channels with the same entitlement control message, as indicated by a packet identifier. An entitlement control message having the same packet identifier may be received. A smartcard may be used to decrypt the entitlement control message having the same packet identifier to obtain a first control word and a second control word. Scrambled data packets corresponding to the multiple television channels may be descrambled using the first control word and the second control word. These television channels may be stored and/or output for presentation by the set-top box.

Abstract: A security processor may be embedded within a digital cable ready (DCR) digital TV (DTV) system-on-chip to performing content protection operations during digital TV signal processing. The embedded security processor may be used to perform operations that are currently performed by an external entity, such as, for an example, a CableCard. The embedded security processor maybe configured to use a conditional access function including, but not limited to, CableLabs® Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS) based function. The security processor may be reprogrammable to enable the system-on-chip to be reconfigured with a different function and/or to allow operation with a new cable service provider. The security processor may enable secure reprogrammability of the system-on-chip utilizing security algorithms and/or other mechanisms including use of chip-specific identification information. The SoC may be enabled to operate with a CableCard whenever the security processor may be disabled.

Abstract: A home entertainment system that employs DRM (Data Rights Management) data protected multimedia programs and rights management component (RMC), with corresponding hardware and software systems incorporated in to home entertainment systems, to protect rights of the media program providers and the users. The system employs STB (Set Top Box) as a hub. The rights management component is incorporated in to the set top box (STB Circuitry), as well as some of the media devices. Three operational scenarios are envisaged regarding the home entertainment system. The first operational scenario involves a remote media source and the media device interaction via STB Circuitry; where as the STB Circuitry performs the duty of a mediator. The second operational scenario involves remote media source and the media device interaction via STB Circuitry, where as the STB Circuitry having rights to reissue licenses to media players.

Abstract: A method of operation of an audio/video content receiver having a content decoder capable of decoding an audio/video programme from a packetized data stream by using data packets defining decryption information comprises the steps of: receiving encoded audio/video content as a packetized data stream comprising one or more programmes having data packets identified by respective sets of one or more packet identifiers and comprising identification data mapping programmes to respective sets of the packet identifiers; selecting data packets from the packetized data stream for a required programme according to the set of packet identifiers defined by the identification data for that stream in respect of the required programme; selecting further data packets from the packetized data stream from which a programme is selected which have packet identifiers not included in the identification data for that packetized data stream; generating a composite packetized data stream from the selected packets; generating composit

Abstract: A method for identifying of at least an identifier of a conditional access card used in a control word redistribution system by passing information over a side channel, said method comprising a modification step of the response time, of the card, to a control word request, according to a predefined function which depends on the identifier of the said cards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image encrypting/decrypting system and method devised in such a way that: a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving moving images share a seed for encrypting and decrypting the moving images; the transmitter transmits moving images after encrypting the moving images by dividing them into segment units and mixing the time sequencing of the images in each of the segments in accordance with a random number generated by means of the seed; and the receiver decrypts the moving images which it receives, by sorting them in segment units and then restoring the time sequencing of the images in each of the segments in accordance with the random number generated by means of the seed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for enabling a customer to sample content and select content for purchasing while the customer is in a retail store. Advantageously, the customer may be given one or more options for the delivery of the content.

Abstract: Disclosed are a network protocol for contents protection in a digital cable broadcasting service and a conditional access system using the protocol. A method for renewing conditional access client software (CACS) by a conditional access module in a renewable conditional access system (RCAS) may include: receiving an RCAS announcement message from a headend; transmitting to the headend a key registration request message for requesting an authorization key when the RCAS announcement message is authenticated; receiving a key registration response message including the authorization key from the headend; and generating security factors based on the authorization key and renewing the CACS by using the security factors.

Abstract: This system provides wired and/or wireless access throughout a multimedia network built on a distributed architecture which can be transparent to the user. This multimedia network includes content which is imported or generated within the network. The system allows for the content provider to determine the license status of content and update the license status of content which was previously provided by that provider. The external content can be accessed in real time or downloaded and stored within the system for later access at the convenience of the user. The usage of some content is controlled by the use of encryption and other protection methods. The system allows for storage of live video by storing the digitized video and allowing the user to control how, when and where the content is viewed. The system makes available multiple multimedia services to all users in the network or connected via the internet.

Abstract: A program blocking application that blocks programming for one or more possible users, based on various criteria associated with the program. A program word muting application that selectively mutes context specific words as a function of program specific criteria.

Abstract: A system includes a content management system having a first set of business rules for a first content including a first target and a second set of business rules for a second content including a second target. The system also includes a workflow system that receives the first and second targets. The work flow system obtains first content with a first business rule identification and second content with a second business rule identification. The content management system associates the first content with the first set of business rules and associates the second content with the second set of business rules. A processing system processes the first content to form first processed content in response to the first business rules and processes the second content to form second processed content in response to the second business rules. A content repository stores the first and second processed content.

Abstract: An information providing system, reception apparatus, and methods thereof are provided for protected content data. The method for providing the protected content data includes generating or receiving the protected content data, and generating a digital television broadcast signal including at least one data field sync segment and the protected content data. The digital television broadcast signal is provided to a reception apparatus. The at least one data field sync segment carries information necessary to identify a framing structure of the digital television broadcast signal and includes one of security information for accessing the protected content data and a location of the security information.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system for reading digital content comprising:—a device for access to a computer network;—a device for reading digital content able to communicate with the device for access to a computer network via a connection interface, and adapted for implementing at least one software application, and—an access control module able to encrypt or decrypt digital streams, the access control module being associated with the device for reading digital content and connected to the device for access to a computer network, in which the digital application or applications of the reading device communicate with the access control module via the network access device, and said communication is implemented by means of server software hosted by the access control module or the access device. The invention furthermore proposes a method of reading a digital content implemented by the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure multimedia transfer provides an encrypted data transfer system that makes transferring multimedia content from a client to any incompatible system or to a system outside the location of the client very difficult.

Abstract: A process to enable trick play operations is provided for HLS streaming video that has been converted by a system from DTCP. The system server provides a modified SEEK operation when an HLS GET message is received from an HLS client player. For the process, a DLNA header is provided from the HLS client player by including it in the HLS GET message. The HLS client also provides a DLNA RANGE REQUEST that requests a range of chunks making up a video desired and a seek point from where a seek operation is needed. The HLS server recognizes the DLNA header of the HLS GET message and DLNA RANGE REQUEST and obtains a range of chunks making up an extent of the recorded video using metadata fields. The server then generates a new HLS playlist with identification of the chunks and keytag corresponding to the seek operation. The server will provide chunks from the seek point and a rolling playlist to identify chunks and keytag from the seek point.

Abstract: Method and system to prevent control words sharing. The system comprises a receiver capable of processing a digital data stream. The receiver, having a video descrambler device, is coupled to a primary and secondary secure device. The digital data stream comprises video content data scrambled by a first algorithm using a control word, audio content data encrypted with a secret second algorithm using a system key, and encrypted control messages comprising the control word. The primary secure device decrypts the control message and obtains the control word. The video descrambler device uses this control word to descramble the video content data. The secondary secure device comprises a decryption device which decrypts the encrypted audio content data and a watermarking module configured to add a watermark to the decrypted audio content data and return watermarked decrypted audio content data to the receiver.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for restricting A/V listening and viewing using parental levels. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a parental level detected from a video signal is compared with a level set by a user, and previously buffered video and audio are repeatedly output if the detected parental level is higher than the level set by the user. The parental level is included and transmitted in a video line of a broadcast signal. Also, the repeatedly output video is a still image or a moving image, and the repeatedly output audio is audio between two audio mute periods finally detected. Accordingly, there is no case when a user waits for nothing while viewing a black screen in a mute state, while a parental lock operation is performed.

Abstract: A content delivery system comprising a content database storing a content item and a content license; a video server configured to retrieve the content item and the content license from the content database and to send them to a player device; a registration server configured to receive credentials from a user player device, to generate user information from the credentials, to forward the user information to an application server; an application server configured to generate a personalised player application for the user player device; and a license server configured to receive a content license and a user identity from the user player device, to check with the registration server that a user corresponding to the user identity is authorized to access the content item, to decrypt the content license using a system license key and re-encrypt the decrypted content license using a user license key to obtain a user license, and to send the user license to the user player device.

Abstract: A media transfer method includes displaying, on a display device, a program guide including a plurality of items corresponding to media content; determining which of the plurality items are moveable items; displaying, on an integrated virtual environment device, an image identifying the moveable items; and transferring at least one of the moveable items to the integrated virtual environment device in response to a selection made via the integrated virtual environment device.

Abstract: A method and cryptographic system for descrambling content packets, included within a digital transport stream, having conditional access messages and header data. The method and system require a deciphering algorithm, processed by a descrambler of a multimedia unit, using an initialization vector as a first input and a control word as a second input. The multimedia unit is connectable to a security module for processing the conditional access messages and extracting control words therefrom. The initialization vector, or intermediate data to determine the initialization vector, is the result of a cryptographic function based on at least one variable extracted from the digital transport stream and processed by the security module.

Abstract: Providing video-on-demand (VOD) content to a subscriber may be disclosed. First, a request for a VOD session may be received from a companion device. Next, in response to the received request for the VOD session, a catalog of VOD content may be sent to the companion device. A selection of VOD content listed in the catalog of VOD content may then be received. A digital transport adaptor (DTA) corresponding to the received request for the VOD session may be identified. Next, the VOD session may be setup with the identified DTA and the selected VOD content may be streamed to the identified DTA.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A method for determining an identifier of a conditional access card used in a conditional access system, in which the conditional access card autonomously modulates the timing of data packets sent by the conditional access card, according to a sequence that depends on the identifier of the card. The sequence is generated by a predefined non-linear function stored on the conditional access card, and the predefined non-linear function depends on both the identifier of the conditional access card and a non-linear random sequence that is known to the conditional access card and a monitoring station that receives transmissions from the conditional access card.

Abstract: A plurality of sets of primary product keys is established or generated, each set containing at least two different primary product keys. One primary product key of each set is made available to each receiver or group of receivers, such that each receiver or group of receivers is provided with a different combination of said primary product keys. For each set of primary product keys, the plurality of receivers or groups of receivers is provided with a different primary entitlement control message corresponding to each primary product key of said set, each such primary entitlement control message distributing a primary control word for recovery through decryption using the corresponding primary product key. The primary control words can then be used for purposes such as tracing compromise of the conditional access system, or arranging for differently fingerprinted content to be decoded at different receivers or groups of receivers.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiving apparatus includes a receiver having a plurality of tuners, a storage configured to store an image received by the receiver and a controller configured to control at least one of the tuners that does not tune to a currently viewed image out of the plurality of tuners, to alternately tune a plurality of channels for preset time, and controls the storage to store a channel information image corresponding to respective channels based on an image tuned to by the at least one tuner.

Abstract: A POD module system includes a housing, a coaxial cable connector formed on the housing and connectable to a first device to receive a cable signal, a port formed on the housing to receive a wire or wireless signal from a second device, a module unit to process at least one of the cable signal and the at least one of the wireless signal to generate at least one of a copy protection signal and one of video and audio signals, respectively, and a connector formed on the housing and connectable to a third device to transmit the at least one of the copy protection signal and the one of video and audio signals to the third device such that the third device generates at least one of an image and a sound to correspond to the at least one of the copy protection signal and the one of video and audio signals.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for associating remote controls and televisions. More specifically, the present invention permits delivery of television programming to multiple televisions from a television converter device. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.