Abstract: An entertainment network for passengers in a means of transportation, such as an airplane, having at least one data server for video and/or audio data. A routing device is connected to the data server. The entertainment network has at least one playback device which is provided for a passenger for the duration of a trip in order to play back the audio/video data. The routing device is designed for the wireless broadband transmission of the video/audio data to numerous playback devices simultaneously and in at least two different frequency bands independently of one another. The playback device is designed to only receive the data of a first frequency band, and a second frequency band is designed to be received only by individual passenger terminals, such as notebooks, tablets, or smartphones. The invention likewise relates to methods for transmitting audio/video data to entertain passengers in a means of transportation.

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: Methods and systems for a media controller subsystem that can provide video streaming using a distributed network control server, media server, and virtual network console on a common processing or circuit board and filter and apply restrictions to media content based on one or more of the identity of the vehicle occupant requesting media content, the identity of a portable computational device associated with the vehicle occupant, and the spatial location of the vehicle occupant and/or remote computational device.

Abstract: A system to provide an interactive experience with a participant device operating in relation to a vehicle is disclosed. The interactive experience may include live experience presentations synchronized across multiple participant devices. The multiple participant devices may be operating within or outside of the vehicle. The system may identify a relationship between the participant device and the vehicle. A live experience presentation on the participant device is configured based on the identified relationship. One or more of multimedia and/or multi-sensory streams may be communicated amongst the multiple participant devices and an experience service as layers. The layers are composed to generate the live experience presentation. The experience service may be implemented by an experience platform system.

Abstract: A method for operating a data receiver for audio and/or video data, wherein a planned and variable program title sequence having program titles is recorded, audio and/or video data relating to at least one program title are received via a data link and are buffered, and audio and/or video data of at least one program title are reproduced. The transmission resources of the data link for audio and/or video data to be transmitted and to be buffered are distributed over at least two program titles that have not yet been reproduced by the data receiver. Also disclosed are a data receiver associated with the method and a media reproduction system connected thereto, in particular in a vehicle.

Abstract: A method includes sending, by a user device, a request for video content based on a selected video content chapter of the video content. The method also includes receiving video content information that includes a list of video content chapters of the video content. The method includes determining, for each listed video content chapter, whether the video content chapter has been previously stored on the user device. The method further includes downloading particular chapters of the video content in a priority order based on the selected chapter in response to a determination that the particular chapters have not been previously stored on the user device, and playing the video content based on the selected chapter.

Abstract: A display data management unit that receives and formats data and sends the formatted data to one or more low-cost display units for display to at least one of passengers and customers is disclosed and may include a communication interface that facilitates the sending and receiving of travel data, and a display content management unit that receives travel data through the communication interface that contains travel-related content from one or more data sources, determines which travel-related content is to be displayed on each particular low-cost display unit, determines in what format the travel-related content is to be displayed on each particular low-cost display unit, formats the travel-related content for display, and sends the formatted travel-related content to one or more low-cost display units through the communication interface for display to one of passengers and customers.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system supports a simple manner for seamlessly integrating the personal media device with the information system, immersing a user in a rich and intuitive media environment. When the personal media device and the information system are coupled, viewing content from the personal media device can be integrated “on the fly” into the information system via an interactive user interface system. The personal media device likewise can receive control commands and/or operating power from the information system. Thereby, the user can advantageously enjoy his own personal viewing content from the personal media device via the larger video presentation system and/or the enhanced audio presentation system of the information system, while recharging an internal battery system of the personal media device.

Abstract: A system and method for updating media content for a vehicle. Media content for a vehicle is received through a home network. The media content is stored for playback by one or more devices of the vehicle. A selection of additional media content available through the home network listed in an index is received. The additional media content selected from the index is queued for download based on access to an available network. An available network is searched for. The additional media content is downloaded to the vehicle through the available network and the home network in response to detecting the available network.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display for audio-video distribution. The in-vehicle display may comprise a mounting arrangement and an entertainment system, wherein the entertainment system may further comprise: a housing, at least one display screen, a communication tool, and one or more connection modules. The mounting arrangement is generally configured to mount the entertainment system to a roof or headrest of a vehicle. The communication tool may be electrically connected to the display screen and may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device of a user via the connection modules, such that the communication tool links the display screen with the external electronic device in order to establish an interaction between the display screen and the external electronic device. Thus, user may be able to operate and control a digital content on the display screen through the external electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying in-flight passenger information. In-flight passenger information for flight of an aircraft is identified during operation of the aircraft. A timeline and the in-flight passenger information in association with the timeline are displayed on a display system during the operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting data content against illegal copying. The data content is provided by an entertainment system and is output to output units in an authorized playback environment for playing back the data content. The method includes transmitting the data content in the authorized playback environment from the entertainment system to an output unit, and adding an interference signal to the data content such that, during playback of the data content outside the authorized playback environment a disruption is induced.

Abstract: A system for a mobile wireless device to receive and display a video stream while preventing overflow or starvation of its receive buffer by requesting changes to the video streaming or encoding rates and by controlling the video playback frame rate. The current receive buffer level is used to make comparisons with several thresholds, the results of which are used to trigger actions. If the current receive buffer level has risen above a start level, then playback of the video can begin. If the current receive buffer level rises above an early detection threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to slow its streaming rate. If the current receive buffer level rises above a high level threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to stop streaming the video. If the current receive buffer level drops below a low level threshold, then the playback frame rate is slowed.

Abstract: A device for displaying moving images in a motor vehicle displays moving images in a first or second mode. In the first mode the moving images are displayed with normal playback parameters and the refresh rate in the second mode is lower than in the first mode. One of the first and second modes is selected based on a speed of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The on-train information providing device, which is provided with a controlling unit that transmits to the display device video data that is transmitted from the ground transmitting and receiving device to the on-train transmitting and receiving device, includes a storage unit that stores therein a program listing in which a valid period of video is stored in accordance with each advertisement, audio data transmitted from the ground transmitting and receiving device to the on-train transmitting and receiving device, and video data including audio data; and a sound recognizing unit that attaches a value of 1 or greater as an audio flag to the program listing when the video data does not include any audio data, and attaches 0 as the audio flag to the program listing when the video data includes audio data. The controlling unit sends the audio data corresponding to the audio flag to the radio radiating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger service device for providing entertainment or service to a passenger, comprising a first passenger service unit adapted to be mounted in a ceiling compartment and a second passenger service unit adapted to be mounted to a passenger seat. According to the invention, the service device comprises a transmission device comprising a first transmission unit associated with the first passenger unit and a second transmission unit associated with the second passenger service unit, wherein said transmission device is adapted to transmit data between said first and second transmission unit via visible or invisible light signals.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprising a media server networked with a plurality of docking stations is presented. The media server and docking stations can be networked together into a looped daisy-chained network to provide for content distribution to docked media players. The looped daisy-chained network retains connectivity or continuity when media players are undocked or when a connection is broken. In preferred embodiments, the entertainment system can be deployed within an aircraft as an in-flight entertainment system.

Abstract: An entertainment system including one or more display devices. Each display device may have a media player to play the content of a disc or media inserted in the media player. Each display device may also have a storage unit to store the media content. The media content can be shared between different display devices. The connection between display devices can be either by plurality of cables or by a wireless network. Each display device receives its power from a power filter. The power filter is connected to a power source.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components are implemented on a multipassenger transit vehicle to provide passenger access to a pre-assigned interactive electronic media device associated with a passenger identification (ID) code or associated with an on-board situs location. The electronic media device may include a storage component, and a battery module that can periodically be replaced or recharged. Security techniques may provide protection against unauthorized usage of each electronic media device, and also help prevent unauthorized removal of the electronic media device from its approved location in the transit vehicle. Selective content may be accessible or downloaded via a communication node, wherein such content may include application programs or informational data specifically correlated with a media device location or a designated vehicle passenger.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system having electronic means for providing commentary audibly and/or visually, which electronic means is adapted to provide such commentary asynchronously. The system includes multiple asynchronous group triggering on channels. The commentary is divided into channels and/or groups and includes plays based on areas, and not on sequence only. The plays and/or areas are sequenced if required and are provided with associated rules.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for managing a broadcast for a portable terminal receiving supplementary information related to the broadcast are provided. The method includes tuning a broadcasting receiver of the portable terminal to a frequency from among a plurality of frequencies of a broadcasting channel, receiving, by the broadcasting receiver, a broadcasting signal on the tuned frequency, determining whether a moving speed of the portable terminal is equal to or more than a predetermined speed when a broadcasting receiver is tuned to the frequency and is receiving a broadcasting signal, measuring a field strength of the received broadcasting signal when the moving speed of the portable terminal is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed, and controlling the broadcasting receiver to be tuned to another frequency in order to receive the broadcasting signal of the broadcasting channel when the measured field strength is less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit which capable of running at least two different tasks concurrently, slave units being under control of the master unit and slave units are capable of executing at least two different actions corresponding to the at least two different tasks concurrently. A smart device that is capable of controlling the operation of master unit and slave units. A media placed in the media player can be played and shared between master and slave units. The media can be stored in a storage device to be played at a later time.

Abstract: A passenger information control device having a video display controller that transmits video data sent from a ground transmission controller to display devices in a train includes: a storage unit that stores a program table and the video data, the program table storing a number of times an advertisement video has been presented, a validity period of the advertisement video, a time period from the last presentation time to the present, and a volume of the video data, being associated with each advertisement; a deletion determining unit that determines whether to designate the video data as a candidate for deletion based on a program table; and a deleting unit that deletes the video data stored in the storage unit based on determination by the deletion determining unit.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit which capable of running at least two different tasks concurrently, slave units being under control of the master unit and slave units are capable of executing at least two different actions corresponding to the at least two different tasks concurrently. A smart device that is capable of controlling the operation of master unit and slave units. A media placed in the media player can be played and shared between master and slave units. The media can he stored in a storage device to be played at a later time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced consumer access to information sources and controllable entities. An Access device can be a stand alone device such as a DVD player in which the DVD disk contains the back-end information network. Other Access devices obtain the back-end information network from remote sources. By way of a specific example, the consumer can then view a game and interactively select every television camera located at the game venue.

Abstract: A data distribution unit for a vehicle includes a wireless receiver configured to receive coded data wirelessly via a cellular network, a signal processor configured to decode the coded data into video data and audio data, and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the video data wirelessly to a display and transmit the audio data wirelessly to a speaker.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a bilateral control system and method of a vehicle-use front seat audio device and a back seat entertainment device according to the present invention, the system includes a vehicle-use front seat audio device, a back seat entertainment device and a connection cable, the control method is provided to copy the signals and pictures of the vehicle-use front seat audio device or the back seat entertainment device and transmit mutually by utilizing the connection cable as the bilateral transmission passageway, the signals and pictures may be mutually bilateral controlled and transmitted via the connection cable by controlling the physical keys or operating on the touch panel.

Abstract: An inflight entertainment system and method for use therein reduce the loading time required to preload programs identified in playlists onto seat end equipment. Loading time is reduced by retaining programs included in playlists on seat end equipment across flights and making incremental updates to such programs to account for changes in playlists, rather than updating them wholesale for each flight. Loading time is further reduced by adding programs to seat end equipment for the current flight, where possible, by copying such programs from other seat end equipment, rather than copying them from head end equipment.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a digital data stream is divided into at least two complementary digital substreams and delayed in time. The first digital substream and the second digital substream are transmitted by the broadcasting systems with a time offset in accordance with the broadcasting principle such that any receiver can use the respectively intact part of the other complementary digital substream in order to ensure a seamless media reception when a break in the transmission or reception occurs.

Abstract: An interface for data transmission in a motor vehicle between a mobile data device (6) having a computation unit and an information display (4) in the motor vehicle is provided. The mobile data device (6) and the central information display (4) can be connected to one another by wireless communication, and the screen content of the mobile data device (6) can be presented on the information display (4). Provision is made for the computation unit of the mobile data device (6) to be set up to use the wireless communication to actuate the information display (4) in the motor vehicle by video signals, and for the computation unit of the information display (4) to be set up to present the video signals received from the mobile data device (6).

Abstract: A vehicle seat interconnect includes a cable that propagates data signals along a length of the cable and a transceiver provided on at least one vehicle seat of a vehicle. The transceiver is wirelessly coupled with the cable and transmits the data signals between the transceiver and the cable.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle audio/visual apparatus which displays an external device screen of an external media player on a display unit, a communication unit is configured to communicate with an external media player. An external device screen displaying unit is configured to select one of a plurality of external device screens in accordance with the external media player and display the selected external device screen on the display unit.

Abstract: A method and system for providing selected content displays to users of mobile electronic devices and more specifically to a method and system for broadcasters to provide a marketing portal presented in the form of displayed customized broadcaster content.

Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.

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, demodulated, D/A converted 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 vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit, slave units and smart devices to control the operation of master unit and slave units. A media placed in the media player can be played and shared between master and slave units. The media can be stored in a storage device to be played at a later time. The media content is shared between master and slave units via cable or wireless communication.

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: Embodiments described herein provide multi-panel display systems and methods for operating the same. Content is generated on a first display device based on first user input received through a user interface device coupled to the first display device. Second user input is received on the user interface device. The generated content is displayed on a second display device in response to the receiving of the second user input on the user interface device.

Abstract: A video or multimedia distribution system receives multiple video streams and transcodes them into a single stream of UDP packets with each of the plurality of video data packets for respective ones of the video streams being assigned a port number corresponding to the respective video stream. The UDP packets are routed to a plurality of Access Points (APs) for transmission throughout a vehicle, such as an aircraft or ship. A User Equipment (UE) communicates with the APs and selects one or more of the video streams for viewing on the UE by selecting the port number corresponding to the desired video streams. The UE can “change channels” to view other video streams by changing the port number to the port number of the desired video stream.

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 mobile entertainment system, comprising: a video system in combination with a media source, the video system and media source are attached to a housing secured within an automobile; the media source includes a storage medium upon which audio and video media content is stored for display upon the video system as desired by a user; an access point configured for wireless retrieval of audio and video media content for display upon the video monitor; a remote library of audio and video media content in wireless communication with the media source via the access point, the remote library including storage space for uploading of media content from a personal collection of audio and video media content from a user for subsequent transmission to the media source.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided. One example includes a method for transferring location information. Location information is received via a network. The location information is parsed. It is determined whether the location information is in a proper format for a navigation device. In response to determining that the location information is not in the proper format, the location information is converted into the proper format for the navigation device. The location information is transmitted to the navigation device via another network, and the navigation device is capable of receiving communications over the other network.

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: Master element for a distributed playback architecture for a media data, having: a payload data source for providing payload data packets; a beacon packet creator for creating beacon packets useable for synchronizing a playback process of the payload data packets at, at least one, slave element in the distributed playback architecture; and a network interface for transmitting an interleaved packet stream to the at least one slave element, the interleaved packet stream having the payload data packets provided by the payload data source and the beacon packets created by the beacon packet creator. A corresponding slave element, the distributed playback architecture, a method, and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low-cost display bank that displays travel-related information in a public travel-related area and includes one or more slave low-cost display units, and a master low-cost display unit that includes a communication interface that receives travel-related information, a display bank control unit that sends identification information to a display bank data management unit through the communication interface, receives a display bank unit profile containing display parameters based on the identification information through the communication interface, receives travel-related information from the display bank data management unit in accordance with the received display parameters through the communication interface, sends the received travel-related information intended to be displayed on the one or more slave low-cost display units to the one or more slave low-cost display units, and displays the received travel-related information on the master low-cost display unit and the one or more slave low-cost display un

Abstract: The communication system can be configured to generate revenue by using advertising elements or storing web pages. The communication system can allow internet access or programs to be performed. The mobile platforms can be automobiles, aircraft, boats, ships, trains or other vehicles. Advertising elements can be stored on the mobile platform.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprising a media server networked with a plurality of docking stations is presented. The media server and docking stations can be networked together into a looped daisy-chained network to provide for content distribution to docked media players. The looped daisy-chained network retains connectivity or continuity when media players are undocked or when a connection is broken. In preferred embodiments, the entertainment system can be deployed within an aircraft as an in-flight entertainment system.

Abstract: A vehicle information system for passenger vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The vehicle information system includes a broadband communication system with a broadband antenna system and a broadband control system. Exploiting the advent of high-speed connectivity solutions, the vehicle information system supports a low-cost, high-capacity bidirectional data connection with a terrestrial content system and thereby can be established as another node on the “Worldwide Net.” The vehicle information system likewise provides wireless access points for communicating with passengers' personal media devices. As desired, the vehicle information system can support mobile telephone connectivity and/or presentation of live integrated digital television (IDTV) programming. The vehicle information system thereby provides enhanced information, entertainment, and communication services during travel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a bilateral control system and method of a vehicle-use front seat audio device and a back seat entertainment device according to the present invention, the system includes a vehicle-use front seat audio device, a back seat entertainment device and a connection cable, the control method is provided to copy the signals and pictures of the vehicle-use front seat audio device or the back seat entertainment device and transmit mutually by utilizing the connection cable as the bilateral transmission passageway, the signals and pictures may be mutually bilateral controlled and transmitted via the connection cable by controlling the physical keys or operating on the touch panel.