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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a satellite media receiver having a controller adapted to detect a service outage associated with a media program derived from satellite signals supplied to a satellite port of the satellite media receiver, and transmit a request for a portion of the media program for delivery to a broadband port of the satellite media receiver to mitigate the service outage. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A communication system 10 including a host device 14 in communication with an external device 40 through a pair of interfaces 48/50. The external device has an application code image module 42 therein. The host device 14 includes an application execution area 66 and a resource application programming interface (API) 60. The host device 14 stores the application code image in the application execution area 66. The application code image controls a function in the host device 14 using the resource application interface. When the function is performed, the application code image may be removed from the host device 14.

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 communication system 100 is used to manage content. The content is transferred to a content delivery network 280. The content has publication start time and a purge time associated therewith. The content start time and purge time may be provided in the metadata associated with the content. The system publishes the content according to a publication start time and purges the content from the content delivery network at the purge time.

Abstract: A system includes a content processing system receiving row ad metadata for a row ad, communicating the row ad to a user device and communicating program guide information to a user device. The program guide information defines a plurality of rows. The user device populates a row from the plurality of rows in response to the metadata and displays the row ad and the program guide on a display associated with the user device.

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: A system for configuring satellite communication services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of a satellite media receiver operating in a satellite communication system. The installation of the satellite media receiver can be detected by way of a broadband port of said satellite media receiver when coupled to a local area network accessible by the portal. The controller element can also adapt at least a portion of said portal according to said installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A set top box 22 includes a communication module 102 receiving a remote control configuration database having a remote control associated therewith. The set top box 22 further includes a display control module 116 forming a screen display in response to the remote control configuration database. An interface 110 forms selections in response to the screen display and a display control module displays programming instructions for the remote control.

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: A system of satellite signal down conversion and reception comprises a low noise block down converter and a plurality of receivers. The low noise block down converter simultaneously and periodically sends a reference timing command to the plurality of receivers. Each of the plurality of receivers calibrates its timing based on the reference timing command to generate a plurality of data frames. Each of the data frames includes a plurality of time slots, and a time slot is designated to transmit data between the receiver and the low noise block down converter. Furthermore, each of the plurality of receivers uses a different time slot.

Abstract: A method, apparatus for providing at least near continuous broadcast services to one or more terrestrial receiver stations is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of satellites, each satellite in an inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbit, each satellite providing a portion of the at least near continuous broadcast service to the terrestrial receiver. In one embodiment, the system also comprises a receiver station having an legacy antenna modified so as to include a sensitivity pattern substantially matched to the track of the apparent position of the satellites actively broadcasting information to the receiver stations. The present invention is also embodied in a method for receiving at least near continuous broadcast service from at least one of a plurality of satellites at a time, each satellite in an inclined, elliptical, geosynchronous orbit.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes an input unit, a receiving unit, a control unit, a main memory, a demultiplexer unit, and a decoding unit. When a user switches on or resets the main power by operating the input unit, an operation signal (main-power switching-on signal or reset signal) is supplied to the control unit via a bus. The control unit reads, via the bus, the bit-rate value of transport stream data stored in a program area in a main memory. The control unit computes the optimal size of the FIFO buffer area based on the read bit-rate value and confirms it. The control unit reserves, in the main memory, the FIFO buffer area based on a result of the computation.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device content information received over a broadband connection. The content information can be associated with at least one satellite service presented to the media device over satellite signals disassociated with the broadband connection. The content information can also be received responsive to a request for said content information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for issuing instructions to a satellite antenna configured to receive a transmission from any of a group of satellites and to provide a signal to a receiver. In accordance with one embodiment, the receiver is queried (e.g., by a control module, which in one embodiment is a device equipped with a microprocessor and memory storing instructions defining the query) to determine information relating to a channel selected by a user. Based on the information, a determination is made whether the antenna should receive a transmission from a satellite other than a currently selected satellite. If so, the antenna is instructed (e.g., by the control module) to locate the other satellite. In another embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided for use in systems having multiple receivers, including one master receiver coupled to the antenna and one or more other slave receivers which do not issue instructions to the antenna.

Abstract: A repeater for digital satellite television broadcasts wherein the repeater receives digital television signals broadcast from a satellite using one or more antennas mounted on the outside of an aircraft; the repeater corrects for Doppler frequency offset, resulting from the aircraft and/or satellite motion, prior to re-transmission of the broadcast into the interior of the airframe. This correction is a shift of the received signal frequency; the repeater re-transmits the broadcast, in a modulated and coded format, into the inside of an aircraft, the re-transmitted signal is received by multiple users inside the aircraft; the repeated signal is in a modulated and/or coded form and consequently the multiple users of the signal must each have a receiver capable of performing the required demodulation and/or decoding.

Abstract: A system for providing interactive services in a subscription television system includes a system controller for controlling the interactive services, a video signal source for transmitting a video signal and a subscriber terminal for receiving a downstream transaction from the system controller and the video signal. The system controller comprises a memory for storing subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a processor for generating a downstream transaction including subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a transmitter for transmitting the downstream transaction, and a receiver for receiving an upstream transaction. The subscriber terminal includes memory for storing the downstream transaction, an on screen display generator for overlaying data in place of or superimposed on the video signal, data input circuitry for generating upstream data, and an upstream transmitter for transmitting the upstream data to the system controller.

Abstract: A method for providing television signals is disclosed including the steps of: receiving signals utilizing a first antenna and a second antenna; generating a first signal quality indicator corresponding to signals from the first antenna; generating a second signal quality indicator corresponding to signals from the second antenna; and selectively producing only a main picture signal or the main picture signal together with a sub picture signal utilizing the signals from the first and second antennas according to the first and second signal quality indicators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to signal receiving apparatus and method for efficiently transmitting a digital satellite broadcast signal received, and recording medium. A DSS broadcast signal from an antenna is subjected to station selection in a front end circuit, the scramble thereof is released in a descramble circuit, and further it is judged whether the broadcast signal concerned is an SD broadcast signal or HD broadcast signal. The SD signal is decoded in an MPEG decode circuit, converted to an NTSC signal in an NTSC encode circuit, and then output from a video cable. The HD signal is rearranged to a structure conformed with the ATSC system in a multiplexing editing circuit, encrypted in an encryption circuit and then output from an IEEE1394 interface.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, a router system 186 selecting a first signal from the plurality of signals, a digital video effects module 240, 242 inserting a digital video effect into the first signal and an encoder 182, 190 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams. The system also includes a multiplexer 210, a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal.

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: The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention is displayed on a monitor with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the mosaic video channel, wherein the mosaic channel is changed via a controller which initiates a logo wipe across the mosaic video channel.

Abstract: A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. 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: Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.

Abstract: A low profile mobile in-motion antenna and transmit/receive terminal system for two-way “VSAT” type satellite communication using FSS service, preferably in Ku band, supporting at the same time TV signal reception from the same satellite or a separate DBS satellite located at the same or nearby geo-stationary orbital position.

Abstract: A mobile wireless system (10) includes a transmitter such as a satellite (18) that broadcasts wireless signals such as boundaries for wireless networks to a mobile receiving device (22). Mobile receiving device (22) may include an antenna (26). A locating receiver (50) is used to generate locating signals so that a determination may be made to the location of the mobile receiving device. Preauthorizations may be obtained to allow the mobile receiving device (22) to communicate back to business controller (11) to enable functions such as pay-per-view or on-demand, interactive television, gaming, and the like. The preauthorizations enable access to various wireless networks as the mobile receiving device (22) moves.

Abstract: An outdoor satellite receiving unit (ODU) receives several independent satellite signals, selects two signals with a switch matrix, downconverts the two signals to a bandstacked signal with a high and a low band signal, and outputs the bandstacked signal on the same cable to receiver units. Several satellite signals can be selected in groups of two or more and output to independent receiver units. Signal selecting is performed at the received radio frequency (RF) and bandstacking is performed with a single downconversion step to an intermediate frequency (IF). Channel stacking on the same cable of more than two channels from several satellites can be achieved by using frequency agile downconverters and bandpass filters prior to combining at the IF output. A slow transitioning switch minimizes signal disturbances when switching and maintains input impedance at a constant value.

Abstract: In one form, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus for broadcasting an event. The method includes receiving data related to an event via an uplink. Another aspect of the method includes determining whether the data is broadcast on a recurring basis. The method also includes determining whether a transponder channel associated with multiplexed program channels has any unused data or bandwidth to broadcast a portion of the data along with the multiplexed program channels. Additionally, the method includes broadcasting the portion of the data in a data stream.

Abstract: A method of gleaning localized information via at least one satellite television broadcast includes receiving, at a call center, information from at least one information source, the information relating to at least one incident and at least one geographic location. A geographic region for the at least one incident is defined based upon the information. A channel that is local to the defined geographic region is identified via a satellite television broadcast. The identified local television channel is monitored to gather additional information regarding the incident.

Abstract: A satellite system 10 having a first satellite 14 at a first orbital slot B has a first transponder 32 and a second generating a first downlink signal 44B at a first frequency and a second downlink signal 44C at a second frequency. An outdoor unit is directed toward the first satellite 14 and includes a support structure, a reflector 64 coupled to the support structure and reflecting the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal. A first feed 66B is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A second feed 70A is coupled to the support structure and receives the second downlink signal. A secondary reflector 72 reflects the second downlink signal to the second feed 70.

Abstract: A system 10 that includes a first satellite 14 at a first orbital slot B includes a first transponder 32 generating a first downlink signal at a first frequency and a second downlink signal at a second frequency. An outdoor unit 50 is directed toward the first satellite 14. The outdoor unit includes a support structure 80 and a reflector 64 coupled to the support structure 80 and reflecting the first downlink signal from a first satellite. A first reflector reflects the second downlink signal from the first satellite. A first feed 66 is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A reflector 72 having frequency selective surface 74 coupled to the support structure 80 reflects the second downlink signal and passes the first downlink signal therethrough. The second feed 70B is coupled to the support structure 80 and receives the second downlink signal reflected from the frequency selective surface 74.

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: Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of wireless communication of user input to a video source. A wireless video communication system may include, for example, a wireless video transmitter capable of transmitting a wireless video downlink transmission representing video data generated by a video source; and a wireless video receiver capable of receiving the wireless video downlink transmission, capturing a wireless user input signal intended for the video source, and transmitting to the wireless video transmitter a wireless uplink transmission corresponding to the user input signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna enclosure associated with a satellite antenna may include a converter to downconvert incoming radio frequency (RF) signals from a first frequency to a second frequency, a receiver to receive the second frequency signals and to tune to at least one requested signal channel, and a wireless interface to receive and wirelessly transmit the at least one requested signal channel.

Abstract: A method and system for location-specific delivery of digital satellite broadcast data comprising determining a current service location, selecting a satellite radio band based on the determination, monitoring the selected satellite radio band for a data package, and initiating reception of the data package at the mobile device using the determined satellite radio band. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for location-specific delivery of digital satellite broadcast data.

Abstract: A broadcasting system including a transmitter operative to transmit a signal in a first transmission format, a receiver operative to receive the signal, a reformatter operative to reformat the received signal into a second transmission format, and a set-top box (STB) operative to decode the second-transmission-formatted signal.

Abstract: An outgoing message judging device judges if an outgoing message transmitted by a sending process is cacheable or not; An outgoing message queue queues the outgoing message, when the judging result indicates to be noncacheable. A returning message judging device judges if a returning message transmitted by a receiving process is cacheable or not; A returning message queue queues the returning message, when the judging result indicates to be noncacheable. A message cache unit stores the returning message in association with the outgoing message corresponding to the outgoing message when the judgment result is cacheable, or caches the returning message corresponding to the outgoing message to transmit the returning message to the returning message queue when the judgment result is cacheable.

Abstract: Delivery of audiovisual data may be accomplished using a satellite system. The user may have a set-top box connected to a satellite dish and a network connection. An operator server may receive a request for a title from the user via the network connection. The operator server may then determine if the title is in a transmission schedule and add it to the schedule if it is not. The data corresponding to the request may be encrypted using an encryption algorithm, and a corresponding decryption key may be generated. The key may then be forwarded to the user via the network connection. Then, according to the transmission schedule, the database containing the data will forward the data to a transmitter where it is communicated to a satellite in orbit, which then communicates the data to the satellite dish. The data may be stored in the set-top box for later playback.

Abstract: In a television signal transmission system, CS broadcasting signals received via a master antenna are converted into intermediate frequency signals in an LNB (Low Noise Block Down Converter). The CS intermediate frequency signals then undergo conversion of the modulation format, for example, from QPSK into 64-QAM, so that CS broadcasting signals from each transponder, having a bandwidth of, for example, 27 MHz, are accommodated in a narrower bandwidth, for example, 6 MHz, which is equivalent to one channel of terrestrial broadcasting services. Then, the signals accommodated in the narrower bandwidth is frequency-shifted into a vacant frequency band in the VHF band or the UHF band. Accordingly, the CS signals accommodated in the narrower band and frequency-shifted into the vacant band are multiplexed with terrestrial broadcasting signals in the VHF and UHF bands and BS intermediate frequency signals so that all these signals are delivered to each household via a single cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuner apparatus operating as a common tuner capable of receiving both satellite digital TV and terrestrial TV broadcasting. A tuner configured, according to the invention operates as follows. As the tuner apparatus receives satellite TV broadcasting, intermediate-frequency signals SIF1 are supplied to its quadrature detector circuit where the SIF1 signals are demodulated into baseband signals SI and SQ by using oscillation signals supplied thereto from its oscillator. As the tuner apparatus receives terrestrial TV or CATV broadcasting, terrestrial TV or CATV broadcast wave signals are supplied to its mixer circuit where these signals are frequency-converted into intermediate-frequency signals SIF1 that fall within the bandwidth of the satellite TV broadcasting SIF1 signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving and display system including, a receiving apparatus, and a display terminal, wherein, the receiving apparatus receiving data from outside and the display terminal displaying information by receiving data from the receiving apparatus, wherein, upon receipt of an upgraded program from outside, the receiving apparatus checks to determine whether the upgraded program is destined for the receiving apparatus or for the display terminal, the receiving apparatus further writing the upgraded program to a storage device of the receiving apparatus if the upgraded program is found to be destined for the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus further transferring the upgraded program to the display terminal if the upgraded program is found to be destined for the display terminal, and wherein the display terminal writes the upgraded program transferred from the receiving apparatus to a storage device of the display terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving services is presented. The system comprises a first splitter having an input, a first output and a slaved output receiving a first signal at the input having a single polarization including a first service and a slaved service, wherein the first signal is directed to the first output and the slaved output and selected by a first control signal applied at the input, a first tuner receiving the first output and tuning the first service and a slaved tuner receiving the slaved output and tuning the slaved service. The method comprises generating a first control signal to select a first signal, receiving a first signal including a first service and a slaved service, wherein the first service and the slaved service are at the same polarization, splitting the first signal with a first splitter to a first output and a first slaved output, tuning the first service from the first output with a first tuner and tuning the slaved service from the slaved output with a slaved tuner.

Abstract: The described implementations provide for referencing locally and remotely deployed resources in a television-based entertainment system. The entertainment system includes a content provider or network server. The network server accesses a digital broadcast network via any one of multiple different digital broadcasting protocols. The network server distributes source content to a head end component of the system, which in turn distributes the source content to a client device such as a set-top box. The source content includes a number of embedded references to resources such as those deployed locally by the set-top box and/or deployed remotely by the network server. The set-top box utilizes a mapping table to determine actual values of syntactical abstractions in syntax of the embedded references to access and/or launch at least one locally or remotely deployed resource.

Abstract: A low power circuit for providing power and control signals to a low noise block converter of a satellite receiver over a single coaxial cable includes a tracking switch-mode power supply. The power and control signals have a DC voltage level selected from a plurality of DC voltage levels and are modulated by an analog AC tone signal. The switch-mode power supply provides a regulated output voltage which tracks the selected DC voltage level. The regulated output voltage provides the input voltage to an adjustable linear amplifier which generates an output voltage having the selected DC voltage level modulated by the analog AC tone signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving station for satellite television signals. The inventive system comprises an external unit, satellite receivers and television units for receiving both satellite signals and VHF/UHF signals under control of a common channel selection unit and a control module assigned to each television receiver. The control module is provided for generating control signals for the satellite receiver, so that satellite image signals can be received when selecting certain channels that would otherwise be available for VHF and UHF reception.

Abstract: A multi-channel tuner apparatus is provided which is capable of simultaneously and independently selecting a plurality of channels for reception. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tuners, each of which converts a selected channel to a near-zero intermediate frequency. The output signals from the tuners are supplied to respective sample/hold circuits, whose outputs are supplied to a single analogue/digital converter for multiplexing the tuner signals and converting them to the digital domain. A common demodulator arrangement processes the digital domain signal to extract the information from all of the selected channels.

Abstract: A system and method for adapting program guides to meet subscriber criteria, and for providing program guide information to selected subscribers based upon subscriber criteria such as the subscriber's location within a market area is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is applied to a system broadcasting a first signal having service channels, each of which service channels is uniquely described by a service channel identifier. The application of the method provides second program guide information describing a second set of programs only to a subset of the plurality of receiver stations that comply with at least one service criteria.

Abstract: A low noise block down converter accommodates two local oscillators within one shielding chamber in a metal shielding box and has a conductive bar provided between two dielectric resonators included in the local oscillators respectively. The conductive bar prevents electromagnetic coupling between the two dielectric resonators. Therefore, the device dimension can be made small compared to the conventional case in which two local oscillators are completely separated from each other by a metal wall.

Abstract: A satellite broadcast receiver comprises an antenna, a tuner, a modulator, a FEC decoder, a microprocessor, and an antenna driver. The antenna receives the satellite signal and the tuner tunes the satellite signal received by the antenna, and the modulator modulates the satellite signal tuned by the tuner into digital signal, the FEC decoder corrects a position error of the satellite antenna using the signal modulated by the modulator, and outputs a corresponding output signal, and the microprocessor receives the signal modulated by the modulator and the output signal of the error corrector, and outputs a control signal which controls the position of the antenna, and the antenna driver drives the antenna in accordance with the control signal of the microprocessor. The satellite broadcast receiver enables a user to detect satellites fast and see satellite broadcast conveniently.

Abstract: A head mounted display in a video/audio system includes a display device, a head mount, noise reduction devices, and a speaker. The display device is coupled to the head mount and produces visual images based on received video signals. The head mount is mounted on the user's head and is coupled to the noise reduction devices, which cover the user's ears such that external noise is reduced. The noise reduction devices are coupled together via a strap that fits around the user head. The noise reduction devices are coupled to and house speakers that produce sound signals based on received audio signals. As a result, the user may see the video images produced by the display device and clearly hear the sounds produced by the speaker, and the external noise heard by the user is reduced.