Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: The invention reduces the time needed for an automatic channel search on a device receiving channels of different widths. The invention proposes a channel detection method which carries out a first scan of the frequency range in order to locate all the carrier frequencies. The measurements are saved. Then an analysis of the saved measurements can determine whether it comes from a satellite or FM source, only the data corresponding to satellite sources are kept.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for establishing and identifying a communication pair in a wireless AV system and provides a system in which notification is provided to a user in a case where a wrong pair that the user does not intend to establish among plural AV devices is established. A wireless AV system is a wireless system comprising one or more transmission-side devices and one or more reception-side devices, each of the one or more transmission-side devices comprises means for issuing its own ID with respect to the one or more reception-side devices, the one or more reception-side devices comprising means for storing the ID received from a transmission-side device.

Abstract: A reception device includes a first input terminal receiving a first television broadcast signal of a first frequency band or a mixed wave of the first television broadcast signal and a second television broadcast signal of a second frequency band; a second input terminal receiving the second television broadcast signal; first and second tuner; a matching unit extracting a second broadcast signal from a broadcast signal received from a first circuit terminal and outputting the extracted second broadcast signal from a second circuit terminal; a first connection portion selectively performing a connection between the first input terminal and the first circuit terminal of the matching unit; and a second connection portion setting an input path of the second television broadcast signal to the second tuner to a path from the second input terminal or a path from the second circuit terminal of the matching unit.

Abstract: A system comprising first input means for receiving a transport stream from an external source, second input means for receiving an input from a memory, means for connecting the first and second input means to an interface which is arranged to provide an output stream to a decoder. The second input means is arranged to provide an output to the interface in such a form that the interface does not distinguish between the output from the first and second input means.

Abstract: In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, digital broadcast signals provided by a digital broadcast method are supplied to various types of external units and are effectively utilized. In the above apparatus, a descrambler descrambles a transport stream output from a front end unit and supplies it to a digital interface and a demultiplexer. The demultiplexer extracts from the transport stream a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal of a program specified by a user, and supplies the extracted signals to an MPEG decoder. The MPEG decoder decompresses the supplied video signal and the audio signal and supplies them to the digital interface, an NTSC encoder, and an audio signal D/A converter. The digital interface supplies either of the transport stream or the decompressed data to a digital external unit under the control of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection state setting method of a dual tuner and an apparatus. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method of setting a tuner connection state of n satellites in a digital broadcast receiver having the plurality of tuners, n being a natural number, that are connected to one or more antennas includes setting the tuner connection state for each satellite by using a satellite signal inputted from each satellite, which has information on one antenna, and setting the tuner connection state between the satellites by using a connection state set for each satellite and the satellite signal inputted from each satellite. Accordingly, with the present invention, the digital broadcast receiver having two tuners can automatically set the connection state of satellite lines of each tuner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for acquiring and demodulating a data stream transmitted in a communication system. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises finding a boundary of a physical layer frame (PLFrame) in the data stream, finding a first 26 bits of a Unique Word (UW) associated with the data stream, finding a scrambling code utilizing the UW, and using a decoding procedure to determine a modulation type and code rate used for desired signals within the data stream.

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: A method and an apparatus for switching speech or audio signals, wherein the method for switching speech or audio signals includes when switching of a speech or audio, weighting a first high frequency band signal of a current frame of speech or audio signal and a second high frequency band signal of the previous M frame of speech or audio signals to obtain a processed first high frequency band signal, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and synthesizing the processed first high frequency band signal and a first low frequency band signal of the current frame of speech or audio signal into a wide frequency band signal. In this way, speech or audio signals with different bandwidths can be smoothly switched, thus improving the quality of audio signals received by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for connecting a set-top box (STB) to the Internet over existing and future wireless networks, combining television with wireless Internet access. A conventional television is used in combination with a STB that has a wireless or wired keyboard, a power supply, and audio/visual connections for connecting the STB to the television. In an embodiment, a wireless telephone is placed in a docking station on top of the STB, providing the user with both data (when docked) and voice capabilities (when being used simply for telephone calls). CDMA, CDPD, or other wireless technologies may used for connection to the Internet.

Abstract: A system of distributing electronic content includes a satellite and a network operations center uplinking electronic content to the satellite. The electronic content may contain advertising and various other information including television, movies, and music. An over-the-air broadcast center receives the electronic content from the satellite and generates over-the-air electronic content. A user device is used to receive the over-the-air electronic content. The user device may filter the electronic content broadcast by the over-the-air broadcast center and store various information in a memory cache therein. When the user desires, the information in the memory cache may be used by the user at his convenience.

Abstract: A receiver that provides continuous scrolling when a program guide is displayed and scrolled in a channel direction, even if displayed content extends across transponders. Front-end circuits, and a memory circuit that accumulates received data are provided. An OSD circuit that forms an image signal in accordance with the data accumulated in the memory circuit and a system control circuit are provided. The control circuit performs control such that, in a period in which an image is displayed using the data received by the front-end circuit and accumulated in the memory circuit, the front-end circuit receives another transponder and accumulates data to be required next in the memory circuit, and in a period in which an image is displayed using the data received by the front-end circuit and accumulated in the memory circuit, the front-end circuit receives another transponder and accumulates data to be required next in the memory circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.

Abstract: A signal distribution and control system where signals are distributed and control signals transmitted via a single coaxial cable. Integrated Receiver/Decoder (IRD) units communicate with a Frequency Translation Module (FTM) for construction of a custom data signal for delivery to all IRDs coupled to a given FTM. The commands sent by the IRDs to control the FTM inform the FTM which signals are of interest and should be placed on the custom data signal, also called the combined IRD channels. Previously installed IRDs that cannot generate the new commands are still supported in the system via legacy ports in the multiswitch.

Abstract: A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: A modular interface allows new functionalities to be added to a television receiver. A module can be added to the television receiver through the interface that will enable additional functionalities on the television. The interface allows copy protection of digital video and audio content by incorporating HDCP technology, thereby also allowing the manufacturer of the interface to control the access to the interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for switching channels in a digital broadcasting system. The apparatus and method of the invention can convert an abridged channel name comprised of alphabetic letters, or a combination of alphabetic letters and Arabic numbers, inputted by a user, into a corresponding channel number and switches into a digital broadcasting channel at a tuner according to the channel number so that a user can easily switch broadcast channels.

Abstract: An automatic level controlled system for delivering satellite signals to at least one Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The system includes a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, an automatic level controller, coupled to the inputs, for adjusting a signal strength associated with each the satellite signals such that each of the signal strengths are within a predetermined range, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least one input of the multiswitch is coupled to the automatic level controller, and an interface, wherein at least one of the outputs of the multiswitch provides a signal to the interface, such that at least one new IRD coupled to an output of the interface receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands sent to the interface from the new IRD.

Abstract: Within a radio communication network infrastructure transmitting data organized into a sequence of symbols to a receiving device over a plurality of radio links, data to be transmitted is encoded according to an error correction coding scheme in order to produce a set of systematic symbols and a set of corresponding redundancy symbols; the systematic symbols and a first subset of the corresponding redundancy symbols are transmitted, over a first radio link among said plurality of radio links, in broadcast mode, and a second subset of the corresponding redundancy symbols, distinct from the first one, is transmitted over a second radio link among said plurality of radio links.

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: Disclosed is a transport stream synchronizing system for synchronizing transport streams output from a plurality of transponders and decoded by a plurality of tuners. The transport stream synchronizing system comprises a tuner selector operable to select one transport stream out of a plurality of transport streams decoded by the plurality of tuners, a transport packet synchronizer operable receive the transport stream selected by the tuner selector, and synchronize the received transport stream; and a transport packet arbiter and router operable to receive a synchronized transport stream from the selected tuner, and route the received synchronized transport stream to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: A receiver that can receive several initial signals modulated in a same initial frequency band and/or distinct initial frequency bands and generate a signal modulated in a transmission band to be transmitted on a coaxial cable, comprising a selector that can select several signals from among the received signals; for each selected signal, a mixer capable of transforming the selected signal into a signal at least partly in the transmission band, and a filter capable of extracting from the transformed signal a signal associated with a portion of the transmission band from among several at least partly distinct portions of the transmission band; and means for forming the signal modulated in the transmission band from signals associated with the transmission band portions.

Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described.

Abstract: A bandwidth-limited system for delivering satellite video signals.

Abstract: A television receiver is connected to a multi-directional antenna, and stores, in a memory, a receiving direction table containing: channel numbers; best receiving directions of the multi-directional antenna for receiving the respective channels; and register channel information indicating whether the channels are registered as selectable or non-selectable. The receiving direction table is used for selecting each channel. Based on the operation of a user interface by a user (S42), the register channel information of the receiving direction table can be changed (S44, S45), so that the user can optionally set selectable channels. Thus, the user can preliminarily delete channels in bad receiving conditions from candidates of selectable channels.

Abstract: A content output device identifies a set of content including both high definition content and standard definition content. The content output device determines whether an associated presentation device is capable of presenting high definition content. The content output device then filters the set of content accordingly responsive to determining whether the presentation device is capable of presenting high definition content.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system for transmitting/receiving a digital broadcasting signal and a data processing method are disclosed. A program table information has an identifier identifying mobile service data and main service data in a broadcasting signal. The program table information is mulitiplexed with the mobile service data and main service data. Then, broadcast receiving system can receive and output the mobile service data by parsing the program table information and using the identifier.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A time zone identifier is inserted into program table information of a broadcasting signal and the broadcasting signal is transmitted/received. The digital broadcasting system can calculate a local time of a region, in which the digital broadcasting system is located, using the time zone identifier. Accordingly, although the position of the digital broadcasting system is changed, it is possible to process the broadcasting signal related to the local time without an error.

Abstract: A communication network is operated by obtaining a subscription at a wireless network from at least one device for a rebroadcast of streaming media and rebroadcasting the streaming media to the at least one device using the wireless network responsive to obtaining the subscription.

Abstract: For individual reception of signals of television, radio and other services provided for by means of geostationary telecommunication satellites there is designed a change-over switch of external units of fixed aerials with a system of individual switches controlled by means of standard pulses generated by a satellite receiver. The change-over switch is provided with a command decoding unit (7), having an input (71) being connected to an output terminal (4) for connection to a satellite receiver and outputs (72) being connected to control inputs of individual switches, while the command decoding unit (7) is provided with a circuitry for a transfer of mechanical positioning equipment standard control commands to pulses controlling individual switches (2).

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.

Abstract: A broadcast signal associated with an emergency alert system in terrestrial broadcasting, a processing method thereof, and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying emergency alert news can be completely prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels in a terrestrial broadcasting environment.

Abstract: A method for delivery of data to an end user, wherein the method comprises the steps of hosting at a first location a first receiver, specific to the first location, receiving data on said first receiver, forwarding data from the first receiver to a processor, for processing the data, forwarding the processed data to a Content Delivery Network (CDN), with at least one node connected to the Internet, receiving on the at least one node of the CDN a request from the end user to have access to data specific to the first location, verifying the identity of the end user and, where the verification is positive and forwarding processed data from the at least one node of the CDN to the end user via the CDN and Internet.

Abstract: An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.

Abstract: Entertainment content is delivered in an encrypted digital format from a home base via satellite to individual lodging properties (sites) having an in-room entertainment system. Each digital file containing content (such as a movie) is accompanied by a sites file which identifies the name of the content file and the sites to which the content file is being transmitted. Each site includes a host computer, a digital content receiver, a digital content server guest terminals in the guest rooms, and a distribution network for distributing content from the digital content server to the guest terminals. The digital content receiver receives the transmitted digital content and sites files, and provides the files to the digital content server for storage and later use.

Abstract: A system for a mobile wireless device to receive and display a video stream while preventing overflow or starvation of its receive buffer by requesting changes to the video streaming or encoding rates and by controlling the video playback frame rate. The current receive buffer level is used to make comparisons with several thresholds, the results of which are used to trigger actions. If the current receive buffer level has risen above a start level, then playback of the video can begin. If the current receive buffer level rises above an early detection threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to slow its streaming rate. If the current receive buffer level rises above a high level threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to stop streaming the video. If the current receive buffer level drops below a low level threshold, then the playback frame rate is slowed.

Abstract: A host includes a controller configured to receive a request self-diagnostic to the host, wherein the request is for diagnostic information associated with memory allocated for an application. The controller is further configured to collect the requested diagnostic information.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of user devices 110 and a content delivery network 120 that is in communication with the plurality of user devices 110. The content delivery network 120 communicates a participation signal to each of the plurality of communication devices. The content delivery network 120 communicates a secure authorization message signal to each of the plurality of user devices. The content delivery network 120 authenticates the participation signal for each of the plurality of user devices and, after authentication, communicates the content to the plurality of users.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to enclosed antenna systems for receiving multiple different broadcast types. In one aspect of the disclosure, the enclosed antenna system comprises an enclosure including a satellite television antenna assembly, an off-air television antenna assembly and control electronics disposed on a motorized turntable. In another aspect, the off-air television antenna assembly comprises both UHF and VHF antenna assemblies. In a further aspect, the UHF and VHF television signals received by the off-air antenna assembly are combined, amplified and diplexed with the television signal received by the satellite television antenna assembly. A method of watching television broadcasts from satellite and off-air sources using a multi-antenna system contained within a single enclosure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A communications system and method involving a set top box (STB) and a channel stacking switch (CSS). The STB comprises a communications interface configured to issue a request for a user band, the request identifying the STB and further configured to receive a message identifying an assigned user band; and a tuning element configured to tune to the assigned user band in response to receipt of the message. The CSS comprises a communications interface configured to receive the request for a user band identifying the STB; a memory; and a processing entity configured to access the memory to identify a particular user band that is available for the STB and to assign the particular user band to the STB; wherein the communications interface is further configured to issue to the STB a message identifying the particular user band assigned to the STB.

Abstract: A television receiver is connected to a multi-directional antenna, and stores, in a memory, a receiving direction table containing: channel numbers; best receiving directions of the multi-directional antenna for receiving the respective channels; and register channel information indicating whether the channels are registered as selectable or non-selectable. The receiving direction table is used for selecting each channel. Based on the operation of a user interface by a user (S42), the register channel information of the receiving direction table can be changed (S44, S46), so that the user can optionally set selectable channels. Best receiving directions of channels registered in the receiving direction table as non-selectable are deleted from the receiving direction table (S45), so that the amount of information stored in the memory can be reduced, thereby saving capacity of the memory.

Abstract: A module for use in connection with a media content set-top box is described. The module may include a communications node configured to interface with the media content set-top box that receives media content, a receiver and/or transceiver and control logic. The control logic is configured so as to receive one or more first signals, via the receiver and/or transceiver, carrying corresponding one or more CMRS tower, wireless access point, and/or transmitter identifiers, to determine one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals, and to obtain a location of the device. The location of the device can then be used to provide location specific media content or information alerts and/or to facilitate the determination of whether a use of the device, a use of an associated media content set-top box, etc., at the location is authorized.

Abstract: A method for receiving satellite broadcasting includes: amplifying an inputted satellite broadcasting signal; converting the amplified signal to a baseband signal by mixing the amplified signal with a center frequency of a selected channel; and varying a channel bandwidth of the baseband signal.

Abstract: A vehicular audio/visual system that receives a transmitted electric wave of video or sound, and that outputs the electric wave by switching to an output mode corresponding to user's instruction from among output modes corresponding to multiple types of media includes: a positional information detecting unit that detects positional information of a vehicle; a receiving area storage unit that stores at least one of an area in which the electric wave can be received and an area in which it is difficult to receive the electric wave; a receiving area determination unit that refers to the receiving area storage unit on the basis of the detected positional information and determines whether the electric wave can be received; an output mode switching unit that prohibits an output mode that outputs the electric wave as video or music from being entered when it is determined that the electric wave cannot be received.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for processing television signals includes a local collection facility that has a primary receiver and a primary encoder forming a broadcast signal in response to a first channel signal received at the receiver. The system also includes a remote facility having a monitoring system monitoring the local collection facility at the remote facility. A back-up receiver at the local facility tuning to the first channel, generating a back-up receiver signal for the first channel and communicating the back-up receiver signal to the remote facility from the local collection facility. The monitoring system displays the back-up receiver signal. The remote facility switches the broadcast signal to correspond to the back-up receiver signal.