Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for recommending content and updating user proprofile. The method adds a step of content alarm processing before recommending to user on a basis of the current content recommending method, so that the recommendation, which can be offered directly to a user in a previous time must be processed correspondingly in a manner of the content alarm before being sent to the user. Alternatively, after receiving an user's feedback information, the method and the system processes the feedback information correspondingly in a manner of the content alarm and updates the user profile according to the feedback information processed in the manner of the content alarm. The invention can recommend contents more carefully and accurately, making the recommendation conforming further to the user's requirement so as to avoid as far as possible the recommendation of unwished program to users.

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 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: 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: A user of a mobile client requests electronic content information for being downloaded via a data network. The client first receives a semantically summarized version of the requested content information. If the downloading is prematurely interrupted, the user has at least a meaningful summary available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing recorded broadcast content on a peer to peer system, in which portions of the content are synchronized between the peers by referring to program clock reference values.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of video displays on a display screen from video data which is received as an encoded MPEG stream of data and then decoded and processed to be displayed. In the invention the video display can be generated in a conventional format or at least one use selectable alternative format, known as trick mode stream, such as a fast forward or fast cue display. The method of the invention allows the amount of data to be placed into the buffer memory prior to decoding and display of the data in the alternate format, to be calculated without reference to the MPEG stream information which is unavailable in the trick mode stream of data. The method therefore minimizes delay in the commencement and end of the display of the trick mode stream display format when selected by the user.

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: An illumination device comprising an LED (14) mounted on a rear of a PCB (12), and a light pipe (16) to direct light from the LED through an aperture (18) in the PCB to illuminate a legend (10) on the front of the PCB, the light pipe diffusing the light so as to prevent uneven illumination of the legend.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method (FIG. 2) and respective devices (FIG. 2) and software for an algorithm to detect and remove ringing artefacts and mosquito noise in decompressed pictures and video. The proposed idea is based on the observation that ringing is spatially localized within a block, which contains at least a part of an object edge, in particular a strong object edge. Blocks affected by ringing are detected by analyzing (1) a block grid position, location (2) of an object edge and by comparing (7) local spatial activities (Act af, Act nor) of adjacent blocks, i.e. affected blocks and nor) not-affected blocks.

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 that generate television program recommendations based on queries that have previously been performed by a user on an electronic program guide. A conventional program recommender score for a given program is adjusted according to the degree of correlation between the attribute-value pairs that define the program and the attribute-value pairs that have previously been searched by the user. A historical search database indicates the number of times each attribute-value pair appears in a user query and provides additional information regarding the preferences of the user. Higher frequency counts for certain attribute-value pairs imply the user's preference for programs conforming to such criteria.

Abstract: A content maintenance system uses a time-dependent precipitation function for iteratively augmenting or removing content over time, after an initial demonstration of user interest. A plurality of parallel precipitation processes can be launched simultaneously in response to different facets of a user expression of interest. Precipitation is dependent on highlighting or extracting segment descriptors from content of interest to the user. Then segments are filtered, rated, annotated and/or prioritized from that content. The remaining segments are matched against stored search structures. When the segments match, they are precipitated out for storage and can generate new search structures.

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.