Abstract: A terrestrial digital television receiver includes a tuner, a demodulator, a demultiplexer, a decoder, and a controller. The tuner receives a terrestrial television signal having an emergency alert table which contains text representing an emergency alert message. The demodulator demodulates the television signal and the demultiplexer demultiplexes the emergency alert table from the demodulated signal. The decoder parses the text data representing the emergency alert message, and the controller control operation of a display device such that the emergency alert message is scrolled across a predetermined portion of a video screen.

Abstract: A client device receives a broadcast content signal containing an interactive identifier over a managed network at a client device. The interactive identifier may be a trigger that is included in a header or embedded within the digital video data. The trigger may have a temporal component, wherein the trigger can expire after a certain period of time. In response to identification of the trigger, the client device sends a user request for interactive content over an unmanaged network. For example, the managed network may be a one-way satellite television network, IP-television network or cable television network and the unmanaged network may be the Internet. The client device switches between receiving data from the managed network to receiving data from the unmanaged network.

Abstract: A receiver circuit of a satellite digital video broadcast system includes: a multiplication unit outputting a synchronized reception symbol by multiplying a reception symbol by frequency error information as a feedback; a common autocorrelation unit acquiring autocorrelation values for each symbol by multiplying the synchronized reception symbol by an autocorrelation coefficient; a frame synchronization unit detecting a SOF (Start Of Frame), which is a synchronization word indicating start of a frame, from the autocorrelation values for each symbol; a frequency synchronization unit estimating the frequency error information based on the autocorrelation values for each reception symbol and the SOF; and an SNR estimation unit estimating an SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) based on the autocorrelation values for each symbol and the SOF.

Abstract: An antenna hub having an antenna includes a housing. Uplink circuitry is disposed within the housing. The uplink circuitry includes block upconverters, high-power amplifiers and variable phase combined amplifiers. A diplexer is also disposed within the housing at the antenna hub. A configuration is set-up for redundancy so that uplink signals are not lost.

Abstract: A method for bandwidth sharing between first and second satellite television networks involves receiving a shared video data stream shared between the satellite television networks; receiving advertisement metadata forming a part of the shared video data stream, the advertisement meta-data containing identifying information that identifies the advertisement as being associated with one of the satellite television networks; determining which of the satellite television networks the advertisement is associated with by reading the identifying information; if the first satellite television network is identified as associated with the advertisement, then outputting the advertisement as a video signal; and if the second satellite television network is identified as associated with the advertisement, then identifying an advertisement that is possibly stored in an advertisement cache, retrieving the advertisement from the advertisement cache and outputting the stored advertisement as a video signal.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus (100) includes demodulation parts (101, 102) for receiving the respective one of received signals of broadast systems to output demodulated data and timing clocks synchronized with the respective demodulated data, a clock generating part (103) for outputting, to an A/V decoder (107), the two timing clocks from the demodulation parts (101, 102) as high-rate and low-rate timing clocks and for outputting a control signal for multiplexing the two demodulated data from the demodulation parts (101, 102), and a multiplexing part (104) for multiplexing, based on the control signal, the two demodulated data to output the multiplexed data to the A/V decoder (107). The A/V decoder (107) receives the multiplexed data and timing clocks from the receiving apparatus (100) to process the video/audio signals of each broadcast.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of an integrated mobile communication and broadcast program reproduction device and of operating the device includes monitoring an occurrence of a trigger event at the device; and upon occurrence of the trigger event, recording a broadcast program signal received by the device. An integrated mobile communication and broadcast program reproduction device has a trigger event monitor and a broadcast program recorder for recording a broadcast program when a trigger event occurs. A trigger event may be receipt of an incoming call, the making of an outgoing call, the identification of predetermined content in a received program and the start of a predetermined program. Different trigger events may be prioritized. Recorded material may be reproduced, with broadcast material being received being recorded whilst previously recorded material is reproduced.

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 method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A digital television receiver includes a tuner receiving a digital television signal including a DCCT, a demodulator demodulating the digital television signal, and a demultiplexer demultiplexing the DCCT from the demodulated signal. The receiver further includes a decoder parsing channel ID information and a priority code from the DCCT, where the channel ID information specifies an emergency alert channel associated with an emergency alert event and the priority code specifies an alert priority of the emergency alert event. The receiver further includes a controller that controls operation of the tuner to automatically tune to the emergency alert channel based upon the alert priority.

Abstract: A non-agile channelization method for multichannel medium access control (MAC) is provided, in which an available channel is categorized as an agile or non-agile channel, an operation mode of the channel categorized as the non-agile channel is selected, and multichannel switching is performed according to the selected operation mode. The non-agile channelization method for multichannel MAC enables non-agile channel switching to create a connected network, and allows agile and non-agile channel switching to coexist to avoid a change in existing hardware.

Abstract: A digital broadcast signal for use in a digital television receiver includes a rating region table carrying rating information for multiple geographical regions, and a master guide table carrying information related to the rating region table. The master guide table includes a version number field defining a version number of the rating region table and at least one effective time field defining an effective time of the version number. The effective time represents a time after which a use of the rating region table is permitted. For example, it may be represented by a number of global positioning system (GPS) seconds since a coordinated universal time (UTC). The effective time field is included in a descriptor within the master guide table.

Abstract: A wireless mobile terminal (10) and method for utilizing digital broadcast content records (204) selected digital broadcast content as received, for example, by a digital broadcast receiver (16) and provides editing of the selected digital broadcast content based on digital rights management data to generate customized clips of information. The selected digital broadcast content is edited (206) to produce mobile terminal edited digital broadcast content that may be, for example, distributed (208) by the mobile terminal to a plurality of peer devices. A broadcast content editor (24) allows for the editing of clips of content wherein the edited clips are then stored in memory as recorded clips for distribution by the mobile terminal. In another embodiment, a network element is remotely controlled by the mobile terminal to effect editing through the mobile terminal at the network element.

Abstract: A client device receives a broadcast content signal containing an interactive identifier over a managed network at a client device. The interactive identifier may be a trigger that is included in a header or embedded within the digital video data. The trigger may have a temporal component, wherein the trigger can expire after a certain period of time. In response to identification of the trigger, the client device sends a user request for interactive content over an unmanaged network. For example, the managed network may be a one-way satellite television network, IP-television network or cable television network and the unmanaged network may be the Internet. The client device switches between receiving data from the managed network to receiving data from the unmanaged network.

Abstract: A digital television converter is provided, for example for performing all of the functions of a set top box for receiving digital terrestrial or satellite television broadcast signals. The converter comprises a SCART connector for mating with a mating connector on a television apparatus, such as a television receiver or a VCR, which is incapable of reception of digital television broadcasts. This connection provides electrical contact with the apparatus and provides mechanical support for the converter. The converter also comprises a tuner which selects and demodulates a television channel for reception and supplies to the connector signals in a form suitable for use by the television apparatus. A connector rear housing completes the enclosure for the converter containing the tuner.

Abstract: A system for processing signals is disclosed and may include a single integrated circuit chip. The single integrated circuit chip (SICC) may include one or more processors coupled to a first satellite receiver demodulator and a second satellite receiver demodulator. The SICC may also include one or more video decoders coupled to the one or more processors, and one or more video and graphics display engines coupled to the one or more video decoders. The SICC may further include one or more video encoders coupled to the one or more video and graphics display engines. One or more video digital-to-analog converters and one or more RF modulators may be integrated within the SICC, and the one or more video digital-to-analog converters and the one or more RF modulators may be coupled to the one or more video encoders. The video decoder may include a standard definition MPEG-2 video decoder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a video program in compressed form from a source location to a second location. The method comprises receiving at an intermediate location a first compressed version of the video program using a first compression method, transported from the source location to an intermediate location over a first segment that includes a link of a first type. The method further comprises transcoding the first compressed version to a second compressed version compressed using a second compression method that is in relatively widespread use. The method further comprises sending the second compressed version to the second location over a link of a second type. The link of the second type includes infrastructure to transport video program streams compressed by the second compression method. The first compression method can achieve a higher compression ratio that the second compression method for approximately the same image quality.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation of television channels and which allows the generation of the same by the processing and selection of designated packets of data from multiple data transport streams, which each transport stream including numerous packets of data. In each transport stream the packet of data is identified by the allocations of a packet identification code (PID) and each is held in the transport packet which is transmitted as part of each transport stream. In accordance with the invention, and in order to prevent errors and inaccurate packet selection, a Transport Stream Identification Code (TSID) is allocated to each of the transport streams of data received. Typically the TSID is located in the transport packet for each transport stream of data. In the selection of a packet of data, the appropriate TSID is referred to identify the appropriate transport stream and the PID then referred to identify the packet of data from that transport stream.

Abstract: A DTV signal detector detects DTV signals received by a receiver on a selected DTV channel in a Digital Television System. The DTV detector includes a first DTV signal detector that detects a first characteristic of the received DTV signals, and a second DTV signal detector that detects at least a second characteristic of the received DTV signals. A controller responds to the first DTV signal detector and the second DTV signal detector to control a selection of the DTV channel being selected by the receiver. The receiver can be synthesized to select from more than one DTV channel.

Abstract: An energy dispersal circuit, which generates a PRBS (Pseudo Random Binary Sequence) and executes an XOR (exclusive-OR) operation with respect to a data signal and the PRBS based on a bit, includes a register value calculator for calculating a register value of a shift register based on inputted data and a packet number. The register value calculator has a bit divider for dividing the packet number from LSB to MSB, packet shift operators for bit-shifting an initial value of the shift register from 20 bits to 2N?1 bits, and selectors for selecting inputs and outputs thereof.

Abstract: Data may be encoded into dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) digits within a set top box (STB). The STB may be a satellite STB. The STB may establish connection to a networked entity such as a billing center or satellite headend via voice call over cellular network and communicate data encoded by DTMF digits. A wireless transceiver integrated within the STB and/or an external wireless transceiver such as cellular phone may be utilized to establish a call and transmit the DTMF digits. The external wireless transceiver may be coupled to the STB via a wired connection or a wireless connection such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The data communicated via DTMF digits may comprise billing data. The STB may receive an acknowledgement for receipt of the transmitted data.

Abstract: A receiving circuit module and method for operating the same includes a housing having a first receiver, a second receiver, a serial digital interface and an input-output port disposed therein. The receiving circuit module includes an encoder disposed within the housing and in communication with the first receiver, the second receiver and the serial digital interface. The receiver circuit module also includes a controller disposed within the housing receiving a control signal, switching between the first receiver, the second receiver and serial digital interface in response to the control signal and generating an encoded output signal corresponding to the first receiver, the second receiver and serial digital interface.

Abstract: A dissemination system for satellite broadcasting comprises a satellite receiving antenna for receiving satellite signals, receivers for demodulating the signals received by the antenna, and a line system for relaying the signals to a plurality of subscribers, in which the receivers are assigned to the satellite receiving antenna in close spatial proximity, and only demodulated or decoded signals are relayed to the subscribers by means of the line system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for-transmitting digital television services via a gateway suitable to receive several digital multiplexes, each multiplex comprising at least one digital audiovisual service, the gateway being capable of receiving a limited number of multiplexes among the said plurality and of transmitting them to at least one terminal. In order to improve access to the service when the gateway reaches its capacity limit, the gateway transmits a list of at least one available service, to at least one of the terminals; the available services being present on the multiplexes, that the gateway can receive depending on the possible services already transmitted to at least one of the said terminals.

Abstract: Systems, devices, processors, and methods are described for the transmission and reception of broadband signals between a gateway and subscriber terminals via satellite. In one set of embodiments, a wireless signal is generated and transmitted including a series of frames including a physical layer header and payload. A sub-channel identifier may be included in the physical layer header to identify the sub-channel for the payload, and allow for various novel filtering techniques at the subscriber terminal. The frames may be generated to be of substantially equal duration. Novel subscriber terminal configurations are described to leverage this formatting.

Abstract: A broadcasting station transmits a program of continuous sequence of events as a transport stream so as to be received by at least a mobile receiver. The broadcasting station provides the transport stream with link information showing the links between the transport stream it transmits in its own service area and the programs being transmitted in adjacent service areas. With this arrangement, the mobile receiver can receive the program it is receiving continuously in an adjacent service area by referring to the link information if it moves from the original service area into the adjacent service area.

Abstract: A digital video broadcasting-satellite (DVB-S) multi-input receiving circuit and an associated method are provided to receive satellite input signals provided by a plurality of low noise blocks (LNB), thereby reducing the cost of DVB-S receivers. The DVB-S multi-input receiving circuit includes a selection circuit and a combiner. The selection circuit includes a plurality of signal paths for conveying a plurality of satellite input signals, and enables one of the signal paths to output one of the satellite input signals. The combiner combines the signal paths into a single signal path, which is coupled to a DVB-S tuner.

Abstract: According to a data display method, data having a program unit and instruction data for the program unit multiplexed on bit stream data is received. The program unit is extracted from the received data and is stored in a memory. The instruction data is extracted from the received data, and the program unit or part thereof specified by the instruction data is read from the memory and is executed. Then, the bit stream data and the execution result are displayed. This ensures smooth synchronization of reproduction of a bit stream with execution of an associated program and efficient use of resources.

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: A recording/reproduction device is provided wherein service content having interactivity can be restored even when recorded. In recording mode, a transport stream from a receiving device 34 is received and a conversion device 36 converts this to a packet-multiplexed stream in a condition suitable for recording, which is then output as a converted stream. The conversion device 36 selects packets relating to a desired service from the transport stream and, of these packets, selects only packets needed for reproduction and uses these to generate a converted stream. A recording device 38 records this converted stream on a recording medium 44. In reproduction mode, the converted stream from recording medium 44 is read by means of a reading device 42 and supplied to a restoration device 40. Restoration device 40, in accordance with the content of this converted stream, restores and outputs a service content signal (for example a composite signal such as NTSC).

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

Abstract: This invention describes a false sync code protection (FSP) decoding technique by software for removing padding binary numbers from video data signals in electronic devices such as camera-phones. These padding binary numbers (e.g., a byte 101001012) are encoded in the video data signal. The invention describes a fast method for carrying out the decoding process using a predetermined criterion without need for separately comparing the received data using bit-by-bit process, and thus significantly reducing the number of processor instructions compared to the conventional bit-by-bit method. For the presented example these instructions are executed for every stand-alone zero byte found within e.g. JPEG data, which leads to considerable savings in execution time, especially if several JPEG images are taken and processed consecutively.

Abstract: Satellite distribution apparatus is provided for distributing digital broadcast signals in a predetermined 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: A restricted reception device enabling a subscriber receiver to selectively receive broadcasting data transferred via a digital cable broadcasting network, includes: a demultiplexer for receiving broadcasting data and an ECM including a CW from the subscriber receiver, and demultiplexing them, the broadcasting data and the ECM being transferred through an in-band channel; an out-of-band channel signal processor for receiving an EMM from the subscriber receiver, and processing the EMM, the EMM being transferred through an out-of-band channel; a restricted reception processor for descrambling the scrambled broadcasting data using the ECM and the EMM received from the out-of-band channel signal processor; and a remultiplexer for multiplexing the descrambled broadcasting data received from the restricted reception processor, and sending the multiplexed broadcasting data to the subscriber receiver.

Abstract: A receiving unit 28 includes a plurality of tuner and processor circuit boards 104 that receives a plurality of satellite signals. The tuner and processor circuit boards 104 demodulate and decode the satellite signal to form a plurality of audio and video signals. The plurality of audio and video signals are provided to a modulator and combiner circuit board 110 that is separated from the plurality of tuner circuit boards 104. The modulator and combiner circuit board 104 receives the plurality of audio and video signals and modulates and combines the plurality of audio and video signals to form a modulated and combined output signal. The receiving unit 28 has an integrated bus 100 coupling the plurality of tuner and processor circuit boards with the modulator and combiner circuit board.

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 method and system includes a central location and a first set top box 28A in communication with the central location having a first interface 32. A second set top box 28B in communication with the central location 100 has a second interface 32. A portable device 36 in communication with the second set top box 28B through the second interface and storing a token therein. Thereafter, the token is communicated through the interface to the first set top box. The first set top box 28A communicates the token to the central location 100 so that targeted marketing may be generated.

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: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system for determining and displaying the service level of a digital television broadcast signal. A digital television receiver receives a digital television broadcast signal. The digital television broadcast signal includes a data test stream composed of a plurality of data packets. A service level determiner is used to determine a service level of the digital television broadcast signal based upon a loss of data packets from the data test stream (i.e. the error rate). The service level determiner additionally causes a representation of the service level to be displayed as a service level diagnostic indicator on a display device, such as a television. The service level diagnostic indicator can be updated at predetermined intervals to allow a user to place their antenna in a best service level position to receive the best service level as indicated by the service level diagnostic indicator.

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 apparatus and method of the present invention provides a direct-to-home integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) and a program for storing and displaying digital objects associated with an electronic television program guide using fuzzy logic. The method and apparatus maintains and adapts a user profile in order to efficiently select digital objects associated with an electronic program guide. The fuzzy logic based user profile may be used to select digital program guide objects for deletion from memory and/or to efficiently select digital program guide objects for display in an electronic program guide. Selection is based on fuzzy variables associated with the objects. In this manner, memory requirements and the number of programs displayed are reduced to decrease cost and reduce the amount of time a user must spend viewing the program guide.

Abstract: Program Clock Reference correction method in a multiplexed burst mode downlink transmission in an integrated multispot satellite communication system (S) in a multimedia broadcasting network for setting up bi-directional communication with a satellite with return channel. The correction is made as a direct function of the distance (d) between the real position of a packet (a12) in the downlink frame and the estimated position that the packet would occupy had it not been compressed in a modulation and compression stage.

Abstract: A receiver unit (500) capable of combining a plurality of streaming data channels includes a receiver and a channel decoder (510) for receiving over the air in a time division multiplex signal the plurality of streaming data channels. The receiver unit further includes at least one decoder (502) for decoding at least two of the plurality of streaming data channels to provide a plurality of decoded signals, a combiner (508) for combining the plurality of decoded signals to provide a combined signal, and an audio output for outputting the combined signal as audio.

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