Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and data structures that provide an immersive user experience are disclosed. A video program may be associated with predefined actions to be performed by one or more dynamic devices near the video device. Dynamic devices may perform actions in synchronization with the media program. Dynamic devices may be wirelessly controlled, and different versions of a media program may be served to different receiving devices based on the set of dynamic devices known to be associated with each receiving device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling a set top box on an ad hoc basis. A wireless device detects a mobile terminal that is configured to control one or more set top boxes via a wireless local area network. The wireless device controls, over an adhoc connection, the one or more set top boxes directly or via the mobile terminal based on the detection of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving wireless multi-band stream signals using optimal resolution in a wireless digital television transmitter/receiver environment.

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: According to one embodiment, a mobile terminal and a television receiver, and a communication system which includes the mobile terminal and the television receiver are provided. In the communication system, the mobile terminal and the television receiver are configured to be interactively communicable with each other. The mobile terminal which uses a first address on a network, converts the first address into a second address suitable for the performance of the television receiver and usable by the television receiver. The television receiver automatically activates an application for displaying the data acquired using the second address.

Abstract: In a wireless video system, the clock rate for wirelessly transmitting the video data from the transmitting device should be identical to the clock rate for receiving the video data at the receiving device. But the two devices have separate clocks, whose frequencies may drift apart over time, leading the video buffer to be over run or under run. Clock synchronizing messages to prevent this may be sent at short intervals when clock synchronization is first being acquired, and at larger intervals after clock synchronization has already been achieved and is merely being maintained.

Abstract: The present application relates to human/computer interfaces and more particularly to a wireless computing headset with one or more microdisplay devices that can provide hands-free remote control of attached or remote peripheral devices, systems and/or networks. A wireless hands-free video computing headset, and corresponding method, enabling communication with a host processor to provide the user omnipresent expertise is disclosed. The wireless hands-free video computing headset, which includes a microdisplay device to present information to the user graphically, communicates with a host processor to provide the user with an expert resource. The expert resource may take numerous forms, such as diagnostic software, or live human support.

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: Disclosed is a set-top box capable of delivering television, internet service, video phone service, video-on-demand, and other media services to a consumer. One portion of the set-top box interacts with a CDMA network for the purpose of receiving wireless internet, video-on-demand, videophone and other IP services. Another portion of the device is satellite-enabled. The satellite portion of the device enables the user to also receive satellite service. Because the set-top box works to receive satellite programming and wireless CDMA network communications, it is not terrestrially-bound. This means it is not bound to be included within a cable, telephone, or other wired circuit network.

Abstract: A wireless device such as an Android-based smart phone or tablet computer can establish a VPN connection with an Android-based TV to cause the TV to run an application and provide graphics from the wireless device and be controlled from the wireless device.

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: A method of controlling a receiver that is arranged to operate in a reception operating mode for receiving an amount of data in a transmission from a sender and in one or more further operating modes, the method comprising: setting an internal transmission-over indicator to an initial value at the beginning of the transmission and subsequently adapting the internal transmission-over indicator in the course of the transmission, monitoring the internal transmission-over indicator in the course of the transmission in order to determine whether a transmission-over condition is fulfilled, and, in response to determining that the transmission-over condition is fulfilled, leaving the reception operating mode for entering one of the one or more further operating modes.

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: An entertainment device is used to notify a user of a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device and/or to notify a user of a perceived problem in a configuration of a controlling device used to control functional operations of the audio visual entertainment system.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

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: 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 regulating bandwidth usage in an output data stream transmitted on an analog channel from a cable head end. The output data stream comprises a plurality of input information content signals. For each input information content signal, a series of images are captured, compressed and formed into an input digital data stream. The bandwidth of each input digital data stream is regulated by associating the stream with a current bit allocation total. During each frame time: a bit allocation increment is added to the current bit allocation total for each input digital data stream. When a data packet to be transmitted for an input digital data stream is received by the multiplexer, the data packet is stored.

Abstract: A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network.

Abstract: System and method for protecting video stream quality during transmission over a wireless medium. A plurality of video streams may be transmitted to one or more clients in a wireless manner. It may be determined that a size of a transmit queue is above a first threshold. The plurality of video streams may be differentiated, as part of which a video stream may be selected for penalization in order to protect the other video streams of the plurality of video streams. A scheduling penalty may be imposed on the selected video stream based on determining that the size of the transmit queue is above the first threshold and based on differentiating the plurality of video streams.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter connects to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are communicated between passive and active ports of the entry adapter through a pair of directional couplers which allow a MoCA-enabled embedded multimedia device (eMTA) at the passive port to communicate with multimedia devices of the MoCA network connected to the active ports.

Abstract: A channel test unit of a digital video recorder (DVR) includes a command generation module generating a selection signal to a controller. The controller outputs control signals to a multiplexer to select an output terminal of the multiplexer to switch to a signal channel. A signal generation module obtains a format voice data and converts to an analog voice signal and sends to the multiplexer. The multiplexer sends the analog voice signal to the selected signal channel after the signal channel is selected. A voice detection module defines an identification (ID) number for each of the signal channels in sequence and detects whether the DVR receives an analog voice signal, and determines whether all of the signal channels have been tested. A display module displays an ID number of the selected signal channel on a display device when the DVR does not receive the analog voice signal.

Abstract: A method for sharing television programs is provided. The method includes following steps: pushing a first audio/video content presently being displayed at a first television device to a second television device connected to the first television device; displaying the first audio/video content at a first picture of the second television device and simultaneously displaying a second audio/video content obtained by a tuner of the second television device at a second picture of the second television device.

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: One embodiment may take the form of a method for routing a signal to a target device. The method may include a control device that may transmit a signal on a first network. The signal may reach devices other than the target device. The devices that receive the signal may recognize that the signal is intended for another device and may transmit the signal on a second network. The signal may be received by the target device via the second network.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content provider and a media content processing subsystem communicatively coupled to the media content provider by a network. The media content processing subsystem is configured to receive a first media content instance from the media content provider, and receive a second media content instance from at least one other media content processing subsystem connected to the network. At least a portion of the second media content instance is received concurrently with the receipt of the first media content instance. In certain embodiments, the media content processing subsystem is configured to receive the second media content instance without using a tuner.

Abstract: Aspects of an audio/visual architecture are disclosed. In one aspect, a system is disclosed where the system has a media manager object, an audio/visual program, and a player/recorder object so that when the program is selected, the media manager dynamically loads the player/recorder object for either playing or recording the program. For example, with respect to the media manager object, it can manage a collection of related program entities and any corresponding player/recorder components. Also, the media manager can allocate share source ports and shared sink ports in order to dynamically create virtual circuit paths for selected program entries.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TTA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to detect a media device operating externally to the communication device actively engaged in presenting media content, detect an incoming communication session initiated by another communication device, present a notice identifying the media device and the media content being presented by the media device, detect a directive to modify an operation of the media device to mitigate interrupting a communication session with the other communication device, and instruct the media device to modify its operation according to the directive. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A purchaser of a CE device informs a retail clerk, at the point of sale (POS) of features of the CE device the purchaser wishes to employ, some of which require a license. The CE device is vended without the licenses but the clerk can upload the desired features to a server, which correlates the features to licensable components and which returns to the POS the license codes needed to enable the components. The codes can be provided to the CE device using RFID at the POS, or storing the codes on a removable storage at the POS and giving the storage to the purchaser, or by printing the codes as bar codes in the sales receipt at the POS and giving the receipt to the purchaser, who later scans the codes past a camera of the CE device to enable the associated licensable components.

Abstract: A client in a home entertainment network can communicate with other components, including the server, over both a wired and a wireless link, with the particular path being selected based a component preference, and/or a bandwidth capability, and/or an occupancy ratio. Both links may be simultaneously used.

Abstract: A disclosed digital media device at user premises receives a media signal from a media source for presentation via a television display. The exemplary device also supports bi-directional communications with an application service provider device via user premises data communications network. The provider device, which is independent from the media source, offers an application service from a wide area network via the digital media device and user premises network. The digital media device may form a composite signal from the media signal and application service information, for example, for a composite audio and or video signal for television type presentation to the user. The digital media device may receive a selection signal based on the presentation, for transmission to the application service provider device or to the media source. The media device also offers a GUI presenting a moveable arrangement of icons for selectively accessing application services.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a main electronic device for communicating within a network comprising an interface for enabling communication within the network and a controller for sending polling messages via the network to logical addresses via said interface in order to request information from at least one further electronic device. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a main electronic device for communicating within a network.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device for use at a venue hosting a live sporting event, having a receiver for receiving a wireless RF transmission conveying a plurality of video streams derived from video cameras filming the live sporting event, a display and a user interface for selecting a video stream among the plurality of video streams to be displayed on the display. The handheld electronic device is capable to acquire a locked mode of operation and an unlocked mode of operation, in the locked mode of operation the handheld electronic device being precluded from displaying the video streams to a spectator, in the unlocked mode of operation the handheld electronic device being enabled to display the video streams to the spectator, the handheld electronic device capable to acquire the unlocked mode of operation in response to reception of authentication data wirelessly transmitted to the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: Method and system of distributing advertisements for storage in a network. The stored advertisements being retrievable for insertion within or other association with services provided to a network subscriber. Identifying characteristics of the advertisement may be used to facilitate the storage thereof and identifying characteristics of the customs may be used to facilitate advertisements associated with services accessed thereby.

Abstract: The invention is a personal wireless network that generally comprises at least a lightweight wireless client to send and receive audio and video from another system component. The personal wireless network also provides a wireless-enabled routing component, which stands alone to route traffic within the personal wireless network. Also provided is a transmitter component that connects to a computing device, such as a server and sends and receives data Furthermore, a software algorithm provides a method for supporting a personal wireless network.

Abstract: A remote control for a digital video recorder includes an integrated display screen configured to display a recording list including programs scheduled to be recorded.

Abstract: As part of a communication session, a wireless source device can transmit video component data and metadata to a wireless sink device. The wireless source device can intercept the video component data prior to the video component data being rendered by the wireless source device, and the wireless sink device can generate a frame of video data based on the video component data and the metadata.

Abstract: A system for the distribution of over-the-air (OTA) television content for remote display includes an OTA antenna, a wireless antenna transceiver connected to the OTA antenna for receipt of OTA television signals via the OTA antenna, as set-top box receiver (STBR), and a television receiver connected to the set-top box receiver and adapted to receive video data therefrom. The wireless antenna transceiver includes a first wireless access point for transmission of television content signals, derived from the OTA television signals, via wireless link, and the STBR includes a second wireless access point for receipt of television content signals via wireless link. The STBR receives the television content signals directly from the wireless antenna transceiver or from an intermediate wireless router. The wireless router may also distribute the OTA content to other display devices. Power-line networking may alternatively be used instead of wireless links.

Abstract: Methods for allocating predetermined output display spaces to devices and allowing the devices to freely display desired information in the respective allocated spaces so as to easily control the devices is disclosed. That is, one of the methods for outputting information collected through a report request (S41, S42) on a display of a platform device in order to request basic device capability information of devices and allowing a user to directly control a selected device through a key passing-through method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method can test multiple signal channels of a digital video recorder (DVR). Image data are obtained from a storage device and converted the image data to a video signal. The DVR sends the video signal to an image distributor, and generates a selection command to a controller for controlling the image distributor to select a signal channel to be tested. After the video signal is received from the DVR, the image distributor sends the video signal to the selected signal channel. An ID number of the selected signal channel is displayed on a display device when the DVR does not receive the video signal from the selected video channel.

Abstract: A High Definition (HD) video wireless transmission method for transmitting a data packet for a video frame of an HD video is provided. The method includes: receiving the video frame which comprises a video frame size; acquiring a payload length and a Minimal Required Transmission Time (MRTT) associated with the video frame, wherein the MRTT is a minimal time bound for transmitting the video frame to a receiving end; performing partitioning to the video frame for acquiring the data packet according to the payload length; and performing scheduling to the data packet according to the MRTT, and the scheduled data packet is transmitted to the receiving end.

Abstract: A telephone control service is described. In embodiment(s), a request to interface with a content distributor can be received from a mobile phone, and the content distributor can correlate the mobile phone with a television client device that receives television media content from the content distributor. The content distributor can communicate an instruction to configure a client device feature according to the request from the mobile phone. In other embodiment(s), a request for a video clip can be received from the mobile phone, and the content distributor can obtain and communicate the video clip to be rendered on the mobile phone. In other embodiment(s), a request to interface with the content distributor as a diagnostic aid can be received from the mobile phone. The content distributor can execute diagnostic instructions according to the request to identify system problems, and communicate the system problems to the mobile phone as diagnostic feedback.

Abstract: A content downloading method and apparatus of a mobile device employing an Internet protocol television (IPTV) are provided. The content downloading method and apparatus allow an IPTV to provide a mobile device with content information received from a service provider, allow a user to input content desired to be downloaded to the mobile device, and allow a user to download the content to the mobile device from the service provider via the IPTV, thereby quickly and easily downloading desired content to the mobile device without a complicated process of browsing and copying the content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media are provided for presenting a group of available broadcast channels utilizing a wireless network upon initiation of a channel-viewing graphical user interface (GUI). The group comprises channels that can be broadcast most efficiently to the mobile device. After initiating the channel-viewing GUI on the mobile device, requests are communicated to elements on the network to retrieve lists of currently broadcast channels in the area and currently viewed channels throughout the wireless network. A list also is retrieved of recently viewed channels on the mobile device. At least a portion of each list is then presented on the channel-viewing GUI. The lists can be sent by a first video media proxy (VMP) server and a broadcast management server (BMS).

Abstract: In a content supply system 100, in order to use a streaming server 102 to perform a live distribution, a user PC 106 used makes a reservation for a time zone, etc. to a server reservation control center 101. When the user PC 106 sends desired reservation information to the server reservation control center 101 via the Internet 103, if the reservation is accepted, a reservation ID only used for authentication of the reservation is created and sent from the server reservation control center 101 to the user PC 106 via the Internet 103. When a distribution request is sent from the user PC 106 to the streaming server 102, authentication processing using this reservation ID is performed.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for transmission of video information pixels over wireless channels, where each video pixel includes a plurality of components and each component comprises video information bits. The information bites are logically grouped into multiple logical groups in a packet, and error detection information is determined for each logical group. The error detection information is placed in the packet, and the packet is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver over a wireless channel.

Abstract: A wireless transmission method includes: receiving a location specification message indicating a location of a source device (S702 and S703); and selecting a connection mode applied between first and second wireless transmission devices, on the basis of the location of the source device indicated by the location specification message, and establishing a connection according to the selected connection mode (S704 to S706). When the source device is located on a side of the second wireless transmission device (Yes in S704), a first wireless connection mode is selected in the selecting so that the video data is wirelessly transmitted in a direction from the second wireless transmission device to the first wireless transmission device (S706).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a video signal receiver, a video signal output module, a power control signal receiver, and a socket. The video signal receiver is configured to receive a video signal from a first external apparatus. The video signal output module is configured to output, to a second external apparatus, the video signal received from the first external apparatus. The power control signal receiver is configured to receive a power control from the first external apparatus. The power control signal receiver is lower in power consumption than the video signal receiver. A power cable configured to supply power to the second external apparatus is connected to the socket. When the power control signal receiver receives a power control signal for activation, power is supplied to the video signal receiver and the socket.