Abstract: A system and method for communicating with traffic detectors. A location of a vehicle is determined. A search is performed continuously for any of a number of traffic detectors in a wireless environment. A communication session is established with one of the number of traffic detectors in response to entering a range of one of the number of traffic detectors. A message associated with the one of the number of traffic detectors is communicated to the vehicle while the vehicle is within the range of one or more traffic detectors.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a video screen associated with the receiving party to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a video screen associated with the receiving party to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a video screen associated with the receiving party to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving bandwidth for a data connection. A television is detected to have been turned off. Recording information is requested from a digital video record. A content stream to the digital video recorder and the television is terminated in response to receiving the recording information and determining the DVR is inactive.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a video screen associated with the receiving party to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method for updating media content for a vehicle. Media content for a vehicle is received through a home network. The media content is stored for playback by one or more devices of the vehicle. A selection of additional media content available through the home network listed in an index is received. The additional media content selected from the index is queued for download based on access to an available network. An available network is searched for. The additional media content is downloaded to the vehicle through the available network and the home network in response to detecting the available network.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a set-top unit (also referred to herein as a “set-top box”) associated with the receiving party. The set-top unit might communicate with a visual display screen (e.g., a television), and/or cause the visual display screen to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying video content in a proper aspect ratio may include, in response to video content being received from a personal computer, determining if the video content is configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio. If the video content is configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio, the video content is displayed in the first aspect ratio. Otherwise, if the video content is not configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio, the video content is displayed in the second aspect ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling systems of a vehicle with a cell phone. The cell phone is associated with the vehicle through a user interface. User preferences are received through the user interface for sending commands from the cell phone to the vehicle for controlling the systems of the vehicle. A wireless connection is established between the vehicle and the cell phone. A distance is determined between the cell phone and the vehicle. One or more commands are sent to the vehicle to control the systems based on the user preferences.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving bandwidth for a data connection. A television is detected to have been turned off. Recording information is requested from a digital video record. A content stream to the digital video recorder and the television is terminated in response to receiving the recording information and determining the DVR is inactive.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a set-top unit (also referred to herein as a “set-top box”) associated with the receiving party. The set-top unit might communicate with a visual display screen (e.g., a television), and/or cause the visual display screen to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with traffic detectors. A location of a vehicle is determined. A search is performed continuously for any of a number of traffic detectors in a wireless environment. A communication session is established with one of the number of traffic detectors in response to entering a range of one of the number of traffic detectors. A message associated with the one of the number of traffic detectors is communicated to the vehicle while the vehicle is within the range of one or more traffic detectors.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling systems of a vehicle with a cell phone. The cell phone is associated with the vehicle through a user interface. User preferences are received through the user interface for sending commands from the cell phone to the vehicle for controlling the systems of the vehicle. A wireless connection is established between the vehicle and the cell phone. A distance is determined between the cell phone and the vehicle. One or more commands are sent to the vehicle to control the systems based on the user preferences.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling systems of a vehicle with a cell phone. The cell phone is associated with the vehicle through a user interface. User preferences are received through the user interface for sending commands from the cell phone to the vehicle for controlling the systems of the vehicle. A wireless connection is established between the vehicle and the cell phone. A distance is determined between the cell phone and the vehicle. One or more commands are sent to the vehicle to control the systems based on the user preferences.

Abstract: A system and method for unlocking a vehicle with a cell phone. Wireless signals are monitored from a cell phone. A signal is received from the cell phone. A distance between the cell phone and the vehicle is determined. Doors of the vehicle are unlocked in response to the cell phone nearing the vehicle. The doors of the vehicle are locked in response to the cell phone being further separated from the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with traffic detectors. A location of a vehicle is determined. A search is performed continuously for any of a number of traffic detectors in a wireless environment. A communication session is established with one of the number of traffic detectors in response to entering a range of one of the number of traffic detectors. A message associated with the one of the number of traffic detectors is communicated to the vehicle while the vehicle is within the range of one or more traffic detectors.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting traffic conditions. Communications are performed wirelessly with a traffic detector. A determination is made whether a vehicle is approaching a traffic condition within safe parameters. A driver is alerted of the traffic condition in response to determining the vehicle is not approaching the traffic condition within the safe parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying video content in a proper aspect ratio may include, in response to video content being received from a personal computer, determining if the video content is configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio. If the video content is configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio, the video content is displayed in the first aspect ratio. Otherwise, if the video content is not configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio, the video content is displayed in the second aspect ratio.