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 provides for display of an electronic programming guide (“EPG”) that facilitates user feedback to identify or propose corrections to potentially inaccurate program metadata through users' interactions with a user-feedback interface. The user-feedback interface may include a “flag-for-correction” feedback option whereby the user flags program metadata as potentially inaccurate. In response to receiving at least a specified threshold number of “flag-for-correction” indicators for particular program metadata, the system may alert an administrator to initiate the administrator's review of the flagged program metadata. The user-feedback interface can include an interface that permits the users to propose a corrected version of the identified program metadata. The system may then initiate administrative review of the program metadata in response to the proposed correction indicators or enable automatic correction of the program metadata in response to the user feedback.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (“EPG”) coordinates the display of availability metadata representing the availability of listed multimedia programs from one or more alternative content sources. The EPG presents multimedia programs available from a primary content source. A system identifies alternative content sources for one or more multimedia programs listed in the EPG, estimates availability parameters from these alternative content sources, and supplements the EPG with availability metadata that represent the determined availability parameters of the versions of the multimedia programs from one or more alternative content sources. The system estimates missing availability parameters based on application of one or more availability rule sets, which can reflect, for example, a contractual agreement or arrangement, a data analysis performed on historical availability data for the multimedia program or the content provider, and the like.

Abstract: A method of streaming multimedia data over a network to a client device is provided. At least one playlist file is downloaded using a transfer protocol, such as HLS, from a streaming server over the network for a selected multimedia presentation. The client device subscribes to an update event notification service with the streaming server or an intermediate server with respect to the at least one playlist file for the selected multimedia presentation and then listens for an update event notification. Only when such a notification is transmitted by the streaming server or the intermediate server to the client device is an updated version of the at least one playlist file downloaded by the client device from the streaming server over the network using the transfer protocol.

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 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 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 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: 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: A device and a method are disclosed. The device contains a network interface configured to receive a media stream, a processing device coupled to the network interface and configured to implement the method to determine an unknown media encoding format of a media stream, and a decoder device configured to decode media frames of the media stream.

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: Continuity of an entire user session (including the primary content stream, secondary content streams, and user context) is preserved so that the user can resume the session at a later time, at a different place, and, possibly, using different equipment. When a user pauses a session, the context of that session is automatically preserved. Upon resumption, the session begins where the user left off, resuming the primary media stream at the point where the user stopped, knowing what secondary content items the user has already seen, and re-establishing any user-set parameters for the session (e.g., playback volume, allocation of streams to particular screen real estate, whether closed captioning is turned on, and the like). For time-shifted content consumption, the system intelligently selects, filters, and processes contextual information (such as characteristics of the primary media) in order to present companion streams that are relevant and engaging to the user.

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: Continuity of an entire user session (including the primary content stream, secondary content streams, and user context) is preserved so that the user can resume the session at a later time, at a different place, and, possibly, using different equipment. When a user pauses a session, the context of that session is automatically preserved. Upon resumption, the session begins where the user left off, resuming the primary media stream at the point where the user stopped, knowing what secondary content items the user has already seen, and re-establishing any user-set parameters for the session (e.g., playback volume, allocation of streams to particular screen real estate, whether closed captioning is turned on, and the like). For time-shifted content consumption, the system intelligently selects, filters, and processes contextual information (such as characteristics of the primary media) in order to present companion streams that are relevant and engaging to the user.

Abstract: An improved statistical multiplexer (statmux) system for coding and multiplexing multiple channels of standard definition (SD) digital television data, or multiple panels of high definition (HD) digital television data is provided, the system considering when a scene change occurs. A need parameter (NP) is determined for each of the multiple encoders considering scene change that occur, and the NP is provided to a statmux controller to enable a bit rate to be determined for the encoder. The system considers the new scene data after a scene change as well as current scene data being evaluated to determine data complexity for the NP value. This ensures significantly different complexity data after the scene change does not cause an inadequate bit rate determination.

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 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 includes receiving a message from a user client device associated with a user. The message is generated in response to a code being captured by the user client device. A computer system determines a user identifier for a user associated with the user client device based on the message. Also, the computer system determines a control data set based on the message, the control data set including information used to automatically control a set of controllable devices. Then, the computer system automatically makes the control data set available to allow access by a user network device associated with the user identifier. The user network device is configured to download the control data set to automatically allow controlling of the set of controllable devices when connected to the user network device.

Abstract: A method includes storing data received at a first server to a first file and storing data received at a second server to a second file, where the data in the two files are substantially similar. The two files are distinct, independent files. The first server provides a copy of the first file to the second server to store. The first server then stores additional data to the first file, while the second server maintains the copy of the first file unchanged. The second server may also provide a copy of the second file to the first server to store and continues to store additional data to the second file, while maintaining the copy of the second file on the first server unchanged. Event reports may then be generated using the various files, which provide high availability due to the above method and corresponding system arrangement.