Abstract: A system and method for delivering channels of presentation streams carrying targeted advertisements in a television service network environment. The system includes a generator for generating a set of presentation streams for each of programming channels, each of the presentation streams in each set having same programming data but different ads directed to advertiser-specific market segments of different advertisers. A plurality of local routing stations receive the generated sets of presentation streams. At least one local routing station processes the sets of presentation streams and selectively switches between the presentation streams in each set to output one presentation stream for a programming channel. As a result, a presentation stream carrying the most appropriate ad is provided to a viewer at any given time for at least one programming channel.

Abstract: A method for seamlessly splicing a local commercial segment into an existing network time slot, without decoder buffer overflow or underflow. The vbv_delay of the commercial segment is manipulated (e.g., for a minimum delay or a maximum delay). The pictures from the commercial segment are output for at least a portion of the associated network time slot duration. A determination is made regarding the number of pictures remaining in a stored portion of the incoming network feed or the commercial segment and the output rate is adjusted as required. The vbv_delay of the stored network feed or the vbv_delay of the local commercial segment is adjusted to match the vbv_delay of the incoming network feed.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling advertisements in a television service network environment. An ad scheduler prepares an ad insertion schedule based on channel change statistical information and avail time information. The scheduler evaluates the statistical information, time durations between adjacent avails in a presentation stream, and the relatedness of market segments assigned to a plurality of advertisements. It schedules the ads into presentation stream groups based on this evaluation. The statistical ad scheduling allows the system to eliminate “forced” switching between multiple presentation streams, whereby system wears and malfunctions can be decreased.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus has a search unit for searching input program information in accordance with a predetermined search condition, an assignment unit for assigning a code to a program corresponding to the program information searched by the search unit, and a processing unit for executing a process for the program in accordance with the code assigned by the assignment unit.

Abstract: Real-time events are electronically recommended using a fuzzy-now function of time. Real-time experiencing apparatus can be automatically tuned to a particular real-time event using a surf ring related to recommendations or automatically without a user request. Recommendations can be presented on a remote control device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus and an information providing apparatus. The display screen is switched to a predetermined display screen and receives processing on this predetermined display screen by operation of another operation key. Thus, in case where the present invention is applied to a set-top box for digital satellite broadcasting or the like to provide a large number of programs by various selection methods, the number of operation keys of a remote control device is prevented from being increased, so the operationality can be improved.

Abstract: A method including integrating information regarding receiving, transmitting and converting capabilities of each device in a network with regard to signal formats, so that a pertinent transmission path can be determined. Such possible transmission paths can be specified in terms of the order of devices involved in the transmission paths and a signal format between these devices involved. One of the possible transmission paths that match the transmitting device and the transmitted signal format is selected as a pertinent transmission path. The method displays the selected transmission path on a monitor. Commands are issued to devices involved in the pertinent path, and the input/output of these devices is controlled according to the commands to establish the selected transmission path automatically. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a means for storing device capability information. Also included is a memory for storing capability information of other devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a correct satellite signal connection. Specifically, a user selects a satellite signal via an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) from at least one satellite, and the IRD sends a command signal to a selector switch to acquire and lock onto said satellite signal. The IRD repeats transmission of the command signal to the selector switch once the IRD has acquired and locked onto said information signal. Thus, in the event that the selector switch failed to switch to a low noise block converter (LNB) corresponding to the initial command signal, then the repeated command signal helps to ensure that the selector switch switches to the LNB corresponding with the latest command signal sent by the IRD.

Abstract: A method of preventing collisions when a cable modem re-registers with a cable modem termination system on a cable television network following failure of a primary communications channel between the cable modem and the cable modem termination system. The method provides a service identifier that is transmitted to the cable modem during initial registration of the cable modem with the cable modem termination system. Upon registration of the cable modem with the cable modem termination system, the cable modem stores the service identifier in memory. After failure of the primary channel, the cable modem reinitializes on the cable network and waits for transmission of a bandwidth allocation map from the cable modem termination system. When the cable modem receives the bandwidth allocation map, it determines if the map contains a unicast initial maintenance opportunity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting time compression of broadcast content that has been encoded with time data, includes a processor for comparing encoded time data with broadcast time data to determine whether the content has been time compressed. The method and apparatus additionally detect commercial advertisements inserted between segments and exclude when detecting time compression of the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting an embedded portion of a television signal. The embedded portion is adjusted such that a downstream receiver effects no change on a displayed video upon decoding the adjusted embedded portion.