Abstract: A system and method for effectuating fast channel change in an adaptive streaming environment. A plurality of adjacent channels may be predicted relative to a current streaming channel engaged by a client device. Upon prioritizing the adjacent channels, the client device may be configured to pre-fetch metadata and initialization information for a subset of the prioritized adjacent channels based on bandwidth conditions, video player buffer status, etc. When a channel is changed, the client device is operative to use the pre-fetched data to quickly obtain encoded media content at a select bitrate for rendering.

Abstract: Block chain-based multifactor personal identity verification may be provided. Verification addresses may be established on a block chain by: associating identifiers with individuals having previously verified personal identities, assigning verification addresses on a block chain to the individuals, and recording identifiers and biometric data associated with the individuals at corresponding verification addresses. Block chain-based multifactor personal identity verification using the verification addresses may be performed by: receiving one or more identifiers in connection with one or more requests to verify an identity of one or more individuals, extracting the biometric data associated with the one or more individuals from the corresponding verification addresses, and verifying the identity of the one or more individuals upon receiving matching biometric data and private keys.

Abstract: Block chain-based multifactor personal identity verification may be provided. Verification addresses may be established on a block chain by: associating identifiers with individuals having previously verified personal identities, assigning verification addresses on a block chain to the individuals, and recording identifiers and biometric data associated with the individuals at corresponding verification addresses. Block chain-based multifactor personal identity verification using the verification addresses may be performed by: receiving one or more identifiers in connection with one or more requests to verify an identity of one or more individuals, extracting the biometric data associated with the one or more individuals from the corresponding verification addresses, and verifying the identity of the one or more individuals upon receiving matching biometric data and private keys.

Abstract: A software version control system manages versioned applications in a client-server computing system environment. Thereby this is a management system for computer application (software) distribution where a number of client devices coupled to a server may be executing different versions of a particular computing application. The system manages updates to the applications and enforces rules or policies to use the most recent version whenever possible.

Abstract: Guide acquisition method and apparatus for receiving a satellite broadcast stream containing guide data, encapsulating said broadcast stream containing guide data in a network communication protocol, assigning a multicast address to said broadcast stream containing guide data, transmitting said broadcast stream containing guide data, receiving a request for said guide data wherein said request comprises a satellite network identifier and transmitting a said multicast address in response to said request.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes interface circuitry to receive signals including video signals and drawing commands, and a command interpreter to receive the drawing commands and provide on screen display (OSD) signals in response to the drawing commands. Video processing circuitry processes the received video signals to provide processed video signals, and a blender to blend the OSD signals and the processed video signals to produce blended video signals including the OSD signals and the processed video signals. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and associated apparatus for reducing the time required to scan an incoming satellite transmission power spectrum for available signals and to determine the characteristics of those signals. The frequency range of interest is scanned in narrow slices to determine approximate input power within each slice. Center frequencies and symbol rates of individual transponders are then estimated based upon these input power approximations.

Abstract: An interactive gaming channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of transponders being used to present the games available at a given time. Such a channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a game selection screen, comprising a genre selection area and a game selection area, related to the genre selection area, wherein a viewer of the monitor selects a game to be played from a plurality of games.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service is disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service, the method comprises receiving broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying an NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing a Receiver Targeting Descriptor from the second signaling information, determining validity of the NRT service or an NRT content based on a targeting_criterion_type_code included in the Receiver Targeting Descriptor, and downloading the NRT service or the NRT content when a receiver determines the NRT service or the NRT content to be valid.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A signal receiver may be configured to determine when signal generation changes affecting signals being received by the signal receiver may cause performance related changes; and to modify its (the signal receiver) configuration to handle the performance related changes. In this regard, the modifying of configuration may comprise determining characteristics of performance related changes, and controlling operations of the signal receiver based on the determined characteristics of the performance related changes. The performance related changes may comprise amplitude glitches, phase glitches, and/or bit or packet errors. The signal generation changes may comprise channel-to-frequency reassignment. Controlling operations of the signal receiver based on determined characteristics of the performance related changes may comprise adjusting such parameters as amplification gain and/or tracking loop bandwidth, and/or determining whether (or not) to ignore bit/packet errors—i.e. not reacquire (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking the transmission power level of a home network transmission signal based on the signal level of a received broadcast signal is described. The method includes transmitting a signal at a first transmitted level used for communicating in a home network, detecting a signal level for the transmitted signal in a circuit used for receiving a broadcast signal, determining if a gain setting value for the signal level changes, and adjusting the transmitted signal level for the transmitted signal based on the determination. The apparatus includes a network circuit that transmits a signal at a first transmitted signal level, a detector that detects the transmitted signal in a circuit for receiving a broadcast signal, and a controller that determines if a signal level setting value for the signal level changes and adjusts the transmitted signal level based on the determination.

Abstract: There is provided a method where a terminal amplifies an MBS signal that the terminal receives using a terminal in an MBS service, transmits the amplified signal to another terminal and controls it in order to overcome the fact it is not possible to provide high quality contents over a broad area due to interference signals between MBS zones, a terminal is used as a repeater at MBS transmission time only, and an output of a repeating signal of the terminal is controlled so that an excessive interference signal for another MBS area is not generated when the terminal operates as a repeater.

Abstract: A method for transmitting signaling information for reception of a broadcast service in a digital broadcasting system is provided. The method includes generating signaling information that includes a network information table indicating information about a transport network over which broadcast service data is transmitted, and a service information table indicating at least one broadcast service and information about at least one Physical Layer Pipe mapped to the at least one broadcast service, and transmitting the signaling information in a Generic Stream Encapsulation packet.

Abstract: A fast and efficient automated satellite constellation detection process can be implemented at least in part independent of in-band data in the satellite signal. The automated detection process iterates through a set of various predefined transponder settings to detect one or more accessible satellite constellations through each satellite dish connected directly or through a switch to a satellite receiver. The process determines whether the satellite receiver is able to lock onto a satellite signal at each transponder setting. Based on the combinations of which satellite constellations are available at each transponder setting, the process allocates a specific satellite constellation to each satellite dish. In one implementation, channel information can be used to further refine the detection and identification of accessible satellite constellations for each satellite dish.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting spectrum inversion includes a different correlator and a determining module. The differential correlator performs an odd-order differential correlation on an input signal and a known signal to generate a differential correlation result. When the input signal is determined as corresponding to a target signal of the known signal, the determining module detects spectrum inversion in the input signal according to the phase of the differential correlation result.

Abstract: A Digital Video Broadcasting-Satellite (DVB-S) receiver device includes a tuner, a SCART (Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs) connector and a system on chip (SOC). The tuner is for generating an output voltage. The SCART connector is for receiving the output voltage. The SOC is configured to receive a voltage signal associated with the output voltage outputted by the SCART connector, to digitize the voltage signal into a digital value, and to determine whether the digital value conforms with a default value so as to output a determination result.

Abstract: A personal media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media and broadcast media data from a broadcast source where the broadcast media data includes a media identifier associated with the broadcast media. The media device also includes a data transceiver that sends a retrieval request to a media server for enhanced media data where the retrieval request includes the media identifier and receives the enhanced media data via a wireless data channel. The media device further includes a processor that performs a media device operation in response to the received enhanced media data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide novel apparatus, methods and systems for providing relatively high-speed bandwidth to enable, inter alia, video transmission services over media previously unable to support such services. In accordance with certain embodiments, a device located at the telecommunication service provider can logically couple two or more physical media to provide a single, consolidated source of bandwidth, which can be used to transmit data, which can represent a video signal. In accordance with other embodiments, a device located at the subscriber's location can be used to receive the data from each of the two physical media and recreate the video signal from the data, such that the video signal can be transmitted to a display device, such as a television, monitor, etc.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring signals corresponding to a satellite having a first transponder generating a first plurality of channel signals, a plurality of integrated receiver decoders receiving the first plurality of signals and generating a first plurality of received channel signals corresponding to the first plurality of channel signals and a monitoring system displaying all of the first plurality of received channel signals corresponding to the first transponder.

Abstract: A system and method for a operating a content distribution system includes a destination device and a requesting device that communicates a primary audio stream secondary audio stream and a video stream to the destination device. The destination device communicates the primary audio stream to a display. The destination device includes a secondary decoder configured to decode the secondary audio stream to form a decoded secondary audio stream. The destination device combines the secondary decoded audio stream and the primary audio stream.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method, system and apparatus for delivering Non-Real-Time (NRT) data to a mobile electronic device are provided. The method comprises: storing the NRT data in a memory of a server, the NRT data comprising a multimedia file; storing at least one network identifier in the memory, the at least one network identifier identifying at least a portion of the multimedia file and a storage location of the multimedia file; formatting the NRT data using a processor of the server, wherein the formatting comprises generating header data including the at least one network identifier, and appending the multimedia file to the header data; and providing the formatted NRT data to broadcast equipment for broadcasting.

Abstract: A media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.

Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signals received by the LNB to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, a plurality of tuners, respectively coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch, for tuning to a plurality of specific portions of the satellite signals in a respective fashion, the specific portions of the satellite signals selected based on commands received from a plurality of receivers, and an interface for delivering the specific portions of the satellite signals to the plurality of receivers, wherein the specific portions of the satellite signals are combined into a single combined signal and delivered to the plurality of receivers on a single output of the interface.

Abstract: A system for providing television (TV) service including high definition television (HDTV) service, and for providing verification that a subscriber has connected an HDTV to the system includes a TV service provider headend and a set top box (STB). The HDTV may have an HDTV digital video interface (DVI) interconnect. The STB may be electrically coupled to the headend and have an STB DVI interconnect. When the HDTV DVI interconnect is initially electrically coupled to the STB DVI interconnect, the HDTV generally presents a data signal to the STB and the STB generally presents the data signal to the headend.

Abstract: A satellite reception assembly may comprise a housing configured to support receipt and handling of a plurality of satellite signals. The housing may comprise circuitry incorporating integrated stacking architecture for supporting and/or providing channel and/or band stacking whereby particular channels or bands, from multiple satellite signals that are received via the satellite reception assembly, may be combined onto a single output signal that may be communicated from the satellite reception assembly to a gateway device for concurrent distribution thereby to a plurality of client devices serviced by the gateway device.

Abstract: A method and device for authentication of subscription based digital media receivers, SB DMRs are disclosed. According to one aspect, an SB DMR includes a memory, a radio, and a processor. The memory is configured to store an identification of each of at least one other SB DMR sharing a common subscription to a digital media service. The radio is configured to receive the identification of each of the at least one other SB DMR. The processor is configured to authenticate the SB DMR based on the received identifications to determine if the SB DMR is part of a group of SB DMRs sharing a common subscription.

Abstract: A receiver is used with third code blocks based on first code blocks, second code blocks, and a planning code block. The first code blocks are associated with a first sequence number and modulated with a first modulation scheme. The second code blocks are associated with a second sequence number and modulated with a second modulation scheme. The planning code block associates the third code blocks with the first code blocks and the second code blocks. The receiver includes a de-multiplexing portion, which includes a code block selector and a look up table, that outputs a de-multiplexed signal based on the third code blocks. The code block selector selects a code block from the third code blocks to output as the de-multiplexed signal based on entries in the look up table. The receiver also includes a recovery portion that outputs received code blocks based on the de-multiplexed signal.

Abstract: Services and service components in a broadcast network may be mapped to disparate physical layer transmission channels (PLPs) using logical layer pipes (LLPs). The use of LLPs allows different service components of a single service to be mapped to physical layer transmission channels (PLPs). Accordingly, service components may be shared among different services. Additionally or alternatively, different functions (e.g., different error detection or correction protocols) may be applied to each service components of a service. A receiver may identify services, service components and corresponding PLPs based on LLP identifiers. The receiver may then access and receive desired services and service components through the identified PLPs.

Abstract: Arrangements for preparing a television channel for presentation are presented. A tuner of a television receiver may tune to a first television channel and the first television channel may be output for presentation. One or more idle tuners of the television receiver may be identified. One or more television channels other than the first television channel may be selected for preparation. The one or more television channels may be selected prior to receiving user input selecting a television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. Each of the one or more television channels may be prepared for presentation by tuning, by each tuner of the one or more idle tuners, to the one or more television channels prior to receiving the user input selecting the television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation.

Abstract: Content used in creating an electronic program guide and/or channels for a television reception system is delivered to a local receiving device, such as a direct to home satellite receiver, as individual digital objects. Rules (i.e., conditional expressions) may be embedded in the digital objects to allow different actions in different situations. These rules can be used to determine whether an object should be stored, which objects should be included in an electronic program guide, and/or what content should be used to create a particular channel.

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 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: Provided is an apparatus and a method for receiving a satellite broadcast. The method may include estimating a channel using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) information being received, determining a video signal to be received among at least two video signals based on the estimated channel, and controlling selective reception of the determined video signal.

Abstract: The communications device includes a phase and frequency tracking loop having a signal input and an adjustable loop filter that establishes a predetermined tracking loop bandwidth for samples of communication signals received at the signal input and processed within the tracking loop. A tracking loop update circuit updates loop filter operating parameters and is operative with the loop filter for increasing or decreasing the tracking loop bandwidth of the phase and frequency tracking loop based on the dynamics of the frequency offset of measured samples from the output of the loop filter over time.

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: 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 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: 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: Various designs of configurable multiswitch or multifeed satellite reception systems comprising switch-over matrices and transponder branches and “one cable solutions” which allow or do not allow subsequent expansion with respect to the subscribers that can be connected thereto are known from the prior art. In general, the costs for such systems comprising frequency converters are primarily determined by the frequency converters and the associated filters. The aim of the invention is to devise inexpensive methods or devices which allow detection of the complete frequency spectrum—even after subsequent expansions—and which therefore do not involve any restrictions with respect to the program range.

Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite video signals are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a module comprising a multiswitch, the multiswitch selectively directing the satellite video signals to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, an interface for delivering the satellite video signals to at least one receiver, and a power inserter, coupled between the interface and the at least one receiver, for controlling the flow of signals between the multiswitch and the at least one receiver, wherein the power inserter continuously flows the satellite video signals to the at least one receiver while selectively flowing commands between the module and the at least one receiver.

Abstract: A broadcast satellite single wire interface comprises a low noise block amplifier module having multiple outputs, a plurality of filter banks, each filter bank coupled to each of the outputs of the low noise block amplifier module in a respective fashion and comprising a plurality of filters, and a plurality of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, each A/D converter coupled to a filter in the plurality of filters in the plurality of filter banks in a respective fashion, wherein the A/D converters directly sample incoming downconverted broadcast satellite signals and the sampled incoming downconverted broadcast signals are output on a single wire in a stacked output.

Abstract: A signal receiver may be configured to determine when signal generation changes affecting signals being received by the signal receiver may cause performance related changes; and to modify its (the signal receiver) configuration to handle the performance related changes. In this regard, the modifying of configuration may comprise determining characteristics of performance related changes, and controlling operations of the signal receiver based on the determined characteristics of the performance related changes. The performance related changes may comprise amplitude glitches, phase glitches, and/or bit or packet errors. The signal generation changes may comprise channel-to-frequency re-assignment. Controlling operations of the signal receiver based on determined characteristics of the performance related changes may comprise adjusting such parameters as amplification gain and/or tracking loop bandwidth, and/or determining whether (or not) to ignore bit/packet errors—i.e. not reacquire (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method may include receiving a non-linear content identifier request. The system and method may further include identifying linear content metadata associated with the non-linear content identifier request, the linear content metadata representing at least one metadata keyword. The system and method also may include identifying a relationship between the at least one metadata keyword and at least one non-linear content keyword.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting spectrum inversion includes a different correlator and a determining module. The differential correlator performs an odd-order differential correlation on an input signal and a known signal to generate a differential correlation result. When the input signal is determined as corresponding to a target signal of the known signal, the determining module detects spectrum inversion in the input signal according to the phase of the differential correlation result.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for satellite communication are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include a receiver that handles digital broadcasting. The receiver may be enabled to dynamically vary spacing between two or more pilots and/or the size of one or more pilots within at least one frame based on a determined symbol rate. The size of each of a plurality of received programs may be determined and the spacing between two or more pilots may be dynamically varied based on the determined size of each of the plurality of received programs.

Abstract: Satellite distribution apparatus is provided for distributing digital broadcast signals in a pre-determined locality or building. The apparatus includes satellite receiving means for receiving broadcast signals from at least one satellite and communication means for transmitting the received signals to a control unit in the locality or building. The control unit allows a plurality of received digital broadcast signals to be selected and output onto a single cable for distribution around said locality or building. The control unit includes means for allowing the bandwidth of the selected signals to be compressed and rearranged for transmitting onto a single cable outlet. At least part of the means for compressing said selected digital broadcast signals includes signal symbol stacking means.

Abstract: Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signals received by the LNB to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, a plurality of tuners, respectively coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch, for tuning to a plurality of specific portions of the satellite signals in a respective fashion, the specific portions of the satellite signals selected based on commands received from a plurality of receivers, and an interface for delivering the specific portions of the satellite signals to the plurality of receivers, wherein the specific portions of the satellite signals are combined into a single combined signal and delivered to the plurality of receivers on a single output of the interface.

Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information.