Abstract: Satellite distribution apparatus is provided for distributing digital broadcast signals in a pre-determined locality or building. The apparatus includes satellite receiving means for receiving broadcast signals from at least one satellite and communication means for transmitting the received signals to a control unit in the locality or building. The control unit allows a plurality of received digital broadcast signals to be selected and output onto a single cable for distribution around said locality or building. The control unit includes means for allowing the bandwidth of the selected signals to be compressed and rearranged for transmitting onto a single cable outlet. At least part of the means for compressing said selected digital broadcast signals includes signal symbol stacking means.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronising visual and audio data for a television system. The television system includes display means for displaying visual data thereon and audio means for allowing audio data to be sounded via said system. The method includes the steps of undertaking one of displaying a visual indicator on said display means or sounding an audio indicator via said audio means and, after a time delay or period of time, undertaking the other of displaying the visual indicator or sounding the audio indicator, the period of time between the display of said visual indicator and the sounding of said audio indicator being adjustable by a user of said television system using synchronisation means.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver system is provided and a method of operating the system. The system includes a first broadcast data receiver (BDR) (2) located at a first location, typically in a premises. The BDR (2) receives video, audio and/or auxiliary digital data broadcast from a remote location via cable, satellite or terrestrial means. The BDR processes the data and displays the processed data on a display screen (10) and/or audio data via speakers connected thereto. At least a second broadcast data receiver (8) is provided at least a second location typically in the same premises. One of the first and second BDRs (2, 8) is made functional by a signal received from the other of the first and second BDRs, via a telecommunications line (4) provided in the premises and connecting the first and at least second BDRs together, thereby ensuring that both BDRs are connected before operation of the two BDRs can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of user selected pages from an internet site and the delay in the reformatting of the same following a user selection of a new data event i.e. the selection of a new page which is to be displayed. In accordance with the invention, upon a user selection, reformatting of the page is delayed either for a predesignated time interval from the previous page reformatting or until all or a predefined amount of the data for the new page has been received. This allows the processor to be controlled hence preventing delays and/or errors in navigational functions and also can reduce the generation of “flicker” on the on-screen display.

Abstract: The invention relates to the installation of a broadcast data receiver or similarly installable apparatus. The apparatus and method of the invention includes a means for taking measurements to indicate whether the receiver is installed and operating to provide an optimum service to the user. The Broadcast Data Receiver (BDR) is provided with the processing and control capacity to undertake the comparison of the measured values of the incoming frequency signals at two spaced points and compare with predetermined parameters. If the comparison is acceptable, an indication is provided to the installer but if not the control system for the BDR adjusts of the operation of one or a plurality of components provided as part of a circuit within the BDR until the values are acceptable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection during a channel change process. The method and apparatus include detection of High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection capability on a receiver during an interface event. High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection authentication is delayed for a predetermined time period to allow the channel change process to stabilize. The invention reduces a performance penalty associated with the channel change process.