Abstract: A media control system processes a numeric user input to identify a set of alphabetic letters. The media control system selects a plurality of media channel names based on the set of alphabetic letters. The media control system generates a first signal to drive a first display of the media channel names. The media control system processes additional user input to select one of the displayed media channel names. The media control system generates a second signal to drive a second display associated with a media channel identified by the selected one of the displayed media channel names.

Abstract: A method for transmitting audio signals. The method of transmitting audio signals may include separately transmitting a video signal and an audio signal. Further, the method of transmitting audio signals may include transmitting a first video signal and a first audio signal to one component, transmitting a second video signal to the same component and separately transmitting a second audio signal to a second component.

Abstract: A method of controlling power consumption of a power supply of a device may include receiving a control signal that switches the device between first and second modes of operation; and switching the supply between corresponding first and second modes based on the received signal, the supply being configured to draw different amounts of power in the first and second modes. A power supply for supplying electrical power to a device may include power supply mode circuitry configured to place the supply into one of at least two power modes: a first mode in which the supply draws a first amount of power and a second mode in which the supply draws less power. An electronic device may include circuitry that generates a control signal, based on which the power supply mode circuitry selectively places the electrical power supply into one of a plurality of power modes.

Abstract: A system and method for transcoding data, such as an audiovisual program, audio data or video data, from a first format to a second format. Systems may accept a first data file and transcode it to create a second data file in a different format. Transcoding may occur at a time other than the time at which the system receives the data file. The later transcoding time may be user-selected. The system may generate an icon or other indicator to signify the data has been marked for later transcoding.

Abstract: A method for managing digital content is provided. The method includes accessing the digital content and applying at least one content management rule by a set-top box to the digital content. The content management rule operative to place the digital content in one of a first storage location and a second storage location, which are associated with the set-top box. The digital content may include programs or movies and the storage locations are generally operable to store multiple programs and/or movies.

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: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for sharing a purchased pay-per-view (PPV) event over a plurality of set-top boxes (STB). Thus, a PPV event purchased through one STB may be viewed through every STB associated with the customer ID number of the purchaser, including an STB located in a separate location from the PPV purchaser. The customer information used to locate the STBs associated with the customer ID may be retrieved from a database or may be provided by a billing site. Providing for the purchaser to view the PPV event on several STBs may allow the customer of the PPV service maximum access to the purchased PPV event.

Abstract: In a method for identifying a user in a network of broadcast communication receivers, a physical characteristic of a user is analyzed in association with the user accessing a first of the receivers. First biometric information based on the characteristic as analyzed in association with the user accessing the first receiver is generated. Data associated with use of the first receiver by the user is also generated and associated with the first biometric information. The physical characteristic of the user is then analyzed in association with the user accessing a second receiver. Second biometric information based on the physical characteristic as analyzed in association with the user accessing the second receiver is generated. The first and second biometric information are then compared. If the first and second biometric information indicate the physical characteristic of the same user, the data is employed in conjunction with the user accessing the second receiver.

Abstract: A remote control device may include: first circuitry to control a function of a first electronic device; second circuitry to be set to control a function of a second electronic device; and a setup controller to set the second circuitry to control a function of a target electronic device based on a code received from a separate device. An electronic device to be controlled by a remote control device may include: an input device to receive a signal from the remote control device; an output device to send a signal to the remote control device; and a processor coupled to the input and output devices, and configured to access a database of codes and to selectively provide codes from the database to the remote control device, the codes configured to set circuitry of the remote control device to control a function of the electronic device and/or an auxiliary electronic device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for identifying multiple segments of content in a recorded audio/video stream. Thus, an audio/video stream may be segmented into various logical chapters, scenes or other sections and the like. The segments of the audio/video stream may then be selectably viewed by a user. A DVR presents the selected segments and automatically skips over the undesignated segment of the audio/video stream.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping, filtering and/or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the audio/video stream. The text data is processed using location information that references a segment of the text data of the first audio/video stream to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location within the first audio/video stream is utilized to identify portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped during presentation. The portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the audio/video stream, and some of the skipped portions of the audio/video stream are replaced with substitute content. The filtered video stream, including the substitute content, is outputted for presentation to a user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a securing ring are described along with assemblies utilizing the securing ring. A securing ring includes a curvilinear body defining an opening and having a gap that defines confronting ring ends that are separable to receive at least one curvilinear device within the opening. The curvilinear body includes an outer surface and opposing first and second side walls that define a slot therebetween. The slot is configured for receiving the curvilinear device, and the outer surface, the first wall and the second wall provide a clamping force on the curvilinear device in the slot when the confronting ring ends are drawn together, with the clamping force securing the curvilinear device within the slot. The securing apparatus further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the confronting ring ends and configured to releasably engage the confronting ring ends to secure the confronting ring ends together.

Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus are described for reducing unauthorized usage in a television distribution system. A television receiver communicates with base stations of a wireless communication network. Based on the communications with the base station, the television receiver identifies its location and transmits the location information to a data collection system through the wireless communication network. The data collection system utilizes the location information to identify unauthorized uses of the television receiver.

Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus are described for facilitating the collection of data from television receivers. First and second television receivers exchange data over a wireless communication link. The first television receiver transmits the data received from the second television receiver to a data collection system associated with a television provider. The data collection system processes the received data to analyze the operation of the second television receiver.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a three-prong clip are described along with assemblies and methods of installation utilizing the three-prong clip. A three prong unitary clip has a central axis and a base and three separate prongs formed on opposing sides of the base. Each prong has a first portion extending from the base at a first angle towards the axis of the clip, a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle away from the axis of the clip, and a retention tab formed between the first portion and the second portion. The prongs separate on the opposing sides of the base and each retention tab on each prong forms a clamping surface generally parallel to the axis of the clip on an element secured therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting a user in programming a universal remote control. More specifically, a method and apparatus for helping the user reestablish system configurations, providing feedback, instructing the user, and supplying system information.