Abstract: A system for fingerprinting audiovisual content. The system includes a content receiver and a display device in communication with the content receiver. The content receiver is configured to receive a video signal, where the video signal includes audiovisual content. The content receiver may then be configured to generate a matrix barcode that includes identification data. The content receiver is also configured to create a fingerprinted content that includes the audiovisual content from the video signal and the matrix barcode. The content receiver may then be configured to output the fingerprinted content. The display device is configured receive the fingerprinted content form the content receiver. Also, the display device is configured to display the fingerprinted content.

Abstract: A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network.

Abstract: A method of presenting a matrix code for providing accessibility content includes receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying accessibility content, generating, at the content receiver, a matrix code from the accessibility content, and transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, wherein the content presentation includes at least one of audio and visual content and the accessibility content includes an alternative form of at least one of the audio and the visual content for allowing a user to more fully comprehend the content presentation. Systems for implementing the method are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to aid in the installation and configuration of one or more components of a distribution system. In one embodiment, the one or more matrix codes may be utilized by the system to configure one or more aspects and features of a component of the system, such as a receiver or display device. In another embodiment, the one or matrix codes may provide system information to a provider or an installer to verify proper installation of one or more components. The information encoded in the matrix codes may include any type of information about one or more components of the distribution system to aid the system or an installer in configuring or installing components of the system.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to determining a condition of the television receiver and communicating information regarding that condition to end-points that are external to the television receiver. The television receiver may create a two-dimensional barcode with information regarding the receiver condition and output the two-dimensional barcode for display on a display device. Once displayed on the display device, the two-dimensional barcode may be scanned into a mobile device where the information regarding the receiver condition may be stored, processed and/or forwarded to another location or device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to retrieve a previously broadcast initial portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment stores a media content event at a first media device as the media content event is communicated over a broadcast system; receives a request at the first media device from a second media device, wherein the request identifies an initial portion of a media content event that has previously been communicated over a broadcast system; identifies the initial portion of the media content event from the stored media content event; retrieves the identified initial portion of the media content event; and communicates the initial portion of the media content event from the first media device to the second media device.

Abstract: A content receiver receives an update to a memory unit contained therein utilizing data stored in a data card inserted or incorporated into the content receiver. The content receiver dynamically generates a matrix code based on the updates received in the memory and on information uniquely identifying the content receiver. The matrix code is transmitted to a content display device for display, and a matrix code reader detects the displayed matrix code and transmits information contained within the matrix code to a content provider for updating a user's account associated with the updated content receiver. The content provider may transmit a message to the content receiver for display on the content display device indicating the update to the user's account. The content provider may transit a similar message to the matrix code reader.

Abstract: A method is presented for providing information associated with a geographical area to users of broadcast communication receivers. The information, as well as an indication of the geographical area associated with the information, are transmitted to, and received by, each of the broadcast communication receivers. In each of the receivers, the indication of the geographical area is compared with a geographic code associated with, and stored within, the receiver. Each of the receivers also provides at least one alert to a user of the respective broadcast communication receiver if the geographic area is located on a travel vector of the respective broadcast communication receiver indicated by the geographical code.

Abstract: The document discloses a method for communicating information, such as audiovisual data and other information to a user. The method includes receiving a broadcast signal on a content receiver. The broadcast signal includes a video signal and a graphical signal, and the graphical signal includes a matrix barcode. After the content receiver receives the broadcast signal, the content receiver determines whether the matrix barcode should be displayed. The determination that the matrix barcode should be displayed may be based on the geographic location of the content receiver or user settings/preferences stored on the content receiver. If the matrix barcode should be displayed, the content receiver creates and outputs a modified signal. The modified signal includes the video signal with the matrix barcode overlaid on top of the video signal. If the matrix barcode should not be displayed, the content receiver outputs the broadcast signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which facilitate the resolution of recording conflicts of a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR identifies a recording conflict between a first recording timer associated with a first television program and a second recording timer associated with a second television program. A communication is initiated to a communication device associated with a user of the digital video recorder to inform the user of the recording conflict. Responsive to the communication, the user provides information to the DVR via the communication device requesting to resolve the recording conflict. The DVR utilizes the provided information to modify one or more of the conflicted recording timers to resolve the conflict.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for allowing a customer support agent to remotely analyze a television receiver. A television receiver is communicatively coupled to a customer support center through a communication network. A customer support agent remotely accesses the television receiver and the television receiver transmits video content to the customer support center through the communication network. The video output is outputted to the customer support agent at the customer support center for analysis of the television receiver.

Abstract: An electronic device may generate a matrix code that includes information for performing an interactive activity related to content, combine the matrix code with the content, and transmit the combination of the matrix code and the content to a display device. Subsequently, the displayed matrix code may be captured by a matrix code reader in order to initiate performance of the interactive activity. In some implementations, the content may be a sporting event and capture of the matrix code may initiate performance of an activity corresponding to a fantasy sporting event league associated with the sporting event. In various implementations, the matrix code reader's initiation of performance of the interactive activity related to the content may utilize one or more other electronic devices located in a user location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to concurrently present images on a small display of a mobile media device and a large display of a media presentation system. An exemplary method receives emulated information from a mobile media device, wherein the emulated information corresponds to at least one image that is being currently presented on a display of the mobile media device; generates at least one image based upon the received emulated information, wherein the at least one image is configured for presentation on a display of a media system; and communicates the at least one image to a display of the media system. The image presented on the display of the media system is substantially the same image presented on the display of the mobile media device. The image presented on the display of the media system is substantially larger than the image presented on the display of the mobile media device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to synchronize presentation between video streams and separately received audio streams. An exemplary embodiment receives a first media content stream at a media device, wherein the first media content stream comprises at least a video stream portion; receives a second media content stream at the media device, wherein the second media content stream comprises at least an audio stream portion; delays the audio stream portion of the second media content stream by a duration corresponding to at least one synchronization time delay; communicates the video stream portion of the first media content stream to a visual display device; and communicates the delayed audio stream portion of the second media content stream to an audio presentation device, wherein a visual scene of the video stream portion of the first media content stream is substantially synchronized with sounds of the audio stream portion of the second media content stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to process production information related metadata content. An exemplary embodiment receives a user specification identifying at least one production information search parameter, searches production information metadata content associated with a media content event for instances of the user specified at least one production information search parameter, and generates a production information report configured to present information pertaining to the identified instances of the user specified at least one production information search parameter.

Abstract: A mobile device embodiment communicates program distribution account information to a program distributor. The mobile device embodiment receives from the program distributor, authorization to use programming that is conditioned on the communicated program distribution account information. The mobile device embodiment communicates the authorization to a receiving device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to test a plurality of devices under test (DUTs) communicatively coupled to one of a plurality of switching elements of a DUT controller. An exemplary embodiment identifies a first DUT and a second DUT from among the plurality of DUTs as members of a test group, wherein the first DUT and the second DUT are identified based upon a test schedule defining a plurality of test groupings of members of the plurality of DUTs for concurrent testing; and communicates control instructions to a first switching element coupled to the first DUT and to a second switching element communicatively coupled to the second DUT, wherein the control instructions are configured to actuate the first switching element and the second switching element to communicatively couple the first DUT and the second DUT.

Abstract: In one or more implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans multiple matrix codes, each displayed by one of multiple devices. The computing device may determine whether or not the devices are being fraudulently utilized, such as whether the devices are in the same location. Additionally, in some implementations, a computing device may receive a service request from a matrix code reader that includes an associated telephone number. The computing device may extract the number and may handle the service request based on the number. Moreover, in various implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans a displayed matrix code. The information may include an electronic signature that is included in the matrix code by the device. After receiving the information, the computing device may analyze the information to determine that the electronic signature is valid.

Abstract: An electronic device determines information for configuring control of the device by a remote, generates a matrix codes including the information, and transmits the matrix code to a display device. The remote then captures the displayed matrix code, decodes the information, and configures itself to control the electronic device. Configuration of the remote may include pairing, configuring selection elements of the remote, and so on. In some implementations, the electronic device may interact with another device and the information may be for configuring the remote to control the electronic device in the context of the other device. Additionally, in various implementations, the remote may transmit identifying information to the electronic device which may configure itself to further communicate with the remote utilizing such information. Moreover, in various implementations, the remote may capture matrix codes generated by other devices in order to configure the remote to control those devices as well.