Abstract: A method for preparing media content to be streamed to a client divides a stream of the media content at the server into multiple media segments. Each of the multiple media segments is to be stored as an individual file in a memory in a transfer protocol compliant format. A top-level manifest file is generated, which has a plurality of Universal Resource Locators (URLs). The plurality of URLs indicates an ordering of the multiple media segments to recreate the stream of media content. Responsive to a client request received over a network to present the media content in a trick play mode of operation, a modified manifest file is obtained based on the top-level manifest file. The modified manifest file includes a subset of the plurality of URLs indicating an ordering of media segments that create a representation of the stream of media content presentable in the trick play mode of operation.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing a user's viewing experience include providing new opportunities for viewing information or manipulating data during the viewing experience. The user may take an action that has an intended purpose of changing a mode of play of content displayed at the client device. An event prompted by the user action, such as a pause or rewind of the displayed content, may be an event that triggers at least one extended option associated with the displayed content.

Abstract: A method of prioritizing estimated fault locations within a network includes monitoring multiple different performance parameters for unacceptable threshold levels via communications with a set of terminal network elements and separately analyzing the different performance parameters to identify potential network fault locations on the network. Accordingly, a plurality of priority rankings of potential network fault locations can be generated, one for each performance parameter monitored, and then combined to generate an overall priority ranking of potential fault locations including at least a highest priority inspection point estimated as being a most likely source of a fault on the network.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for securely storing and retrieving live off-disk media programs. Events delineate media segments, each of which are encrypted with a different key so as to be streamable to a remote device via digital living network alliance (DLNA) or HTTP live streaming protocols. Media segments and identifiers for managing the storage and retrieval of such media segments are compatible with live streaming data structures, obviating the need to re-encrypt data streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating data to a browsing session is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a first information from a first browsing session in a proxy, the first information comprising a request for a webpage having at least one webpage element, transmitting a second information comprising a first wrapper distinct from the requested webpage, establishing a first communications session between the first wrapper and the proxy; and transmitting a third information to the first browser via the first communications session, the third information comprising at least one element based on the requested webpage element for rendering by the first browsing session via the first wrapper.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for delivering CATV content over a fiber optic network from a transmitter.

Abstract: A video processing system detects an overlay image, such as a logo, in a picture of a video stream, the overlay for example being a broadcaster's logo. The detection is based on evaluation of blending characteristics of a picture frame. The method of detection of an overlay defines first and second areas within the image, the first and second areas being non-overlapping. Next an alpha-blended value is calculated for the mean color value of the second area with an overlay color value. Then, if the mean color value of the first area is closer to the alpha-blended value than it is to the mean color value of the second area, the overlay can be indicated as detected and defined within the picture. Detection of the overlay can be used to identify an owner of the video, or detect when a scene change such as a commercial occurs.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for embedding cryptographically modified versions of secret in digital certificates for use in authenticating devices and in providing services subject to conditional access conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods that improve navigation within video content in an adaptive streaming environment are provided herein.

Abstract: In an implementation, a selection of a program is received by a computing device. The program is associated with a duration of time. In response to the selection, a plurality of messages is retrieved by the computing device. Each message is associated with a time during the duration of time. Playback of the selected program is caused by the computing device on a display associated with the computing device. One or more of the retrieved plurality of messages are presented on the display at the times associated with the messages during the duration of time associated with the program by the computing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receives a trigger initiation command for configuring a trigger command and receives the trigger command from a trigger device that is separate from the computing device. The trigger command is based on a selection of a trigger command input on the trigger device. Then, the method determines a state of a complex navigation that requires multiple actions to output content associated with the state. An association is stored between the state of the complex navigation and the trigger command. The method receives the trigger command from the trigger device where the trigger command is sent based on a single input selecting the trigger command input. Then, the state of the complex navigation is recalled to output the content.

Abstract: A method of passively measuring available link bandwidth at a client device that receives media data over a network connection comprising receiving packets of a media stream at the client device, wherein one or more the of packets comprises a unique identifier indicating that one or more the packets are associated with a macro burst sorting the received packets into one or more of the macro bursts based on the unique identifiers, and determining the link bandwidth available to the client device based at least in part on the time intervals between arrival times of the packets sorted into individual macro bursts, wherein the macro bursts each comprise a plurality of packets transmitted together by a sending device to regulate the sending device's transmission rate.

Abstract: Advanced set top devices are beginning to merge with home network gateway devices and will soon become the major single entry point into the home. A growing trend and implementation of home gateways is to provide a centralized data entrance point to end user home. Behavioral information may be compiled from each individual device in the home network, and the home network gateway device determines advertisements to insert specifically to each device based on the entirety of the behavioral information compiled from within the home network. The advertisements provided to individual users within the home network may be determined by the home network gateway device, transparent to entities outside the home network. For example, a headend that delivers content to a home network may not know how many devices are connected to a home network gateway device, the type of devices connected, or which devices are receiving content.

Abstract: A method of identifying long shots of sports video comprising receiving a video frame comprising a plurality of pixels, classifying each of the plurality of pixels as a candidate field pixel or a candidate non-field pixel, determining whether at least a predefined percentage of the plurality of pixels are candidate field pixels, calculating a first standard deviation, the first standard deviation being the standard deviation of the hues of all candidate field pixels, and classifying the video frame as a long shot of sports video when at least the predefined percentage of the plurality of pixels are candidate field pixels and the first standard deviation is equal to or lower than a predefined maximum standard deviation value.

Abstract: An adaptive bit rate system uses adaptive streaming to deliver content to client devices capable of adaptive bit rate streaming. Enhancing or generating compound manifest files for delivery to clients in an adaptive streaming environment permits a direct acquisition of media segments to services not currently being viewed. For example, the compound playlist can be designed to offer direct access to neighboring channels or other services in the same genre. These novel enhancements to the manifest files may reduce channel change times as well as the efficient delivery of manifest files.

Abstract: A method of outputting video to a display is provided in which an incoming signal of linear content as delivered from a service provider on a tuned channel is decoded with a first electronic device and a corresponding video signal is output to an associated display for presentation of the linear content. Information of the tuned channel is transmitted to a separate second electronic device having a time shift buffer for use in recording the incoming signal of the linear content. When a trick-play request is received by the first electronic device for the linear content, the first electronic device ceases outputting the video signal corresponding to the incoming signal as delivered from the service provider and switches to outputting a video signal corresponding to streamed content received from the time shift buffer of the second electronic device in a manner enabling trick-plays to be accomplished.

Abstract: In accordance with a method for communicating a control word (CW) from a client such as an encryptor to a server such as the entitlement control message generator (ECMG) of a conditional access system (CAS), communication is established between the client and server over a secure connection. A control word to be encrypted is received by the client and encrypted using a first and second key. The first key is a global secret key (GSK) that is known to the client and the server without being communicated over the secure connection. The second key is a control word encryption key (CWEK) that is derived from a locally generated client nonce (CN) and a server nonce (SN) obtained from the server over the secure connection. The encrypted control word (ECW) is sent to the server over the secure connection.

Abstract: A method of estimating a topology of a network in which an estimated geographic path of cables of a network between a geographic location of a network component and a geographic location of a terminal network element is automatically generated from data providing the geographic location of the network component and the geographic location of the terminal network element. If the estimated geographic path includes an intersection of separate branches of the path located a predetermined distance from the network component in a downstream direction extending from the network component to the terminal network element, the estimated geographic path is automatically adjusted by replacing the intersection in the estimated geographic path with separate non-intersecting paths extending from different outlet ports of the network component to the separate branches.

Abstract: A method for automated transfer of the unique ID of a consumer electronics device (CED) is disclosed. The method includes initiating registration of the CED with an external entity. The CED does not have ability to complete the registration with the external entity by itself. A unique identification for the CED is obtained and provided to the external entity in order to complete the registration of the CED. Registration of the CED is initiated by executing a registration program. The unique identification is obtained using a universal plug and play (UPnP) service that includes requesting the universal identification from the CED and receiving the universal identification from the CED. The unique identification is provided to the external entity by inserting it in an associated field provided as part of registration process. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivery and playback of bounded multimedia data files. A media gateway communicates with a client device, the communications being related to content lists, playlists, media assets, and security dialogs. A client device can perform playback while in communication with a media gateway. Several playlist can be employed.