Abstract: Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a video processing device. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a video distribution network to produce a personalized subscriber channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an audio wireless transmission system including: a video device broadcasting and transmitting audio signal through an industrial scientific medical (ISM) band frequency; and a wireless terminal sensing the ISM band frequency transmitted from the video device and demodulating the audio signal so as to listen to the audio signal, and an audio wireless transmission method using the same, in order for each individual to receive audio signal of a video device in a public place through a wireless terminal possessed by each individual and listen to the audio signal.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content access device detecting a request provided by a mobile phone device to register the mobile phone device with the media content access device, registering the mobile phone device with the media content access device in response to the detected request, and automatically registering the mobile phone device with one or more additional media content access devices within the local area network. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An in-flight video system for providing video services to an aircraft is disclosed. The video system may include a receiving module positioned on an aircraft. The receiving module may be configured for: receiving video signals being broadcasted on a ground-based cellular network, processing the video signals received and providing a video stream. The video system may further include a processor communicatively connected to the receiving module. The processor may be configured for distributing the video stream to at least one end device onboard the aircraft.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium is disclosed and includes processor-readable instructions executable by a processor to perform a method. The method includes sending a request for television content from a first device that is not equipped with a television tuner to a second device that is equipped with at least one television tuner via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The method also includes receiving the television content at the first device directly from the second device via the WLAN. The television content is received at the second device via the at least one television tuner. Further, the method includes outputting the television content at the first device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcoder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a group of user receiving devices includes a local headend in communication with the group of user receiving devices through a local network. A management control system of the local headend generates a control signal and simultaneously communicates the control signal to the group of user receiving devices through the local network. The group of user receiving devices is controlled in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Wide Area Network (WAN) based home theater system. In one embodiment, a home theater at a subscriber premises includes multiple home theater components, which include multiple audio playback components and a video playback component. Each home theater component is enabled to receive data from and send data to a virtualized home theater service via a WAN. In operation, each home theater component receives an appropriate media content stream for the home theater component from the virtualized home theater service via the WAN and provides playback of the media content stream according to the absolute playback timestamps for the media content stream.

Abstract: A network device may include a lawful interception module, a routing module, and a multicast distribution table. The lawful interception module may receive a lawful interception request for a subscriber, may inform the routing module about the subscriber, and may provide, to the routing module, a tap interface corresponding to the subscriber. The routing module may receive a multicast join request from the subscriber, and may insert, when the multicast join request is received, the tap interface in the multicast distribution table, as a forwarding interface.

Abstract: A system for providing virtual AV service includes a local device middleware (LDM) media server which stores AV contents and a resource cooperation server (RCS) which separates the AV contents from the LDM media server into video contents and audio contents. The video contents and the audio contents are reproduced by an LDM video renderer and an LDM audio renderer, respectively. An LDM control point (LDMCP) controls the LDM media server and the LDM media renderers using the LDM protocol and a virtual device ensembler (VDE) controls the RCS and the LDMCP.

Abstract: For supplying information to a plurality of users during mass events the users are given articles which are worn by them, and a remotely acting wireless control unit acts on electronic devices provided in the articles and having electronic displays, so that the corresponding information is provided on the displays in the form of video images, and the remotely acting wireless control unit can generate audio messages in audio components of the displays.

Abstract: The present invention is a comprehensive digital residential entertainment system. A system includes a data switch, a mass storage device, a tuner and a demodulator. The data switch has a plurality of switch ports, and the mass storage device is coupled to a switch port of the plurality of switch ports of the data switch. The tuner selects an information channel of a plurality of information channels. The demodulator is coupled to a switch port of the plurality of switch ports of the data switch and to the tuner. A Web-based graphical user interface can be provided for accessing and controlling the features and functions of the digital residential entertainment system.

Abstract: A method for distributing broadcast signals to an indoor environment, includes the steps of receiving (1000) the broadcast signals (7); transforming (1002) the received broadcast signals (7) into electric signals by use of a Power Line Communication device (8); transmitting (1004) the electric signals over power lines (80), wherein the electric signals are modulated, and configured to be irradiated (1006) as aerial signals (82) in the surrounding space of the power lines (80) of the indoor environment, and wherein the irradiated aerial signals (82) are adapted to be received (1008) with a receiver (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 61, 62, 63), and the receiver (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 61, 62, 63) is adapted to demodulate the received irradiated aerial signals (82). Corresponding systems, Power Line Communication devices and methods carried out by the device are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a local content aggregated system includes a switch module receiving external channel signals, user receiving devices and a local headend generating a local channel signal. The local headend communicates the local channel signal to the switch module and communicates local channel program guide data to the user receiving devices. The user receiving devices receive external program guide data corresponding to the external channels. The user receiving device selects either a first external channel signal from the external channel signals or the local channel signal at the program guide to form a selection signal corresponding to a selected channel at a first user receiving device of the user receiving devices. The user receiving device communicates the selection signal to the switch module, which is switched in response thereto. The switch module communicates the selected channel signal to the first user receiving device.

Abstract: A train-mounted content delivery system includes a video information delivery apparatus that performs delivery control for advertisement/guidance image content and a display control apparatus that stores service image content generated based on train information from a train information apparatus, accumulates advertisement/guidance image content delivered from the video information delivery apparatus, and controls, based on a display schedule created by the video information delivery apparatus, display of a service image and an advertisement/guidance image that should be displayed on displays. The video information delivery apparatus includes a service image scheduler that manages the service image content and an advertisement/guidance image scheduler that manages the advertisement/guidance image content.

Abstract: A method for converting a sink device and an apparatus for providing a content using the same are provided. The method for converting the sink device includes receiving a sink device conversion command from a first sink device, transmitting the content to a second sink device if a conversion approval of the sink device is received from the second sink device, and transmitting a control authority related to a content provision from the first sink device to the second sink device.

Abstract: An in-train information distribution and display system and enables dynamic selection and display of contents having higher advertising effectiveness according to train information. A first program listing having time slots set therein and a plurality of advertising content data associated with each of the time slots of the first program listing, as candidates for program material, are prepared in a ground content-distribution server. An on-board central-distribution server determines the program material by selecting one of the plural advertising content data associated with each of the time slots of the first program listing, based on train information and passenger information obtained from a train-information central unit. A program listing having determined program materials constitutes a second program listing.

Abstract: A method of operation of a network storage system includes: receiving a host command for displaying a video stream; performing a forced read ahead of the video stream beyond the host command including: identifying a high definition video stream, dynamically setting a block count and a loop count for the forced read ahead, and transferring data from hard disk drives to a cache for anticipating a host next command; and transferring cached data from the cache for responding to the host next command for displaying the video stream.

Abstract: The in-home equipment comprises: playback availability determining means 11 which, in the case of generation of a playback request for playing back a content on any of the plurality of playback devices, determines whether the playback device requested to play back the content is able to play back the content; and playback instructing means 12 which, in the case where the playback availability determining means 11 determines that the playback device is able to play back the content, causes the playback device to play back the content, wherein, in the case of generation of a handoff request to playback process by the playback device playing back the content to other playback device, the playback availability determining means 11 determines whether the other playback device is able to play back the content, and the in-home equipment further comprises handoff control means 13 which stops the playback of the content and causes the other playback device to play back the content from a handoff position in the case w

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a local resource manager server that receives a request to distribute media content, and provides signaling information to a global resource manager server. The global resource manager server can determine a media configuration of a network element based on the signaling information and a media capability of a recipient media processor. The signaling information can be provided to the local resource manager server to enable an initiating media processor to present the media content at the recipient media processor over a virtual private network.

Abstract: To effectively reduce the load on a device involved in converting the format of content data. A storage unit (14) stores format information that includes at least information about the container format of first content data and encoding information about multimedia data included in the first content data; and a container converter (16) converts the second container format of second content data into the first container format of the first content data on the basis of information stored in the storage unit (14), without decoding the multimedia data included in the second content data and without encoding the multimedia data obtained as a result of the decoding, whereby the first content data is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for receiving satellite television signals. A centralized system component may be provided in association with the satellite antenna. The centralized system component includes at least one or more tuners and one or more demodulators. The centralized component may provide output through a network adaptor that provides output through a single output, which is a coaxial cable in one embodiment. The centralized component may send output in the form of packetized data directed to one or more set-top boxes by way of a network transaction. The set-top box or boxes may be operable to receive the network transaction and to process the data, as appropriate, for display on a TV/monitor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication controller includes: an output module; a transmitter; and a receiver. The output module is configured to control output of image information to a display. The transmitter is configured to transmit the image information to a first communication device by unicast. The receiver configured to receive a transmission request of the image information from a second communication device. If the receiver receives the transmission request from the second communication device, the transmitter stops transmission of the image information to the first communication device by unicast, and transmits the image information to the first communication device and the second communication device by multicast.

Abstract: A multiple Interactive Program Guide (IPG) system provides different television programming and different IPGs to several different users respectively. A single set-top box is capable of providing programming and scheduling data to several different television sets. Each of the different IPGs share a common database. Therefore, a first IPG being viewed by a first user can display data added or modified via a second IPG by a second user of the system. Furthermore, the data added or modified by the second user can influence the viewing rights of the first user. Also, all the competing and conflicting requests for limited resources, such as VCR scheduled recordings, will be brought to the users' attention and will be displayed by the system.

Abstract: An in-home entertainment network conditioning device for use with a coaxial device in a CATV network includes an input node adapted to conduct CATV signals in a first and second frequency range, and in-home entertainment signals in a third frequency range that is different from the first frequency range and the second frequency range. The device includes a first signal path branched from the input node that includes a low-pass filter adapted to conduct the CATV signals and reject the in-home entertainment signals. A second signal path in parallel electrical communication with the first signal path includes a high-pass filter in series electrical connection with a signal conditioning circuit. The high-pass filter is adapted to conduct the in-home entertainment signals and reject the CATV signals. The signal conditioning circuit attenuates and equalizes the in-home entertainment signals when coupled to the coaxial device.

Abstract: A global program guide pause function in a broadcast multimedia system including a first main control configured to process multimedia content received from a packet processor, the first main control including an analyzer module for acquiring and analyzing program guide data to determine multiple time-delayed start content, a filtration module for filtering undesired content and enabling desired data streams to be saved in at least one global memory device, and a guide module for creating a program guide comprising only non-filtered programs being offered at time-delayed start times. The guide module is further configured to create multiple listings in the program guide showing a real-time versus a delayed-start time for each non-filtered program. A popular stream packet processor can be provided for saving data content corresponding to popular programs.

Abstract: A method and system for remote viewing of multimedia content using a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) is configured to duplicate multimedia content displayed on a first MCDN terminal device and route the duplicate multimedia content to a second MCDN terminal device. The MCDN terminal devices may be coupled to a local network at an MCDN client premises. The MCDN terminal devices may also include wireless telephony devices for mobile remote viewing functionality. The method may include transcoding of the multimedia content into a format suitable for the second MCDN terminal device.

Abstract: Shared television sessions are described. In embodiment(s), television content can be received via a tuner of a tuner device. A shared television session can be established between rendering devices that share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the television content. A tuner configuration input can be received when initiated at a rendering device, and the tuner configuration input can be communicated to the tuner device to change the television content. The tuner device can receive different television content via the tuner according to the tuner configuration input. Tuner update data associated with the tuner configuration input can then be communicated to update the rendering devices that further share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the different television content.

Abstract: A network apparatus includes a network cable connector, a communication signal processing circuit, and a binarizing circuit. The network cable connector is configured to be connected to a network cable. The communication signal processing circuit is configured to receive a signal inputted through the network cable connector. The binarizing circuit is configured to compare the signal inputted through the network cable connector to the communication signal processing circuit with a specific reference potential such that the binarizing circuit is configured to binarize the signal to output one of first and second potentials. The second potential is different from the first potential. The communication signal processing circuit is configured to be switched on and off according to the one of first and second potentials outputted from the binarizing circuit.

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: An audio client in a home entertainment system has a detachable remote commander with a display screen. A menu of music available at the server is downloaded to the remote commander from the server over the network and through the client device. The user can easily select a tune he/she wants to listen to using the remote commander. With storage and decoding capability, the commander can be used as a portable audio player.

Abstract: A digital personal video stream manager (102) includes a control processor (202), a media interface (204), and one or more control interfaces. The media interface (204) can receive broadband audio and video and convert it into digital file format for transmission on a LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11 based wireless LAN, to a personal computer (110). The media interface (204) can likewise receive digital media files from the personal computer (110) via the wireless interface, and convert them to a format for playback by the audio system (118) or television (116). Further, the digital personal video stream manager (102) can receive controls from remote users to supervise media recording. The control interfaces allow control of the digital personal video stream manager, such as via infrared remote controls.

Abstract: A video transmitter can adaptively alter its transmission rate to plural receivers which receive video via multicast transmission. While the transmitter is initially in the “no tuning state”, the need for a video tune-up state change can be determined. If so, then the state can be set to “tuning up” and the retransmission rate can be increased. However, if “tuning-up” is no longer required, the state returns to the “no tuning” state” Likewise, the need for a video tune down slate change can be determined and the retransmission rate can be decreased. However, if the state is set to “tuning down” and “tuning down” is no longer required, the state is set such that “tuning down” is no longer true and the state returns to the “no tuning” state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a resource sharing system of set-top boxes. The set-top boxes are arranged in a network. The resources of each set-top box in the network are potentially available to another set-top box in the network that has run out of resources. When a user needs a tuner resource, the set-top box determines if it has a local tuner available. If not, the set-top box attempts to use the tuner of another set-top box in the network. In one embodiment all of the tuners in the network are pooled together and used as a global resource of tuners for all of the set-tops. Alternatively, if a set-top box runs out of resource space on a storage device, it attempts to use the storage device on another set-top box before deleting shows locally to make room for the new show.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a communication system for enabling a first communication apparatus and second communication apparatuses to communicate with one another over a network. The first communication apparatus includes: a detection device; a display control device; a transmission device. The second communication apparatuses includes: a reception device; a notification device; an instruction device; and a registration device.

Abstract: The audio portion of an A/V signal is sent to one or more mobile devices and the video portion of the A/V signal is sent to one or more separate display devices in such a way that the signal provided to the display device(s) contains video information that is delayed by a predetermined amount greater than the expected amount of delay in a communication network over which the audio information is sent to the mobile device(s) so that the audio is received by the mobile device(s) at or before the time the video is displayed on the display device. The signal provided to the display device may include the audio information and/or other information. The amount by which the information provided to the display device (i.e., the video and optionally the corresponding audio and/or other information) is delayed may be fixed or variable/configurable.

Abstract: An apparatus that is connected to and controls a media server and a media renderer that is connected to a home network, stores and manages information regarding media content included in the media server, and provides a directory service with respect to all media content under a home network environment. The apparatus includes a media server directory module which stores and manages meta data of the media content comprised in all media servers existing under the home network environment and stores and manages connection information regarding the media servers. Also included is a proxy media server module which provides a content directory service, and a media server control point module which controls the media server directory module and the proxy media server module, searches for the media content, and brings and stores the meta data of the searched media content in the media server directory module.

Abstract: A method, system, and television for television picture reproduction via a network is provided. The television receives picture reproduction request information sent from a terminal device, real-time encodes video and audio data inputted from a multimedia server, respectively packs the encoded video and audio data into video data packets and audio data packets, and sends the video data packets and the audio data packets to the terminal device. The terminal device performs playback according to the video data packets and the audio data packets. Thus, the method accomplishes television picture reproduction through a network to fulfill short-distance picture reproduction requirements without occupying resources and network bandwidth of the multimedia server.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a setting unit configured to set an order of priority for attributes of a reproducing device, for each content attribute, based on user instructions, a first obtaining unit configured to obtain attributes of the reproducing device, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain attributes of the content selected by the user, and a determining unit configured to determine an order of priority for the reproducing device regarding which attributes have been obtained by the first obtaining unit, based on the set order of priority, obtained attributes of the reproducing device, and obtained attributes of the content.

Abstract: A video controller broadcasts input video through a premises media, such as a coaxial cable to one or more premises televisions or television channels. When a PC provides the input video, a mode change may occur to direct the video to the PC monitor or to the broadcast output. The video resolution of the PC is set to provide a desired digital television resolution with broadcast video. An audio driver may be used to provide USB audio output from the PC. When the PC monitor or broadcast output is selected for video output, the non-selected output is disabled or provided with a video indication that another video output is active. An EDID can be captured from the PC or PC monitor to assist with mode changes and setting PC video resolution. The input video may be provided directly from a digital video source and broadcast to selected televisions or channels.

Abstract: A place-shifting system for distributing video content from a content source (2) has apparatus including a set-top box (STB) (1) with a digital interface to a sender (6). The sender (6) receives video content from the STB (1) conditional upon access permissions that may be associated with a subscription. The permissions may also be determined using the identifier of a viewer device (9). The viewer (9) requests connection to a specific sender (6) by sending an association request to an association server (8) via a network connection (10). The association server (8) returns location information specific to the sender (6) being requested to the viewer (9). The viewer (9) and sender (6) then communicate directly (11) to establish communication and to start transfer of video and other information. The sender (6) can remove content protection from the video content before transcoding, re-applying content protection and sending it.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are described for transmitting a television program signal. A portion of a local frequency spectrum may be determined to be free, or relatively unused. A user selection of a television program or broadcast programming channel may be received from a program lineup in an electronic programming guide. The selected program may be selected from a gateway, translated, and transmitted over the portion of the frequency spectrum determined to be free. The translation may include converting a signal from the gateway into a National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) signal or a mobile TV signal.

Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to configure a wireless user device as a remote control device (RCD). The RCD may communicate via a wireless network and an MCDN server to execute remote control commands at the MCDN client. The RCD may implement a remote control interface, including control elements configured for touch operation. The control elements may provide specific interactive functionality for channel selection, volume selection, playback of multimedia content, and other remote control features. The RCD may also receive feedback and status information associated with remote control commands.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between two devices, such as a set-top box and a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The data may be transmitted via UMTS. Additionally, the user may be allowed to view data because the user has a subscription to access the data through the set-top box. Furthermore, the set-top box may send a notification to the user to query whether the set-top box should transmit the data to the mobile device. In the case that the user responds and requests the data to be transmitted to the mobile device, the set-top box may transmit the requested data to the mobile device.

Abstract: An IPTV may be controlled in part by a second user consumer electronic (CE) device using a web page served from a third party server even though the third party server cannot function as a proxy to the IPTV.

Abstract: A controller of an entertainment device includes a network connection for coupling the controller to a user-profile server via a network. The controller configured for determining a user identifier corresponding to a user associated with the entertainment device; automatically retrieving a user profile corresponding to the user identifier from the user-profile server, the user profile including an electronic bookmark pertaining to content that was not finished by the user at a different entertainment device; and controlling the entertainment device to allow the user to initiate playing the content at the entertainment device, and to play the content automatically starting from a position in the content corresponding to a position indicated by the electronic bookmark.

Abstract: An optical network terminal (ONT) is powered via a remote power supply. The remote power supply is connected to a standard customer premises electrical power outlet, providing a power source for power at a first format (e.g., 110 VAC). The remote power supply performs a power transformation to convert the power in the first power format to a second format (e.g., 48 VDC). This allows the powering of the ONT from farther distances, and thus allows for the easier installation of ONTs at customer premises which may not have optimally placed power outlets. A battery backup may also be used (either in parallel or serially), in order to provide availability of communications signals during a public power outage. When the battery backup used serially with the remote power supply, additional distance between the power outlet and the ONT may be accommodated.

Abstract: A mobile video system includes a first video source, a second video source, a first video monitor, a second video monitor, an audio signal receiver, and a wireless transmitter. One of the first video source and the second video source generates a first audiovisual signal. One of the first video monitor and the second video monitor receives a video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The wireless transmitter transmits an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal to the audio signal receiver. A video portion of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal is displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second video monitor.

Abstract: A video modulator is presented. The modulator includes a video input interface, a video modulation circuit, a video output interface, a communication interface, and control circuitry. The video input interface is configured to receive a video signal to be modulated, the video modulation circuit is configured to modulate the video signal, and the video output interface is configured to transmit the modulated video signal. The communication interface is configured to receive a command via a communication link to control the video modulator. The control circuitry is configured to receive the command from the communication interface and to control at least one of the video input interface, the video modulation circuit, and the video output interface based on the command.