Abstract: A method and computing system for seamlessly inserting a local audio clip into a primary audio stream. The method sends the primary audio stream to an audio output port, and determines main parameters for the primary audio stream. The method receives a request to insert an encoded local audio clip, locates an insertion point in the primary audio stream that coincides with an end of a frame boundary, and identifies a best matching encoded local audio clip for the main parameters. The method receives and sends the best matching encoded local audio clip to the audio output port, stores the primary audio stream in a buffer while sending the best matching encoded local audio clip, and resumes the sending of the primary audio stream when the sending of the best matching encoded local audio clip is complete.

Abstract: A method for facilitating playback of recorded content having a service transition point is provided. The method includes recording content containing a pre-transition service and a post-transition service, in which the pre-transition service occurs prior to the service transition point and the post-transition service occurs after the service transition point. The method also includes generating a content change file having content change records associated with the pre-transition service, the service transition point, and the post-transition service, and communicating the content and the content change file to a playback device configured to play the recorded content.

Abstract: Simultaneous display of multiple audio/video (AV) programs transmitted over a digital link is described. At a source device, at least one non-composited digital transport stream is generated from the plurality of AV programs. The at least one non-composited digital transport stream is augmented with control information. The control information is operative to invoke simultaneous display of the plurality of AV programs on a display device. The at least one non-composited digital transport stream is then transmitted as augmented over the digital link. At a sink device, at least one non-composited digital transport stream having the plurality of AV programs is received over the digital link. Control information is extracted from the at least one non-composited digital transport stream. The plurality of AV programs are identified within said non-composited digital transport stream in response to the control information. The identified AV programs are then simultaneously displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A set top box includes a tuner for receiving a switched digital video (SDV) stream from an SDV source, in which the SDV stream contains content and a default advertisement. The set top box also includes a memory for storing the SDV stream and a controller for generating and outputting an ad catalog to at least one of an ad server and an SDV manager, in which the ad catalog contains information useable by the ad server in identifying one or more alternative advertisements to be played by the set top box during play of the SDV stream in place of the default advertisement, and in which the controller is configured to receive the one or more alternative advertisements and to replace the default advertisement in the SDV stream.

Abstract: In a method for transitioning between multiple services in an MPEG stream, the MPEG stream including a pre-transition service and a post-transition service is received. In addition, a service transition point that identifies a location in the MPEG stream where the MPEG stream transitions from the pre-transition service having a first set of packet identifiers (PIDs) to the post-transition service having a second set of PIDs is detected for the MPEG stream and the second set of PIDs is mapped to have the same values as the first set of PIDs.

Abstract: In a method for receiving data from a source device in a terminal having a terminal identifier, a code section lookup table is received from the source device, in which the code section lookup table contains a correlation between terminal labels and specific code sections. In addition, a determination as to whether the terminal identifier of the terminal matches a terminal label listed in the code section lookup table is made, and if there is a match, the specific code section corresponding to the matching terminal label is identified and downloaded from the source device.

Abstract: A method of operating a digital video service set top box system is provided. The set top box system accommodates playback of locally stored recorded secondary digital video content. The method begins by initiating playback of a primary digital video program. Insertion points associated with the primary digital video program are detected; these insertion points indicate frame-accurate transition points in the primary digital video program. During playback of the primary digital video program, the recorded secondary digital video program is inserted at any appropriate insertion point in a frame-accurate manner. The termination of the secondary digital video program is likewise marked and triggers a return to the primary digital video program, at the original insertion point or any other desired insertion point which may exist in the primary digital video program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for recording a program. The method includes storing, in response to a use request, at least one content file that includes first and second program segments that are spliced to form a single program. At least one index file is created and stored. The file index includes program specific information associated with the first and second program segments. The index file also includes an identification of a splice point denoting a transition between the first and second program segments. In addition, a splice index is created and stored. The splice index includes timing information specifying a time at which the splice point occurs.

Abstract: A method is provided for downloading software to first and second devices. A request is received for a service that is to be implemented on the first and second devices and which is to be interoperable between the first and second devices. An identification of the first and second devices is received. Based in part on the identifications that are received, a first software image is identified for implementing the service on the first device and at least a second software image is identified for implementing the service on the second device such that the first and second images implement the services on their respective devices in a manner that is interoperable with one another. The first software image is provided to a first download server configured to download software images to the first device over a first communications network.

Abstract: This method and system allow a subscriber to a cable television service to receiving a listing or menu of programming available for that subscriber's set-top terminal to upgrade or enhance the features available over the cable system. A Directory of Services (DoS) message is transmitted over the cable system to the subscriber's set-top terminal. The terminal can then display for the subscriber the menu of programming available. This display may include a price for downloading each programming object. The subscriber can then, using a remote control unit or a user input device on the terminal, direct the set-top terminal to acquire a listed programming object. The DoS message will provide information enabling the set-top terminal to download the indicated programming object from the cable system in response to the subscriber's input. The subscriber can then have immediate access to upgraded or enhanced programming, the purchase of which is billed to the subscriber's account.

Abstract: A Download Control Message instructs a set-top terminal in a cable television system to located and immediately begin downloading a code or other data object available over the cable system. The Download Control Message specifies, for example, the size, name, version and location (URL or transport stream and PID) of the object to be acquired by the set-top terminal. The terminal accordingly can begin immediate acquisition of the object. An address or other characteristic associated with the Download Control Message allows the system operator to target the Message to a particular set-top terminal or group of terminals.

Abstract: A method and system manages and controls the download of programming, i.e., code objects, to a set-top terminal connected to a cable television system so as to prevent disruptions to service that may arise if only some of the objects specified are successfully downloaded and might, therefore, function improperly or conflict with existing applications. When the message to download new or additional code objects lists two or more objects to be acquired, the set-top terminal will only enable and execute downloaded objects if all the listed objects are successfully acquired. If only some of the objects the terminal has been instructed to download are acquired, those downloaded objects may either be purged or stored in memory without being enabled and executed. The system operator may specify in the message instructing the terminal to acquire new objects, whether the listed objects must be implemented as a group or not at all.

Abstract: A method and system manages and controls the download of programming, i.e., code objects, to a set-top terminal connected to a cable television system so as to prevent disruptions to service that may arise if only some of the objects specified are successfully downloaded and might, therefore, function improperly or conflict with existing applications. When the message to download new or additional code objects lists two or more objects to be acquired, the set-top terminal will only enable and execute downloaded objects if all the listed objects are successfully acquired. If only some of the objects the terminal has been instructed to download are acquired, those downloaded objects may either be purged or stored in memory without being enabled and executed. The system operator may specify in the message instructing the terminal to acquire new objects, whether the listed objects must be implemented as a group or not at all.

Abstract: A method and system identify programming code that is appropriate to the architecture and capabilities of a set-top terminal in a cable television system. The appropriate programming code is identified from among a variety of code objects being broadcast from the headend facility of the cable television system. A platform identifier stored in the set-top terminal is matched to a corresponding platform identifier in an entitlement management message or other download locator message that specifies where in the transport stream from the headend a particular code object can be acquired. By acquiring the object corresponding to the message bearing a matching platform identifier, the set-top terminal acquires programming code compatible with its attributes. Additionally, the cable television system can then optimally support a varied population of set-top terminals.