Abstract: A system, method and data structure for error correction for use in the transmission of content data distribution networks uses a compressed memory, for example a bitmap, to identify portions of transmitted content data files where transmission errors have occurred. The error memory, is used to generate an error status report that is returned to a transmission controller via a low bandwidth back channel, for example the Internet. The information in multiple error status reports is aggregated by the control system of the transmitter and used to re-transmit those portions of previously transmitted content data files that were not properly received due to error. By re-transmitting only the data packets of the transmitted content data files that contain errors, overall transmission speed is increased and bandwidth usage is conserved.

Abstract: In a content data distribution network, a system for directing control instructions to selected ones of a plurality of receivers. The system comprises a stored value, stored in a memory location reserved for at least one local parameter in each of the plurality of receivers. An uplink distributes to the plurality of receivers over said content data distribution network a transmitted value. The system compares the stored value and transmitted value such that a True value corresponds to the selected ones of the plurality of receivers at which the control instructions are to be executed. Comparisons may be made to functions of the stored values. Comparisons may be made to multiple stored values. Multiple comparisons may be connected together with boolean operators. The stored values can be changed by the transmitted control instructions.

Abstract: A mapping processor is configured to receive a current PAT from the input data stream, and to compare input program numbers in the current PAT to known program numbers in the stored format table. If the input program numbers in the current PAT are the same as the input program numbers in the stored format table, then another data stream is output having output program numbers from the stored format table. If the input program numbers in the current PAT are not the same as the input program numbers in the stored format table, then another data stream is output having reassigned output program numbers. The reassigned output program numbers may be from another stored format table in the memory, if the other stored format table has input program numbers that match the input program numbers in the current PAT. If not the reassigned output program numbers may be newly generated.

Abstract: A system and method to minimize the number of erase cycles performed on a flash memory device to extend its useful life. A flash memory device has several areas where data is stored. Each area is referred to as a block. Memory usage is rotated between blocks to evenly distribute erase cycles.

Abstract: A system, method and data structure for error correction for use in the transmission of content data distribution networks uses a compressed memory, for example a bitmap, to identify portions of transmitted content data files where transmission errors have occurred. The error memory, is used to generate an error status report that is returned to a transmission controller via a low bandwidth back channel, for example the Internet. The information in multiple error status reports is aggregated by the control system of the transmitter and used to re-transmit those portions of previously transmitted content data files that were not properly received due to error. By re-transmitting only the data packets of the transmitted content data files that contain errors, overall transmission speed is increased and bandwidth usage is conserved.

Abstract: The system supports monitoring of receiver network status by providing an email return path for receiver status information. Remote locations provide access to an internet capable LAN, which the integrated receiver decoders use to send parameter information to the central server using the internet protocol. Unit status and parameter information is sent in a binary format using standard email protocols to transfer the data. The server translates the binary data and stores the receiver status, allowing the user to browse the latest status of any receiver which has sent back a report.

Abstract: A method of reinserting Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) data in a digital video signal includes creating a gray scale palette in a an On Screen Display (OSD) memory; sizing a VBI area in an OSD memory; locating a VBI area in an OSD memory; generating a VBI luma waveform bitmap; and overlaying the VBI luma waveform bitmap in a DVB video bit stream according to the gray scale palette, size and location data stored in the OSD memory.

Abstract: A system, method and data structure for error correction for use in the transmission of content data distribution networks uses a compressed memory, for example a bitmap, to identify portions of transmitted content data files where transmission errors have occurred. The error memory, is used to generate an error status report that is returned to a transmission controller via a low bandwidth back channel, for example the Internet. The information in multiple error status reports is aggregated by the control system of the transmitter and used to re-transmit those portions of previously transmitted content data files that were not properly received due to error. By re-transmitting only the data packets of the transmitted content data files that contain errors, overall transmission speed is increased and bandwidth usage is conserved.

Abstract: A memory control system for a network that broadcasts to multiple terminals content data including music, video and the like, and also including commercial advertisements. A memory in the terminal unit stores content data that is played upon a loss of signal from the broadcast network. The memory also stores commercial advertisements for playback from the terminal memory according to schedule control instructions, which are also stored in a memory at the terminal unit. Writing of content to a memory and reading content from the memory may be executed concurrently by interleaving. A microprocessor arbitrates use of input, output and memory buffers such that reading content from memory provides content output maintaining uninterrupted real time play even when new content data is being stored concurrently. Content data memory addresses are stored in sector tables that are further arranged in File Allocation Tables in a second memory.

Abstract: A satellite broadcast conditional access system with key synchronization uses indexing of an authorization stream to quickly restart the decrypting process after short carrier fades and after carrier switches. The authorization stream includes cyphered seeds and index numbers which are sequentially sent to a group of receivers. The same authorization stream can also be broadcast multiple times to the group of receivers. A conditional access server selects a starting index number and increments the index number by a predefined value. The receivers have a memory to save the current index number for the authorization stream. Any receiver that loses its connection to the broadcast and thereafter reestablishes its connection can retrieve the latest index number being issued in the authorization stream and compare it with the stored index number. When the index numbers match or are within a defined threshold, the receiver will continue to decypher the seeds and decrypt the transport stream.

Abstract: A protected dual purpose power/enter switch for an integrated receiver/decoder has a first relay and a second relay adapted for operative communication with a motherboard and with each other. A switch and a processor are in operative communication with the first relay. When the device is off, said switch is configured to activate the first and second relay to power up the device, and when said device is on, the first relay connects the switch to the processor as an enter switch. The switch may power off said device by entering a power off menu item displayed by said processor.

Abstract: A system and method for downloading software updates for receivers of broadcast content data distribution has multiple memories for storing the updated version of code as well as a backup copy of the prior version of code. Code is replaced with an updated version when the updated version passes a series of checks. Thereafter the updated version is designated the current version. Thereafter the backup version is changed. The method updates operational code without interrupting the execution of regular receiver functionality, such as the playing of audio and/or video. The system provides for updating operational code in option cards.

Abstract: A content data distribution system uses a single key and multiple program authorization to transmit a plurality of programs in multiplexed data packets such as those used in Digital Video Broadcasting. A receiver has a memory, a descrambler and a processor. Authorization indicators are transmitted among said data packets and stored in the memory. The authorization indicators identify a plurality of authorized data packets corresponding to at least one authorized program and further identifies a plurality of unauthorized data packets corresponding to at least one unauthorized program. Only authorized data packets are output from a receiver in decrypted form. Null sets are substituted for unauthorized data packets. Data packet tables may be rebuilt as necessary to replace tables lost in null set substitution. One key is used to encrypt all programs. Alternatively, a number of keys fewer than the number of authorized programs may be used for encryption. The keys may themselves be encrypted for transmission.

Abstract: A system, method and data structure for error correction for use in the transmission of content data distribution networks uses a compressed memory, for example a bitmap, to identify portions of transmitted content data files where transmission errors have occurred. The error memory, is used to generate an error status report that is returned to a transmission controller via a low bandwidth back channel, for example the Internet. The information in multiple error status reports is aggregated by the control system of the transmitter and used to re-transmit those portions of previously transmitted content data files that were not properly received due to error. By re-transmitting only the data packets of the transmitted content data files that contain errors, overall transmission speed is increased and bandwidth usage is conserved.

Abstract: A central controller remotely controls and configures sets of receivers to receive programs in a broadcast signal and recast selected sets of programs to selected sets of media devices over a computer network. Each receiver has an input module that receives programs from the broadcast signal, a control module that receives a control stream from the central controller, and a recasting module that reformats and transmits selects programs over the computer network. The receivers use the control stream to configure the selected sets of programs and the selected sets of media devices. The recasting module is uncoupled from the control module so that the receiver's recasting of selected program content can be different for different sets of receivers, thereby allowing any combination of broadcast programs to be recast by any set of receivers to any set of media devices. The receiver also has a storage module and interrupts the live recasting of the broadcast signal to spool out a locally stored file.

Abstract: The system supports monitoring of receiver network status by providing an email return path for receiver status information. Remote locations provide access to an internet capable LAN, which the integrated receiver decoders use to send parameter information to the central server using the internet protocol. Unit status and parameter information is sent in a binary format using standard email protocols to transfer the data. The server translates the binary data and stores the receiver status, allowing the user to browse the latest status of any receiver which has sent back a report.

Abstract: The system supports monitoring of receiver network status by providing an email return path for receiver status information. Remote locations provide access to an internet capable LAN, which the integrated receiver decoders use to send parameter information to the central server using the internet protocol. Unit status and parameter information is sent in a binary format using standard email protocols to transfer the data. The server translates the binary data and stores the receiver status, allowing the user to browse the latest status of any receiver which has sent back a report.

Abstract: In a device that receives and outputs multiplexed, packetized data streams, an output data stream mapper has an interface with an input packetized data stream, a packet processor configured to and route packets, a memory for long term retention of at least one stored format table, the stored format table having input program numbers and output program numbers, and the memory further being configured for short term retention of a current PAT. A mapping processor is configured to receive a current PAT from the input data stream, and to compare input program numbers in the current PAT to known program numbers in the stored format table. If the input program numbers in the current PAT are the same as the input program numbers in the stored format table, then another data stream is output having output program numbers from the stored format table.

Abstract: A control system for media content data broadcast has a master control processor operatively associated with a web server, each having communication links to a computer network. At least one uplink, remote from the master control processor, is operatively connected to the same computer network. The master control processor and web server are configured to receive control instruction requests from a browser through its communication link with the computer network. The control processor is configured to generate a control instruction command for controlling transmissions made by the uplink(s) by sending to the uplink(s) a control instruction command through the computer network.

Abstract: A method of reinserting Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) data in a digital video signal includes creating a gray scale palette in a an On Screen Display (OSD) memory; sizing a VBI area in an OSD memory; locating a VBI area in an OSD memory; generating a VBI luma waveform bitmap; and overlaying the VBI luma waveform bitmap in a DVB video bit stream according to the gray scale palette, size and location data stored in the OSD memory.