Abstract: A method, computer system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for charging a battery are disclosed. The method involves determining a stored charge of a battery, modifying a charging parameter based on the stored charge of the battery and a back-up requirement, and charging the battery based on the charging parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing secure on-premises gleaning to modify an electronic program guide are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method involves receiving, at a network interface, network data traffic and routing the network data traffic between an external network and an internal network and receiving, at a broadcast interface, media content and an electronic programming guide from a media content distributor. The method also involves parsing the network data traffic to glean preference information, providing the preference information to a recommendation engine via a secure local path, and modifying an electronic programming guide to prioritize the media content according to the preference information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing secure on-premises gleaning to modify an electronic program guide are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method involves receiving, at a network interface, network data traffic and routing the network data traffic between an external network and an internal network and receiving, at a broadcast interface, media content and an electronic programming guide from a media content distributor. The method also involves parsing the network data traffic to glean preference information, providing the preference information to a recommendation engine via a secure local path, and modifying an electronic programming guide to prioritize the media content according to the preference information.

Abstract: A network communication system includes a computing device, which includes a processor, a memory device, and a component management module. The component management module is configured to receive a message from customer-premises equipment (CPE). The component management module is also configured to determine from the message that the CPE is operating in a captive portal. The captive portal restricts Internet access to the CPE. The component management module is configured to obtain stored connection credential values corresponding to a subscriber in response to determining that an identification parameter of connection credentials associated with the CPE is valid for the subscriber. The component management module is also configured to provide the stored values to the CPE.

Abstract: A method for operating a set-top-box that supports 3D video content is disclosed. The method involves transmitting video content from an HDMI port of the set-top-box to a display device at a first resolution. The method also involves, in response to a change in the HDMI_Video_Format field or in the 3D_Structure field of an HDMI Vendor Specific InfoFrame, automatically switching to transmitting video content from the HDMI port of the set-top-box at a second resolution. The method also involves, after the switch to the second resolution, automatically switching back to transmitting video content from the HDMI port of the set-top-box at the first resolution in order to trigger a re-sync operation at the display device.

Abstract: A data transmission system and method is provided for the transmission data signal to one or receiving locations. A Multi Mode Compressive Sensing (MMCS) scheme is provided which adaptively changes the number of pilots used to reconstruct the Impulsive Noise (IN) depending on the IN's current severity so as to mitigate the same and stabilize the Bit Error Rate (BER) of the transmitted data signals and so improve the overall transmission system data throughput. The system can also allow for a variable IN mitigation range in order to allow the concurrent control of the BER and data throughput in the data transmission system.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus which can be used in first and second modes and to the manner in which the change in modes of operation can be achieved. In a first mode, the apparatus operates to receive data which is received typically from a television programme broadcast system and process the same and in the second mode the apparatus has the additional feature of a data storage device in which received data can be stored and be made available for subsequent retrieval. The data storage device can be provided as part of an assembly which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the apparatus housing and which allows the transfer of data between the assembly and the remainder of the apparatus. In one embodiment the assembly also includes cooling means which allow a cooling functionality to be provided to the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the provision of video, audio and/or additional services, said system including one or more devices which allow user interaction with said system to control the operation of the same and the provision of selected video, audio and/or additional services therefrom and which can be accessed via said devices. A server is provided for the storage of data relating to the services which are available to the said users in the future and said system includes the ability for a user, via a device, to generate an instruction to the server for an indicator relating to an event on a particular service to be generated at a time in the future to indicate to the user of the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat dissipation means for use with electrical and/or electronic apparatus to provide for the improved cooling of at least one component within the housing of the apparatus. The heat dissipation means includes a first portion located internally of the housing at or adjacent to the at least one component to be cooled and the means is formed of a material to allow the same to be passed via the first portion to an interface and onto a second portion located externally of the housing to allow the heat to be dissipated therefrom to the external environment more effectively. This allows heat to be dissipated without the need for moving heat dissipation means to be provided and avoids the noise and/or vibration which can be created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in the channel estimating in a manner which reduces Bit Error Rate (BER) and/or Mean Square Error (MSE) and allows the channel estimation to be performed in an efficient manner but with reduced complexity. The method utilizes two phases, the first of which includes locating an optimum regularization parameters range from an initially larger range; and a second phase of obtaining optimum channel estimates from a Tikhonov regularized least squares solution using the optimum regularization parameters range located from the first phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the receipt of digital data which is transmitted as a data signal from a remote location and a method by which the receiving apparatus can be designed with a configuration to improve the ability to receive the data signal. The design of the configuration is generated with reference to at least one decision metric which is adapted to suit the known characteristics of the data signal which is being received.

Abstract: EPG data regarding programs and their scheduled times are structured and/or transmitted in such a way that program and schedule records are interleaved. This scheme allows better handling by receiving devices such as embedded devices (i.e. LCD remote controls), because a more efficient reception and storage of transmitted data is possible. In particular, the receiving device can read, parse and store the downloaded EPG data on the fly as it is being received (it can start reading, parsing and storing before the complete reception of data id finished). At any time when the device would have to stop storing EPG data into persistent storage, (almost) all of the data that was stored can actually be used.

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 system and method for notifying an instant message recipient of the arrival of the instant message is provided, and includes managing the presence of the recipient on a network, determining a notification priority level of the message, and notifying the recipient based on the notification priority level. In embodiments, the higher the notification priority level, the more sensorially obtrusive the notification can be.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the location and connection of at least one electrical or electronic component such as a data storage component externally of a housing within which other components are provided and with which the said components operates in connection therewith. The connection is achieved via a connector assembly which has a first part located externally of the housing and a second part located internally of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus such as a broadcast data receiver which can selectively receive a data storage item therewith to allow the passage of data therebetween and/or storage of data thereon. The invention provides the apparatus with a recess into which the storage item can be placed and connected and a securing member which can be moved into position to secure and retain the data storage item in location with the apparatus.

Abstract: A data transmission system and method is provided for the transmission data signal to one or receiving locations. A Multi Mode Compressive Sensing (MMCS) scheme is provided which adaptively changes the number of pilots used to reconstruct the Impulsive Noise (IN) depending on the IN's current severity so as to mitigate the same and stabilise the Bit Error Rate (BER) of the transmitted data signals and so improve the overall transmission system data throughput. The system can also allow for a variable IN mitigation range in order to allow the concurrent control of the BER and data throughput in the data transmission system.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus, system and a method to allow the generation of radio and/or television channels and, upon the user selection to change channel, the delay in the generation of the new channel to be minimized, especially when the new channel requires access authorization and/or data decrypting and/or descrambling to be performed. The data for the new channel is obtained and placed into a memory means in sequence until access authorization is achieved at which point the data is then retrieved in sequence from the memory rather than the live datastream.

Abstract: Means which allows the storage and subsequent retrieval of data on a storage means such as, for example, a storage means in the form of, and known as, a hard disk drive. The storage of data is in the form of video, audio and/or auxiliary data transmitted from a remote location and received by receiver apparatus for the processing and subsequent generation of video, audio, and/or auxiliary data via a television screen connected to or including the receiver. In some instances the data is not decoded and displayed immediately, and the decoding and/or the display of the data, when it does occur may be obtained from the storage means. The control system of the storage means includes a First In First Out (FIFO) buffer which in conjunction with a Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls the generation of the control signals and the storage of the incoming data.

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.