Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a data storage unit and a data processing unit. Coupled to the data storage unit, the data processing unit is adapted to the access heuristic information stored in the data storage unit and transmitting a signal that is used to at least partially control selection of broadcast advertisements being downloaded so that the broadcast advertisements are more suited to the subject matter of interest to the user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a tuner/demodulation unit, a data storage unit and a data processing unit. The data processing unit is coupled to the tuner/demodulation unit and the data storage unit. The data processing unit is adapted to detect an operation that accelerates playback of an advertisement that is part of incoming digital content received by the tuner/demodulation unit, and in response to detecting the accelerated playback, to retrieve a secondary advertisement from the data storage unit, to display the secondary advertisement and to display an image that allows the user to discern the remaining time for such a display. The secondary advertisement has a playback time greater than a normal playback time of the advertisement.

Abstract: A method of segregating a hybrid fiber cable network involves assigning a packet identifier (PID) to each of a plurality of hubs on the hybrid fiber cable network; assigning a distinct decryption method to each of the plurality of hubs, so that each of the plurality of hubs is identifiable by its associated decryption method and PID; generating selectively multiple encrypted content for transmission to the hubs, where content encrypted for use by each hub is identified by the hub's assigned PID; and transmitting the selectively multiple encrypted content over the hybrid fiber cable network to the plurality of hubs. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A TV has a TV processor and a display presenting a map showing the topology of the home network of which the TV is a part. Upon initial energization the TV discovers network devices in the home, uploads this information to an Internet server, which in turn sends back to the TV necessary information for configuring the network, without any user interaction to configure network devices.

Abstract: A virtual channel system for a web appliance includes an interactive television having a virtual channel memory disposed therein. The virtual channel memory includes data associated with at least one consumer selectable virtual channel. The data is an updatable Web page that is displayed when its associated virtual channel is selected. The interactive television also includes a user data input memory that includes user demographic information. The user demographic data can be used to customize the virtual channels available at the ITV. More specifically, the ITV system uses the demographic data to establish the virtual channels available to a specific consumer in accordance with the demographic information that he or she has input to the ITV system.

Abstract: Pan-scan is provided for a standard 4:3 aspect ratio TV displaying a 16:9 aspect ratio high definition (HD) video stream using the motion vectors that are part of MPEG-encoded streams. Specifically, if, for instance, the MPEG motion vectors indicate an object rapidly moving to the left, the left-most part of the HD video frames are shown, instead of remaining centered on the HD video frames and cutting off the left and right portions.

Abstract: A TV has a TV processor and a display presenting a map showing the topology of the home network of which the TV is a part. A user can manipulate the user input device to navigate around the map and cause content to be transmitted from a source component shown in the map to a sink component shown on the map. The map can change the appearance of component icons and/or paths between icons to provide visible indication of advantageous component and/or path selection for executing a user-desired task. Also, map information can be uploaded to an Internet server that can respond by sending back information pertaining to components represented on the map.

Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a home entertainment system includes a television having one more peripheral electronic entertainment devices connected thereto. Also, the system includes a single remote control unit for controlling all of the system components. The television, the peripheral devices, and the remote control unit include respective memory slots with which a portable memory media can be engaged. Accordingly, the memory media can be engaged with the television or the peripheral devices so that control commands and user defined preferences are downloaded thereto. Thereafter, the memory can be engaged with the remote control unit so that the control commands and user defined preferences for each component are uploaded thereto. As intended by the present invention, the remote control unit includes a microprocessor for resolving any conflicting command codes or user defined preferences.

Abstract: A method for making a color separator configured for a large screen display includes covering red, green, and blue subpixels of a phosphor display with a refraction layer, and then ink-jet printing a color selection mask layer onto the refraction layer to shield the blue and green subpixels from a first beam, shield the red and green subpixels from a second beam, and shield the red and blue subpixels from a third beam.

Abstract: A large screen emissive display operating at atmospheric pressure includes pixels, the red, green, and blue subpixels of which are excited by UV laser light scanned onto the subpixels by a pixel activation mechanism. The pixel activation mechanism includes three grating light valves (GLVs) that are controlled by a processor in response to a demanded image to modulate the UV light as appropriate to produce the demanded image. A refraction layer can be associated with a display such that respective beams are refracted onto red, green, and blue subpixels of the display.

Abstract: A method, apparatus computer program, and storage medium for storing the computer program for downloading a data program to a computing device are provided. The method comprises the steps of designating a data program; receiving the designated program at a set top box; and transferring the received data program from the set top box to the computing device.

Abstract: A method for making a color separator configured for a large screen display includes covering red, green, and blue subpixels of a phosphor display with a refraction layer, and then ink-jet printing a color selection mask layer onto the refraction layer to shield the blue and green subpixels from a first beam, shield the red and green subpixels from a second beam, and shield the red and blue subpixels from a third beam.

Abstract: A large screen emissive display operating at atmospheric pressure includes pixels, the red, green, and blue subpixels of which are excited by UV laser light scanned onto the subpixels by a pixel activation mechanism. The pixel activation mechanism includes three grating light valves (GLVs) that are controlled by a processor in response to a demanded image to modulate the UV light as appropriate to produce the demanded image. A refraction layer can be associated with a display such that respective beams are refracted onto red, green, and blue subpixels of the display.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a home entertainment system includes a television having one more peripheral electronic entertainment devices connected thereto. Also, the system includes a single remote control unit for controlling all of the system components. The television, the peripheral devices, and the remote control unit include respective memory slots with which a portable memory media can be engaged. Accordingly, the memory media can be engaged with the television or the peripheral devices so that control commands and user defined preferences are downloaded thereto. Thereafter, the memory can be engaged with the remote control unit so that the control commands and user defined preferences for each component are uploaded thereto. As intended by the present invention, the remote control unit includes a microprocessor for resolving any conflicting command codes or user defined preferences.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for enabling a user to download information displayed on a display screen of a television receiver. The system includes a device coupled to said television receiver to access information to be displayed on the display screen and a portable data device adapted to download the information from the device. The device includes a set-top box and the portable data device may be a smart card which may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip having information stored therein. The set-top box includes a back-channel for outputting information and the portable data device is coupled to the device by way of a smart card reader. The portable data device includes a display, a processor, a memory, navigation buttons and a remind button. The portable data device may communicate to the device using the ISO7816 Protocol, USB Protocol, a Serial Parallel Interface, Sony Memory Stick Protocol, etc.

Abstract: An adaptive user interface and method thereof for simplifying the use of new electronic devices, such as set top boxes, by adapting the user interface on the basis of usage history. The adaptive user interface monitors input commands to the user interface and tracks usage statistics for use in determining whether to add or remove features from the interface. A ramp-up embodiment of the invention automatically adds user interface features as the user becomes more proficient with a device. A ramp-down embodiment of the invention automatically removes seldom used interface features. By tracking users' actions, the user interface can more accurately be modified to fit actual use habits of each user, rather than relying on user perception of what functionality is used.

Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to increase effective data connection bandwidth by splitting/allocating data streams seamlessly and simultaneously across multiple connections. The apparatus providing for multi-tasking and switching of data between a plurality of bi-directional and/or download-only bandwidth channels for use by a plurality of end-user devices. The apparatus having decision-making means for allocating the various bandwidth channels to the appropriate data transfer tasks thereby maximizing the use of all available channels. This improves over the current prevailing scenario whereby each device has a single dedicated connection.

Abstract: A kiosk that can be placed at any convenient location for providing a user with the ability to upload information stored in portable compact memory storage media and to forward the information to a network destination thereby freeing the portable compact memory storage media for storing additional information.