Abstract: Methods, system, and set-top box are provided. A method for personalizing a home screen of an electronic device includes entering a standby mode of the electronic device, loading modules based on personalization indicators, retrieving content that is associated with the modules, and generating a video signal while the electronic device is in one of the standby mode and a startup mode. The video signal includes the content. The entertainment system and the set-top box are provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A broadcast system and method for allocating its resources includes a broadcast operation channel management system forming a database having broadcast system data from a bit rate allocation for a transponder of a satellite and a guide channel definition. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a user interface that displays a least a portion of the broadcast system data on a display. The broadcast system data is modified through the user interface.

Abstract: A method of controlling devices, and which includes converting, via a transmitting apparatus, a signal including at least one of the video/audio and data into a first definition wireless signal, transmitting, via the transmitting apparatus, the converted first definition wireless signal to a receiving apparatus, receiving, via the receiving apparatus, the first definition wireless signal, extracting, via the receiving apparatus, the at least one of the video/audio and data included in the first definition wireless signal, detecting, via a detector on the receiving apparatus, a quality of the received first definition wireless signal, and comparing, via a processor on the receiving apparatus, the detected quality of the received first definition wireless signal with a predetermined value, and transmitting a first command to the transmitting apparatus to transmit a second definition wireless signal including the at least one of the video/audio and data to the receiving apparatus, when the detected quality of th

Abstract: A remote control device is operative to enable and facilitate user control of video systems that are operative to provide one or more three-dimensional (3D) viewing effects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a user input terminal having an input element operative to receive user inputs to adjust at least one of a volume setting and a channel setting of a video system, and further operative to receive user inputs to adjust a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing effect of the video system. A transmitter is operative to transmit control signals to the video system in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: A system comprising multiple devices that are operable when servicing a device-under service is described. A DAQ device is operable to generate input data from input signals received from the device-under-service and to transmit the input data to a display device via a wireless network. The DAQ device comprises multiple buffers to store the input data. One of the buffers stores two frames of the input data, which can be live input data or historical input data. At any one time, a display at the display device visually presents one frame of input data for each respective input channel of the DAQ device. At any one time, a display at the DAQ device visually presents a half-frame of input data for each respective input channel of the DAQ device. Another buffer at the DAQ device can store more than two frames of input data including historical input data.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a control circuit that provides a combined power signal and control signal to an LNB of a satellite system. The control circuit output may be transmitted to an LNB by a set-top box (STB) such that the STB may control the LNB. The control circuit may accept an enable signal from the STB to alter the circuit from a transmitting circuit to a receiving circuit. The control circuit may also integrate the functionality of a low pass filter into the communication signal circuit, thereby removing the need for a low pass filter at a power supply output. The control circuit may also provide a low overall power consumption of the circuit by isolating the communication signal from the power supply signal before the signals are combined.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a plurality of local channel signals that includes a monitoring system for receiving the plurality of local channel signals and for converting channel signals into RF signals. The system also includes a combiner for combining the RF signals with national signals to form a combined signal and an integrated receiver decoder and a router communicating at least one of the combined signals to an input of the integrated receiver decoder. A display associated with the integrated receiver decoder displays at least one of one of the RF signals.

Abstract: A channel scanning method for Digital Video Broadcasting—Satellite (DVB-S) signals is provided. The method includes: scanning a radio frequency (RF) signal according to a normal frequency step; when the Nth channel is detected, obtaining a difference between a low boundary of an Nth channel and a high boundary of an (N?1)th channel; and, when the difference is within a predetermined bandwidth range, scanning the RF signal between the high boundary of the (N?1)th channel and the low boundary of the Nth channel according to a narrow frequency step. The normal frequency step is greater than the narrow frequency step.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus receives a plurality of transport streams and uses conditional access provided by an external adapter. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus includes a pre-processor operable to extract a part of information, by elementary stream unit, from each of the plurality of transport streams by receiving a filtering condition from the external adapter and performing filtering on the plurality of transport streams according to the filtering condition. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus also includes a multiplexer, an output interface, an input interface, and a demultiplexer. The external adapter is detachable from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and includes a conditional access descrambler that descrambles transport stream packets in the multiplexed data that are protected by conditional access with a packet identifier specified by the controller in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile transceiver device can communicate with a separate broadcast radio receiver, to receive metadata concerning a main program being received by the broadcast radio receiver. The mobile transceiver device uses the metadata to formulate a request or search query, send the request or search query over a WLAN or cellular data network transceiver, to one or more sources of additional information, which respond with additional information. The additional information can comprise more detailed metadata about the main program as well as content and programming that facilitate a commerce transaction. For example, more detailed metadata can include song lyrics and album art when the main program is a song, while if the main program is an advertisement, the additional information can comprise information for furthering completion of a transaction.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for an aircraft includes a radome to be carried by the aircraft, and a dual-beam satellite antenna and at least one positioner coupled thereto to be carried by the aircraft and protected by the radome. The dual-beam satellite antenna is to generate dual antenna beams for television programming and Internet data from respective spaced apart satellites. The dual-beam satellite antenna includes a first aperture for receiving the television programming, and a second aperture adjacent the first aperture for receiving the Internet data. A television programming distribution system is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide television programming within the aircraft. At least one access point is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) within the aircraft for the Internet data.

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: A multimedia information receiving apparatus receives multimedia information which is transmitted by a broadcast system and receives multimedia information which is simultaneously transmitted by another transmission system such as IP communications, and generates one received information by selecting elements having a few errors from elements of demodulated broadcast system information and elements of demodulated other transmission system information and then arranging the selected elements.

Abstract: Embodiments provide power-efficient mechanisms for communicating small amounts of information to receiver devices within a mobile broadcast system. A generic transport mechanism enables transmitting data relevant to upper layer protocols in a lower layer sub-channel so multiple information summary flows can share the same physical layer sub-channel. Data fields are added to the Overhead Information Service (OIS) channel to provide power-efficient logical channels for carrying the summary information. Data from the power-efficient logical channels are provided to an upper protocol layer that receives the information summary flows. Information summary flow may carry a version number of an information flow in the broadcast signal, codes or other information. Receiver devices periodically monitoring the OIS receive the information summary flows.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely transcoding content includes a set top box generating a playlist corresponding to content titles stored in a memory of the set top box. A user device is in communication with the cloud location and the set top box through a network. The user device reviews the playlist and selects a first content title from the playlist to form a selection. The cloud location includes a transcoder device transcoding content corresponding to the selection to form transcoded content. One of the cloud location and the set top box communicates the transcoded content to the user device.

Abstract: A video on demand (VoD) network architecture implements a gateway that provides both satellite-based communications and radio frequency-based communications. The gateway may receive a content request from a video client and determine whether the content request corresponds to a content delivery network (CDN). When the content request corresponds to the CDN, the gateway may install a VoD access point name (APN) route designated for VoD traffic between the video client and the CDN, and communicate the content request to the CDN via the VoD APN route. The VoD APN route may include a VoD APN of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) connected to the gateway via an air interface. When the content request does not correspond to the CDN, the gateway may communicate the content request via an Internet APN route.

Abstract: A receiving unit 28 includes a tuner circuit board 100 that receives a first signal that may include a satellite signal. The tuner circuit board 100 demodulates the satellite signal to form a second signal. The second signal is provided to an internet protocol (IP) and control module circuit board 102 that is separated from the tuner circuit board 100. The internet protocol (IP) and control module circuit board 102 formats the second signal to form an IP encapsulated signal. The IP encapsulated signal is communicated to a device 44 so that a display 46 may be generated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for auto-installing an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) includes issuing an auto-installation command from the IRD to an outdoor unit (ODU) and receiving a plurality of tones from the ODU in response to the auto-installation command, each tone representing a center frequency of available user bands (UBs). The auto-installation also includes acquiring a UB center frequency by the IRD, requesting the ODU to confirm a UB number corresponding to the acquired UB center frequency, and receiving confirmation from the ODU that a UB number corresponds to the acquired UB center frequency. The auto-installation also includes sending an acceptance of the assigned UB number from the IRD to signal the ODU that it may mark the assigned UB as assigned.

Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a plurality of entertainment devices installed at a hospitality location and a content selector. The content selector is configured to retrieve a plurality of user profiles corresponding to current users of the hospitality location, and automatically adjust content made available on each of the entertainment devices at the hospitality location according to information stored in the user profiles.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the invention may include receiving, over an electronic network, a contract description message including description information corresponding to a computer device being used to display the contract to a user, retrieving, by using a processor, the description information from the contract description message, comparing the description information with information stored in a template library and adaptor library to identify a generic user interface and a corresponding adaptor module, and generating a contract response message based on a result of the comparison, the response message including an instruction to generate, on the computer device, a customized user interface based on the identified generic user interface and corresponding adaptor module when the generic user interface and the corresponding adaptor module are identified.

Abstract: A first video-recording reservation management apparatus which communicates with a second apparatus and can receive the same channels.

Abstract: A remote control device is presented which includes a user interface, control logic, a memory and a transmitter. The user interface is configured to accept an input from a user. The control logic is configured to generate a random number as an address for the remote control device, and to generate a command for an electronic device based on the input from the user. The command comprises the address. The memory is configured to store the address for the remote control device. The transmitter is configured to transmit the command to the electronic device.

Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly, via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device, based on the determined location, information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly along with a plurality of other location information and a plurality of corresponding other time information associated with a plurality of other IP LNB assemblies.

Abstract: A transmitting device includes a video-signal output unit, an image displaying unit, an information receiving unit, and a controller. The video-signal output unit outputs a video signal. The image displaying unit displays an image based on the video signal outputted from the video-signal output unit, on a first image display element. The signal transmitting unit transmits the video signal outputted from the video-signal output unit, to an external apparatus via a transmission path. The information receiving unit receives operational information transmitted from the external apparatus, on a display screen of a second image display of the external apparatus. The controller controls at least an operation of the video-signal output unit on the basis of the operational information received by the information receiving unit.

Abstract: An event trigger data string is formulated and added to digital content for distribution to an audience via broadcast, satellite, cable or any other technology. The event trigger data string includes identification of an event source, identification of an operation to be performed, and a payload. A controller reads the data string and outputs a command to an appropriate event source for alteration of a digital content stream based upon the identified operation. The payload may, for example, identify an advertisement or notice to be spliced into or out of the digital content stream. Such event trigger data strings may be added to many different digital content streams, and a router or switching component may distribute the streams to systems that disseminate them to the audience. The technique enables interaction with different event sources, and allows command of multiple different operations by these event sources.

Abstract: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device capable of easily setting area information. A control unit of a DVR transmits an acquisition request for area information to a TV. When the control unit receives a response to the acquisition request from the TV, the control unit extracts area information from the received response and performs a channel presetting using the extracted area information. A control unit of the TV has area information stored therein. When the control unit receives an acquisition request for area information from the DVR, the control unit transmits, as a response to the request, the stored area information to the DVR.

Abstract: A frequency translation module for delivering satellite signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs). The module comprises at least one input for receiving polarized satellite signals, wherein at least one input is coupled to at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), at least one legacy output, the legacy output coupled to the input through a multiswitch, wherein each legacy output selects a polarization of a satellite signal based on a Legacy IRD command directly to the multiswitch, and at least one combined output, the combined output coupled to the multiswitch through an interface, wherein at least one new IRD selectively commands the frequency translation module such that each new IRD receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands received from each IRD.

Abstract: An optical low-noise block down-converter for a satellite television system is disclosed. The optical low-noise block down-converter includes a first down-conversion module coupled to a satellite antenna of the satellite television system for converting a vertically polarized signal received by the satellite antenna into a first intermediate frequency signal, a second down-conversion module coupled to the satellite antenna for converting a horizontally polarized signal received by the satellite antenna into a second intermediate frequency signal, and a third down-conversion module having a first input terminal coupled between the satellite antenna and a first down-converter of the first down-conversion module and a second input terminal coupled between the satellite antenna and a second down-converter of the second down-conversion module for draining out part of the vertically polarized signal and the horizontally polarized signal to combine and convert into a legacy electrical signal.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a digital data stream is divided into at least two complementary digital substreams and delayed in time. The first digital substream and the second digital substream are transmitted by the broadcasting systems with a time offset in accordance with the broadcasting principle such that any receiver can use the respectively intact part of the other complementary digital substream in order to ensure a seamless media reception when a break in the transmission or reception occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing data. The method of processing data includes receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data; obtaining first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining information indicating that second program table information, which describes an additional service provided by the ensemble, is included in the ensemblem and parsing the second program table information according to the obtained information; and providing the additional service by using the second program table information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for receiving and displaying cellular television content. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wireless communication device for establishing a connection to a wireless telecommunications network and for receiving video content over the connection. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the cellular television content and the television signal. The processor generates a signal for display on a video display screen from the television signal and the video content. A video display screen is also provided in the apparatus for displaying the signal. The apparatus may also include a remote control interface and a remote control device that includes a keypad for establishing a wireless telephone call through the apparatus over the wireless telecommunications network.

Abstract: A system and method includes a host device using a first format, an intermediate device, a user device using a second format and a network in communication with the host device, the intermediate device and the user device. The user device communicates a first user generated signal having the second format to the intermediate device. The intermediate device converts the second format of the first user generated signal to the first format to form a second user generated signal. The intermediate device communicates the second user generated signal to the host device.

Abstract: A system and method includes a host device, an intermediate device and a user device. A network is in communication with the host device, the intermediate device and the user device. The host device communicates a first graphics command and a second graphics command to the intermediate device. The intermediate device composites the first graphics command and the second graphics command to form a composite graphics command and communicating the composite graphics command to the user device. The user device generates a screen display in response to the composite graphics command.

Abstract: A system and method includes a host device, an intermediate device and a user device having a device type associated therewith. A network is in communication with the host device, the intermediate device and the user device. The host device communicates a first graphics command to the intermediate device. The intermediate device converts the first graphics command to a second graphics command in response to the device type. The user device generates a screen display in response to the second graphics command.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a user interface for added or removed content includes an external device, a display and a host device coupled to the display. The host device controlling the display to display a first user interface associated with the host device. The host device controlling the display to display a second user interface formed using the first interface with content corresponding to the external device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for service acquisition. In an aspect, a method is provided for service acquisition. The method includes generating one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, encoding the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and encapsulating the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for service acquisition. The apparatus includes a source encoder configured to generate one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, an error encoder configured to encode the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and a packer configured to encapsulate the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for an aircraft includes a radome to be carried by the aircraft, and a dual-beam satellite antenna and at least one positioner coupled thereto to be carried by the aircraft and protected by the radome. The dual-beam satellite antenna is to generate dual antenna beams for television programming and Internet data from respective spaced apart satellites. The dual-beam satellite antenna includes a first aperture for receiving the television programming, and a second aperture adjacent the first aperture for receiving the Internet data. A television programming distribution system is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide television programming within the aircraft. At least one access point is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) within the aircraft for the Internet data.

Abstract: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.

Abstract: A system and method for marking and recording content includes a network operation center receiving an incoming programming stream, monitoring the incoming programming stream, generating descriptive data corresponding to the programming stream, combining the descriptive data with the programming stream to form a composite signal and broadcasting the composite signal to a receiving unit. The system may also include a receiving unit having a monitoring term stored therein. The receiving unit monitors the composite signal for the monitoring term within the descriptive data and storing content or sub-content in a memory of the receiving unit when a monitoring term corresponds to the descriptive data.

Abstract: When the user initiates the retrieval of the primary content information item by means of entering a user input into the data processing system, e.g. zapping a digital TV that switches channels upon receipt of the user input, he/she has to wait a noticeable time before the rendering and play-out of the primary content information item actually starts. The length of the delay is predicted, on the basis of which one or more secondary content items are rendered and played out to the user during this delay. The invention can also be used for bridging the waiting time in an online ordering system, when loading a program on a personal computer, and in an IMS-based IPTV network.

Abstract: A protocol for wireless transmission of audio/video (A/V) information is provided. The protocol includes sending a request message from a requester to a responder for changing A/V format of an A/V stream transmission between the requester and the responder over a wireless communication medium. In reply to the request message, sending a response message from the responder to the requester for synchronizing the A/V format change. The requester and the responder changing the A/V format of the A/V stream in synchrony.

Abstract: A portable media system comprising at least one media receiver having at least one video or audio output, wherein the at least one media receiver is operative to communicate with at least one media service provider while roaming; and at least one unique identifier embedded on the at least one media receiver.

Abstract: A satellite system for transmission of signals of two different frequencies and polarizations simultaneously, and will accommodate two different polarity commands from different sources at the same time. The satellite system includes a satellite antenna that receives signals. A head-in frequency processor enables the different frequencies and polarizations to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. This single coaxial cable is coupled to a head-out receiver processor which is connected to a receiver. This configuration provides for the system that will permit for satellite broadcasting in locations that are not in the line-of-sight path to the satellites such as high-rises, hospitals, condominiums, schools, and the like.

Abstract: A wide band receiver to select and demodulate an input signal with single scan spectrum sensing by performing filtering on the input signal in digital domain to achieve improved selectivity and sensitivity is provided. The input signal includes one or more narrowband radio frequency (RF) signals. The wide band receiver includes a wide band tuner that down converts the one or more narrowband RF signals to one or more IF signals. An analog to digital converter (ADC) converts the one or more IF signals to one or more digital signals. A filter rejects out-of-band signals from the one or more digital signals to achieve the improved selectivity. A numeric controlled oscillator (NCO) selects at least one narrowband digital signal from the digital signals based on a phase value obtained from a spectrum selection control unit. A demodulator demodulates the narrowband digital signal to obtain a demodulated digital signal.

Abstract: In response to a request from a playback apparatus over a network to play back content, a first recording/playback apparatus transmits data indicating content satisfying the request to the playback apparatus over the network. When selecting desired content from the transmitted data, the playback apparatus requests the first recording/playback apparatus to transmit data of the selected content to the playback apparatus over the network. When the data of the desired content is transmitted to the playback apparatus from the first recording/playback apparatus over the network in response to the request, the content being transmitted is played back via streaming.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling each wideband tuner of a television converter device such as a set-top box to receive transponders from any satellite location and provide a unique feed per television converter device (e.g., per set-top box) input, giving each television converter device tuner its own set of six, eight or more transponders. The capacity of transponder stacking in the digital domain is extended to a system and method to make use of wideband tuner/demodulators. Each television converter device has a single wideband tuner/demodulator for six, eight or more transponders with each transponder being from any of all possible satellite locations. Bandwidth to each television converter device is thereby usefully increased.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for auto-installing an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) includes issuing an auto-installation command from the IRD to an outdoor unit (ODU) and receiving a plurality of tones from the ODU in response to the auto-installation command, each tone representing a center frequency of available user bands (UBs). The auto-installation also includes acquiring a UB center frequency by the IRD, requesting the ODU to confirm a UB number corresponding to the acquired UB center frequency, and receiving confirmation from the ODU that a UB number corresponds to the acquired UB center frequency. The auto-installation also includes sending an acceptance of the assigned UB number from the IRD to signal the ODU that it may mark the assigned UB as assigned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital broadcast receiving apparatus configured to receive terrestrial digital television broadcasting and satellite digital broadcasting, including: a terrestrial digital tuner; a satellite digital tuner; a demodulating block configured to demodulate a reception signal of the terrestrial digital television broadcasting with an output supplied from the terrestrial digital tuner, and, at the same time, demodulate a reception signal of the satellite digital broadcasting with an output supplied from the satellite digital tuner; a terrestrial digital tuner control block; a satellite digital tuner control block; and a switching block configured to switch output terminals of the demodulating block in accordance with a positional arrangement of the terrestrial digital tuner and the satellite digital tuner relative to the demodulating block.

Abstract: Wearable advertising display systems that integrate wireless communications technologies with wearable, dynamic displays for advertising purposes. Advertising content may be dynamically selected and communicated to the wearable advertising display systems from a remote device. In some embodiments, multiple wearable advertising display system may work together to provide a coordinated advertising message. A determination may be made that multiple wearable advertising display systems are within proximity of each other. Coordinated advertising content may be selected. At least a portion of the coordinated advertising content is communicated to each of the wearable advertising display systems, which present the coordinated advertising content in conjunction.