Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a coding mode are described. For example, the method receives at least one block of a signal to be encoded. The method determines a frame vertical pixel difference in the at least one block and determines a field vertical pixel difference in the at least one block. The method then compares the frame vertical pixel difference with the field vertical pixel difference to determine a first coding mode for the at least one block.

Abstract: Syntax cleanup methods and systems for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for wide dynamic range phase conversion. In one embodiment, inphase and quadrature signal components of a complex input signal are collapsed into a single quadrant to produce a first signal representation. A scaling operation is subsequently performed on the first signal representation to produce a second signal representation. Lastly, the second signal representation is converted into the phase domain.

Abstract: A system for securely authenticating software Application Program Interfaces (APIs) includes a handshake protocol that enables promulgation of licensing rights controlling Intellectual Property (IP) to multiple Actors. The Actors include components of a cable system that can include a Conditional Access System, Middleware, a Browser for a Set-Top-Box, a Guide and a Guide Data Provider. The handshake is a Challenge-Response protocol that includes a Challenge issued by one Actor who controls IP rights to verify a second Actor has Licensed IP rights when the second Actor Response includes a Hook IP function IPF1. Other Actors who wish to use software functions F that the first Actor provides will be encouraged to acquire rights to the IP License to obtain the function IPF1 for access. Subsequent Actors who have IP rights controlled by another function IPF2 can be pulled into the same IP Licensing system, or another IP License that becomes part of the same ecosystem with the system controlled using function IPF1.

Abstract: A system for securely authenticating software Application Program Interfaces (APIs) includes a handshake protocol that enables promulgation of licensing rights controlling Intellectual Property (IP) to multiple Actors. The handshake is a Challenge-Response protocol that includes a Challenge issued by one Actor who controls IP rights to verify a second Actor has Licensed IP rights when the second Actor Response includes use of a function IPF1. The function e.g. IPF1 is provided through the IP licensing agreement. Other Actors who wish to use software that the first Actor provides will be encouraged to acquire rights to the IP License to obtain the function IPF1 for access. Subsequent Actors who have IP rights controlled by another function IPF2 can be pulled into the same IP Licensing system, or another IP License that becomes part of the same ecosystem with the system controlled using function IPF1.

Abstract: Providing an efficient way for operators to use an out-of-band (OOB) channel may enable the operator to better make decisions about how to configure priority queues for maximum effectiveness. Techniques for efficiently using the OOB channel include an assessment of parameters important for optimizing the configuration of priority queues in a downstream channel. For example, an improved latency metric for assisting an operator to judge the relative effect that priority assignments have on traffic is a parameter assessed for better use of the OOB channel. Further, measuring the queue latency and making the queue latency visible to the operator may enable a better configuration of the priority queues.

Abstract: A system for securely authenticating software Application Program Interfaces (APIs) includes a handshake protocol provided between a Conditional Access System (CAS) and Middleware running on a Set-Top-Box. The handshake is a Challenge-Response protocol that includes several steps. The CAS or the Middleware can either act as a Claimant or Verifier in Challenge-Response process. First, a Claimant sends a request to a Verifier requesting access to a function F through the API. The Verifier reacts to the request by outputting a Challenge that is sent to the Claimant The Challenge is also retained by the Verifier for use in its internal calculation to verify the Claimant's response. The Claimant next processes the Challenge using components under a patent License Agreement, known as Hook IP, and issues a Response to the Verifier. The Verifier can then verify the Response to allow the Claimant access to the API.

Abstract: A system for securely authenticating software Application Program Interfaces (APIs) includes a handshake protocol that is provided to validate whether the parties involved are licensed to use the system which includes rights to Intellectual Property (IP) and corresponding obligations. The handshake is a Challenge-Response protocol that includes several steps. First, a Claimant sends a request to a Verifier requesting access to a function through an API. The Verifier reacts to the request by outputting a Challenge that is sent to the Claimant. The Challenge is also retained by the Verifier for use in its internal calculation to verify the Claimant's response. The Claimant next processes the Challenge using components under the license, known as Hook IP, and issues a Response to the Verifier. The Verifier compares the possibly-correct Candidate Response from the Claimant to the known-correct Target Response and if a match occurs the Verifier allows the Claimant access to the API.

Abstract: An inventive Network Address Translation (“NAT”) device and method for automatic port forwarding whenever said NAT device detects that only one Local Area Network (“LAN”) IP address has been leased by its DHCP server is disclosed. Under this condition, the inventive NAT device automatically configures all ports to be forwarded (except those that may be reserved for applications running in the inventive NAT device), to the single leased LAN IP address. This minimizes, if not eliminates, the conventional address configuration required when a NAT device is added to an existing network.

Abstract: A control unit (101), such as a remote control device, includes a profile selector (104). The profile selector (104), which may be a single profile selector button integrated into the side or top of a remote control, allows quick and simple selection of an operating mode or user profile. The control unit (101) includes an indicator (107) that provides indicia of the currently selected mode or profile. Examples of indicators include multicolored lights and display devices. Where multicolored lights are used as the indicator (107), actuation of the profile selector (104) causes the indicator (107) to change from a first color to a second color.

Abstract: A statistical multiplexer (statmux) system for encoding and multiplexing multiple channels of digital television data is provided that limits dropped bits due to misalignment of bit rate allocations to the encoders. Without such a system, if for example an encoder is allotted 0 bits during a first time period and 20 kilobits during a second time period, if the encoder jumps ahead from the first period to the second time period allocation, the 20 kilobits could be output during the 0 bit output allocation time period. This can cause buffer overflow downstream if other encoders are outputting at their maximum rate. To limit such misalignment, a maximum percentage increase of an encoder's bitrate allocation is set from time period to time period based on a formula to prevent bits from being dropped when misalignment occurs.

Abstract: A statistical multiplexer (statmux) system for encoding multiple channels of digital television data is provided with improved algorithms for determining bitrate for encoding and decoding to account for signal complexity, including accounting for film mode and GOP structural changes. In film mode when the lower frame per second rate for film mode is identified, rather than faster rate SD or HD modes, instead of determining bit rate from viewing the next picture in the look ahead buffer (LAB), the system looks at a start time stamp for specific data in the LAB. Accounting for GOP structural changes includes identifying the number of pictures (N) between I type pictures in data provided to an encoder and the number of pictures (M) between P type pictures, rather than using a fixed number for N and M.

Abstract: A method is provided that is performed by a client device such a set top box when a viewer requests a program by initiating a channel change from a program guide or entering a channel through the user interface. The client device receives the user request and, in response, the client device transmits the request to the streaming server in the headend, which causes the streaming server to create a unicast catch up stream that commences with a key frame. The streaming server calculates the end point of the catch up stream and continues to send the catch up stream at a rate faster than real time. The client device receives the catch up stream and begins buffering it. While the catch up stream is being buffered the client device begins decoding and presenting the content. The client device receives the end of stream marker, and in response, sends a request to join the multicast stream.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method determines a pulse code modulation (PCM) flag that indicates whether a PCM mode can be used to encode or decode a portion of video. A single conditional statement is evaluated once to determine if the PCM flag indicates the PCM mode is enabled. Based on the evaluating of the single conditional statement, when the PCM flag indicates the PCM mode is enabled, the method encodes or decodes a first PCM parameter, a second PCM parameter, a third PCM parameter, a fourth PCM parameter, and a fifth PCM parameter. The first PCM parameter, the second PCM parameter, the third PCM parameter, the fourth PCM parameter, and the fifth PCM parameter are encoded or decoded consecutively without any bits or syntax between them in or from an encoded bitstream associated with the portion of video.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using base layer motion vector for enhancement layer motion vector prediction are disclosed.

Abstract: Rate control is provided in a two-pass encoder. A first encoding pass is performed to encode an input video sequence. Coding statistics for the first encoding pass are collected. Target coding parameters for a second encoding pass are calculated based on the coding statistics for the first encoding pass. The second encoding pass is performed to encode the input video sequence at a constant bit rate (CBR) using the target coding parameters to form a second pass encoded stream.

Abstract: One or more overlay wavelengths are applied to a GPON architecture to provide sufficient, cost-effective forward bandwidth per home for targeted, unique narrowcast services to allow traditional HFC operators to use a PON architecture with their existing HFC equipment. A separate return path capability using a separate coaxial cable with RF signals to the GPON may also be used. This return capability may be provided either by a fiber optic link or coaxial link from the home.

Abstract: A method provides end-to-end security for transport of a profile to a target device (e.g., a mobile computing device) over at least one communications network that includes a plurality of nodes. In accordance with the method, the profile is encrypted for transport between the target device and an initial node of the network through which the profile is transported. The encryption is an end-to-end inner layer encryption performed prior to hop-to-hop encryption. The encrypting uses a public key of a public, private key pair. The private key is derivable from a seed securely provisioned in the target device using a public key algorithm. The encrypted profile is transmitted over the communications network to the target device.

Abstract: A method for processing a video stream includes receiving first and second copies of the video stream by first and second video processing devices, respectively, and generating first and second statistical data for the video stream by the first and the second video processing devices, respectively. The method further includes transmitting in first and second transmissions the first and the second copies of the video stream with the first and the second statistical data respectively from the first and the second video processing device to a third video processing device, and reading the first and the second statistical data from the first and the second transmissions by the third video processing device. The method further includes combining the first and the second statistical data with one copy of the video stream by the third video processing device, and transmitting the one copy of the video stream with the first and the second statistical data.