Abstract: The system and method described herein is used to determine the type of multi-switch connected to a direct-to-home satellite integrated receiver/decoder. The system looks for a predetermined marker pattern on the first port of a multi-switch using a first type of control signal (e.g., DiSEqC control signals) not knowing if this type of control signal will work, because the type of multi-switch is undetermined. If the marker is found on the first port, the system changes the control signal to address the third port of the multi-switch. If the marker is also acquired from the third port, and the second marker is the same as the first marker, then the multi-switch is ignoring the control signals and the process is repeated using a different pair of multi-switch ports (e.g., ports two and four) and/or a different type of control signal (e.g., tone control signals). However, if a different marker (or no marker) is found on the third port, then the multi-switch is responding to the control signals (e.g.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving method comprises storing first control information in a storage device, the first control information containing information unique to a receiver and required for the receiver to select broadcasted and encrypted contents information, and receiving second control information with a receiver via a bi-directional communications channel, the second control information being for updating at least some contents of the first control information, updating the first control information in the storage device on the basis of the second control information, receiving broadcasted key information independent from the receiver and required to decrypt the contents information, and selecting and decrypting the encrypted contents information based on the key information and updated first control information.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for synchronizing a digital video system that includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a decoder. A transport packet is received from the transmitter. At the start of receiving the transport packet, a system time clock timestamp is captured. A program clock reference timestamp is also obtained from the transport packet and is compared with the system time clock timestamp.

Abstract: In a step S1, when the user executes a tuning operation (a service-number input operation) on an input section, the information is output to a control section. In a step S3, the control section determines whether the service number selected in the step S1 corresponds to a promotion channel. When it is determined that the service number corresponds to a promotion channel, the procedure proceeds to a step S11. In the step S11, the control section displays on the monitor a message indicating that the selected service number is not found.

Abstract: A system and method for providing signals from a plurality of satellites to a plurality of receiving units is disclosed. The system and method of the present invention make efficient use of multi-switches to enable multiple receiving units to seamlessly alternate between channels of various satellite signals, and optionally between satellite signals and terrestrial antenna signals. In basic form, first and second receptors, such as DISH satellite LNBs, are connected to input ports of primary Digital Broadcast System multi-switches having multiple input ports and output ports. The output ports of the first such primary multi-switch are conductively connected to first input ports of at least two secondary multi-switches, and the output ports of the second such primary multi-switch are conductively connected to second input ports of the same secondary multi-switches. The outputs of the secondary multi-switches are provided to receiving units.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an improved transport demultiplexor that can receive and filter different data types before sending the data to system memory. The preferred embodiment provides a string comparator to facilitate real time filtering of continuous incoming data before loading the data into system memory. The string comparator preferably uses a bit-maskable matching filter that filters system data in real time as the data is being delivered to system memory. When data matching the filter is located, the destination address of that data is determined and delivered to the processor. This allows the processor to quickly locate the desired data and thus facilitates the real time processing of that data.

Abstract: A digital broadcast data receiving apparatus comprises a plurality of broadcast data receiving units for receiving digital broadcast data supplied from a plurality of digital broadcast data sources, respectively and a parallel receiving unit for receiving, from the digital broadcast data output from the plural broadcast data receiving units, object program broadcast data which are multiplexed digital broadcast data including program broadcast data relating to an object program broadcast to be viewed by the viewer, and received broadcast data which are digital broadcast data output from the broadcast data receiving unit different from the broadcast data receiving unit which outputs the object program broadcast data.

Abstract: A communication device such as a cable modem that has a first interface for receiving data from a cable media, and a pattern matching engine that evaluates patterns in the data that is received at the first interface of the cable modem and that enables the determination of appropriate procedures for treatment of the data. The pattern matching engine of the cable modem may be configured to match address segments of the data that is received at the first interface of the cable modem. In addition, the pattern matching engine is often a programmable pattern matching engine that may be programmed according to patterns that are desired to matched during various operations of the cable modem. Of note, the pattern matching engine enables pattern matching of various length frame portions. Various aspects of the present invention may also be found in a method for a communication device to compare a predetermined pattern to a pattern that corresponds to a portion of a data frame.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing music and data. The music or data is first transmitted to a consumer via a satellite radio network. The system includes a satellite radio receiver for the user which is capable of receiving the wireless transmission and providing an audio and/or visual output in response thereto. In addition, the receiver is adapted to receive an input (e.g., voice command) from the user by which the user is able to signal an interest in recording a selection of music or data being played and/or displayed. In response to this signal and a record-ability signal, an ID signal is stored on a removable media which identifies the selection being played and/or displayed. The ID signal may be a composite signal indicating the time and channel, a signal that identifies a selection by number, or other suitable ID signal.

Abstract: A store and forward receiver for a satellite communication system employs a multi-threaded command interpreter, and an associated reduced complexity audio control language (ACL) to define commands for controlling actions at different receiver sites, each of which is programmable for its own local programming purposes. Upon receipt of a relatively simple command from the headend, the interpreter accesses and executes an associated sequence of potentially locally unique, previously stored commands, causing performance of a sequence of actions, e.g., play back of potentially locally unique, previously stored information files, interleaved with portions of a headend-source commercial audio program being rebroadcast at the receiver site. This allows different affiliate stations to produce separate potentially locally unique complex sequences of actions from a single headend-sourced command for all receivers in a network grouping.

Abstract: A system for inserting viewer-specific advertising content comprises a viewer device. The viewer device identifies viewer characteristics regarding the viewer. Upon receipt of advertising content, the viewer device identifies advertisements matching the viewer characteristics. The viewer device inserts the advertisements matching the viewer characteristics into broadcast content.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus receives digital broadcast signals from a plurality of broadcasting companies in different receiving modes from each other at low cost. It is determined to what limited receiving mode an IC card, mounted to an IC card interface section, corresponds. When the IC card is an effective IC card which corresponds to the limited receiving mode of an output stream selected by the user, a CPU performs control in such a manner that the limited receiving processing is conducted for the output stream by use of the contract information and the scramble key information controlled by the IC card. Specifically, when reception of the program designated by the user through a selecting operation is limited, the CPU allows a descrambling section to unscramble the output stream, so that the user can watch and listen to the program. By simply exchanging the IC cards mounted on the interface section, it becomes possible to receive the digital broadcast signals from the broadcasting companies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a correct satellite signal connection. Specifically, a user selects a satellite signal via an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) from at least one satellite, and the IRD sends a command signal to a selector switch to acquire and lock onto said satellite signal. The IRD repeats transmission of the command signal to the selector switch once the IRD has acquired and locked onto said information signal. Thus, in the event that the selector switch failed to switch to a low noise block converter (LNB) corresponding to the initial command signal, then the repeated command signal helps to ensure that the selector switch switches to the LNB corresponding with the latest command signal sent by the IRD.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying still video images related to video content in an interactive broadcast television system. The system and method of the present invention may also be used for simulating an Internet home page on an interactive television system. The present invention thus supports hyperlinked web-like navigational capabilities in an interactive television system. According to the method of the present invention, the video delivery system provides or broadcasts one or more audio/video channels each comprising video content and also provides or broadcasts at least one still image channel comprising a plurality of still video images, preferably MPEG-2 compressed still images. The user or viewer can select options displayed on the television screen to view desired information.

Abstract: A system is provided that can easily capture the same broadcast stream from an arbitrary application. An interface between application and a reception route selection mechanism describes in a unified mode a broadcast resource capture specification method and a communication resource capture specification method. The interface employs a description scheme in which an application does not recognize whether or not a broadcast stream is captured through broadcast or communication. In the reception route selection, the reception route selection mechanism checks for a broadcast time contained in the identifier of a broadcast stream to be input so that a zone where a broadcast time is earlier than the current time by using a communication resource receiver while a zone where the broadcast time is later than the current time is selected by using a broadcast resource receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for providing program guide information to subscribers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is applied to a broadcasting system having a plurality of service networks, each broadcasting a set of programs and program guide information describing at least a portion of the set of programs. The method comprises the steps of determining a receiver station configuration; receiving a first program guide information at the receiver station, the first program guide information comprising a default transmitting network identifier value uniquely identifying the service network transmitting the first program guide information; and generating a first program guide from the first program guide information and presenting the first program guide, according to a comparison between the determined receiving station configuration and the default transmitting network identifier.

Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted by a transmission apparatus, the transmission apparatus transmits control sub-information to a receiving apparatus separately from video data which is actually distributed, and eliminates redundant distribution of video data. The receiving apparatus stores the received video data and creates content in accordance with the control sub-information.

Abstract: A television signal receiving system is operative to optimally tune to one or a plurality of television channels and provide one or plurality of optimum television channel signals to one or a plurality of television signal receivers. The television signal receivers are operative to request a particular channel of a television signal processor. The television signal processor is coupled to an antenna array. Television signals from the antenna array are processed in accordance with the principles of the subject invention to provide optimum television channel signals. The optimum television channel signals are demodulated then remodulated before being distributed to the various television signal receivers.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention includes an apparatus that includes a receiver having multiple tuners. Such multiple tuners may each receive a signal channel using multiple local oscillator (LO) frequencies that do not interfere with each other. In certain embodiments, each tuner may have an associated VCO so that no multiplexer is needed. Also, the present invention includes methods to determine a minimum bandwidth for baseband filters of the receiver and an LO step frequency between different possible LO frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a set-top box and a conversion circuit. The set-top box may be configured to generate output signals in response to a first encoded data signal. The conversion circuit may be configured to present the first encoded data signal in response to a second encoded data signal received from an external source. The first encoded data signal comprises a legacy signal and the second encoded data signal comprises an advanced data signal.

Abstract: Multi-tuner receiver architectures and associated methods are disclosed that provide initial analog coarse tuning of desired channels within a received signal spectrum, such as transponder channels within a set-top box signal spectrum for satellite communications. These multi-tuner satellite receiver architectures provide significant advantages over prior direct down-conversion (DDC) architectures and low intermediate-frequency (IF) architectures, particularly where two tuners are desired on the same integrated circuit. Rather than using a low-IF frequency or directly converting the desired channel frequency to DC, initial coarse tuning provided by analog coarse tuning circuitry allows for a conversion to a frequency range around DC. This coarse tuning circuitry can be implemented, for example, using a large-step local oscillator (LO) that provides a coarse tune analog mixing signal.

Abstract: Receiver architectures and associated methods are disclosed that provide initial analog coarse tuning of desired channels within a received signal spectrum, such as a set-top box signal spectrum for satellite communications. These architectures provide significant advantages over prior direct down-conversion (DDC) architectures and low intermediate-frequency (IF) architectures, particularly where two tuners are desired on the same integrated circuit. Rather than using a low-IF frequency or directly converting the desired channel frequency to DC, initial coarse tuning provided by analog coarse tuning circuitry allows for a conversion to a frequency range around DC. This coarse tuning circuitry can be implemented, for example, using a large-step local oscillator (LO) that provides a coarse tune analog mixing signal.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus which is capable of performing a tuning process in a short period of time even in the case where a large number of tuning requests are issued. A tuning request reception section 204 receives an issue tuning request. A tuning request storage section 205 stores the tuning request received by the tuning request reception section 204. A tuning process section including a tuning request acquisition section 206 and a tuning execution section 207 performs a tuning process for the broadcast signal corresponding to the tuning request, and if a next tuning request is issued during a tuning process, performs a next tuning process in accordance with one of the tuning requests stored in the tuning request storage section 205. A tuning request which is stored in the tuning request storage section 205 during a tuning process is erased by a tuning request erasure section 208 after the tuning process.

Abstract: In a content data distribution network, a system for directing control instructions to selected ones of a plurality of receivers. The system comprises a stored value, stored in a memory location reserved for at least one local parameter in each of the plurality of receivers. An uplink distributes to the plurality of receivers over said content data distribution network a transmitted value. The system compares the stored value and transmitted value such that a True value corresponds to the selected ones of the plurality of receivers at which the control instructions are to be executed. Comparisons may be made to functions of the stored values. Comparisons may be made to multiple stored values. Multiple comparisons may be connected together with boolean operators. The stored values can be changed by the transmitted control instructions.

Abstract: A satellite digital radio broadcast receiver has an integrated circuit including a first reception series for processing a satellite wave signal from a satellite and a second reception series for processing a ground wave signal from a repeater in order to receive both the satellite wave signal and the ground wave signal having the same broadcast contents and different modulation methods. The receiver has an automatic gain control unit for amplifying a signal from a single antenna at a variable gain amplifier, and in accordance with the level of a signal outputted from the variable gain amplifier, for controlling the gain of the variable gain amplifier; and a two-way distributor for distributing an output of the automatic control unit to two distribution outputs, wherein one distribution output of the two-way distributor is supplied to the first reception series of the integrated circuit and the other distribution output is supplied to the second reception series of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The MPEG2TS packet S3 as the digital broadcast data is obtained from the ECC decoder. The NIT detecting circuit detects NIT from this packet S3, changes the transmitting frequency information and deletes the information (service information) of the program to be limited for viewing, thereby to obtain the table NITb. The NIT replacing circuit detects NIT from the packet S3 and replaces it to the table NITb, thereby to obtain the MPEG2TS packet S4 as the digital broadcast data in CATV. The digital broadcast signal BS1 for CATV can be obtained by executing the error correction code adding process, modulating process and frequency-converting process to the packet S4. The receiving apparatus for receiving the predetermined program on the basis of the program information of NIT can no longer receive the program in relation to the program information deleted by NIT.

Abstract: A system for gauging, measuring or recording data. The system includes a detection mechanism external of a premises which is connected to transmit data to a device within the premises for processing or display of the data. The internal device includes a receiver for receiving and broadcasting broadcast data transmitted to a receiving device external of the premises and wherein data from the detection mechanism is carried to the internal device along the connection between the receiving device and the internal mechanism and wherein the data is processed and is accessible by at least one further control mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described.

Abstract: A technique for allocating fingers in a path searcher of a multipath receiver involves determining a required number of fingers for each multipath region, determining a number of allocated fingers for each multipath region according to an area-based weighting scheme such that each multipath region that is allocated fewer than its required number of fingers is deemed to have a non-zero residual area, allocating any surplus fingers to multipath regions having non-zero residual areas until either no surplus fingers remain or each multipath region is allocated its required number of fingers, and placing any fingers allocated to each multipath region within the multipath region. Placing the fingers in un-resolvable path scenario involves detecting path location at the edges of multipath region; placing fingers at the edges and placing remaining fingers uniformly between the first and the last path such that the there is a minimum placement separation between the fingers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of satellite receiving devices. A networked multimedia system receives the satellite signals from the receiving device. The networked multimedia system includes a splitter, a primary home communications terminal (DHCT), and a plurality of remote devices. The remote devices communicate with the primary DHCT via the splitter. Accordingly, the remote devices utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary DHCT via the networked multimedia system.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a satellite TV receiver, at least one video display connected to the receiver, and a multi-beam antenna on the aircraft for receiving signals from a plurality of satellite TV transponders. The multi-beam antenna may have right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) and left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) beams offset from one another by a beam offset angle. The beam offset angle may be less than an angle defined by the spacing of the DBS transponders. The system may also include an antenna steering positioner connected to the multi-beam antenna, and an antenna steering controller for steering the multi-beam antenna based upon received signals from at least one of the RHCP and LHCP beams. The antenna steering controller may comprise a processor for steering the multi-beam antenna based on a selected master one of the RHCP and LHCP beams and slaving the other beam therefrom.

Abstract: Received digital CATV signals are branched by a directional coupler into signals flowing in a through direction and signals flowing in a branch direction. The signals output from the directional coupler in the through direction are then fed through an extraction circuit, a variable attenuator, and a wide-band amplifier so as to have a desired frequency range and a desired level, and are then fed to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into downstream signals to be fed to a downstream tuner and CATV signals to be fed to an analog/digital tuner. The signals output from the directional coupler in the branch direction are fed through a band-pass filter and a wide-band amplifier to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into VHF signals and FM signals. Upstream signals are fed through an extraction circuit to a terminal at which the CATV signals are received.

Abstract: Apparatus for video gaming includes a box having a slot with an interface that connects to a game card providing a platform to run a software video game. The game card outputs video game data through the interface at a data rate of approximately 200 Mbps or greater. A unit processes the video game data for output to a display device. A wireless transceiver is included to receive the software video game via a wireless local area network (WLAN) and to transmit game information to a remote player having access to the WLAN during interactive play of the software video game. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus which is capable of performing a tuning process in a short period of time even in the case where a large number of tuning requests are issued. A tuning request reception section 204 receives an issue tuning request. A tuning request storage section 205 stores the tuning request received by the tuning request reception section 204. A tuning process section including a tuning request acquisition section 206 and a tuning execution section 207 performs a tuning process for the broadcast signal corresponding to the tuning request, and if a next tuning request is issued during a tuning process, performs a next tuning process in accordance with one of the tuning requests stored in the tuning request storage section 205. A tuning request which is stored in the tuning request storage section 205 during a tuning process is erased by a tuning request erasure section 208 after the tuning process.

Abstract: A receiver at least comprising: a BS tuner; a demodulating unit; a control unit; a modulating unit; a CATV signal converting unit; and a digital-to-analog converting unit, the control unit, the digital-to-analog converting unit controlled by a control signal from the control unit, and the BS tuner being connected via an I2C bus, and a channel selection signal outputted from the control unit being supplied to the BS tuner via the I2C bus, wherein a gate circuit is connected to the I2C bus, a gate ON signal is supplied to the gate circuit only when the channel selection signal is supplied to the BS tuner, and the channel selection signal is supplied to the BS tuner via

Abstract: A conditional access system comprising: a HITS station 101 for transmitting a content to which only a receiver under contract for satellite TV subscriptions can have an access; a plurality of CATV stations 106a or the like for receiving and retransmitting the content transmitted from the HITS station 101; a receiver 112 for receiving the content retransmitted from the CATV station 106a, or the like.

Abstract: System comprising a first converter 1 linked to a first tuner 2 and optionally, to a second tuner 2′ via switching means 6, optionally a second converter 1′ linked to the second tuner 2′ means 11 for detecting whether the second converter 1′ is in service and means suitable for actuating the switching means 6 in such a way as to link the second tuner 2′ to the second converter 1′ when one detects that the latter is in service and, in the converse case, to link it to the first converter 1.

Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for maintaining concealment for a scrambled signal when frequency pre-emphasis is used to defeat the scrambling. The pre-emphasis may be synthesized with high pass or peaking circuitry. More commonly however the pre-emphasis is available in television sets with a fine tuning control. By adjusting the fine tuning control to cause purposely mistuning off center, a peaking effect is generated which is used to counter the scrambled signal. The application discloses one embodiment which uses de-emphasis to counter the peaking effect. In another embodiment, signals added in the vicinity of the horizontal blanking interval causes the peaking effect to enhance these added signals over stable edges of the video signal. Since these added signals are position modulated for example, the television's sync circuits and horizontal oscillator circuits will cause scan circuits to generate position modulation.

Abstract: The terminal device is equipped with a location judgment database which stores setting data indicating the relationships between the location of the self device and the corresponding object to be presented to the user. On the basis of the location detection data obtained by detecting the location of the self device by receiving range signals transmitted by a plurality of GPS satellites and the setting data stored in the location judgment database, corresponding objects are selected from a plurality of objects received and decoded and they are synthesized and presented as they are output to the display or the speaker. Thus, an optimal object presentation can be achieved in accordance with the status of the terminal device.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting and inserting advertisements into a video programming feed at the household level. An advertisement insertion device in a home entertainment system receives a plurality of advertisements from an advertisement source. The advertisement insertion device selects one of the advertisements for display to a viewer according to advertisement selection criteria combined with viewer and system information. The video programming is displayed to a viewer while the advertisement insertion device monitors the programming feed for a triggering event indicating an appropriate time to display the selected advertisement. At the appropriate time, the video programming feed is interrupted and the selected advertisement is displayed. Selecting advertisements at the household level allows advertisers to target viewers with a high degree of specificity.

Abstract: A digital signal receiving apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast signal having a first information table and a second information table is disclosed, the first information table representing the relation between physical information of transmission paths and deliverable data, the second information table representing deliverable data, the apparatus comprising a means for successively searching services represented with the second information table, a means for generating a list that represents services represented with the first information table, and a means for performing a predetermined process corresponding to the generated list.

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: Sample rate reduction in data communication receivers. Digital sampling of analog data is performed using a reduced sample rate. The reduction factor may be any number of factors including a factor that divides the sample rate by a factor of two. The reduction of the sampling frequency is from a sampling frequency that is greater than twice the highest frequency component in an analog input signal. These analog input signals may be I and Q streams in certain embodiments. A digital interpolation filter may be employed to increase (up-convert) the sample rate of a digital signal before it is input to a VID filter that is used to recover the transmitted symbols from the over-sampled data stream. In this embodiment, this technique allows a front end of a communication receiver to be clocked at a lower sampling rate without affecting the performance of the VID filter.

Abstract: An upgradeable set-top box for converting a signal is provided. The upgradeable set-top box is provided with a housing, including an input port for receiving an input signal, an output port for transmitting an output signal, an upgrade slot formed within a first side of the housing, and an expansion port. The upgradeable set-top box is further provided with a tuner for converting the input signal to an output signal. An upgrade module formed to removably fit within the upgrade slot, and an expansion box, removably attachable to the housing, provide for scaled upgrading of the functionality of the upgradeable set-top box. Basic functions of a digital receiver are initially incorporated in the upgradeable set-top box. Next, an upgrade module is joined to the upgradeable set-top box to allow a next stage upgrade. The next-stage upgrade will provide additional functions to the upgradeable set-top box such as standard television tuner and remote control capability.

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: In a communication system a communication device (2) is present for receiving a wideband broadcast signal from a head-end. For providing a return channel to enable interactive TV services, a GSM transceiver (34) is included in the communication device. In order to be able to provide also telephone services access control means (30) are present in the communication device (2) in order to control the access to the GSM transceiver without access conflicts causing an incorrect working system. The access control means switch between the return signals transmitted by a processor (12) and the telephone signals transmitted by a telephone terminal (22). In an embodiment of the invention, the communication device (2) is integrated in a TV set (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a user for watching a digital television (DTV) program, which enables a user of a client to enter an interactive AV program provider's server through Internet, and input an identification (ID) in a Web page of the provider displayed on the client. After identifying the input ID is an authorized ID, the server may grant an access right of at least one satellite program channel to the client and immediately search a channel selected by the user, and then send a satellite program being received from a satellite and broadcast on the selected channel to the user immediately. Thus, the user can watch satellite program over the Internet on the computer at home in an almost real time manner.

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: A digital video conversion system housing multiple converter chains of units in a single main box chassis. A preferred embodiment uses only a single conditional access unit to authorize decryption of premium channels in response to a smartcard. The conversion system allows a single converter box sharing consolidated decryption (access control) circuitry and a single remote control receiver to provide video output for multiple television sets on the subscriber's premises. In addition to reducing the subscriber's hardware costs per television set, a common access control allows the video service provider to grant a multiple-set discount on a single smartcard.