Abstract: A first mixer (306) shifts a first end (208) of a desired signal frequency bandwidth (206) of a desired signal (202) to an edge (508) of a first filter frequency bandwidth (502) of a first filter (312), wherein the first filter frequency bandwidth (502) is greater than the desired signal frequency bandwidth (206). Signals within a first undesired frequency spectrum (504) are attenuated by the first filter (314). A second mixer (316) shifts a second end (210) of the desired signal frequency bandwidth (206) to an edge (608) of a second filter frequency bandwidth (602) of a second filter (320) to receive the desired signal (202).

Abstract: A multi-tap RF modulator includes an amplifier for amplifying a telecast RF signal input to an antenna input port; a modulation section for modulating the RF signal output from a VCR, SVR, or game player; and a mixer/splitter having more than one RF output tap and for mixing the first RF signal output from the amplifier and the second RF signal output from the modulation section, the mixed RF signals being distributed into more than one RF signal. The modulator with more than one output tap enables a user to view several TV sets at the same time.

Abstract: A two-dimensional imaging system employs a multiplicity of radiation sensors disposed in an array of rows and columns. In order to couple signals from each of the sensors from an inaccessible location to an accessible location for processing of the sensor signals to produce an image of a subject viewed by the sensors, a fiber optic link employing both frequency multiplexing and frequency modulation of sensor data connects the sensor array with the signal processing equipment. In each column of the array, the sensors produce electrical signals which are coupled via a multiplexer to modulate the frequency of a voltage-controlled oscillator. A plurality of oscillators are provided for the concurrent generation of frequency-modulated signals which are then summed together to produce a composite signal. The composite signal is transmitted via a fiber-optic link to the signal processing equipment wherein the composite signal is demodulated and the frequency contributions of the various sensors are identified.

Abstract: A censoring assembly is adapted for use with a television tuner outputting a signal having a closed caption component signal. A closed caption decoding device produces a video signal having no closed caption component and converts the closed caption component into an uncensored text data signal. A censor device deletes words contained within the uncensored text data signal found in a list of offensive words, creating a censored text data signal, and may also turn off the audio signal for a timed period. The list of offensive words is generally pre-loaded with such words and phrases, but the censor device typically contains support for allowing the user to add objectionable words and for the down-loading of objectionable words from a remote location. A closed caption generator inputs the video signal having no closed caption component and the censored text data signal and generates a video signal having a censored closed caption component.

Abstract: A system is provided for supplying globally distributed video promotional information to cable systems. The cable systems contain local promotion units that distribute the globally distributed promotional information to televisions via a dedicated television channel. The local promotion unit is used to locally insert advertisements and other local promotional information. Local insertion is accomplished during local insertion opportunities. Local insertion opportunities may be provided at varying start times and may have varying durations. Local insertions may be made using varying media types, such as video, graphics, and text.

Abstract: To control a converter of a satellite receiving system, the converter receives not only a dc voltage but one of two different voltages (normally 13 or 17 volt) also an alternating voltage (normally 22 kHz). It has to be possible to control more equipment along the same (coax) cable like amplifiers and switchers and to switch between more sub-bands than two. To achieve this the satellite receiver includes a power supply unit having switching apparatus which can combine the supplying of one of the two dc voltages with an alternating voltage continuous tone or burst as (switching) information.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-drop distribution apparatus capable of installed in small space and of allowing transmission of large currents, the distribution apparatus having the same characteristics of a coaxial cylinder. A housing (1) has on its inner wall a groove (6a) interposed between a cable connecting portion (3) and a main line connection terminal (5b). The cable connecting portion (3) and the terminal (5b) are interconnected by a conductive rod (6) disposed in the groove (6a) without being in contact with the inner wall of the groove (6a). A dielectric block (7) is penetrated by the conductive rod (6a) so as to be slidable in the groove (6a).

Abstract: A brightness control apparatus for a video display appliance which keeps the brightness of the picture uniformly over the whole screen by determining the amplification rate of the video signal to be displayed at the corners of the screen relatively higher than that to be displayed at its center.

Abstract: A computer-generated image signal is analyzed to derive a set of alignment parameters for a television. These alignment parameters arc then used to configure the television accordingly. The alignment parameters may include aspects of the computer-generated image signal such as a vertical period, a horizontal frequency, a horizontal front porch, a horizontal active image time and/or a maximum RGB video level. The television may be configured to reduce its raster length to accommodate the compute generated image signal. Further, the values of the horizontal measurements for the active video time, front porch and frequency of the computer-generated image signals may be used to determine values for the television's horizontal picture size and position. Such values may be determined by computation or by table look up. In addition, other television alignment parameters such as upper and lower pin cushion, vertical bow, pin amplitude and/or horizontal angle may be determined.

Abstract: In a video server used for a video-on-demand system, a special video program, such as a commercial video program, is transmitted from a special video storage unit of the video server to each subscriber terminal within a nontransmission time which takes place during a searching time for a video program requested by the subscriber and/or during an execution time of a specific reproduction control command, such as a "FAST-FORWARD" command, a "FAST-REWIND" command. The transmission of the special video program is not stopped even when a reproduction control command is given from the subscriber to the special video storage unit by judging the reproduction control command to be invalid while a reproduction control command related to video programs different from the special video program is executed by judging the commands to be valid.

Abstract: A video signal conversion device of the present includes a flicker reduction section including a plurality of line buffers for storing data in accordance with an address thereof. The flicker reduction section receives non-interlaced signals, converts the non-interlaced signals to interlaced signals and performs a flicker reduction process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a client processing system are provided for characterizing an input television signal as broadcast television or cable television and, if the signal is cable television, as IRC cable, HRC cable, or standard cable. The client processing system includes processing circuitry configured to receive hypertext pages from a remote server and to display the hypertext pages on a display device, such as a conventional television set. The client system further includes a television tuner for receiving either cable television or broadcast television signals. When a television signal is initially provided to the client system, the client system executes a routine to automatically characterize the received television signal as broadcast, HRC cable, IRC cable, or standard cable. The characterization is made based upon one or more frequencies at which the incoming television signal is detected.

Abstract: An induced AC power source video amplifier includes a signal amplifying circuit, a transformer, and a plastic material shell. One end of the transformer is connected to a metal AC line input prong, and another end is connected to supply power to a signal amplifying circuit. The signal amplifying circuit and transformer are fixed to the plastic material shell so that the metal prong projects to the outside of the shell. The shell further includes input and output terminals and selective switches, including a gain select switch and an input select switch.

Abstract: A system and method for indexing between video streams in an interactive video delivery system. The interactive video delivery system includes at least one media server which stores video streams having different presentation rates. In one embodiment, the system stores a normal play stream and one or more corresponding trick play streams. The trick play video streams are fast forward and/or fast reverse video streams. The system generates index tables or look-up tables between the normal play and trick play video streams which enable indexing between the streams, and uses these look-up tables to switch back and forth between the streams. In creating the index tables, the system first analyzes the normal play stream and creates a normal play time standard based on presentation timestamps from the normal play stream. The system then creates an index table or look-up table for each of the normal play and trick play video streams using the normal play time standard.

Abstract: A low power passive .SIGMA..DELTA. converter for baseband applications and with a built in mixer for direct conversion. For direct conversion, low power consumption is achieved by adopting a passive loop filter for the .SIGMA..DELTA. converter together with merging the sampling and mixing functions together utilizing a specially designed mixer. With a passive loop filter, the only gain element in the loop is a high gain, high speed, low noise comparator. The mixer can be located outside of the feedback loop, although according to one aspect of the present invention, the mixer is incorporated inside the feedback loop. For baseband applications, the same design is utilized with a simple sampling switch instead of a mixer for processing baseband signals with low power consumption.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which allows video and audio/video transmissions over unloaded, twisted pairs of telephone wires. The system provides for automatic compensation of attenuation of a broadband video signal by measuring the attenuation of the low frequency components of the signal to determine the length of the unloaded, twisted pair through which the signal has been transmitted. This calculation is performed by comparing the attunated signal with the known signal level of transmission. Based upon the calculated length, the signal is amplified nonlinearly, since a greater loss occurs in the high frequency portions of a broadband signal than in the low frequency portions in transmission over twisted pairs of telephone wires. The signal is thereupon reconstructed. Also, the system allows transmission of a broadband frequency spectrum much wider than has heretofore been obtained. A broadband signal of at least 10.7 MHz can be transmitted over the system.

Abstract: A television program guide system is provided in which the relative sizes of the promotional information and program listings regions can be adjusted in real time to provide different display formats. The size of the promotional information region can be increased to accommodate normal aspect ratio videos that are larger than a quarter screen. The size of the promotional information region can be reduced when a logo or similar small graphic is to be displayed in the promotional information region. Transition between different configurations can be instantaneous or can take place gradually over a period of time. Transitions can be controlled and can be synchronized with the content of the promotional information region.

Abstract: An automatic picture size control method for a semiwide-screen television receiver. According to the method, levels of left and right edge portions in all active period of one horizontal scanning line of a received television signal are sampled, and how many times a sampled level becomes a black level for a predetermined time is detected and counted. Thereafter, a size of a displayed picture is designated as a plus picture size or a normal picture if a counted value is larger than a predetermined first value, or smaller than a predetermined second value, respectively.

Abstract: A method of increasing the brightness of a pulse width modulation display system. Image bits are displayed during display periods having a non-binary relationship. The display period of an object bit 902 is set equal to a minimum data load time, and the display periods of all other bits are initially set to have a binary relationship with the object bit. The display periods of at least one non-object bit 904, 906, 908 are then reduced in order to reduce the total frame time to no more than the available useable frame time 910. Preferably, only the display periods of bit of significance greater than the object bit are reduced. The reduction of display periods is guided by Weber's law, in order to prevent the non-binary steps from being noticeable or objectionable to the viewer.

Abstract: An interface for a television system whereby a user, while viewing a television program, can upon demand via remote control view information in a banner overlaid on the currently displayed program. The banner may contain descriptions of programs being aired currently on all available channels, and descriptions of programs that are scheduled for future broadcasts on all available channels. The user can jump through the channel timeslots by manipulating keys on the keypad or remote control to input the number of hours to jump ahead or back. Program scheduling is provided by an electronic program guide that is received with the television signals and stored in the television receiver.