Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed at apparatus, systems and methods generally related to satellite, cable or other television receiver/DVR video systems for structuring a centralized content-processing device and/or its associated EPG in facilitating delivery and recording of audiovisual content when the centralized content-processing device is associated with multiple remote content-processing devices. In one implementation, a centralized content-processing device may create device-specific folders for the centralized content-processing device and one or more remote devices. The device-specific folders may, for example, include information for one or more programming events associated with content (e.g., TV shows, sports, movies, music, documentaries). In some embodiments, the device-specific folders for the remote content-processing devices are logically separated from one another in a manner such that a remote device is restricted access to the device-specific folder for the remote device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and processes reduce the amount of memory or disk space needed to store encoded video content used in adaptive video streaming by eliminating certain portions of the recorded program from one or more copies of the encoded program. Content occurring before or after a scheduled start of a program, for example, can be retained in only a subset of the encoded copies so that the program content is available to be streamed, but only at certain video qualities. Commercials or other less popular portions may also be eliminated in one or more encoded copies. By eliminating the less-likely-to-be-viewed portions of the content from some (but not all) of the encoded copies, the total amount of storage space needed to store the encoded program is reduced without compromising the ability to play back all portions of the recorded program.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards an antenna mount that is configured with a self-plumbing mast for simplified peaking. The mounting system includes an elevation alignment joint that includes a first member and a second member, which are configured to rotate about a central axis and can be locked into a fixed rotation. A plumb is connected to the first member and an antenna mounting support is connected to the second member such that the antenna position is maintained at an elevation identified on the first member when in the fixed rotation. The mounting system also includes a base assembly that is configured to hold the elevation alignment joint such that the plumb weight self-orients in a vertical, plumb position with the antenna at the desired elevation. The base assembly also includes a compass for aligning the azimuth of the antenna.

Abstract: Techniques described herein include evaluation and management of device hardware, software, and network resources during streaming, downloading, or playback of video resources on client devices from remote locations. Certain aspects relate to evaluating the current resources available at a client device, such as memory, processing capacity, device battery status, network availability and/or network data quotas, in view of a video resource request. Based on the evaluation of the client device's resources, and estimations of the effects that video streaming/downloading and playback may have on the client device's resources, the client device may control, customize, and/or alter the retrieval or playback of requested video resources.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward locally generating a replacement spot beam signal to be combined with other orbital television signals, where the replacement spot beam signal is generated from locally received over-the-air television signals. Over-the-air television signals are received at a user's premises via an over-the-air antenna and orbital signals are received at the user's premises via a satellite antenna. The orbital signals include a spot beam signal and other orbital signals. The spot beam signal is specifically generated for the geographical area associated with the over-the-air television signals. One or more available local channels are extracted from the over-the-air television signals and are converted into the replacement spot beam signal that is a satellite-compatible signal. The replacement spot beam, instead of the original spot beam signal, is then combined with the other orbital signals and provided to a content receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying user density from network data are included herein. Embodiments include a communication tower that allocates communication bandwidth to devices in an area within range of the communication tower. The communication tower can calculate the user density in the area based on the allocation of bandwidth. Further, the types of data and messages exchanged with the devices can indicate the type of device, which can be used to group the devices based on type that are likely associated with a single user. For example, a single user may have a mobile phone, a tablet, and a smartwatch. Additionally, speed of devices can indicate which users are pedestrians. This information can be included in user density information and provided to devices or users to improve public safety, device response to high traffic areas, and so forth.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for optimizing buffering of streamed content based on upcoming coverage. For example, during a trip, the bit rate for transmission and receipt of streamed content can be dynamically adjusted based on the upcoming coverage such that when the upcoming network coverage is limited, the bit rate of the streamed content can be increased to ensure the buffer is sufficiently large to allow the user to experience (or appear to experience) uninterrupted streaming during the limited network connectivity. The bit rate can be calculated based on calculating a buffer size that can provide content at the play rate for the duration that the device is in a minimal or no network coverage area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recognizing audio played in order to instruct a media player to record related video, the method includes: configuring a mobile client hosted by a mobile device for capturing audio content played in a vicinity of the mobile device wherein the mobile client captures at least audio data of the audio content played when instructed by a control selection of an user of the mobile client; recognizing, the audio data played, by applications based at a server which process the captured audio data from the mobile device and associate the captured audio data with video data of video content to determine, using the server based applications, video content related to the captured audio content wherein the related video content is generated by or found at one or more video sources in communication with the server; and instructing a media player coupled to the server to record the related video content for subsequent viewing by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for converting audio-video content into audio-only content. Audio-video content is readily accessible, but for various reasons users often cannot consume content visually. In those circumstances, for example, when a user is interrupted during a movie to drive to pick up a spouse or child, the user may not want to forego consuming the audio-video content. The audio-video content can be converted into audio only content for the user to aurally consume, allowing the user to consume the content despite interruptions or other reasons for which the audio-video content cannot be consumed visually.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for cleaning and sorting smartcards. An identifier present on the exterior of the smartcard may be scanned. A smartcard may be dispensed from an intake magazine that housing a plurality of smartcards. The smartcard may be moved along a cleaning assembly. The contacts of the smartcard may be cleaned. The contacts of the smartcard may be dried. After cleaning and drying the contacts of the smartcard, the smartcard may be sorted into either a cleaned output magazine or a cleaned rejection tray based on whether the scanning of the identifier was successfully performed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for predictive pre-buffering of content for a user. Embodiments include a prediction system that can receive trending information from social media sources and other streaming video sources. The prediction system can also receive user viewing history to identify the programs the user has viewed, the genres of the programs the user has viewed, and amount of programming the user consumes. Based on the user's viewing history, the prediction system can identify preferred genres for the user and other preferred content information. Based on the trending programs and the user's preferred genres, the prediction system can predict which of the trending programs that the user may watch. Based on the prediction, the system can pre-buffer some portion of the programs that the system predicted the user may watch in a cache of the device on which the user watches programming.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for converting audio-video content into audio-only content. Audio-video content is readily accessible, but for various reasons users often cannot consume content visually. In those circumstances, for example, when a user is interrupted during a movie to drive to pick up a spouse or child, the user may not want to forego consuming the audio-video content. The audio-video content can be converted into audio only content for the user to aurally consume, allowing the user to consume the content despite interruptions or other reasons for which the audio-video content cannot be consumed visually.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed an application program configured to run on a user's mobile device can allow voice-activated call pick-up to the user, without the user having to use his or her hands for picking up the call. For example, the application program can initially be trained to a user's voice command. When an incoming call is received at the mobile device, the user can pick up the call by issuing a voice command. In some embodiments, the application program can determine whether to allow voice-activated pick-up of calls based on data collected from multiple sensors associated with the vehicle, the mobile device, or a remote source.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing supplemental content to a viewer based on the viewer's emotion and environment while the viewer is viewing content. Content is provided to a content receiver for presentation to the viewer. While the viewer is viewing the content, an image of the viewer is captured and analyzed to detect the viewer's emotion and environment. Supplemental content is selected based on this detected viewer emotion and environment and presented to the viewer, which allows the supplemental content to be tailored to the emotional state of the viewer. One or more additional images of the viewer are captured while the viewer is viewing the supplemental content and the viewer's emotion while viewing the supplemental content is detected. This subsequent viewer emotion is analyzed to determine if the viewer had an expected response to the supplemental content, which can be used to determine the efficiency of the supplemental content.

Abstract: A device is provided for mounting an object to a base. The device includes a lattice having a first number of rails orientated along a first direction coupled to a second number of rails orientated along a second direction. The device includes a first region with mount holes configured to attach the object to the lattice. The device also includes a second region configured to attach to the base. The device also includes fasteners configured to rotatably couple the first number of rails to the second number of rails at intersections of the first number of rails and the second number of rails such that the device is foldable.

Abstract: Various arrangements for using a television programming distribution network with integrated predictive data gathering for distributing content are presented. Using a television service provider network, television programming may be broadcast to bi-directional communication television receivers and addressable television receivers. Viewership information may be collected by a viewership analysis system from the bi-directional communication television receivers. A viewership target model may then be constructed using the viewership information received from the plurality of bi-directional communication television receivers and data from a subscriber database accessible by the viewership analysis system. A differentiator model may then be trained using the viewership target model. The differentiator model may be applied to the addressable television receivers. Content may then be addressed to some of the addressable television receivers based on applying the differentiator model.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a travel assistance request for communication through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Data related to multiple assistance providers can be received in response to the request. At least one criterion can be processed for the assistance providers based on, for example, historical trip data. The assistance providers can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion. Data related to a selected assistance provider can be displayed, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. In another embodiment, the travel assistance request can be communicated to a service center through the network. The service center can communicate data related to an assistance provider, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. A rating of the assistance provider can be communicated to a specified community-of-interest through the network.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the apparatus and/or methods are described for routing power to a wall-mounted appliance, particularly for routing electrical wiring and audio/video cabling up through a wall to power and communicate with a wall-mounted presentation device. The apparatus and systems include input and output enclosures with wiring therebetween and mechanisms for mounting the input and output enclosures adjacent to pre-cut wall openings. There exists at least one electrical input connector, disposed within the input enclosure, configured to electrically couple with a power source, and at least one electrical output connector, disposed within the output enclosure, configured to electrically couple with a wall-mounted appliance.

Abstract: An RF connector is provided. The connector includes a first socket member. The first socket member includes a conductive sleeve and end cap. The conductive sleeve includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a plurality of springs connecting the top portion and the bottom portion. A base inside the conductive sleeve includes a first matching hole configured to match to a first conductive pin of a first plug member. The end cap includes a base and a lip. In a first position, the top portion of the conductive sleeve contacts the base of the end cap and is partially enclosed by the lip of the end cap. The end cap prevents the removal of the conductive sleeve in the first position.