Abstract: A multiple channel data recorder and a method for recording data on multiple wireless communications channels includes a transceiver, a display, and a processor programmed to selectively record the user's transmission for playback by at least one of the user and another user and, if another new transmission starts to be received by the user during the user's transmission, to continue transmitting the user's transmission and to record the new transmission at least from a beginning of the new transmission for playback, or to stop transmitting the user's transmission and to start recording at least a remainder of the user's transmission at least from the beginning of the new transmission for playback, and to receive the new transmission by the user.

Abstract: A multimedia service data transmitting method is disclosed. A logical channel indicator is added in service data mapped to a shared channel so that a terminal can discriminate a type of the service data transmitted through the shared channel. The logical channel indicator is a target channel type field (TCTF) and included in a header of the service data (MAC protocol unit).

Abstract: A method for installing and operating an aircraft in-flight entertainment system preferably includes installing an entertainment source on the aircraft; installing spaced apart signal distribution devices, each generating audio signals for at least one passenger in an audio-only mode, and generating audio and video signals to at least one passenger in an audio/video mode; installing a cable network connecting the entertainment source to the signal distribution devices; and operating the aircraft in-flight entertainment system with at least one predetermined signal distribution device in the audio-only mode. In addition, the method preferably includes later upgrading the aircraft in-flight entertainment system by connecting at least one passenger video display to the at least one predetermined signal distribution device to operate in the audio/video mode and while leaving the cable network unchanged.

Abstract: A satellite value added communication system includes an information distribution center which connects to a satellite ground station and controls transmission/receiving of information to/from a satellite communication terminal. The information distribution center connects to the Internet based on a request from the terminal, and distributes predetermined contents to the terminal. The information distribution center connects to a variety of networks, and based on requests of users through the networks, distributes a large amount of information (contents) directly to user's terminals through a communication satellite. In this system, the information distribution center can control a conference or a seminar among the terminals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described. The method comprises the steps of accepting a election of a secondary media program transmitted on a secondary media program channel; accessing a mapping to determine a primary media program channel associated with the selected secondary media program channel; commanding a first tuner module to receive conditional access information associated with the primary media program channel from the primary service provider; evaluating the conditional access information to determine if a second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel; and commanding a second tuner module to receive the secondary media program if the second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel.

Abstract: Motion picture distribution is performed by converting the motion pictures into digital video signals, combining the video signals with code elements or icons positioned in the active picture area of images formed by the video signals and sent via satellite to theaters or other receiving locations. The video signals are stored at the receiving locations and displayed repetitively to audiences by means of a projection television system. The coded areas in the pictures are used to transmit motion picture identification, theater authorization and other information which can be used to control the distribution and display of the motion pictures. Reports regarding playing of the motion picture are transmitted from each display site to the offices of the remote distributor. Motion pictures are edited by converting the film into video signals, inserting coded areas into the active picture areas of the video signals to provide time codes, edge codes and related information useful for editing.

Abstract: The streams from a plurality of VBR coders or generic data sources (31) are multiplexed to a single stream by a multiplexer (32), while inserting null packets to make their bit-rates uniform. A null-packet eliminator (60) removes the null packets from the stream, while signaling their positions, and inputs the stream to an ACM modulator (62) which codes the stream with the maximum ruggedness allowed by the rate of the incoming useful packets, and transmits the stream over a satellite channel. In the receiving station, the stream is demodulated by an ACM demodulator (64), and the null packets are re-inserted into the stream by a re-inserter (66), based on the received signaling. A bit-rate control circuit (72) receives from the transmitting station, over a return channel, a signaling of the quality of the received signal (QoS) and modifies the bit-rate of the VBR coders or generic data sources (31) accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing content to an event attendee. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to capturing event content at an event venue, storing the captured event content, and wirelessly transmitting content to the event attendee within the event venue, the wirelessly transmitted content including at least a portion of the captured event content.

Abstract: A data file is regarded as a digital package. A conventional interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communications links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a “dispatcher” for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivery and billing based on bits.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a satellite weather information receiver receiving a weather related programming channel from a satellite, and at least one passenger display connected to the satellite weather information receiver for displaying weather related information corresponding to a selected geographic area. A passenger control unit is associated with each passenger display for selecting the geographic area.

Abstract: Systems and methods that monitor part-time transponder usage in real time. A satellite carries one or more part-time usage transponders and a ground station communicates with the transponders. A satellite receiver at the ground station processes transponder signals to output a baseband video signal when present and a noise signal when the video signal is not present. An integrated receiver-decoder at the ground station processes the transponder signal to output an analog video signals comprising constant video black line, synchronization, tip and color burst signals, when no signal is present at the input thereof.

Abstract: A protocol enables flexible formulation of application information data structures for television-based entertainment systems. The protocol may be a textual-based language such as markup language, including an extensible markup language. The application information data structure includes information that enables a client device to access and/or to activate one or more applications. The one or more applications may be software modules, files, images, text, executable programs, and so forth, including both bound and unbound applications. An application information data structure, or table, may be created at a headend of a television system and stored there in memory. The application information table may also be transmitted from the headend to a client device and stored in a memory of the client device. The client device is able to determine the existence of, and relevant parameters for utilizing, applications at the client device using the application information table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to one- or two-way Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite communications systems which broadcast high bit rate wideband television and multimedia content to user terminals located within a desired coverage area and, more specifically, a single or multi-transponder Direct-To-Home satellite communications system in which a high bit rate wideband data stream is comprised of real-time, statistically multiplexed information and non-real-time information that is transmitted to a subscriber media gateway device for storage and later-use. The user terminal contains a specially designed receiving system and may contain a transmitter for transmission of a return data channel to the Broadcast Center.

Abstract: Transmission of TCP/IP data over a satellite link from a hub station to a plurality of remote units. The data, transmitted over the satellite link, uses the digital video broadcast (DVB) protocol. A field in the DVB header is used to indicate the location of the start of a new TCP/IP data packet within the DVB data. Use of a field in the DVB header to indicate the location of the start of a new TCP/IP data packet supports variable location of TCP/IP data within a DVB frame, and therefore more efficient use of the DVB bandwidth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining multiple live events in a bandwidth-efficient and secure manner is disclosed. A typical system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing a live video source for transmission and a live event director system. The live event director system selects one of the plurality of live event sites and synchronizes transmission among the plurality of live event sites so that only the live video source of the selected one of the plurality of live event sites is transmitted for exhibition at a time. The transmission from the selected live event site is compressed and encrypted for broadcast to one or more exhibitors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining multiple simultaneous sources to multiple exhibitor receivers in a secure manner is disclosed. An exemplary system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing and transmitting a live video source. A live event director system is used for receiving and combining each transmitted live video source in an overall transmission and transmitting the overall transmission for exhibition. A network operation center coordinates encryption of the overall transmission at the live event director system and decryption of the overall transmission by at least one authorized exhibitor site. In further embodiments, the live event sites selectively transmit high bandwidth signals to reduce bandwidth usage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a media program comprising audiovisual data. The method comprises the steps of transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; transponding the audiovisual data to a ground-based hub; and transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity. The apparatus comprises a ground transmitter transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; satellite for transponding the audiovisual data; and a ground-based hub, having a receiver for receiving the transponded audiovisual data and a hub transmitter for transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a digital interactive AV playing and receiving system including the Internet and a satellite both for interconnecting a digital program broadcaster and at least one LAN, wherein the system comprises the steps of converting an AV signal of at least one channel into a DVB-S signal based on a specific protocol by the broadcaster; uplinking the DVB-S signal to the satellite in order to broadcast the DVB-S signal to a predetermined range; receiving and converting the DVB-S signal into a multimedia stream by a satellite signal receiver; sending the multimedia stream to the LAN; and transmitting the multimedia stream to at least one client of the LAN for playing by means of a multimedia player.

Abstract: Communications circuitry comprising integration circuitry coupled to interface circuitry. The integration circuitry is configured to convert at least a portion of a terrestrial signal into a satellite channel frequency and to combine the converted terrestrial signal and a satellite signal into an integrated digital signal. The converted terrestrial signal occupies at least one unoccupied channel in the satellite signal. The interface circuitry is configured to provide the terrestrial signal and the satellite signal to the integration circuitry and to transmit the integrated digital signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of setting a menu of a TV receiver through a remote control. The present invention carries out a remote control of menu selections such as a PPV reservation, a remind list and the like, which can be selected within a specific satellite receiver using a specific number of the TV receiver or another specific number of a smart card on Internet, thereby enabling to search the detailed APG (advanced program guide) more conveniently as well as the user's information immediately.

Abstract: Telephone apparatus, including a cable television (CATV) network interface, which is adapted to be connected to a CATV network so as to receive downstream cellular telephone communication signals transmitted at a downstream intermediate frequency (IF) via the CATV network from a base-station transceiver system (BTS) operative in a cellular telephone network. The apparatus includes a telephone interface, which is adapted to connect to a cellular telephone operative in the cellular telephone network via a physical connection.

Abstract: An object is to make efficient pre-reading possible even in receivers having little memory for receiving. A CPU 147 acquires data size in each module by referring module control information for a received DII, (step S39). The data sizes of the modules are compared with the remaining memory in a RAM 144 (step S45), and modules smaller than the remaining memory are pre-read into the RAM 144 (step S47). When a pre-read flag is not on, then no pre-reading is done even when a module is smaller than the remaining memory. Thus data that are updated from time to time can be excluded from being subject to pre-reading.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitting method wherein a transport stream is created and transmitted in a digital broadcasting system in which the transport stream in which plural packets comprising video data packets of digitized video and service information packets of information about broadcasting using the video have been multiplexed, is transmitted over a network, comprises: creating and transmitting the transport stream in which the service information includes scanning method information as information about a scanning method of digitizing the video.

Abstract: An authorization system is provided for controlling access to satellite television services. The authorization system includes one or more earth orbiting satellites. The authorization system includes a terrestrial television supplier, one or more orbiting satellites, and a plurality of television units. The authorization system may include a terrestrial cable system for transmitting television signals to the television units. However preferably, the one or more satellites include a first transceiver for receiving and transmitting television signals which are relayed from the television service provider to the television units. Moreover, the satellites are provided with a second transceiver for receiving and transmitting authorization request signals which are transmitted by the television units and relayed by the satellites for receipt by the terrestrial television supplier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the position of a user terminal comprise an antenna subsystem which is able to receive signals of GPS and TV, a receiver front end which converts the frequency of the incident signals and filters out unwanted signals so that the desired signals can be sampled, a digital processing component which accommodates the imperfections of the front end and converts the measured signals into a position information.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system capable of quickly acquiring long term program information. An SI generating part SG2 generates a long term program information S_EIT which is multiplexed in a transport stream TS2 only. The SI generating part SG2 gives information on whether the long term program information S_EIT is present or not for each service to other SI generating parts SG1 and SG3. The SI generating parts SG1 and SG3 multiplex the given presence information in transport streams TS1 and TS3. In this way, the presence information is multiplexed in all the transport streams. Therefore, the presence information may be acquired whichever transport stream is being received. If the presence information is retained beforehand, the information may be quickly used as required.

Abstract: A satellite-based digital broadcast system is used to provide real-time news, entertainment and informational programs to aircraft passengers in flight. Transmissions from the satellite occur on a time division multiplex (TDM) downlink with different broadcast programs being transmitted on different TDM channels. A broadcast receiver is carried on board the aircraft, and includes a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the TDM channels to reproduce the original broadcast programs. The broadcast receiver may be adapted to receive and reproduce both audio and video broadcasts, as well as to provide other types of information delivery services. Encryption of the broadcast programs may be used to restrict their use to a specific aircraft or airline company.

Abstract: A satellite payload architecture for interactive data distribution and broadcasting services preferably for use in the emerging EHF (20-60 GHz) frequency bands. The system allows many individual service-program providers to transmit their service-program data to the satellite, on a bandwidth-on-demand and as-needed basis, directly from their premises through low-power, low-cost broadcast satellite terminals. The satellite payload utilizes high-gain spot beams for low-cost uplinking, digital regeneration and multiplexing of the individual received service-program data into MPEG transport streams, and broadcasting these in a DVB-compatible format via full-area broadcast beams to very small, low-cost end-user satellite terminals. All end-user satellite terminals are also equipped with transmit capability of a reverse-channel in support of interactivity-communications and network signaling/control functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simultaneously receiving DBS and data signals on a mobile platform using a single beam receive antenna aperture and transmitting data signals from a mobile platform using the single beam transmit antenna aperture. A single beam receive antenna aperture receives first RF signals having a first polarization and second RF signals having a second polarization, the single beam receive antenna aperture outputting output signals having the first polarization. A first RF converter down-converts the output signals to first down-converted signals having the first polarization. A second RF converter down-converts the output signals to second down-converted signals having the second polarization. The first RF signals suitably include DBS signals, and the second RF signals suitably include data services signals.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and delivering user-specific content from one or more television broadcasts based on closed captioning contents of the television broadcasts are disclosed herein. One or more sets of television content, representative of one or more television channels, multimedia channels, and the like, are received by a content distributor. The content distributor, in one embodiment, decodes the closed captioning contents of the television content. Using a set of parameters defined by a user or an administrator, the content distributor, in one embodiment, generates user-specific content, such as a text transcript, a still image, an audio clip and/or a video clip from a portion of the television broadcast. In one embodiment, the set of parameters includes one or more keywords.

Abstract: Multimedia distribution and broadcast systems and related processes are provided for transmitting multimedia contents and control information from a central uplink facility to a remote downlink via a satellite. The system is preferably implemented in order to generate sequences of multimedia that are broadcast from the remote downlink facility to viewers. The display arrangements of the multimedia sequences are varied and customized by each downlink facility using the control information in order to better inform and entertain viewers.

Abstract: In a communication system for carrying out satellite communication through a satellite among users, a satellite communication center is located in a terrestrial network, such as an internet, and has a program table accessible through the terrestrial network and representative of a time schedule of each program to be broadcast through the satellite. The program table can be reserved to broadcast contents by a sender through the internet when an empty time zone is left on the program table. When the reservation is accepted, the contents are sent from the sender through the internet to the satellite communication center and are broadcast at a reserved time through the satellite to other users in accordance with the program table. The contents may be stored in advance in an information storage of the satellite communication center once before they are broadcast or be directly broadcast to the satellite at the reserved time.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method generate customized content for in-route entertainment on a mobile element, such as an aircraft. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a shared program input for receiving a shared program stream, which includes primary entertainment content (e.g., video segments) intended for a plurality of mobile elements; a supplemental content input for receiving customized supplemental content, such as advertising and branding segments; a scheduler providing scheduling information, which indicates insertion points in the shared program stream for customized supplemental input as a function of characteristics of the mobile element; and an output for outputting the shared program stream, the customized supplemental content, and the scheduling information for subsequent generation of an entertainment content stream customized for the mobile element.

Abstract: A broadcast communication system comprises a transmitting terminal which is effective to transmit broadcast data and a start time of the broadcast data. A first message processing device receives the broadcast data and the start data from the transmitting terminal. The first message processing device transmits the broadcast data based on a schedule and the start time to a second message processing device. The second message processing device receives the broadcast data and the start time from the first message processing device and generates executable broadcast traffic information based on prior traffic information and based on the start time. The second message processing device further selectively conveys the broadcast data to one of a plurality of receiving terminals. The second message processing device further forwards the executable broadcast traffic information to the first message processing device.

Abstract: A broadband data broadcast system that allows rich multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of subscribers is disclosed. The broadband data broadcast system operates by multiplexing a plurality of rich multimedia digital information streams together at a centralized data broadcast center. The data broadcast center then broadcasts the multiplexed digital information stream on a broadcast medium such as satellite broadcasts, radio frequency broadcasts, or digital television broadcasts. A large number of receiver systems receive the broadcast signal and demodulate the broadcast signal to retrieve the multiplexed digital stream. The receiver system extracts a subset of digital information streams that the particular receiver system's owner has designated are of interest. The receiver system caches the interesting digital information stream for later access. The receiver system outputs the interesting digital information streams to a client system upon demand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of installing a bouquet of digital broadcast programs on the basis of transponders of different minimum symbol frequencies. The frequency band is traversed using a quantization interval corresponding to the minimum symbol frequency of a transponder of a first type (MCPC).

Abstract: A satellite television system includes a satellite television receiver and method of operation adjusts itself to properly receive satellite television signals that have been determined to exist outside of an expected frequency spectrum location. Received satellite television signals include data regarding location of a particular television signal within a predetermined frequency spectrum location within a frequency band. Particularly, each satellite television signal includes data regarding its location within a predetermined frequency spectrum location within a frequency band. The system and method can determine whether received satellite television signals have been processed by a high-side injected local oscillator stacker. In one form, the satellite television system and method detects spectral inversion of the received satellite television signal within a frequency band.

Abstract: A program receiving apparatus includes: a program receiving section for receiving program information and a program identifier for identifying the program information; a program display section for displaying the program information received by the program receiving section; a display monitoring section for monitoring a program display state history which is a history of the display state of the certain program information displayed in the program display section; and a display state history storage section for storing a program identifier of the program information monitored by the display monitoring section and display state history information which is information for indicating a display state history of the program information, in the form of a pair of the program identifier and the display state history information.

Abstract: A system and method automatically plays programming selections corresponding to the user's preferences as specified in a playlist. The user can create a playlist and transfer the playlist to a receiver. The receiver scans the content in all of the channels that are being broadcast to the receiver to determine if any of the programming matches the selections on the playlist. If there is a match, the receiver automatically tunes the receiver to the matching program.

Abstract: A system for interfacing commercial satellite communications technology with military aircraft communications systems is disclosed. The system includes an off-board commercial transceiver and an onboard commercial transceiver for communicating data to a commercial satellite network. The system also includes an onboard interface unit which is configured to communicate data between the onboard transceiver and the aircraft's communication system. The onboard interface unit includes a computer processor which executes a software program stored on an electronic medium. The software program includes instructions for sending data to and receiving data from the onboard commercial transceiver and for sending data to and receiving data from the onboard communications system.

Abstract: A conditional access system in which entitlement control messages (ECMs) containing the encryption keys used to encrypt a program transmission, are sent to a set-top box over a secure communications channel separate from the channel used for transmission of the encrypted program.

Abstract: A system and method for providing data transactions and web information and services to a user integrated with conventional television program viewing, such as provided by a DSS is taught. The system requires no additional communication hardware, such as a modem. The system also employs the users existing browser to view information. An application to automate delivery of such data transactions and web information and services and to users who may not have access to a conventional ISP is also taught.

Abstract: A system switches multiple broadcast signals from satellite and cable for transmission through a single coaxial cable to television receivers while managing use of the broadcast signals through telephony signal insertion and passage of a telephony signal and an RF signal on the single coax between a multiswitch and a triplexer operable with the receiver. A telephony interface operates with the multiswitch through a data access arrangement (DM) device for bringing outside telephone signals to the multiswitch. The triplexer includes a subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) for providing telephony information to the receiver. The multiswitch and telephony interface route telephony information to the receiver.

Abstract: A method for providing region-specific data content to a plurality of platforms traveling in a plurality of satellite coverage regions as the platforms leave one region and enter another region. Each platform includes a mobile communications system configured for bidirectional communication with a ground segment via satellite link. Within each of the coverage regions, data content selected for the region is multicast to platforms via an associated ground station and satellite. As a platform leaves one of the coverage regions and enters another of the coverage regions, the mobile communications system on the entering platform is configured, via the ground station associated with the coverage region being left, to receive the multicast in the coverage region being entered.

Abstract: In the device: at least one set of links sends packet formated digital information to the satellite, on at least two different frequencies; at least one satellite-borne module receives, multiplexes and re-formates the information on only one downlink; at least one of the links works in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mode.

Abstract: A satellite communication system including an interface device for distributing satellite signals received from an outdoor unit (ODU) to a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) connected to a local area network (LAN), at a particular site. Only two cables, a power cable and a cable connected to the LAN, must be installed between the interface device and the site containing the IDUs. Accordingly, the installation of IDUs at a site is simplified and has the flexibility of allowing future satellite based services to be added without requiring the installation of new cables between the ODU and the IDUs. The satellite communication system also permit flexibility among connected devices, including to which other devices they are connected, how they are connected to other devices and what types of connections are used.

Abstract: To provide a control program downloading method that is used by a digital broadcast receiving apparatus equipped with a storing device which stores an update program and a non-update program that compose a control program. Under control of the update program, a new update program is received and written over data stored in a part of an area in the storing device where the non-update program has been stored. At the same time, a part of a new non-update program is received and written over data stored in another part of the area in the storing device where the non-update program has been stored. Once the new update program has been completely written into the storing device, under control of the new update program, the reception and writing of the part of the new non-update program is continued.

Abstract: A transmitter for transmitting news data via satellite and which includes an information storage unit for storing news data, an information scramble processing unit for scrambling the news data using a predetermined first key to output once scrambled news data, a data scrambler for scrambling the once scrambled news data using a predetermined second key and outputting twice scrambled news data, a transmitter for broadcasting the twice scrambled news data via a transmitter antenna to a receiver which includes a data descrambler for descrambling the twice scrambled news data using the second key and outputting once descrambled news data, a storage medium for storing the once descrambled news data, an information descramble processing unit for reading the once descrambled data from the recording medium and descrambling the once descrambled news data using the first key to produce fully descrambled news data, and a user terminal for reading the fully descrambled news data.