Abstract: A block-adaptive method of performing equalization on a signal received over a broadcast system, includes providing a set of predetermined symbols that correspond to symbols in a data field synchronization segment of a data field having a plurality of segments wherein a data frame having at least two of these data fields is transmitted over the signal in the broadcast system during a block-time interval, correlating complex samples of the signal with the set of predetermined symbols to extract a corresponding impulse response during the block-time interval, selecting a phase identifying the start of the block-time interval from the correlated complex samples, estimating an equalizer filter using the set of predetermined symbols and an initial data field synchronization segment provided at the start of the block-time interval, updating the equalizer filter using subsequent complex samples of the signal to extract a subsequent impulse response and correlate with a reference segment, wherein the reference segmen

Abstract: In response to an interactive option becoming available, an icon sharing visual characteristics with a corresponding button of a remote control is displayed. A description of the interactive option in the language of the user may also be presented visually or audibly. The icon and description may be displayed alone or in a configuration of a map of the remote control. The description may be audibly output using voice synthesis techniques.

Abstract: A video frame is captured from a television broadcast on each of a plurality of channels. The captured video frames are provided to a display interface, which successively displays the captured video frames within a focus area of a user interface in response to an initiating action by a user. The display interface then discontinues the successive display of video frames to show a particular video frame corresponding to a selected channel in response to a terminating action by the user.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a motion coupling that positions a strut at least partially across a screen, near the eye level of the viewer. A camera may be mounted on a camera portion of the strut to obtain a video image of the viewer. The motion coupling may permit translation or rotation of the strut to reposition the camera. The motion coupling may be selectively lockable through internal friction or through the use of a locking device. The camera may be movable along the camera portion via a camera translational coupling.

Abstract: Content and corresponding applications can be provided to thin-client interactive television terminals. Localization may be performed on general data feeds by applying, at a portal that receives the data feeds, localization parameters specified in a plurality of channel configuration records. The content is then provided to their corresponding head-ends. From the head-ends, the content and its application are carousel broadcasted to thin-client terminals via different data pipes. A viewer can tune to a synthetic channel having the content and application via familiar television metaphors, such as from a remote control or from an electronic program guide. The viewer's interaction with the content can be limited to a walled garden.

Abstract: An ITV system having a plurality of channels is provided. A visual card is created for each channel, each visual card including a graphical representation of the channel. The visual cards may be linked together or grouped in one or more sequences. One or more visual cards from one or more sequences may be displayed across the GUI, with one visual card being displayed within a focus area. In response to a single user action, the visual cards within a particular sequence may be successively displayed within the focus area. When the user sees a visual card representing a desired channel, the user takes some additional action and the successive display of visual cards is discontinued. The visual card representing the desired channel is then displayed in the focus area within the user interface, and may be visually enhanced. Once the successive display of visual cards has been discontinued, the user may select the channel represented by the visual card.

Abstract: A button on a remote control device is associated with a filter for filtering a first stored sequence of cards representing available options. A display unit displays a user interface including a focus area intersected by a first axis. In response to detecting activation of a button on the remote control device indicating a selection of a filter, the first sequence of cards is filtered according to the selected filter to produce a second sequence of cards. The second sequence is then displayed along the first axis, with one card being displayed within the focus area.

Abstract: A plurality of images are stored, each of which represents the same option at different levels of specificity. A specificity indicator is associated with each image that indicates the level of specificity at which the corresponding option is represented. When a graphical representation of an option is to be displayed, a specificity selector selectively displays the image having the highest level of specificity among the plurality of images that represent the particular option.

Abstract: A remote control for an interactive television system includes an integrated camera, a specifically-designated button for activating the camera, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting video information captured by the camera to the interactive television system. The remote control also includes an activity indicator for visually indicating when the camera is active. A set top box for the interactive television system includes a wireless receiver for receiving the video information and a converter for transforming the video information into a network-compatible video stream for transmission to a network.

Abstract: Localized content and corresponding applications can be provided to thin-client interactive television terminals. Localization may be performed on general data feeds by applying, at a portal that receives the data feeds, localization parameters specified in a plurality of channel configuration records. The local content is then provided to their corresponding head-ends. From the head-ends, the local content and its application are carousel broadcasted to thin-client terminals via different data pipes. A viewer can tune to a synthetic channel having the local content and application via familiar television metaphors, such as from a remote control or from an electronic program guide. The viewer's interaction with the local content can be limited to a walled garden.

Abstract: A broadband data broadcast system that allows rich multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of subscribers is disclosed. The broadband data broadcast system operates by multiplexing a plurality of rich multimedia digital information streams together at a centralized data broadcast center. The data broadcast center then broadcasts the multiplexed digital information stream on a broadcast medium such as satellite broadcasts, radio frequency broadcasts, or digital television broadcasts. A large number of receiver systems receive the broadcast signal and demodulate the broadcast signal to retrieve the multiplexed digital stream. The receiver system extracts a subset of digital information streams that the particular receiver system's owner has designated are of interest. The receiver system caches the interesting digital information stream for later access. The receiver system outputs the interesting digital information streams to a client system upon demand.

Abstract: A high speed memory system is disclosed. The high speed memory system remembers the active n memory rows for n banks of memory. When a memory access request for a memory address that falls within one of the active memory rows is received, the memory controller immediately responds to the memory access request. When a memory access request for a memory address that does not fall within one of the active memory rows is received, the memory controller immediately precharges and activates the desired memory address. For read operations, the memory controller responds with the data from the requested memory address after the memory has been precharged. For memory write operations, the memory controller forces the processor to halt the memory write request such that the memory controller will prepare itself by, precharging and activating the desired memory row. When the processor reissues the request, the memory controller will be prepared to immediately process the write request.

Abstract: A method of providing a video enhancement to an interactive television content page, includes providing a graphical overlay with a transparent section; providing a graphical underlay capable to show an underlay content; and displaying the underlay content through the transparent section. An apparatus for providing a video enhancement to an interactive television content page, includes a display engine capable to display a graphical overlay having an associated transparent section and to display an underlay content on a graphical underlay and through the associated transparent section; and a processor communicatively coupled to the display engine and capable to execute the display engine.

Abstract: According to the invention, techniques for using user-specific information to configure and enable functions in remote control broadcast and interactive systems. In specific embodiments, the user-specific information can be used to facilitate purchasing items electronically, for example. In other embodiments, the user-specific information can be used to complete a call for assistance in case of an emergency, select favorite material for viewing, or control access to content, such as adult entertainment. For example, in select specific embodiments, the user-specific information can be used for restricting access to sexually explicit material over electronic delivery media. In various specific embodiments, the user-specific information can also include information about persons other than the user, to which the user has a particular relationship. For example, information such as a mother's favorite flower, or a child's clothing size, and the like may be stored for a particular user.

Abstract: A plurality of video streams are simultaneously displayed on a terminal coupled to a network. The video streams are ranked according to a set of ranking criteria and displayed in accordance with the ranking. Highly ranked video streams may be displayed in prominent positions or emphasized in order to quickly draw the user's attention to the video streams.

Abstract: Television programs are represented by program interface objects (PIOs) within an interactive television system. The PIOs provide a visual indicator for quick identification of the represented television program, attributes providing information concerning the represented television program, and actions that may be performed on or in connection with the represented television program. The PIOs may be sorted, filtered, and/or managed based on user-provided criteria. The PIOs may be communicated between a variety of electronic devices and software applications.

Abstract: Television programs are represented by program interface objects (PIOs) within an interactive television system. The PIOs provide a visual indicator for quick identification of the represented television program, attributes providing information concerning the represented television program, and actions that may be performed on or in connection with the represented television program. The PIOs may be sorted, filtered, and/or managed based on user-provided criteria. The PIOs may be transmitted between a variety of electronic devices and software applications.