Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of watermarking a video includes generating three or more pilot signals. The method also includes generating a watermark. The method also includes embedding the three or more of the pilot signals in first frames of the video. The method also includes embedding the watermark in second frames of the video according to a watermarking just-noticeable-difference (JND) model. The second frames may be non-overlapping with the first frames.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes an enterprise media content system. The enterprise media content system includes a data storage device, a network component, and a video control center. The data storage device is configured to store an enterprise media content transcoded into a bundle of renditions. The network component is configured to receive a content request for the enterprise media content from a device and to communicate a most appropriate rendition of the enterprise media content selected from the bundle of renditions to the device. The video control center is configured to determine the most appropriate rendition based on real-time circumstances of the content request.

Abstract: In an example, a method of securing content is described. The method may include instantiating a content server on a client device. The method may also include operating the content server to retrieve content identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). The method may also include serving the content from the content server to a content renderer on the client device. The content renderer may be configured to render the content at the client device and to prohibit saving the content in the clear on the client device.

Abstract: In an example, a method for secure publication of content is described. The method may include encrypting content with a media key. The method may also include providing the encrypted content to a client device associated with a private key and a public key. The private key may be stored at the client device. The method may also include encrypting the media key with the public key. The method may also include providing the encrypted media key to the client device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for making copies of a master disc is described. The method includes receiving a master disc. The method also includes capturing an image of a label on a first side of the master disc. The method also includes generating a data image of data stored on the master disc. The method also includes making one or more copies of the master disc using one or more blank discs. Making the one or more copies includes recording the data image onto a data side of each of the one or more blank discs and printing the image of the label on an opposing side of each of the one or more blank discs.

Abstract: A multi function recorder and printer feeds discs to be processed through a gravity feed system reducing idle time of a recorder. A drive mounting system allows easy replacement and upgrade of drives without recalibration of the system. A passive picker moves discs between components.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. At least one clamping finger of a movable tray of a compact disc printer pushes against an outer periphery of a compact disc disposed on a surface of the tray to clamp the compact disc between the clamping finger and a pair of studs that protrude from the surface of the tray and engage a periphery of a hole passing through a center of the compact disc. A carriage of the printer for moving an ink jet cartridge attached thereto across the compact disc to deposit an image on the compact disc may include a sensor. The sensor can be used to determine the presence of a compact disc on the tray, whether the compact disc is clamped to the tray, and a dimension of the compact disc, and to perform a calibration method.

Abstract: Validation of printer cartridges using a unique identifier from an RFID tag, a serial number or identifier from a cartridge, and a seed to generate a reproducible key are described. The key is written to non-volatile memory of the RFID tag. The parameters for generation of the key are retrieved when the cartridge is asked to print in a printer, and a second key is generated, and the keys are compared. If the keys match, the cartridge is validated and printing continues.

Abstract: A disc collator includes a series of collating trays for collating multiple discs. A disc can be deposited in any one of a number of trays according to where a user desires the disc to be placed, allowing prompt and timely retrieval of CDs. Motion of the disc collating system picker arm may be along only one axis.

Abstract: A compact disc processing system allows for more efficient processing of compact discs. The system included a transporter mechanism that can grip and transport more than one compact disc at a time. As such, a second disc can be gripped while a first disc is being processed. This eliminates the need to wait for processing operations, such as recording or printing, to be completed prior to transporting the second disc. The system includes a gripping head with at least two vacuum controlled mechanisms for selectively gripping the discs. A disc organizer can be provided which includes trays that can be used to store discs for selective retrieval. The organizer eliminates the difficulty encountered in locating a processed disc from a large stack of discs.

Abstract: A compact disc transporter has been described that includes a two-step printer. The printer uses an intermediate transfer sheet to receive a print image that is subsequently transferred to a compact disc. The transporter allows parallel processing of image data and content data. A significant time reduction can be achieved by preprinting the image to a transfer sheet prior to transferring the image to a CD.

Abstract: Validation of printer cartridges using a unique identifier from an RFID tag, a serial number or identifier from a cartridge, and a seed to generate a reproducible key are described. The key is written to non-volatile memory of the RFID tag. The parameters for generation of the key are retrieved when the cartridge is asked to print in a printer, and a second key is generated, and the keys are compared. If the keys match, the cartridge is validated and printing continues.

Abstract: A printer and method for monitoring consumption of a print ribbon of a thermal printer is provided. The method includes pressing the print ribbon against a medium located on a drawer of the thermal printer using a thermal print head of the thermal printer. The method includes moving the drawer and the print ribbon simultaneously and at substantially the same rate past the thermal print head so as to deposit a transferable coating of the print ribbon on the medium whereby printing an image on the medium. Measuring a distance moved by the drawer while pressing the print ribbon against the medium and equating the distance moved by the drawer to an amount of print ribbon consumed are also included in the method.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer has been described that includes a print head integrity tester. The tester measures a resistance of each thermal element of the print head to determine if an element is defective. In one embodiment, the resistance is measured by monitoring a current through the element and comparing to a reference. The printer can also include a power strobe adjustment that automatically adjusts the power applied to the print head elements as the thermal elements age.

Abstract: A printer and method for monitoring consumption of a print ribbon of a thermal printer is provided. The method includes pressing the print ribbon against a medium located on a drawer of the thermal printer using a thermal print head of the thermal printer. The method includes moving the drawer and the print ribbon simultaneously and at substantially the same rate past the thermal print head so as to deposit a transferable coating of the print ribbon on the medium whereby printing an image on the medium. Measuring a distance moved by the drawer while pressing the print ribbon against the medium and equating the distance moved by the drawer to an amount of print ribbon consumed are also included in the method.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer has been described that includes a print head integrity tester. The tester measures a resistance of each thermal element of the print head to determine if an element is defective. In one embodiment, the resistance is measured by monitoring a current through the element and comparing to a reference. The printer can also include a power strobe adjustment that automatically adjusts the power applied to the print head elements as the thermal elements age.

Abstract: A compact disc handler includes a picker elevator containing a helically threaded lead screw journaled for rotation about a vertical axis and having a traveling nut thereon to which a disc picker arm is attached. A guideway in the tower cooperates with the picker arm to constrain the picker arm from rotating until reaching a predetermined height elevator. Using this design, a CD can be retrieved from an input hopper, placed in a label printer or other CD publishing/playing device and upon completion of same operation on the disc, it is transported by rotation to an output hopper.

Abstract: A compact gripping device includes a spring that can be retracted to retract ends of the spring via application of a force. The force can be either a downward (push) or upward (pull) force. The spring ends are retracted by removing the force. The spring engages a compact disc either by gripping an inside surface of a hole provided in the compact disc, or by contacting a bottom surface of the compact disc. An embodiment which grips the inside surface of the compact disc allows the compact disc to be axially rotated by the gripper, while the gripper which grips the bottom surface of the compact disc allows for multiple discs to be gripped at one time.

Abstract: A compact disc transporter is described for transporting a compact disc between multiple process stations. These stations may include a printer, a recorder, a verifier, and a compact disc supply station. Methods have been described for pre-positioning a compact disc prior to printing so that an image located on the compact disc can be positioned for subsequent printing operations. A camera may be used in conjunction with a processor to rotatably position a compact disc into a preferred position prior to a printing operation. An optical sensor is also described for detecting a mark, index mark or other image for positioning a compact disc to a preferred rotational position.

Abstract: A media recording system is described which insures a fast uninterrupted recording. The system includes a media recorder and a data storage unit assigned to the media recorder. A controller is provided which operates parallel to a central processing unit such that data is transferred from the data storage unit to the media recorder without interruption. The media can be a recordable compact disc (CD-R) and the controller can be a programmable SCSI bus.