Abstract: In example embodiments, a system and method for keeping calls connected are provided. A call is initiated between a first user device and a second user device each of which has a connection application for maintaining communications. A call maintenance option provided by the connection application is activated on the first and second user devices. A determination is made that one of the first user device or the second user device is a call manager, whereby the call manager is responsible for reinitiating the call in response to the call being dropped. Detection that the call is dropped is made. In response to the detection that the call is dropped, the call manager reinitiates the call while the non-call manager waits in a standby mode for the reinitiation of the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting household power usage within a media gateway. An energy usage indicator is received from various electrical loads within a household using a home area network. The media gateway is communicatively coupled to the various electrical loads by means of the home area network. The energy usage indicator is incorporated into a media stream developed by the media gateway. This media stream is then disseminated to media devices within a household for display to user. Further, the energy usage indicator is conveyed to a central service which collects additional energy usage indicators and generates an energy usage guideline. The energy usage guideline is returned to the media gateway and also incorporated into the media stream to enable a user to make informed decisions about energy apportionment amongst various electrical loads in a household.

Abstract: The disclosure details the implementation of APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REPUTATION/CONTENT TRACKING AND MANAGEMENT (“REPTRACK”) which provides a straightforward, dynamic and comprehensive way for managing and monitoring posting of content onto a publicly accessible website. As taught by the disclosure, in one embodiment, the REPTRACK controls posting of content onto a publicly accessible website based upon a determined level of trust associated with a submitter of content. The REPTRACK may be configured to be especially sensitive to copyrighted material. In one implementation, in addition to determining a level of trust for the submitter of the content, the REPTRACK may determine and generate fingerprints, watermarks and/or other information for embedding in or to be associated with the uploaded content, and may base posting decisions on this determination.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a Media Expiration System (MES) that improves upon current content control systems by better managing media recordings. The MES enables media owners to disable recordings of their broadcast content and/or advertising, locally, after the content has been recorded by a consumer. In one embodiment, the MES places expiration stamps into broadcast media as it is recorded by a consumer electronics device. The MES tracks viewing habits, enables the purchasing of extended views of programs, and removes expired media programming content. The manner and way in which this is achieved results in the expiration of stale media content.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a Media Expiration System (MES) that improves upon current content control systems by better managing media recordings. The MES enables media owners to disable recordings of their broadcast content and/or advertising, locally, after the content has been recorded by a consumer. In one embodiment, the MES places expiration stamps into broadcast media as it is recorded by a consumer electronics device. The MES tracks viewing habits, enables the purchasing of extended views of programs, and removes expired media programming content. The manner and way in which this is achieved results in the expiration of stale media content.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a Media Expiration System (MES) that improves upon current content control systems by better managing media recordings. The MES enables media owners to disable recordings of their broadcast content and/or advertising, locally, after the content has been recorded by a consumer. In one embodiment, the MES places expiration stamps into broadcast media as it is recorded by a consumer electronics device. The MES tracks viewing habits, enables the purchasing of extended views of programs, and removes expired media programming content. The manner and way in which this is achieved results in the expiration of stale media content.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for activating a security module in a set-top terminal purchased from a retailer. A set-top terminal, along with a security device, is purchased from a retailer. This security device is a removable module that is inserted into the set-top terminal to permit reception of the services from the system operator. The security device includes a serial number that is registered with the system operator, and a physical layer key. The physical layer key cannot be read if the security device is disassembled. The set-top terminal is provided to the customer. The security device is retrieved by the retailer, who activates the security device by obtaining credit information from the customer, performing a credit check on the customer, establishing an account with the system operator, and retrieving an activation key from a system administrator. The activation key is a key that is downloaded to the security device to permit the reception of premium services from said system operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for activating a security module in a set-top terminal purchased from a retailer. A set-top terminal, along with a security device, is purchased from a retailer. This security device is a removable module that is inserted into the set-top terminal to permit reception of the services from the system operator. The security device includes a serial number that is registered with the system operator, and a physical layer key. The physical layer key cannot be read if the security device is disassembled. The set-top terminal is provided to the customer. The security device is retrieved by the retailer, who activates the security device by obtaining credit information from the customer, performing a credit check on the customer, establishing an account with the system operator, and retrieving an activation key from a system administrator. The activation key is a key that is downloaded to the security device to permit the reception of premium services from said system operator.