Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of a video program on a virtual channel. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a video stream that has plurality of video programs having program content. Each program has been preassigned for presentation on a particular channel. A virtual channel is linked to one or more users. The EPG manager tracks the types of programs that a user watches and records metadata associated with the programs that the user actually views. When sufficient data is stored in the data base, the virtual channel is provided that program that a user will likely wish to view based on this past viewing history.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for assessing the video image decoding quality of a set top box (STB), television receiver or other video device. Moving video testing of video delivery hardware in a manufacturing environment uses a video sequence that has reference characteristics embedded in the visible portion of the video signal from frame to frame. Each frame of the video is analyzed for distortions of the embedded reference objects, and the reference objects are allowed to move from frame to frame. The reference objects are located through the use of a background that is easily discriminated from the objects and by the use of frame templates that locate the reference information in the frame.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating social networking via a media device are described. Some embodiments provide a social networking facilitator (“SNF”) as part of a media device, such as a set-top box that is configured to receive media content events from a broadcast system, such as a satellite broadcast system. As the media device presents a media content event, a user can share, via the SNF, information about the presented media content event with members of his social network. In particular, the SNF prepares a message that includes information about or from the presented media content event, such as a title, a channel, a summary, rating, video clip, or the like. This message can then be edited by the user, such as by adding a comment or rating, before being transmitted by the SNF a social networking system, to be forwarded as a notification to members of the user's social network.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for the current mode of one or more remote control devices to be displayed or played as an audio message either continuously or at various opportune times on other devices such as a presentation device (e.g., a television set). In this way, a user is able to quickly see the current mode of their remote control while watching programming on the display to determine if the remote control mode needs to be changed to control a particular device on the premises. Remote control command mode information may be communicated from the remote control in a separate remote control message or within remote control commands generated by the remote control.

Abstract: Methods, system, and set-top box are provided. A method for personalizing a home screen of an electronic device includes entering a standby mode of the electronic device, loading modules based on personalization indicators, retrieving content that is associated with the modules, and generating a video signal while the electronic device is in one of the standby mode and a startup mode. The video signal includes the content. The entertainment system and the set-top box are provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A particular device may configure one or more of other devices to accept and execute remote control commands from the particular device's remote control unit. This may be performed via one or more various communication links between the devices on that enables the devices to communicate with each other. For example, the remote control of a set-top box can be used to control both the set-top box and a television without a user having to specially program the set-top box or other universal remote control. One example of a communication link between the devices that enables the devices to communicate with each other is a device-to-device messaging protocol such as that provided by the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard.

Abstract: A method for providing a communication device access to a secure broadcast communication is presented. In the method, an encrypted message originating outside the communication device is received into an electronic component of the communication device. The encrypted message is then decrypted within the electronic component, resulting in a decrypted message. The decrypted message is then verified. In response to verifying the decrypted message, a disabled circuit of the electronic component is enabled to allow the communication device to access the secure broadcast communication.

Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for graphically providing customer service features on a set top box (STB) or other television receiver in response to viewer instructions received from a remote control. Imagery including a customer service tile is presented on the display. A two-dimensional input is received from the remote control that indicates that the tile has been selected, and, in response to the received two-dimensional input, the customer service feature is provided. The customer service feature may provide information received from a remote source via a network, programming connection or other medium.

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: A method of controlling page turning operations for content displayed on a display element of an electronic device is presented here. The method begins by displaying a current page of content on the display element. The method continues by capturing eye position data that indicates position of an eye of a user of the electronic device, analyzing the captured eye position data to detect an eye-related condition corresponding to a page turning command, and executing the page turning command to display a new page of content.

Abstract: A method of programming a remote control device is disclosed in which device control codes are assigned to the components to be controlled, and use of a display facilitates prompting and receiving user inputs. In one example, the remote control device controls a home entertainment system. Prompting and receiving of user inputs is performed by a television receiver, or set-top box. A television to be controlled by the remote can be used as the display for providing instructions to the user. User inputs include selection elements, or pushbuttons, on the remote control.

Abstract: A targeted advertising method for a video services system is presented herein. The method begins by determining that a mobile device is within local proximity to a video services receiver, using a wireless communication capability of the mobile device. In response to the determining, the method identifies a current user of the mobile device and accesses a subscriber profile for the current user. The subscriber profile includes user-specific targeted advertising data for the current user. The method continues by performing targeted advertising directed to the current user, wherein the performing is influenced by the user-specific targeted advertising data.

Abstract: A matrix code reader may detect a matrix code, which may be displayed along with content and include information identifying the content. The matrix code reader may obtain user information associated with a social networking service and, based at least on the content information and the user information, may transmit an instruction to the social networking service to perform a social networking service function. The matrix code reader may obtain the user information and/or the instruction to perform the social networking service function from information included in the matrix code, from a non-transitory storage medium of the matrix code reader, from a user, and so on. In some implementations, the matrix code reader may determine that additional information or a confirmation to transmit the instructions is needed and may prompt a user for the additional information or confirmation.

Abstract: A server that hosts an application transmits a state of the application to a client. The server determines that a response to the state is expected and that the response will be one of a finite number of possible responses. The server then generates one or more additional states utilizing at least one possible response from the finite set and provides the additional state(s) to the client. In some implementations, the server provides the additional state when the response is actually received. However, in other implementations, the server provides the additional state when generated and the client presents it when user input that equals the response is received. Additionally, in various implementations, the server may generate an additional state for each of the possible responses. However, in various other implementations, the server may generate additional states for a selected number of the possible responses.

Abstract: A matrix code reader may detect a matrix code (such as a QR code), which may be displayed along with content and include information identifying the content. The matrix code reader may obtain user information associated with a social networking service and, based at least on the content information and the user information, may transmit an instruction to the social networking service to perform a social networking service function. The matrix code reader may obtain the user information and/or the instruction to perform the social networking service function from information included in the matrix code, from a non-transitory storage medium of the matrix code reader, from a user, and so on. In some implementations, the matrix code reader may determine that additional information or a confirmation to transmit the instructions is needed and may prompt a user for the additional information or confirmation.

Abstract: A method of controlling power consumption in an electronic device may include selecting between an on mode of the electronic device in which first circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a first operation, an off/standby mode in which second circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a second operation, and a sleep/vacation mode in which the second circuitry is controlled to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation. An electronic device may include: first circuitry configured to perform a first operation when the electronic device is in an on mode; second circuitry configured to perform a second operation when in an off/standby mode; and a circuitry controller configured to control the second circuitry to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation when in a sleep/vacation mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: A method of establishing a network connection between two nodes of a communication network via a connectionless transport layer communication protocol is presented. In the method, a plurality of data packets is exchanged between a first node and a second node. Each of the data packets comprises a header and a payload formatted according to the connectionless protocol. The connectionless protocol payload of each of the data packets includes a separate header comprising a first port indicator for the first node and a second port indicator for the second node. The separate header of at least one of the data packets also includes an indication to establish a connection between the first node and the second node. In response to the exchange of data packets, the first and second nodes establish the connection, wherein the first port indicator and the second port indicator are associated with the established connection between the nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for selectively recording of at least part of a program based on an occurrence of at least one video or audio characteristic in the program. The systems and methods may involve receiving or transmitting a program including a video stream and an audio stream, and monitoring at least one of the video stream and the audio stream for at least one video or audio characteristic. Based on the occurrence of the video or audio characteristic, at least part of the program may be recorded or instructions for recording at least part of the program may be transmitted. In some embodiments, only a segment of the program may be recorded or instructed to be recorded. In some embodiments, segments from a plurality of programs may be recorded and associated together. In such embodiments, the segments may be presented as a single recording.