Abstract: In a digital TV broadcast signal receiver connected to a multi-directional antenna called smart antenna, when a TV broadcast signal of an optional channel becomes unreceivable for any reason, it makes possible to restart displaying an image on a screen of a monitor display device, quickly. The digital TV broadcast signal receiver previously sets a plurality of optimum signal receiving direction with respect to each receivable channel with an order of priority, and switches an effective signal receiving direction of a multi-directional antenna connected thereto to one of the optimum signal receiving directions of a channel chosen by a user corresponding to the order of priority, when the TV broadcast signal of the channel is unreceivable.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver is connected to a variable directional antenna qualified as an antenna capable of modifying a reception direction of a broadcast wave. When arriving at a prestored timing, the broadcast receiver executes channel search utilizing the variable directional antenna on the condition that the tuner is not currently in operation. In the channel search, determination is made whether a broadcast wave is valid for reception for all reception directions by the variable directional antenna with respect to each of all prestored frequencies.

Abstract: In a multi-directional antenna that is connected to a digital TV broadcast signal receiver, an RF amplifier in which its transmission gains are controlled is installed on the front of a tuner, a BER (BIT ERROR RATE) threshold is set as a reception determination standard to assess received images, and while auto-scanning, the amplification transmission gain level of the RF amplifier is controlled while changing in a phased manner to measure the BER value, and upon obtaining a BER value that is lower than the BER threshold, remaining scan and controlling transmission gains are stopped, and the receiving direction is determined. Thereby, by deleting scans in all directions in the adjustment of receiving directions for all channels, improving the reception sensitivity in a weak electric field, and determining the receiving direction by measuring and assessing the BER value, meaningless time for the direction adjustment can be saved, and the best reception condition can always be obtained quickly.

Abstract: In a digital TV broadcast signal receiver connected to a multi-directional antenna called smart antenna, even when a user reshuffles a channel frequently, it is aimed to shorten a time delay between channel choice by the user and switching operation of the multi-directional antenna for switching signal receiving direction. Initially, sensitivities of TV broadcast signals of all receivable channels in all signal receiving directions are measured and measurement results are memorized in a memory. A signal receiving direction, in which a number of receivable channels is the largest, is decided as an optimum signal receiving direction with respect to each receivable channel. Even when the channel is reshuffled among these receivable channels, it is no need to switch the signal receiving direction of the multi-directional antenna. Consequently, the time for switching the signal receiving direction of the multi-directional antenna can be reduced even when the channels are reshuffled frequently.

Abstract: An active digital TV antenna, the antenna mainly has a planar antenna and a variable capacitor connected to the planar antenna; the variable capacitor is used to adjust a capacitance value and an inductance value of the planar antenna to change the range of frequency band of a signal received by the planar antenna. Therefore, the entire volume of the antenna can be reduced to be suitable for applying in an active electronic machine such as a notebook or a mobile phone.

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 television-signal receiver includes: a tuner receiving a television signal; a video demodulation unit for an analog broadcast received by the tuner; an audio demodulation unit for the analog broadcast received by the tuner; a data demodulation unit for a digital broadcast received by the tuner; a channel-selection controller that controls a channel received by the tuner and is capable of presetting the receive channel; and a determination unit that determine a country or region where the tuner receives the broadcasts, based on a receive result by each channel-selection frequency in the tuner, an analysis result of a blanking signal included in a video signal demodulated in the video demodulation unit, an analysis result of data demodulated in the data demodulation unit, and a demodulation result in the audio demodulation unit.

Abstract: An automatic feedback adjustment device for a digital antenna includes a digital antenna unit, a trafficator, a tuner, a demodulator, an antenna direction driver unit, a secondary controller, and a primary controller. The digital antenna unit is a digital video/broadcasting antenna system. The trafficator is connected to the digital antenna unit to retrieve direction data associated with the actual elevation angle and direction. The tuner is connected to the digital antenna unit and the demodulator is connected to the tuner in order to receive and convert a transmission signal from a transmission terminal into the video data and a received-signal quality signal. The antenna direction driver unit is connected to the digital antenna unit in order to drive adjustment of direction and elevation angle of the antenna.

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: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for fast satellite antenna acquisition via signal identification. The method and apparatus operate by positioning a satellite antenna using signal identification in order to reduce false satellite signal locks and missed detections and speed the acquisition of the correct satellite.

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: 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 direct broadcast system receiving a plurality of broadcast signals within a direct broadcast receiver having an outdoor unit (ODU) is provided. The ODU includes a first low noise block (LNB) and a second LNB. The first LNB has a housing and amplifies a first broadcast signal. The second LNB amplifies a second broadcast signal. The ODU is electrically coupled to an integrated receiver and decoder (IRD). The IRD transmits a selection signal to the ODU. The first LNB and the second LNB are electrically coupled to a plurality of selection switches within the housing. The plurality of selection switches switch between the first LNB and the second LNB in response to the selection signal. A method of receiving a plurality of broadcast signals within a direct broadcast receiver is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically establishing TV channels, based on time/date/geographic location/location of the TV within the home either entered manually or using a locater system such as GPS.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antenna controller of a digital television receiver and a controlling method thereof including an antenna receiving channel signals of digital television broadcasting and having a directionality dependent on a control signal, a signal processing part tuning a wanted channel signal from the channel signals and processing the tuned channel signal as a wanted form, a detection part detecting state signals of the channel signal outputted from the signal processing part, a memory, when every new state signal is detected, storing the detected new state signal sorted with previously-detected state signals, a control part producing the control signal corresponding to an optimal direction of the antenna by comparing the new state signal to the previous state signals, and an interface part providing the antenna with the control signal, thereby enabling to increase the integration of the receiver.

Abstract: The system and method described herein is used to determine the type of multi-switch connected to a direct-to-home satellite integrated receiver/decoder. The system looks for a predetermined marker pattern on the first port of a multi-switch using a first type of control signal (e.g., DiSEqC control signals) not knowing if this type of control signal will work, because the type of multi-switch is undetermined. If the marker is found on the first port, the system changes the control signal to address the third port of the multi-switch. If the marker is also acquired from the third port, and the second marker is the same as the first marker, then the multi-switch is ignoring the control signals and the process is repeated using a different pair of multi-switch ports (e.g., ports two and four) and/or a different type of control signal (e.g., tone control signals). However, if a different marker (or no marker) is found on the third port, then the multi-switch is responding to the control signals (e.g.

Abstract: An antenna level display device capable of faithfully reflecting any deterioration of a picture quality in receiving a satellite broadcast. In this display device, orthogonal detection of an input signal is executed in a demodulator, and a CN ratio is calculated from a conversion table in a ROM according to the mean value of deflections of mapped points of the received signal on an IQ plane. The demodulated data is compared, in a comparator, with the demodulated data obtained after error correction by a Viterbi decoder, and a CN ratio is calculated on the basis of the bit error rate from a conversion table stored in another ROM. A decision is made to select one CN ratio, which is to be displayed as an antenna level, out of the two calculated CN ratios, and the selected CN ratio is displayed through adaptive switching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a correct satellite signal connection. Specifically, a user selects a satellite signal via an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) from at least one satellite, and the IRD sends a command signal to a selector switch to acquire and lock onto said satellite signal. The IRD repeats transmission of the command signal to the selector switch once the IRD has acquired and locked onto said information signal. Thus, in the event that the selector switch failed to switch to a low noise block converter (LNB) corresponding to the initial command signal, then the repeated command signal helps to ensure that the selector switch switches to the LNB corresponding with the latest command signal sent by the IRD.

Abstract: A digital television receiver and antenna control method in the digital television receiver are disclosed. The digital television receiver includes and antenna having directivity according to a control signal for switching patterns of the antenna. A receiving section receives and processes channel signals for digital television broadcasting through the antenna. An antenna control section generates the control signal for switching the patterns of the antenna based on channel information according to the received channel signal. An antenna switching control section switches the patterns of the antenna during a sync signal period of the received channel signal when the control signal is generated.

Abstract: A packet-transmitting system comprising a transmitter and a receiver. In the transmitter, the packet-allocating circuit receives a stream of packets. The circuit allocates the packets having PIDs a1 to b1 to the transmission channel #1, the packets having PIDs a2 to b2 to the transmission channel #2, and so forth. The circuit allocates the packets having PIDs aN to bN to the last transmission channel #N. The control-data generating circuit time-divides and multiplexes packet-group data (groups of PIDs) representing the groups of packets to be transmitted via the channels #1 to #N, thereby generating control data to be transmitted through the transmission channel #0. The packets in the channels #0 to #N are multiplexed by a CDM system.

Abstract: A technique for allocating fingers in a path searcher of a multipath receiver involves determining a required number of fingers for each multipath region, determining a number of allocated fingers for each multipath region according to an area-based weighting scheme such that each multipath region that is allocated fewer than its required number of fingers is deemed to have a non-zero residual area, allocating any surplus fingers to multipath regions having non-zero residual areas until either no surplus fingers remain or each multipath region is allocated its required number of fingers, and placing any fingers allocated to each multipath region within the multipath region. Placing the fingers in un-resolvable path scenario involves detecting path location at the edges of multipath region; placing fingers at the edges and placing remaining fingers uniformly between the first and the last path such that the there is a minimum placement separation between the fingers.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling channel set up and antenna control in a television signal receiver provides an efficient way in which to optimize channel tuning. According to an exemplary embodiment, a television signal receiver such as a digital television (DTV) receiver includes a memory for receiving and storing data provided from a storage medium. The data includes a channel list having one or more channels available for reception by the television signal receiver at a designated location and antenna control information corresponding to each of the channels in the channel list. According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium is a database which provides the channel list and antenna control information to the television signal receiver over a communications network such as the internet.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a satellite TV receiver, at least one video display connected to the receiver, and a multi-beam antenna on the aircraft for receiving signals from a plurality of satellite TV transponders. The multi-beam antenna may have right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) and left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) beams offset from one another by a beam offset angle. The beam offset angle may be less than an angle defined by the spacing of the DBS transponders. The system may also include an antenna steering positioner connected to the multi-beam antenna, and an antenna steering controller for steering the multi-beam antenna based upon received signals from at least one of the RHCP and LHCP beams. The antenna steering controller may comprise a processor for steering the multi-beam antenna based on a selected master one of the RHCP and LHCP beams and slaving the other beam therefrom.

Abstract: A broadband wireless distribution network for a passenger cabin area of a mobile platform. The broadband wireless distribution network includes a plurality of wireless access points (WAPs) connected to a server and switching system and a plurality of wireless network interface circuits (NICs) strategically located about the passenger cabin. Additionally the broadband wireless distribution network includes a plurality of antennas connected to the WAPs such that at least one antenna is connected to each WAP. The antennas are capable of providing RF coverage patterns to specific overlapping areas within the passenger cabin, thereby allowing communication between each WAP and at least one NIC.

Abstract: In a processing method performed by a digital television receiver (18), a transport stream (84) is received. Data packets of the transport stream (84) associated with a selected audio/video offering are selected and sorted (90) into an audio/video component (92) and at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). Component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are assigned (100) to the audio/video component (92) and the at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). The component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are displayed (124) to an associated user. One or more selections of components are received (126) to include in a performance of the offering. The selected components are performed (154, 156, 158).

Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a dish antenna having a plurality of low noise block converters for the simultaneous reception of signals from a plurality of satellites in a direct broadcast satellite system. An integrated receiver/decoder alternately powers at least two low noise block converters to sample signals for comparison to a dynamic threshold value to detect a peak signal for each of the low noise block converters. When the peak signals are detected, they are compared to a dynamic master threshold to indicate a master lock for the system.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the position of a user terminal comprise an antenna subsystem which is able to receive signals of GPS and TV, a receiver front end which converts the frequency of the incident signals and filters out unwanted signals so that the desired signals can be sampled, a digital processing component which accommodates the imperfections of the front end and converts the measured signals into a position information.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system capable of quickly acquiring long term program information. An SI generating part SG2 generates a long term program information S_EIT which is multiplexed in a transport stream TS2 only. The SI generating part SG2 gives information on whether the long term program information S_EIT is present or not for each service to other SI generating parts SG1 and SG3. The SI generating parts SG1 and SG3 multiplex the given presence information in transport streams TS1 and TS3. In this way, the presence information is multiplexed in all the transport streams. Therefore, the presence information may be acquired whichever transport stream is being received. If the presence information is retained beforehand, the information may be quickly used as required.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a received signal strength includes means for detecting a received signal strength of a signal received at an antenna. Coupled to the detecting means are means for automatically generating a display signal indicative of the received signal strength. The means for generating is configured to provide the display signal whenever the received signal strength is below a preset threshold. Coupled to the means for generating the display signal are means for displaying the display signal. The display signal may comprise a bar graph which is shaded according to the received signal strength. The bar graph is automatically displayed on the display means when the received signal strength is below the threshold.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for determining the position of a user terminal comprises receiving at the user terminal a broadcast television signal from a television signal transmitter; determining a first pseudo-range between the user terminal and the television signal transmitter based on a known component of the broadcast television signal; receiving at the user terminal a global positioning signal from a global positioning satellite; determining a second pseudo-range between the user terminal and the global positioning satellite based on the global positioning signal; and determining a position of the user terminal based on the first and second pseudo-ranges, a location of the television signal transmitter, and a location of the global positioning satellite.

Abstract: In the device: at least one set of links sends packet formated digital information to the satellite, on at least two different frequencies; at least one satellite-borne module receives, multiplexes and re-formates the information on only one downlink; at least one of the links works in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mode.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

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: Antennas with steerable antenna patterns and techniques for using such antennas are described. In accordance with the invention, antenna patterns with one or more NULLs are used. Through the use of digital control signals the antenna pattern is steered so that a source of signal interference, e.g., a multipath signal, will be located in a NULL. In this manner the received signal's S/N ratio can be maximized thereby facilitating demodulation. The techniques of the invention can be applied to television, computer devices, mobile devices and a wide range of other systems. Digital commands to control an antenna may include multiple information fields, e.g., a direction field, a channel field, a gain field and a polarity field. Antennas incapable of supporting the specified fields disregard information in fields which are not supported. Information in each supported field is decoded and used to adjust the corresponding antenna characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antenna controller of a digital television receiver and a controlling method thereof including an antenna receiving channel signals of digital television broadcasting and having a directionality dependent on a control signal, a signal processing part tuning a wanted channel signal from the channel signals and processing the tuned channel signal as a wanted form, a detection part detecting state signals of the channel signal outputted from the signal processing part, a memory, when every new state signal is detected, storing the detected new state signal sorted with previously-detected state signals, a control part producing the control signal corresponding to an optimal direction of the antenna by comparing the new state signal to the previous state signals, and an interface part providing the antenna with the control signal, thereby enabling to increase the integration of the receiver.

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 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 method and apparatus for adjusting an antenna to maximize the strength of a program information signal.

Abstract: A satellite television system that provides live television programming to passengers by integrating direct broadcast satellite services into an in-flight aircraft entertainment system. The system has an antenna disposed on the aircraft that is pointed at a plurality of satellites that are part of a direct broadcast satellite system. The antenna is controlled by an antenna controller and antenna interface unit that send control signals and process status signals to steer the antenna. The antenna is steered to lock it onto RF signals transmitted by the satellites. The antenna interface unit downconverts the received encoded RF signals to provide encoded left hand circularly polarized RF signals and right hand circularly polarized RF signals that contain different sets of television channels. The downconverted encoded RF signals are processed by a receiver to provide encoded video and audio signals of different television channels. The receiver does not decode or D/A convert the downconverted signals.