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: 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 scaleable digital broadband network capable of delivering broadcast digital video data, on-demand digital video data, video and audio telephony, and data originating or emanating with an end user personal computer, e.g. Internet data, is disclosed. The network of the present invention is partitioned into a service applications content management subsystem, a delivery network subsystem coupled to the applications management subsystem, and a network management subsystem coupled to the delivery network subsystem. The present invention permits the service applications content management subsystem to request delivery network resource devices for the manipulation, formatting, or any other necessary preparation of the deliverable data in the form of generic functional blocks. The service applications content management subsystem does not need to understand what actual devices are used to provide the requested functionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allocating a plurality of tuning devices to access services provided by a broadband network head-end. The tuning devices are controlled by a client device which schedules the tuning devices to access the services. The client device receives a plurality of requests for the services provided by the broadband network head-end. The number of requests exceeds the number of tuning devices. The client device automatically assigns each of the tuning devices to a specific one of the services.

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.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for distributing a content object over a network system is disclosed. In one step, a request is detected for the content object associated with one of a plurality of content providers coupled to a network that uses a first transport protocol. A node of the network receives the content object from the one of the plurality of content providers. The content object is buffered at a point distant from the one of the plurality of content providers and the content receiver. The content object is transported between the node and a content receiver with a second transport protocol. The first transport protocol is different from the second transport protocol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the display of advertising material on a personal versatile recorder (PVR) 10 during trick play modes. Television or other program material 20 is stored on a PVR. Advertising material is also stored on the PVR. One or more memory devices (e.g., program file 20 and ad file 30) may be provided for storing the program material and advertising material on the PVR. A display engine 40 is provided which is associated with the one or more memory devices for providing display output 50. A motion control engine 70 is used to direct the display engine 40 to merge the advertising material 30 with the program material 20 during PVR trick play modes such that the advertising material 30 is displayed, e.g., on a display device 100. The trick play modes may include pause, scan forward, scan backward, jump, still frame display, and the like. An ad selection engine 60 may be provided for controlling the advertising material to be displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling functional units within a conditional access system. In one embodiment, a method for controlling access to a functional unit within a set top box is described. In one step, first information comprising a plurality of functional unit identifiers and one or more tier requirements respectively related to each functional unit identifier is received. Second information comprising tier rights is also received. The functional unit identifiers are correlated to their respective tier requirements. The functional unit is interacted with. It is determined if the respective tier requirements are satisfied by the tier rights. Further interaction with the functional unit is authorized.

Abstract: An improved electronic article security system is employed for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone. The system includes a transmitter for generating electromagnetic energy and, in the disclosed embodiment, a single antenna for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone. A receiver is provided for processing signals from the antenna relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals. A data processing and control section analyzes the output signals from the receiver and determines whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone.