Abstract: A system and method for calibrating power level during initial ranging of a network client device, such as cable modem facilitates communications between a network client device and a network device such as a cable modem termination system. The method includes dividing the dynamic range of the cable modem transmitter into a plurality of regions and attempting initial ranging in each of the different regions. If a response is not received from the network device, the method including adjusting the power level and reattempting the initial ranging in the different regions. Once a range response message is received from the network device the process of initial ranging is complete.

Abstract: A remote control for an interactive television system includes an integrated microphone and a wireless transmitter for transmitting audio information generated by the microphone to the interactive television system. A set top box for the interactive television system includes a wireless receiver for receiving the audio information and a converter for transforming the audio information into a network-compatible audio stream for transmission to a network.

Abstract: Selecting from currently available television programs or other commercial broadcasts is enabled by clustering the broadcasts on the basis of program categories and by simultaneously displaying video information from all of the broadcasts. The channels through which the commercial broadcasts are received are monitored in order to detect any changes in program categorization. Thus, the clustering of the broadcasts is dynamic with respect to the number of broadcasts in the different clusters. Each broadcast is displayed as a reduced-scale presentation that is based upon the video information specific to the broadcasts. In one embodiment, at least one of the clusters can be split into sub-clusters, such as splitting a movie cluster or a sports cluster on the basis of genres. Optionally, the different reduced-scale presentations are continuously updated, other than during commercial times.

Abstract: A satellite broadcast receiver comprises an antenna, a tuner, a modulator, a FEC decoder, a microprocessor, and an antenna driver. The antenna receives the satellite signal and the tuner tunes the satellite signal received by the antenna, and the modulator modulates the satellite signal tuned by the tuner into digital signal, the FEC decoder corrects a position error of the satellite antenna using the signal modulated by the modulator, and outputs a corresponding output signal, and the microprocessor receives the signal modulated by the modulator and the output signal of the error corrector, and outputs a control signal which controls the position of the antenna, and the antenna driver drives the antenna in accordance with the control signal of the microprocessor. The satellite broadcast receiver enables a user to detect satellites fast and see satellite broadcast conveniently.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing modules associated with audiovisual devices, generally for use with a digital non-linear editor. A logical clock communicates information, including time and state (clock operating mode) information, to hardware and software modules through a synchronization port. The synchronization ports convert the time information into values recognizable by the module, and offset the time as needed to maintain synchronization. The state information may effect module commands for controlling audiovisual devices, such as rewind, playback and capture commands to tape players, timed such that various devices having different preparatory timing requirements are synchronized. State information, such as information indicating that a device is ready, may be returned by the modules. Video editing features such as scrubbing, looping and frame-stepping are supported by the mode information that is communicated between the clock and the synchronization ports.

Abstract: A CATV transceiver is provided within an RF shield enclosure. The transceiver circuit includes a diplexer, having fixed value inductors, that is coupleable to a CATV cable plant to receive an RF input signal and to transmit an RF output signal. The RF receiver is coupled to the diplexer and includes a frequency up-converter, a first frequency down-converter and a second frequency down-converter. The up and first down-converters include voltage controlled oscillators that are responsive to a control signal generated from a single oscillator crystal. The second frequency down-converter operates to provide an output signal representative of the RF input signal within a predetermined output frequency pass-band. The RF transmitter is also coupled to the diplexer and provides for the transmission of the RF output signal in response to an input signal.