Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and a method for receiving a plurality of encrypted digital video, audio and data that require an encryption key to decode before utilizing. Specifically the invention is directed toward devices such as cable and digital broadcast satellite systems that transmit multiple channel information to receivers that provide users access to the multiple channels upon particular channel selection. Such channel selection requires decrypting and formatting a new data stream through a time consuming electronic process. The invention described herein reduces channel change time, by monitoring de-scrambled data in the background, prior to a user selecting a new channel. Digital broadcast data contain input de-scrambling control words required for the decoding of N-bit de-scrambling keys for each of a multiplicity of digital data streams available. Storing the data control words or the N-bit descramble keys reduces subsequent retrieval decoding time.

Abstract: There is provided a system for integrating at least one residential Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) phone to a cellular phone network. A Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC 120) interfaces audio from the cellular phone network to the at least one residential POTS phone. A line switcher (122), connected to the SLIC, connects the at least one residential POTS phone to any one of a POTS line or a cellular line. An audio gateway (116), connected to the SLIC, wirelessly receives the audio from a cellular phone connected to the cellular phone network for subsequent transmission to the at least one residential phone and wirelessly transmits the audio from the POTS line to the cellular phone.

Abstract: A television signal receiver receives and stores updated information associated with an emergency alert function, such as geographical area information and/or transmission frequency information. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver includes a tuner operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating an emergency event, and a memory operative to receive and store updated information associated with the emergency alert function.

Abstract: The resistance against recording defects of a write-once optical disk is enhanced allowing realtime recording and playback of data streams with a single speed disk drive. A data stream is recorded in data blocks on the optical disk. An error correction block for one or more data blocks is generated and written on the same optical disk during recording. A spare data area is kept blank on the storage medium and used for storing a defect data block reconstructed by using the error correction block.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a dual-bank filter coefficient RAM designed to switch banks automatically during the vertical blanking interval in a television application. The method and system of the present invention allows a micro controller to program a new set of filter coefficients in the memory bank not currently being used, automatically detect when all the coefficients have been written and then automatically switch banks during the vertical blanking interval in the television application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimirror device for rotating the polarization of an electromagnetic signal, especially a light signal, through 90°, the output ray having approximately the same direction as the input ray. This device comprises at least one combination (40) of three mirrors (42, 44, 46) which are arranged in such a way that a ray entering one of the mirrors at an angle of incidence of 45° is reflected at the same angle off the other mirrors, the polarization vector (V) of the incident ray being presented in such a way with respect to the mirrors that a reflection off one of the three mirrors changes the direction of polarization while the reflections off the other two mirrors does not change this direction of polarization. Preferably, a plurality of multiple-mirror combinations (40, 40′, 40″) is provided on a sheet, each combination forming a pattern which is repeated regularly, the patterns all having identical shapes and sizes.