Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved software programming interface functionality in a network. In one exemplary embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable network with CPE in which network-specific programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) may be downloaded to the CPE, registered, authenticated, stored and executed in a software protocol stack implementing OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) or Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standards. The host device software comprises a “manager” module that registers APIs identified by the OCAP Monitor Application, such that all applications launched thereafter on the device can use these communications APIs, provided they have the appropriate permission(s). This relieves individual applications from having to support details regarding network-specific protocols and APIs. In an alternate embodiment, class and data files associated with the API functionality are downloaded along with an application.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved hardware registry is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to both identify and control available hardware resources. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having digital video recording (DVR) capability. An application downloaded to the device discovers the registry and software interfaces associated therewith, and then utilizes the interfaces to automatically control the requisite hardware capability. Improved client device, network and head end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extending the capabilities of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using one or more on-demand applications. In one aspect, an improved media handling extension is provided within the device with which the various application(s) can interface to facilitate on-demand interaction between the CPE and the head end or other network entity. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box (DSTB) having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the OCAP/ACAP/MHP mandated Java Media Framework (JMF) APIs. A specially configured application is downloaded to the DSTB and run, the application configuring the paths within the device to provide, inter cilia, media access to the on-demand application(s) according to one or more network specific protocols. Accordingly, the network MSO can also uniquely configure the CPE within its network for on-demand capability according to its own specific protocols from the head-end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved software programming interface functionality in a network. In one exemplary embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable network with CPE in which network-specific programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) may be downloaded to the CPE, registered, authenticated, stored and executed in a software protocol stack implementing OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) or Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standards. The host device software comprises a “manager” module that registers APIs identified by the OCAP Monitor Application, such that all applications launched thereafter on the device can use these communications APIs, provided they have the appropriate permission(s). This relieves individual applications from having to support details regarding network-specific protocols and APIs. In an alternate embodiment, class and data files associated with the API functionality are downloaded along with an application.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extending the capabilities of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using one or more on-demand applications. In one aspect, an improved media handling extension is provided within the device with which the various application(s) can interface to facilitate on-demand interaction between the CPE and the head end or other network entity. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box (DSTB) having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the OCAP/ACAP/MHP mandated Java Media Framework (JMF) APIs. A specially configured application is downloaded to the DSTB and run, the application configuring the paths within the device to provide, inter alia, media access to the on-demand application(s) according to one or more network specific protocols. Accordingly, the network MSO can also uniquely configure the CPE within its network for on-demand capability according to its own specific protocols from the head-end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling display elements within a networked device. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the device a digital set-top box (DSTB) with front panel display(s). A downloadable software module is provided that is adapted to discover the front panel display capabilities of the device, and control the display accordingly. This approach allows, inter alia, the cable network operator or other entity to manage the user's experience relating to the front panel display(s) on various types of client devices. The module is also optionally platform-agnostic (i.e., “universal”) so that the aforementioned capabilities are provided largely irrespective of the device hardware/software environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transfer and management of protected content in a network. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises server and renderer devices including, for example, consumer premise equipment (CPE) having a content handler application adapted to run thereon. The content handler directs requests for content, directs searches of a device's storage, and directs transfers of content into the device as well as within the device. The content handler may, in another embodiment, be adapted to include a scheduler entity which maintains a schedule of upcoming content, and is adapted to maintain and manage requests for the upcoming content by reserving tuner resources. The content handler may be further adapted to implement authentication and authorization procedures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling display elements within a networked device. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the device a digital set-top box (DSTB) with front panel display(s). A downloadable software module is provided that is adapted to discover the front panel display capabilities of the device, and control the display accordingly. This approach allows, inter alia, the cable network operator or other entity to manage the user's experience relating to the front panel display(s) on various types of client devices. The module is also optionally platform-agnostic (i.e., “universal”) so that the aforementioned capabilities are provided largely irrespective of the device hardware/software environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling display elements within a networked device. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the device a digital set-top box (DSTB) with front panel display(s). A downloadable software module is provided that is adapted to discover the front panel display capabilities of the device, and control the display accordingly. This approach allows, inter alia, the cable network operator or other entity to manage the user's experience relating to the front panel display(s) on various types of client devices. The module is also optionally platform-agnostic (i.e., “universal”) so that the aforementioned capabilities are provided largely irrespective of the device hardware/software environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced tuner efficiency, wherein tuner resources function to permit multiple content streams to be demultiplexed and thus made available for subsequent display. In one embodiment, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprises a resource manager on which a guide application is run to control the tuning of an available tuner resource. This approach obviate reliance on OCAP or other proprietary vendor architecture applications. In another variant, the CPE is adapted to receive RF source data from a wideband tuner, or multiple tuners. The CPE may also be utilized in conjunction with other system configurations designed to enforce a security or other policies within a premises network. The CPE may also employ ‘look ahead’ capabilities to anticipate a QAM stream content before it is received.