Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate ratings data capture through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, STB channel data can be communicated to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the STB channel data to a remote server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: A proxy service is described for linking a device with a remote server via a mobile application. Accordingly, a portable computer such as a smart phone can execute a mobile application that creates a proxy service through which data can be wirelessly communicated from the device to the portable computer via a personal area network (PAN) and wirelessly communicated from the portable computer to the remote server via a wide area network (WAN). The remote server can also send data to the device via the proxy service in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate ratings data capture through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, STB channel data can be communicated to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the STB channel data to a remote server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate ratings data capture through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, STB channel data can be communicated to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the STB channel data to a remote server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate ratings data capture through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, STB channel data can be communicated to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the STB channel data to a remote server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: A proxy service is described for linking a device with a remote server via a mobile application. Accordingly, a portable computer such as a smart phone can execute a mobile application that creates a proxy service through which data can be wirelessly communicated from the device to the portable computer via a personal area network (PAN) and wirelessly communicated from the portable computer to the remote server via a wide area network (WAN). The remote server can also send data to the device via the proxy service in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate video on demand (“VOD”) services through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a request for VOD content can be communicated from the STB to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the VOD content request to a VOD authorization server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate video on demand (“VOD”) services through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a request for VOD content can be communicated from the STB to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the VOD content request to a VOD authorization server over a wide area network (“WAN”).

Abstract: Direct alphanumeric navigation techniques are provided to allow for a user to directly navigate to a particular item in a list of items arranged in a predetermined order, based on key presses of a basic numeric keypad, where each key in key pad has one or more letters assigned to it. These techniques facilitate selection of an item within a long list of items without the use of incremental navigation or search functions.

Abstract: A data distribution network or system is provided that distributes digital data of any type, but in particular is configured to efficiently distribute digital data for media content titles. The network comprises a data center configured to generate one or more data streams carrying digital media content tiles for transmission to an orbiting satellite transmitter from which a signal containing the one or more data streams is broadcasted. A plurality of subscriber devices are provided, each of which is configured to receive the broadcasted signal from the satellite transmitter and to store digital data associated with a media content title desired by a subscriber device user without immediately presenting the media content title to the subscriber device user.