Abstract: Plasma Display Panels (PDP) are becoming more and more interesting for TV technology. One important criterion for picture quality is the Peak White Enhancement Factor (PWEF). From a previous patent application of the applicant it is known to have a table of power level modes in a control unit for the display device. The average picture power value is measured and a corresponding power level mode will be selected from the table for sub-field coding. The power level modes have been made variable in respect to a number of parameters, namely: the number of sub-fields the sub-field type the sub-field positioning the sub-field weight the sub-field pre-scaling a factor for the sub-field weights which is used to vary the amount of small pulses generated during each sub-field. According to the invention it is now proposed to use one or both of the following parameters in addition for varying the power level modes: the sustain frequency the sustain pulse slope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving grey scale fidelity portrayal of pictures displayed on matrix display screens. The method comprises the following steps: a) for a given peak white level, distributing the sustain pulses among the sub-fields, the number of pulses corresponding to the sub-field weighting, b) mapping the sub-field codes to luminance codes, c) re-ordering luminance codes in a definite order, d) mapping the video levels to the available luminance codes, e) processing the video levels to achieve intermediate levels of luminance f) then, mapping luminance codes to the output sub-field codes. The method is used in plasma display panels (PDP).

Abstract: A method of transmitting and recording digital data scrambled using a control word. The scrambled data is transmitted together with the control word, and the method includes encrypting the control word with a first key. The encrypted control word is transmitted and received, and then decrypted with a decoder that includes an equivalent of the first key. The control word is re-encrypted with a second key stored in a portable support device that is received by the decoder, and the portable support device may be used with any suitable decoder. The re-encrypted control word and the scrambled digital data are recorded on a digital recording medium. An apparatus for transmitting and recording digital data scrambled using a control word. The scrambled data is transmitted together with the control word, and the apparatus includes a transmitter that encrypts the control word with a first key and transmits the encrypted control word. A decoder receives the encrypted control word and decrypts the control word.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for maintaining synchronization between a video signal and an audio signal. The video signal and the audio signal are processed using clocks that a r e locked. The system may comprise a component that determines an initial audio input buffer level, a component that determines an amount of drift in the initial audio input buffer level and adjusts the clocks to maintain the initial audio input buffer level if the amount of drift reaches a first predetermined threshold, and a component that measures a displacement of a video signal associated with t h e audio signal in response to the adjusting of the clocks and operates to negate the measured displacement of the video signal if the measured displacement reaches a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing performance of a read buffer and a write buffer in a disc media having a feature requiring apparently simultaneous reading and writing. The method includes alternately writing data to the disc media from the write buffer during a write time tW and reading data from the disc media to the read buffer during a read time tR. The read time and the write time are generally separated by a jump time tJ. The write time is selectively controlled so that it is optimized in accordance with respect to the front end read speed, the decoding bit rate, the front end write speed of the recordable media device and the encoding bit rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coding a data stream, in which the digital sum value of the coded data stream should be close to zero and two alternative code words can be used for the coding at least for some of the possible data values. It is the object of the invention to propose a method for coding a data stream which provides for simple coding of the data stream while at the same time ensuring a digital sum value close to zero. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a method in which the digital sum value of the coded data stream is determined, this value is compared with a first or a second boundary value in dependence on the polarity of the coded data stream and a received data value is coded by a first or a second code word belonging to the respective boundary value in dependence on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of domestic networks. A domestic network based on the present UpnP-Standard allows AV connections to be set up between two network subscriber stations. Network connections such as these are set up and managed under the control of a network station which is in the form of a control point. In this case, the UpnP-Standard allows the network station which is the form of a control point to log off the network after setting up an AV connection, and thus to be inactive while the AV connection that has been set up is in existence. This results in the problem that an AV connection which has been set up unnecessarily remains in existence even after the desired AV data stream has been transmitted, so that further connection requests for such stations must be answered with a rejection.

Abstract: A terminal for processing digital audio-visual or multimedia data including a data processing system and a memory, the data processing system storing user profile data (81, 82, 83) relating to the characteristics or preferences of multiple users (80) of the terminal. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the user profiles correspond to modes of operation of the terminal, the user profile data including priority data indicating the priority rights of each user to terminal resources.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for managing priorities of access of applications to resources of devices linked by a communication network. The process is characterized in that the said process comprises the steps: of allocating, to each application, a level of priority of access to the resources of the network, the said levels comprising at least the following levels: (a) a first access priority level for an application which is not under the direct control of a user, (b) a second access priority level for an application which can be commanded directly by a user, of authorizing preemption by a first application of access to a resource, which access was obtained previously by a second application, as a function of the respective access priorities of the first and second applications.

Abstract: An improved interactive network system is provided that allows the Network Operator to control the transfer of information to and from the network end users, the system preferably using triggers or markers embedded within the programming broadcast to users via the network. As a consequence of this system, the Network Operator is able to efficiently garner revenues from third parties transacting business over the network and to control the look and feel of programming offered to network users. Additionally the system can be used as a means of limiting network access, filtering programming, providing on-screen graphics or audible signals for particular programming types or providers, bookmarking programming, profiling network users, targeting advertising, and simplifying network transactions.

Abstract: Decoder system initialization involves scanning to associate a particular program guide with individual channels. A similar procedure is also performed upon introduction of a new channel. A system for acquiring program guide information conveyed on one of a plurality of broadcast channels involves scanning through received broadcast channels to identify program guides available on individual channels. A program guide of a selected program guide type (e.g. analog-VBI type, MPEG PSI type or ATSC PSIP type) is associated with a broadcast channel by updating a video decoder database. The program guide of the selected program guide type is acquired and used in capturing packetized program information comprising a program conveyed on an individual broadcast channel. In another feature, data received on an individual broadcast channel is examined to identify program guides of particular type in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing packetized signal having a plurality of channels carrying program information. The packetized signal also includes program guide information that includes channel identifier data. The program guide information comprises a sequence of data blocks including a segment map that includes information about the partitioning of the plurality of channels into segments and map block that includes information relating specific channels of the plurality of channels with respective channel identifier data.

Abstract: A television signal receiver (having an emergency alert function provides an alert output in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver includes a tuner operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event. A processor is operative to enable an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.

Abstract: A device for sensing unauthorized use of an electronic security device has a host device and a detector with a loop antenna associated with the port that receives the electronic security device, such as a smart card. The host device comprises a housing having the port formed therein. In one embodiment, the port detector senses radiation emitted from unauthorized use of the electronic security device by attachment of hot-wire conductors to the security device, which conductors carry currents through the port and the detector. In an alternate embodiment, the dielectric constant of the electronic security device is measured and compared to a predetermined value for distinguishing a nominal device from one with attached hot wiring.

Abstract: In a method for managing a Certificate Revocation List (CRL), a first device (31, 61) receives the CRL (33, 67) which comprises at least one revoked certificate identifier (SNi). An integrity field (MACi) associated to an entry of the CRL (371, . . . , 37p) is calculated using a secret data (KCRL), wherein an entry comprises at least one revoked certificate identifier of the CRL. The entry and its associated calculated integrity field are transmitted to a second device (32, 62), distinct from the first device and are stored into the second device. The method further comprises checking a validity of a certificate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for implementing an update mechanism between an HTTP gateway and a web client, both connected to a non-IP based network, characterized by, said non IP based network having event management capabilities, the steps of: by the web client, subscribing with a local event manager for notification of events comprising information of an update of a data object of the HTTP gateway; by the HTTP gateway, sending said event on the non-IP based network when the update occurs; by the web client, receiving said event and requesting transmission of the updated data object from the HTTP gateway.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and a process for signing digital streams, each of them comprising contents, related to audiovisual information, and a signaling. The device applies encrypting to selectively determined descriptors of the signaling, called authenticated descriptors, to obtain signature. The invention also concerns corresponding authentication device and process. Application to authentication of DVB/MPEG digital streams, notably for MHP.

Abstract: A device interface for use in a receiver/decoder for a broadcast digital television system in which received signals are passed through a receiver to the receiver/decoder and then to a television set. The receiver/decoder decodes a compressed MPEG-type signal, and is controlled by a remote controller handset, through an interface in the receiver/decoder. The operation of the receiver/decoder is controlled by a virtual machine (VM) which includes a run time engine (RTE). The receiver/decoder includes a plurality of interfaces to external units. The device interface enables an application run by the RTE to access an IEEE 1394 interface.

Abstract: An inventive method provides various reproduction modes by controlled selection of replay locations. Selection within a video stream or between separate video streams derived for selected trick-play speeds may be facilitated. The method allows selections to be decoded and displayed independently from a previously video stream selection.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer for processing a data signal provides concurrent equalizer outputs for hard decision directed and soft decision directed modes. The joint architecture in accordance with the present invention takes advantage of the fact, herein recognized, that for each equalizer output symbol soft decision bit representation, a subset of these bits corresponds to the hard decision representation. As a result, the invention permits the concurrent output of two distinct modes with essentially the same hardware as a one output equalizer.