Abstract: A bridge is provided for connecting multiple satellite receivers to multiple accessories in a video distribution system such as a direct broadcast satellite system. The bridge is designed for interposition between multiple satellite receivers (set top boxes or STBs) and controllable accessories (e.g. LNBs or multi-switches) of the video distribution system. The bridge provides controlled communication between STBs and controllable accessories using, for example, customized vendor extensions to the DiSEqC communication protocol. The bridge includes a communication protocol transceiver for each STB port, a communication protocol transmitter for each controllable accessory port, a mailbox for each STB port, a mailbox for the bridge, and a controller, processor, processing means or processing logic controlling or regulating video distribution system communication.

Abstract: An electrical protection circuitry for a docking station base of a hand held meter and method thereof are disclosed. In the event of a short circuit at a meter interface connector, the protection circuitry removes power at the meter interface connector. Similarly, in the event of an applied voltage outside a specified operating range of the base, the protection circuitry removes power to the meter interface connector. These conditions of the electrical system of the base are monitored regardless whether the meter or the meter's battery is electrically connected to the base. The protection circuitry also provides a visual indication in the event of either the over current and under/over voltage conditions. Additionally, the base is designed to prevent liquid from pooling inside a pocket used to cradle and hold the meter in the base through the use of a drain located at the lowest point in the pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver provides an AGC function by using multiple feedback sources which provide both narrow band and wide band AGC signals in an adaptive manner. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tuner operative to generate first and second IF signals. A first demodulator is operative to generate a first AGC signal responsive to the first IF signal. A second demodulator is operative to generate a second AGC signal responsive to the second IF signal. A wide band AGC detector is operative to generate a third AGC signal responsive to at least one of the first and second IF signals. A switch is operative to selectively provide one of the first, second and third AGC signals to the tuner responsive to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver employs an efficient and cost-effective signal processing architecture which enables, among other things, the reception and processing of both analog and digital signals from multiple signal sources, such as but not limited to, terrestrial and cable signal sources. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first tuner operative to generate a first IF signal corresponding to a first RF signal. A first demodulator is operative to generate a first demodulated signal corresponding to the first IF signal. A second tuner is operative to generate a second IF signal corresponding to a second RF signal. A second demodulator is operative to generate a second demodulated signal corresponding to the second IF signal. A third demodulator is operative to generate a third demodulated signal corresponding to one of the first and second IF signals.

Abstract: A tuning apparatus compensates for temperature-related frequency variations of a filter. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tuning apparatus includes an RF signal source, a tuner, and the filter. The tuner includes a local oscillator and is coupled between the RF signal source and the filter and provides an IF signal for the filter. The tuner also includes a frequency adjustment mechanism for adjusting the frequency of the local oscillator in response to a temperature characteristic of the filter.

Abstract: A television signal processing apparatus is capable of receiving emergency alert signals and providing alert outputs to notify individuals of emergency events. According to one exemplary embodiment, the television signal processing apparatus includes a tuner (22) operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating an emergency event. A processor (27) is operative to cause the television signal processing apparatus to be switched from an off/standby mode to an on mode responsive to the emergency alert signals.