Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

Abstract: A video content system includes a head end server module and a content-sharing server coupled to a video content network. Also included is a converged premises gateway module coupled to the video content network at a location remote from the head end server module and the content-sharing server. The converged premises gateway module includes a processor and a video content network interface coupled to the processor and the video content network and configured for communication with the head end server module over the video content network. The gateway module also includes a memory module having a predetermined storage location for content to be shared with the content-sharing server and a local area network configured at least for distribution of video content within the remote location. The system further includes an upload module configured to cause the content in the predetermined storage location to be uploaded to the content-sharing server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to content across a plurality of devices and environments. In one embodiment, a downloadable rights profile is utilized in order for a user device to determine whether to provide content to a subscriber. The user device is first registered to content delivery the network; the device then requests a rights profile indicating the rights of the subscriber associated with the device to access content. The rights profile is transmitted to the device. The rights profile may be configured to be valid only for a pre-determined time, thus enabling a subscriber's rights to be updated (including revoked). Security mechanisms may also be utilized to ensure access to content is limited only to authorized subscribers. In another embodiment, a user-based authentication procedure is utilized, thereby making the rights determination and content provision process completely agnostic to the underlying hardware.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user's home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) Local Area Network (LAN), and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implements a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transfer and management of protected content in a network. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises server and renderer devices including, for example, consumer premise equipment (CPE) having a content handler application adapted to run thereon. The content handler directs requests for content, directs searches of a device's storage, and directs transfers of content into the device as well as within the device. The content handler may, in another embodiment, be adapted to include a scheduler entity which maintains a schedule of upcoming content, and is adapted to maintain and manage requests for the upcoming content by reserving tuner resources. The content handler may be further adapted to implement authentication and authorization procedures.

Abstract: Digital video data and digital multiple-audio data are extracted from a source, using a hardware processor in a content source device within a premises. The extracted digital video data is processed for display on a main display device in the premises; and the extracted digital multiple-audio data is processed into a primary soundtrack in a primary language, to be listened to within the premises in synchronization with the displayed extracted digital video data. The primary soundtrack corresponds to the displayed extracted digital video data, in the primary language. The extracted digital multiple-audio data is processed into at least one secondary audio asset, different than the primary soundtrack; and the at least one secondary audio asset is transmitted to a personal media device within the premises, for apprehension by a user of the personal media device in synchronization with the displayed extracted digital video data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to content across a plurality of devices and environments. In one embodiment, a downloadable rights profile is utilized in order for a user device to determine whether to provide content to a subscriber. The user device is first registered to content delivery the network; the device then requests a rights profile indicating the rights of the subscriber associated with the device to access content. The rights profile is transmitted to the device. The rights profile may be configured to be valid only for a pre-determined time, thus enabling a subscriber's rights to be updated (including revoked). Security mechanisms may also be utilized to ensure access to content is limited only to authorized subscribers. In another embodiment, a user-based authentication procedure is utilized, thereby making the rights determination and content provision process completely agnostic to the underlying hardware.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith.

Abstract: Digital video data and digital multiple-audio data are extracted from a source, using a hardware processor in a content source device within a premises. The extracted digital video data is processed for display on a main display device in the premises; and the extracted digital multiple-audio data is processed into a primary soundtrack in a primary language, to be listened to within the premises in synchronization with the displayed extracted digital video data. The primary soundtrack corresponds to the displayed extracted digital video data, in the primary language. The extracted digital multiple-audio data is processed into at least one secondary audio asset, different than the primary soundtrack; and the at least one secondary audio asset is transmitted to a personal media device within the premises, for apprehension by a user of the personal media device in synchronization with the displayed extracted digital video data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user's home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) Local Area Network (LAN), and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implements a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced tuner efficiency, wherein tuner resources function to permit multiple content streams to be demultiplexed and thus made available for subsequent display. In one embodiment, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprises a resource manager on which a guide application is run to control the tuning of an available tuner resource. This approach obviate reliance on OCAP or other proprietary vendor architecture applications. In another variant, the CPE is adapted to receive RF source data from a wideband tuner, or multiple tuners. The CPE may also be utilized in conjunction with other system configurations designed to enforce a security or other policies within a premises network. The CPE may also employ ‘look ahead’ capabilities to anticipate a QAM stream content before it is received.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to manage recording of streaming packetized content (such as for example live IP packetized content) for access, retrieval and delivering thereof to one or more users. In one embodiment, the foregoing is accomplished via communication between a recording manager and a receiver/decoder device. The recording manager manages and schedules recording of content on behalf of the receiver/decoder device (and/or mobile devices) disposed at a user's premises. The recording manager runs one or more computer programs designed to receive requests to record packetized content from one or more consumer devices, and use metadata contained within the requests to cause a cloud storage entity or premises storage device to record the content at its scheduled date/time (either via the receiver/decoder device itself, or another network entity).

Abstract: A system for gradually implementing network services to end users includes substantially redundant first and second control networks, connectable to the end users through a routable communications network. The first control network provides a first service capability to all the end users. The second control network provides a second service capability to a first portion of the end users, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the first portion of the end users. The second control network subsequently provides the second service capability to a second portion of the end users, while continuing to provide the second service capability to the first portion, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the second portion of the end users. The second service capability provided to the second portion of the end users may include revisions based on feedback from the first portion of end users.

Abstract: An ATSC to DLNA converter receives ATSC signals in an RF broadcast format for conversion to a DLNA packet format for rendering on a DLNA device in response to a subscriber request. The RF (ATSC) to packet (DLNA) converter receives transmissions in a broadcast medium having a format deliverable to a nonselective recipient set based on a broadcast range, and allows selective tuning and redirection to specific recipients via a network identifier. The RF medium is an over the air transmission receivable by a plurality of antennas within range, and the resulting media stream is directed to specific requesting subscribers based on an IP address or other network identifier. A channel mapping between the broadcast medium and the packet based media stream allows a user media selection by identifying desired content via a channel or menu selection, and a broadcast-to-packet conversion encapsulates the media stream payload for a specific recipient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to manage recording of streaming packetized content (such as for example live IP packetized content) for access, retrieval and delivering thereof to one or more users. In one embodiment, the foregoing is accomplished via communication between a recording manager and a receiver/decoder device. The recording manager manages and schedules recording of content on behalf of the receiver/decoder device (and/or mobile devices) disposed at a user's premises. The recording manager runs one or more computer programs designed to receive requests to record packetized content from one or more consumer devices, and use metadata contained within the requests to cause a cloud storage entity or premises storage device to record the content at its scheduled date/time (either via the receiver/decoder device itself, or another network entity).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, the premises network is a Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) network, and is secured by a requirement that devices use a password or key to access the network. The password may be given only to authorized devices. Information regarding a device may be utilized to associate the device with a particular premises network, and provide a password to authorized devices. The password is unique to the premises in one variant by being derived from a subscriber account. At least one of the devices requesting access to the premises network may comprise a gateway device. A home network utilizing existing coaxial cable in the premises is created between a plurality of authorized devices each receiving the password.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user's home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.