Abstract: Presented here is a method of operating video services receivers in a network that includes a controller device and at least one member device. Also presented is a controller device that facilitates the method. The method obtains network configuration data at a first video services receiver, where the network configuration data is utilized by the first video services receiver to support data communication with the controller device and the at least one member device. The method continues by establishing a data communication link between the first video services receiver and the controller device, and uploading the network configuration data from the first video services receiver to the controller device via the data communication link. The controller device can thereafter be used to download the network configuration data to a second video services receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring a signal quality between an entertainment device and a remote control. The entertainment device, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a signal receiver, a memory configured to store a predetermined data sequence, and a controller coupled to the signal receiver and the memory. The controller may be configured to receive a data sequence from the signal receiver, compare the received data sequence to the predetermined data sequence, and generate signal quality data on the received data sequence based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Implementations are directed to predicting signal degradation at receivers used to display a programming service. The receivers capture signal strength data that is then transmitted to a processing location, which may be associated with a provider of the programming service. A signal degradation detector at the provider operates to predict whether or not a future unacceptable signal quality will occur within a time interval. The prediction may be based on a test quantity calculated from signals captured at the receiver and based on a figure of merit for the geographic locale in which the receiver is located. A maintenance call may be initiated for those receivers that have such a poor signal quality.

Abstract: Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.

Abstract: Data associated with a user is collected from one or more remote sites. A first set of media data is received from a media content source. Metadata related to the media data is stored. An association is made between the data associated with the user and the metadata. In a computing device that includes a processor and a memory, the first set of media data is modified based at least in part on the association between the data associated with the user and the metadata.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner.

Abstract: A monitoring system determines when a receiving device is in stand-by mode by monitoring usage of the receiving device on a daily basis. Periodic status checks are performed (e.g., every minute) and based on these status checks, it is determined what mode the receiving device was in for each half hour (or other selected interval) of the day. The middle of the longest period of the day the receiving device was determined to be in stand-by mode is determined as a desired time of day for software updates or other automated actions to occur. This process repeats every day and these determined times of day for software updates are averaged over the number of days the usage data was collected to use as the time of day going forward (based on a moving average) for software updates or other automated actions to be performed on the receiving device.

Abstract: The video services receiver system and related operating methods disclosed herein enable better management of blackout information for events associated with a broadcast service, such as a satellite television service. A system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer includes a receiver interface configured to receive data associated with a service, a display interface for the display, at least one memory element configured to store dated blackout information for events on the service, and to store frequently updated blackout information for events on the service, and a processor coupled to the receiver interface, the display interface, and the at least one memory element. The processor is configured to control access to a current event on the service by analyzing both the dated blackout information and the frequently updated blackout information. The processor is configured to present video content associated with the current event if access is granted.

Abstract: Various arrangements for encrypting multiple television channels are presented. A first television channel of a plurality of television channels to be protected via a first entitlement control message (ECM) using a first encryption scheme may be designated. The plurality of television channels may be transmitted using a single transponder stream. A second television channel of the plurality of television channels to be protected via a second ECM encrypted using a second encryption scheme while the first television channel of the plurality of television channels is protected using the first encryption scheme may be designated. The first and second ECMs may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers. Data from the first ECM may be used for descrambling of the first television channel by the plurality of television receivers. Data from the second ECM may be used for descrambling of the second television channel by the plurality of television receivers.

Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems.

Abstract: A non-penetrating antenna mounting system is provided. The system includes a frame, an antenna, and an airfoil. The frame is configured to retain ballast to secure the frame to a surface of a structure without penetrating the surface of the structure. The antenna is mounted on the frame. The airfoil is mounted on the frame and is oriented relative to the frame to impart a downforce on the frame when exposed to wind. The airfoil can be rotatably mounted on the frame. The system can also include a wind vane mounted to the airfoil, with the wind vane and the airfoil being configured to turn into the wind.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating device commands based upon hand gesture commands are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment generates image information from a series of captured images, generates commands based upon hand gestures made by a user that emulate device commands generated by a remote control device, identifies a hand gesture made by the user from the received image information, determines a hand gesture command based upon the identified hand gesture, compares the determined hand gesture command with the plurality of predefined hand gesture commands to identify a corresponding matching hand gesture command from the plurality of predefined hand gesture commands, generates an emulated remote control device command based upon the identified matching hand gesture command, and controls the media device based upon the generated emulated remote control device command.

Abstract: System and methods for providing access to particular media content. First media content may be output for presentation by a display device. Second media content other than the first media content may be monitored. A determination may be made as to whether the second media content has a priority greater than the first media content. Access to the second media content for presentation by the display device may be provided.

Abstract: Testing systems and methods are operable to perform diagnostic testing of a remote electronic device under test (DUT). An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between a diagnostic test device and the electronic DUT, receives a plurality of diagnostic commands from the electronic DUT, each of the plurality of diagnostic commands defined by at least one device diagnostic instruction (DDI) and a corresponding DDI description; generates a diagnostics script based upon selection of at least one of the diagnostic commands, wherein the generated diagnostics script includes at least one return device diagnostic instruction (RDDI) corresponding to the selected at least one diagnostic command; and transmits the at least one RDDI from the diagnostic test device to the DUT.

Abstract: Disclosure is generally directed to outputting an electronic programming guide (EPG) content tree from a television receiver for display on an output device. A content tree consistent with this disclosure may include a number of interconnected nodes that present programming content that is available for viewing or recording through the operation of the television receiver.

Abstract: A television receiver includes control circuitry and a DVR. The control circuitry is configured to receive a request to record first and second media programs to the DVR. The control circuitry determines if there is a scheduling conflict between the first and second media programs. If there is a scheduling conflict the control circuitry counts the number of times that each of the first and second media programs will air in a given time period and assigns a higher recording priority to the media program that will air fewer times.

Abstract: An air conditioning system provides air to an enclosure associated with a satellite antenna that houses an amplifier or other electronic component. The air conditioning system supplies conditioned air to the bottom of the enclosure and receives return air from the top of the enclosure for improved airflow. Various implementations may also provide redundancy through the use of common supply and return plenums, or other features. In some embodiments, the air conditioning system may be conveniently retrofit onto existing satellite antenna installations to provide improved efficiency and redundancy.

Abstract: Image data file systems and methods are operable to generate image data files for a plurality of images having a common image data array, and are operable to generate images from the image data files. An exemplary embodiment stores a common image data array into a master image data file, wherein the stored common image data array corresponds to an image data array of a first image of the plurality of images; and generates a soft link image data file based upon a second image of the plurality of images, wherein an image data array of the second image is the same as the common image data array, and wherein a soft link in the soft link image data file identifies a location of the stored common image data array.

Abstract: Image data systems and methods combine a plurality of images into a single multiple-palette image data file, or generate a selected image from the multiple-palette image data file. An exemplary embodiment receives first pixel information for a first pixel of a first image, the first pixel having a first color; receives second pixel information for a like-located second pixel of a second image, the second pixel having a second color; and specifies a color palette location value that identifies a first color palette array element in a first color palette of the first image and identifies a second like-located color palette array element in a second color palette of the second image. First color information stored in the first color palette array element defines the first pixel color. Second color information stored in the second image data color palette array element defines the second pixel color.

Abstract: A fluid valve fitting has an incoming conduit with an inlet, an outlet, and a coupling assembly for its outlet, and an outgoing conduit with an inlet, an outlet, and a coupling assembly for its inlet. The fitting also has a bypass conduit between the incoming and the outgoing conduits, an inflow valve in the incoming conduit, an outflow valve in the outgoing conduit, and a bypass valve in the bypass conduit. An actuator assembly is coupled to lock mechanisms of the coupling assemblies, the inflow valve, the outflow valve, and the bypass valve. Operation of the actuator assembly concurrently operates the lock mechanisms, the inflow valve, the outflow valve, and the bypass valve.