Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a Social Network Content Driven Electronic Program Guide (EPG). In one embodiment, the computer program language when executed by a processor performs operations that allow a user to specify whether media content information presented by an EPG is presented within a context of multiple contexts of one or more social network(s) and corresponding social circle(s) associated with the user. Responsive to the user indicating that the EPG present media content within a particular one context of the multiple contexts, the EPG edits any context intersecting media content information with associated information from the social network to personalize the media content information. The edited content is then highlighted and presented by the EPG. All other media content information is presented without highlights. Other embodiments are also described.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 4, 2011
Publication date:
May 9, 2013
Applicant:
Dish Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
Richard Martin Hofer, Michael Andrew Michuda
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: Systems and methods are described for presenting viewer-related programming to a particular viewer. In at least one embodiment, a wireless reader is configured to receive at least one identifier when the particular viewer is in proximity to the reader. A controller is configured to receive the identifier from the wireless reader and to associate the identifier with the particular viewer, and, upon successfully associating the wireless identifier with the particular viewer, to present the viewer-related programming associated with the particular viewer via the display or other presentation device located in proximity to the wireless reader. Viewer-related programming may including placeshifted content, viewing preferences, settings or other information as desired.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for providing communication between multiple content viewers. First video data is captured of a first user located locally with respect to a presentation device and transmitted to a base station located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The base station transmits a composite signal that includes video content provided by a content source communicatively coupled the base station and further includes second video chat data captured of a second user located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The composite signal is responsively presented by the presentation device to the first user.
Abstract: Described herein are mounting plates which facilitate securing of the electrical switching device to an object. The plate mounts to an object and is configured to secure one or more electrical switching devices. The mounting plate includes a planar surface having a plurality of first through holes configured to secure an electrical switching device to a first side of the planar surface. The mounting plate further includes a bracket attached to a second side of the planar surface configured to secure the mounting plate to another object.
Abstract: Described herein are mounting plates for securing cabling to another object. A mounting plate includes a body and at least one first through hole positioned along a surface of the body. The first through hole is configured to receive a cable connector. The mounting plate further includes at least one second through hole positioned along the surface of the body. The second through hole is configured to receive at least one securing mechanism, the securing mechanism configured to secure the mounting plate to another object.
Abstract: Displaying music information associated with a television program is described. In one aspect, a television program is received that contains at least one music track. Information associated with the music track is identified and a request is received from a user to display music information associated with the television program. In response to the user request, a list is generated that identifies the music track in the television program.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 2010
Date of Patent:
August 14, 2012
Assignee:
Dish Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
Max Stephen Gratton, Aaron Thomas Dobberstein
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for providing communication between multiple content viewers. First video data is captured of a first user located locally with respect to a presentation device and transmitted to a base station located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The base station transmits a composite signal that includes video content provided by a content source communicatively coupled the base station and further includes second video chat data captured of a second user located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The composite signal is responsively presented by the presentation device to the first user.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device and furthers transmits identifying data regarding the user. Responsive to receiving the user input and the identifying data, the mobile communication device authenticates the user and outputs the content for presentation to a user based on the user input.
Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for mounting an object to an edge of a structure. A plate is utilized to provide additional rigidity for mounting an object to a structure. The plate includes a first surface configured to slide between the structure and an object mounted to the structure with at least one securing mechanism. The plate includes a first slot positioned along a first peripheral edge of the plate. The first slot is configured to align with and prevent interference of the plate with the securing mechanism during the slide and to receive the securing mechanism. The plate includes a second slot positioned along the first peripheral edge. The second slot is configured to align with and prevent interference of the plate with the securing mechanism during the slide and to receive the securing mechanism.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 28, 2010
Publication date:
June 28, 2012
Applicant:
DISH Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
David M. Lettkeman, Patrick Harold Reynolds
Abstract: Identifying content purchasing options based on user preferences is described. In one aspect, a system receives user content preferences. Multiple content packages associated with a content provider are identified such that the content packages include at least a portion of the user content preferences. The system identifies any user content preferences missing from each of the multiple content packages. Based on the identified content packages and the user content preferences, a listing of content purchasing options is generated that is appropriate for the user. The listing of content purchasing options also includes any user content preferences missing from each of the multiple content packages.
Abstract: Distributing and identifying music is described. In one aspect, multiple music tracks are received by a music receiver from a music content provider. At least a portion of the music tracks are played in a geographic area near the music receiver. A report is generated that identifies music tracks played in the geographic area and a time associated with playing each music track. The report is then communicated to the music content provider.
Abstract: Displaying music information associated with a television program is described. In one aspect, a television program is received that contains at least one music track. Information associated with the music track is identified and a request is received from a user to display music information associated with the television program. In response to the user request, a list is generated that identifies the music track in the television program.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 15, 2010
Publication date:
June 21, 2012
Applicant:
Dish Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
Max Stephen Gratton, Aaron Thomas Dobberstein
Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 16, 2010
Publication date:
June 21, 2012
Applicant:
Dish Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
David M. Lettkeman, Patrick Harold Reynolds
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device and furthers transmits identifying data regarding the user. Responsive to receiving the user input and the identifying data, the mobile communication device authenticates the user and outputs the content for presentation to a user based on the user input.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus, systems and/or methods are described for generating metadata utilized by a DVR to filter content from a video stream. A video stream is reviewed to identify portions the video stream to skip during presentation of the video stream. Text data associated with the video stream is parsed to identify a string in the text data that identifies boundaries of the portions of the video stream that are to be skipped during presentation by the DVR. The string is provided to the DVR, and the DVR utilizes the string to skip the portion of the video stream during presentation of the video stream by the DVR.
Abstract: Monitoring user activity on a mobile device is described. In one aspect, video content is received and played to a user of the mobile device. The monitoring activity detects an interruption of playback of the video content and determines an event associated with the interruption. The event is stored in the mobile device and communicated to a remote device.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 24, 2010
Publication date:
December 29, 2011
Applicant:
Dish Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
Myles Parker, Caroline Dinan Horner, Benjamin Gerard Husser, John Yakemovic, Jeffrey Meyers
Abstract: An antenna amount including first, second, and third plates is disclosed. Each of the first and second plates includes a planar section and a flange connected to the planar section. At least one attachment device attaches the first plate to the second plate to form a plate structure. When attached, the planar sections of the first and second plates contact each other. Also, the flanges are parallel to each other, extend in the same direction, and are positioned to abut opposing surfaces of a mounting base. The third plate includes a planar section and a mounting surface connected to the planar section. The mounting surface is configured to receive a mounting device for the antenna. The attachment device clamps the mounting base between the third plate and the plate structure.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 11, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 20, 2011
Assignee:
DISH Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
Jason S. Schmidt, David Lettkeman, Eric Bolze
Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting viewer-related programming to a particular viewer. In at least one embodiment, a wireless reader is configured to receive at least one identifier when the particular viewer is in proximity to the reader. A controller is configured to receive the identifier from the wireless reader and to associate the identifier with the particular viewer, and, upon successfully associating the wireless identifier with the particular viewer, to present the viewer-related programming associated with the particular viewer via the display or other presentation device located in proximity to the wireless reader. Viewer-related programming may including placeshifted content, viewing preferences, settings or other information as desired.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for presenting advertisements in association with broadcast video content on a presentation device in a non-residential location. The advertisements are identified based on characteristics of the non-residential location, such as goods or services offered at the non-residential location. The advertisements may be presented simultaneously with the broadcast video content, or may be used as substitute content to replace interstitials within the broadcast video content.