Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for media content at a residential gateway from a device coupled to the residential gateway and sending a media content request to a server based on the request. The method includes receiving a video data stream of the media content at the residential gateway. Data packets of the video data stream enable generation of the media content at a first resolution. A first subset of the data packets include tags that enable identification of particular data packets usable to generate the media content at a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. The method also includes determining a display characteristic of a display device coupled to the device and sending the particular data packets to the device when the display characteristic indicates that the device is to receive the media content at the second resolution.

Abstract: A burner including a body having an air inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A gas supply tube is disposed in the body and includes an air swirler and a nozzle at an end thereof. A plurality of outer gas spuds are disposed radially outwardly of the burner outlet, the outer gas spuds including a tube and a spud tip having a first set of openings that are directed generally parallel to an axis of the tube of the outer gas spuds and a second set of openings that are directed at an angle of at least ten degrees to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for media content at a residential gateway from a device coupled to the residential gateway and sending a media content request to a server based on the request. The method includes receiving a video data stream of the media content at the residential gateway. Data packets of the video data stream enable generation of the media content at a first resolution. A first subset of the data packets include tags that enable identification of particular data packets usable to generate the media content at a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. The method also includes determining a display characteristic of a display device coupled to the device and sending the particular data packets to the device when the display characteristic indicates that the device is to receive the media content at the second resolution.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for media content at a residential gateway from a device coupled to the residential gateway and sending a media content request to a server based on the request. The method includes receiving a video data stream of the media content at the residential gateway. Data packets of the video data stream enable generation of the media content at a first resolution. A first subset of the data packets include tags that enable identification of particular data packets usable to generate the media content at a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. The method also includes determining a display characteristic of a display device coupled to the device and sending the particular data packets to the device when the display characteristic indicates that the device is to receive the media content at the second resolution.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for media content at a residential gateway from a device coupled to the residential gateway and sending a media content request to a server based on the request. The method includes receiving a video data stream of the media content at the residential gateway. Data packets of the video data stream enable generation of the media content at a first resolution. A first subset of the data packets include tags that enable identification of particular data packets usable to generate the media content at a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. The method also includes determining a display characteristic of a display device coupled to the device and sending the particular data packets to the device when the display characteristic indicates that the device is to receive the media content at the second resolution.

Abstract: A system includes a signal-processing engine configured to generate a video data stream including a plurality of data packets based on a received video signal. A first subset of the plurality of data packets is usable to generate a video display of content having a first quality and all of the plurality of data packets are usable to generate a second video display of the content having a second quality. The second quality is higher than the first quality. The signal-processing engine is further configured to distinguish the first subset of the plurality of data packets from other data packets of the plurality of data packets by applying a tag to particular data packets to form tagged data packets. The system also includes a transmitter coupled to the signal-processing engine and configured to transmit the plurality of data packets of the video data stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and digital subscriber line (DSL) video services to multiple display devices are disclosed. Generally the disclosed system receives a plurality of DBS channels and DSL content. The system receives a first user-initiated video selection and generates a first television signal based on the first user-initiated video selection. The first television signal combines video from at least one DBS channel and video from DSL content for simultaneously displaying at least a portion of the video from at least one DBS channel and at least a portion of the video from the DSL content on a display device. The first television signal is then transmitted to a first display device. Additionally, the system receives a second user-initiated video selection, generates a second television signal based on the second user-initiated video selection, and transmits the second television signal to a second display device.

Abstract: A digital image capturing system and method are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a processing engine that performs digital image processing functions like noise reduction, gain control, white balance and others. In one embodiment, the image capturing system may have a first image sensor operable to capture a first view of a scene and a second image sensor operable to capture a second and different view of the scene. A selector may be employed to selectively route either the first view information or the second view information onto the processing engine. In preferred embodiments, the sensors may be CMOS sensors and, as such, relatively inexpensive. By allowing two inexpensive sensors to share image processing electronics, an image capturing system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may be able to offer compelling functional characteristics at a reasonable price.

Abstract: A system includes a signal-processing engine configured to generate a video data stream including a plurality of data packets based on a received video signal. A first subset of the plurality of data packets is usable to generate a video display of content having a first quality and all of the plurality of data packets are usable to generate a second video display of the content having a second quality. The second quality is higher than the first quality. The signal-processing engine is further configured to distinguish the first subset of the plurality of data packets from other data packets of the plurality of data packets by applying a tag to particular data packets to form tagged data packets. The system also includes a transmitter coupled to the signal-processing engine and configured to transmit the plurality of data packets of the video data stream.

Abstract: A communications gateway can be used to provide communications services from a communications service provide to electronic devices within a structure. Signals can be transmitted from the communications gateways to the electronic devices over a plurality of different types of wireline media. The communications gateway can allow communication services using a wireline medium (e.g., a set of twisted pair wires) to be transmitted within the structure by taking advantage of existing wireline media (e.g., CAT3 cable, coaxial cable, power lines, etc.).

Abstract: A broadcast overlay network has a ring topology to carry broadcast traffic from a head-end network. A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) has a network interface in communication with the broadcast overlay network. The DSLAM is to receive a request for a particular video channel from a customer premise via a line interface and to deliver the particular video channel from the network interface to the line interface.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of remote control devices receives user-initiated video selections of any of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) channels, digital subscriber line (DSL) video content, and combinations of DBS channels and DSL video content. Based on the selections, each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote control devices to request any of a DBS channel, DSL video content, and a combination of a DBS channel and DSL video content, and to generate a television signal based thereon. A DBS distribution module simultaneously receives and distributes all DBS channels requested by the video processing modules. A DSL modem receives any DSL video content requested by the video processing modules. A networking module distributes the DSL video content to those of the video processing modules requesting same.

Abstract: A broadcast overlay network has a ring topology to carry broadcast traffic from a head-end network. A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) has a network interface in communication with the broadcast overlay network. The DSLAM is to receive a request for a particular video channel from a customer premise via a line interface and to deliver the particular video channel from the network interface to the line interface.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of remote control devices receives user-initiated video selections of any of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) channels, digital subscriber line (DSL) video content, and combinations of DBS channels and DSL video content. Based on the selections, each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote control devices to request any of a DBS channel, DSL video content, and a combination of a DBS channel and DSL video content, and to generate a television signal based thereon. A DBS distribution module simultaneously receives and distributes all DBS channels requested by the video processing modules. A DSL modem receives any DSL video content requested by the video processing modules. A networking module distributes the DSL video content to those of the video processing modules requesting same.

Abstract: Simple, durable tripods for instruments such as those employed by surveyors, cameras, telescopes, laser-based measuring devices, etc. These tripods feature a tripod head which is a single piece of material and pivotable legs with a one-piece foot and a side-by-side or triangular array of hollow posts which provides strength and rigidity at a low weight. The tripod components are fabricated principally from colorfast, impact resistant, synthetic polymers which are: dimensionally stable under varying ambient temperatures; impact resistant; resistant to chemical attack and ultraviolet degradation; and, in the case of components which move relative to each other, self-lubricating. The tripod legs may or may not be extensible; in either case the tension between each tripod leg and the tripod head is independently adjustable. Stability may be promoted by rolling bearings which are located at the upper ends of the tripod legs and are seated on complementary bearing surfaces in the tripod head.