Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television system having a controller to receive an identification of a first presentation device, select a webpage graphical user interface (GUI) template from a library according to the identification of the first presentation device, receive a request to present a customization of the webpage GUI template at a second presentation device, identify an adaptation process to accommodate presentation of the customization of the webpage GUI template at the second presentation device, customize the webpage GUI template according to one or more directives received from the first presentation device, thereby generating a customized webpage GUI, adapt the customized webpage GUI according to the adaptation process, present the customized webpage GUI at the first presentation device, and present the adapted customized webpage GUI at the second presentation device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A multiplexer includes a first interface configured to receive one or more HDMI or DVI signals for transmission over a respective one of an HDMI or DVI interface; a second interface configured to receive external data from a data source, the external data being intended for transmission over the HDMI or DVI interface; a data multiplexing device having inputs coupled to the first and second interfaces, and having an output, and being configured to multiplex the external data with information on one or more signal paths of the HDMI or DVI interface; and a transmitter coupled to the output of the data multiplexing device, configured to transmit the external data across the HDMI or DVI interface.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a communication device includes a transceiver with a physical (PHY) layer. The PHY layer is configured for body area network (BAN) operations in a limited multipath environment using M-ary PSK, differential M-ary PSK or rotated differential M-ary PSK. Also, the PHY layer uses a constant symbol rate for BAN packet transmissions.

Abstract: A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interacting with graphical user interface elements to invoke commands and initiate requests in a multi-device environment are described. Content from a first set top box is received at a mobile computing device having a touchscreen. The touchscreen is then used by the user to drag-and-drop a first graphical user interface element representing the content to over a second graphical user interface element. This causes the content to be shared from the first set top box to a second set top box, the second set top box automatically initiating download of the content.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to one or more transcoder devices in communication with an input device such as a remote control device and multiple destination devices in which the transcoder device(s) facilitate communication between the remote control and the various destination devices in the vicinity. The transcoder device(s) can also provide the user with an environmental awareness of conditions and events surrounding the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which multiple Internet Protocol (IP) based wireless data transmissions are simultaneously provided between a wireless device and a server, including providing multiple antennas, multiple T/R units, multiple processors and multiple I/O ports on the wireless device. The method includes receiving multiple IP data packets on the I/O ports at substantially the same time, and sending multiple data packets from the wireless device to the server, whereby the transmission rate between the wireless device and the server is increased.

Abstract: A display device such as a TV has both HDMI and IP network interfaces and uses the HDMI interface to exchange IP network parameters with an audio video application module (AVAM) upon HDMI connection. In this way, an IP-based peer-to-peer or client-server network connection can be automatically established to promote faster communication when sharing and executing applications between the devices than is typically available over the CEC link of HDMI.

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: An approach provides management of digital assets. A digital asset is transmitted to one of a plurality of devices configured to support instant communications. The digital asset can be shared among the devices within the instant communications environment. A portal is provided for users of the devices to manage respective instant communications accounts.

Abstract: This invention is related to a wireless communication system for giga bit data rate and low power consumption, comprising a mobile communication terminal that transmits massive data to a display apparatus using a millimeter wave or terahertz wave band, a display apparatus that plays received massive data and a low speed wireless controller that controls the operation of the mobile communication terminal and the transmission of massive data from the mobile communication terminal into the display apparatus.

Abstract: A video display terminal includes a wireless communication interface, a display interface, an operation interface, and a control unit. The control unit causes the wireless communication interface to wirelessly transmit a video transmission request to a video transmission terminal joining a wireless network constructed by the own video display terminal if the operation interface receives a video display instruction when the own video display terminal operates as an access point constructing the wireless network, causes the display interface to display a video for the own video display terminal wirelessly transmitted from the video transmission terminal in response to the video transmission request and wirelessly received by the wireless communication interface, and causes the wireless communication interface to wirelessly transmit the video for the own video display terminal to another video display terminal joining the wireless network constructed by the own video display terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and a mobile terminal for switching a playback device. The method in the present invention includes: determining, by a mobile terminal, that the mobile terminal is moved from a first space in which the mobile terminal is located to a second space; acquiring an identifier and playback progress information of first multimedia content played by a first playback device; and sending, by the mobile terminal, to a second playback device, a playback command carrying the identifier and the playback progress information of the first multimedia content, where the playback command is used to trigger the second playback device to play the first multimedia content from a start point that is determined according to the playback progress information.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) for local distribution of multiple multimedia channels from a multimedia service provider is provided. The STB includes a receiver, a multimedia signal processor, an audio signal processor, and a wireless transmitter. The user can access a plurality of multimedia channels carrying a multimedia signal with audio and video content. The receiver selects first and second multimedia channels for local distribution based on channel selection criteria. The STB distributes the first multimedia channel via a multimedia output path to a multimedia device. The STB distributes the second multimedia channel via an audio output path to an audio device. The wireless transmitter may include an FM transmitter. A media distribution unit for local distribution of multiple multimedia channels from a multimedia service provider and a method associated therewith are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a media delivery system including a television, a smart phone and a smart watch comprises an ad hoc communication network. The smart phone is employed as remote control. In one implementation, the smart phone controls the television directly. In another implementation, the smart phone controls the television through the smart watch. A media item stored in the smart watch can be rendered by the television using the smart phone as the remote control. An advertising message can be transferred from the television to the smart watch using the smart phone as the remote control. In other embodiments, the smart watch or a tablet computer can be used as the remote control.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving bandwidth for a data connection. A television is detected to have been turned off. Recording information is requested from a digital video record. A content stream to the digital video recorder and the television is terminated in response to receiving the recording information and determining the DVR is inactive.

Abstract: A method of sending a data stream of video images between a server and at least one client device in a communication network, employing a rate setting for the sending of data over the communication network, the method comprising the following steps: obtaining (910) an item of information Pc representing a speed of variation over time for a rate setting, said item of information depending on at least one characteristic of the state of the traffic over the communication network, comparing (920) said item of information Pc so obtained with a scheduled time Ev for a set of video image data to send, adapting (930) the rate setting delivered by the server on the basis of at least the result of the comparing step, compressing said set of video image data to send using a compression mode which depends on the adapted rate setting, sending said set of video image data so compressed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a centralized broadband gateway for a wireless communication system, including: a router/gateway module which receives encoded compressed audio/video (A/V) streams and distributes the encoded compressed audio/video A/V streams; multiple audio/video decoders which receive the encoded compressed A/V streams from the a router/gateway module, decode the encoded compressed A/V streams, and output uncompressed A/V streams; and an integrated Wireless High Definition Multimedia Interface (WHDMI) which receives the uncompressed A/V streams from the multiple audio/video decoders and transmits the uncompressed A/V streams wirelessly to media devices, without deploying individual media processors at each media device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are broadcast receivers and methods for sharing event information. At a sender end, event information for a broadcast is collected after receiving a command from the sender and a message is created that includes the event information. The sender may then select one or more contacts with whom to share the event information. Thereafter, the message and information on the contact is transmitted to a mobile device of the sender over a short range communication link. The message may then be automatically forwarded from the mobile device to the selected recipients. At the recipient end, the message is received from the mobile device of the recipient over a short range communication link and processed to determine if the message is a recommendation message. If so, the contents of the message are extracted and displayed on a television display of the recipient.

Abstract: The generation of engagement factors sufficient to represent user engagement, attention, recognition, interest and/or responsiveness to media being shown or otherwise access through an output device is contemplated. The engagement factors may be values or other representations sufficient to facilitate categorizing viewer activities during playback of particular portions of the media.

Abstract: An audio/video network system for distributing satellite broadcast services includes an antenna unit for receiving audio/video broadcast services. The antenna unit is in communication with a master receiver, which receives the audio/video broadcast services and displays them on a first television associated with the master receiver. The master receiver is in communication with a plurality of slave clients, which receive audio/video broadcast services from the master receiver and display them on a respective television associated with each of the slave clients.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method and a system. The method includes receiving a first media stream, in a first network device from a remote network device, using a first network protocol. The may method include converting the first media stream in real-time to a second media stream according to a second network protocol and transmitting the second media stream to a user device. The method may include receiving a first trick-mode command according to a first trick-mode protocol from the user device, wherein the first trick-mode command includes rewind, fast forward, or pause. The method may include converting the first trick-mode command into a second trick-mode command according to a second trick-mode protocol and transmitting the second trick-mode command to the remote network device.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for data processing in a device with integrated set-top-box and femtocell functionality are provided. Data may be received via an integrated femtocell and set-top-box device and may be synchronously processed, utilizing a common clock, to perform one or more femtocell functions and/or set-top-box functions. The common clock may be derived from global navigation satellite system signals. The integrated femtocell and set-top-box device may convert the received data from a first to a second format. The converted data may be transmitted to a cellular enabled communication device via a cellular transmitter within said integrated femtocell and set-top-box device and/or to a multimedia device via a multimedia interface within said integrated femtocell and set-top-box device. The received data may comprise multimedia content.

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

Abstract: Flat panel video display can wirelessly broadcast its identity for discovery to users of handheld devices (e.g., smartphones) interested in obtaining recorded data associated with video programming displaying on the flat panel video display. Data can also include text, audio, and identifying information needed to access related data from a remote server. An application can be downloaded and activated on smartphones that will enable it to see a list of available (discoverable) flat panel displays that allow wireless access to recorded video data associated with programming being displayed (or previously displayed and stored in a queue) on a flat panel. A flat panel of interest can be selected by the smartphone and it can access additional data (either directly from the flat panel or from a remote server once the data has been identified) and/or engage in an interactive session in association with the displayed programming or data.

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: A content output system includes a content output apparatus; and an information display apparatus, the content output apparatus and the information display apparatus being capable of communicating with each other. The content output apparatus includes a selection section configured to select, in response to a selection instruction, one piece of content from among a plurality of pieces of content that can be output, as content composed of a video signal and/or an audio signal; and an output section configured to output the content selected by the selection section.

Abstract: A system for controlling ambient light effects comprises a receiving device including at least one processor programmed to parse incoming video content to detect at least one portion of the incoming video content and determine at least one ambient light effect to be associated with the portion of the video content. The system further comprises a home automation controller in communication with the processor and at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device and the home automation controller. The processor of the receiving device is programmed to send a command to the home automation controller specifying the ambient light effect determined by the processor to be associated with the portion of the video content. The lighting device generates the ambient light effect specified in the command when the portion of the video content is displayed to a user.

Abstract: A wireless receiver, in the form of a mobile telephone, includes a DAB receiver and a GSM/GPRS transceiver which enables bi-directional point-to-point data communications via a service provider. The DAB receiver is arranged to receive media data from an over-the-air broadcast channel, the media data primarily representing television and radio streams. In order that the streams can be decoded and decrypted by media playing software on the wireless receiver, a provisioning operation is employed to provide NSC header files and DRM licenses to users in response to them making content requests. The header files and licenses are sent over a separate data channel and in advance of the broadcast content.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a first electronic device, and a control unit operatively coupled with the communication unit, the control unit configured to receive, from the first electronic device via the communication unit, information associated with a playback location of multimedia data, the multimedia data to be presented at a second electronic device operatively coupled with the apparatus, based at least in part on the information, and transmit at least one portion of the multimedia data, to the second electronic device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving content wirelessly via mobile devices. For example, in one embodiment, a distribution device can receive an over-the-air broadcast, transcode the over-the-air broadcast, and broadcast the transcoded broadcast to mobile devices within range.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving content wirelessly via mobile devices. For example, in one embodiment, a distribution device can receive an over-the-air broadcast, transcode the over-the-air broadcast, and broadcast the transcoded broadcast to mobile devices within range.

Abstract: A method of connecting a legacy device in a home entertainment system containing a wireless home entertainment hub utilizing a home theatre network interface box includes obtaining a registration with the wireless home entertainment hub for the home theatre network interface box. The home theatre network interface box is connected to the legacy device and the home theatre network interface device is identified at the wireless home entertainment hub according to the functionality of the legacy device. An instruction from the wireless home entertainment hub to transmit data produced by the legacy device to at least one sink device in the home entertainment system is received, where the legacy device is a source device. Representation of the data produced by the legacy device from the home theatre network interface box to the at least one sink device is transmitted.

Abstract: A first user device receives, from a service provider network, digital media content and presents the digital media content to a user. The first user device receives, from the service provider network, an indication that a second user device, associated with an account of the user and providing a higher quality presentation, is available to present the digital media content. The first user device presents a notice to the user that the second user device is available. In one aspect, the notice to the user is be selected by the user to initiate a switch to the second user device.

Abstract: A remote control unit generates a first beam which a user points at one of a plurality of information appliances to select that appliance. After selecting the desired appliance, the user then actuates a button on a control keypad on the remote control unit to cause the unit to generate a second, modulated beam. The remote control unit modulates the second beam in accordance with a desired functionality of the information appliance to control the appliance accordingly.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of establishing a bi-directional user interface back channel (UIBC) to a computing device, receiving encapsulated peripheral data from the computing device using the UIBC, and decapsulating the peripheral data, as well as a method of establishing a bi-directional user interface back channel (UIBC) to a computing device, receiving peripheral data, encapsulating the peripheral data, and transmitting the encapsulated peripheral data to the computing device using the UIBC.

Abstract: A wireless transmission system is provided that can minimize the control command transmission amount by operating a plurality of sink devices in conjunction with each other with respect to each group. The wireless transmission system includes: a bridge device (1) which wireless-transmits an AV content; and a plurality of wireless sink devices (5, 6) which reproduce the wireless-transmitted AV content. The bridge device (1) has a group identification table which stores a group identifier for identifying a group formed by the wireless sink device (5, 6). The bridge device (1) adds a group identifier extracted from the group identification table to a control command for controlling the sink devices (5, 6) and wireless-transmits the control command having the group identifier. The wireless sink devices (5, 6) receive a control command wireless-transmitted from the bridge device (1) if a corresponding group identifier is added to the control command.

Abstract: A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create an experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

Abstract: A wireless transmission system is provided that can minimize the control command transmission amount by operating a plurality of sink devices in conjunction with each other with respect to each group. The wireless transmission system includes: a bridge device (1) which wireless-transmits an AV content; and a plurality of wireless sink devices (5, 6) which reproduce the wireless-transmitted AV content. The bridge device (1) has a group identification table which stores a group identifier for identifying a group formed by the wireless sink device (5, 6). The bridge device (1) adds a group identifier extracted from the group identification table to a control command for controlling the sink devices (5, 6) and wireless-transmits the control command having the group identifier. The wireless sink devices (5, 6) receive a control command wireless-transmitted from the bridge device (1) if a corresponding group identifier is added to the control command.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate connection to a multimedia playback network are disclosed. An example method provides content to a local playback network. The example method includes identifying multimedia content from a content provider. The example method includes passing information regarding the multimedia content to a local playback system including one or more multimedia playback devices in response to a trigger. The example method includes facilitating play of the multimedia content via a local playback network associated with the local playback system.

Abstract: A device and method for storage device emulation in a multimedia processing system are provided. The device includes a processing module to process multimedia data, a first mass storage device interface operably coupled to the processing module, the first mast storage interface operable to couple to a mass storage device interface of a multimedia processing device and a second mass storage device interface operably coupled to the first mass storage device and the processing module, wherein the second mass storage device is operable to couple to one or more mass storage devices. A method is also provided. The method comprises receiving a first multimedia data at first mass storage device interface of a first multimedia processing device, processing the first multimedia data at the first multimedia processing device to generate a first processed multimedia data and providing the first processed multimedia data to a second mass storage device interface of the first multimedia processing device for output.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for providing media content to a plurality of set-top boxes (“STBs”) over a licensed spectrum and over an unlicensed spectrum. In an aspect, each of the plurality of STBs might comprise a first transceiver configured to receive media content or data over a licensed spectrum and a second transceiver configured to receive and send media content or data over an unlicensed spectrum. The first STB of the plurality of STBs might receive a first portion of the media content at the first transceiver and receive a second portion of the media content at the second transceiver from a second STB of the plurality of STBs. The plurality of STBs might query each other to determine available frequencies and/or bandwidth, and might store results of the query in a table in local memory or in a database accessible by all of the plurality of STBs.

Abstract: A server receives a request for delivery of media from a client, and determines if the client has a capability to tune to a quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) channel carried by a first network. The server sends a message to the client to instruct the client to tune to the QAM channel to receive the media via the first network if it is determined that the client has the capability to tune to the QAM channel. The server sends the media to the client if it is determined that the client does not have the capability to tune to the QAM channel.

Abstract: A mobile device, a display apparatus and a method for sharing content thereof are provided. The method for sharing content of the mobile device includes connecting to a display apparatus for communication, receiving a request for content sharing from the display apparatus if the mobile device is verified by the display apparatus, retrieving at least one content, according to a preset condition, from among a plurality of contents stored at the mobile device, and transmitting the at least one retrieved contents to the display apparatus.

Abstract: A method for presenting data through a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes obtaining a registration for one or more source devices and for one or more sink devices. An indication is received at the wireless home entertainment hub that one of the source devices has become active. Data is received from the active source device. One or more sink devices are selected to receive the data from the active source device, and the data is transmitted to one or more of the sink devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metadata transmission apparatus including a storage section configured to store metadata, and a wireless transmission section configured to transmit the metadata stored in the storage section via a wireless communication network.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.

Abstract: A remote control device and method is provided. The remote control device and method provides a more intuitive and convenient user interface to a user. The remote control device and method also makes it possible to transmit/execute contents, provided by an external device, to/in a target device more intuitively and conveniently.

Abstract: Methods and systems associated with a mobile device for venue-oriented communications are presented. An example mobile communication device may include a wireless transceiver, a user interface, and control logic. The wireless transceiver may receive a plurality of digital audio streams from an access device located at a venue. The user interface may receive a selection of one of the digital audio streams from a user of the mobile communication device. The control logic includes a channel selection module that may generate an audio signal representing the selected one of the digital audio streams. The user interface may provide the generated audio signal for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A method of registering a device with a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes broadcasting by a wireless home entertainment hub a request for a reply from at least one unregistered device. The reply is received from at least one of the unregistered devices and a list of the at least one unregistered device is presented to a user for the purpose of the user selecting a device to register. An indication of the registration of the device selected by the user for registration is stored, and the selected device is removed from the list of unregistered devices after the indication of the registration is stored.