Abstract: A satellite antenna module is disclosed. The satellite antenna module includes at least one antenna element disposed on a ground plane. The ground plane is capacitivly coupled to a vehicle surface. The ground plane is disposed over the vehicle surface at an elevation angle that achieves a higher gain of the at least one antenna element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide dynamic content rating for digital transmissions of media programs. Rather than one rating or a set of ratings be associated with an entire program or broadcast channel, content rating data relates to specific segments of a program. A user of a media receiving device presets rating criteria relating to a level or type of content to be blocked. The preset criteria are then used to selectively block presentation of those segments of content of a media program that fall outside the acceptable rating criteria. A timed length or display area segment of audio, video, text, graphics, or data may be dynamically blocked based on a comparison of the content rating associated with the segment and the user's preset rating criteria.

Abstract: A vehicular entertainment module is disclosed. The vehicular entertainment module includes a video screen, speakers/headphones, an audio/video input device, and a satellite antenna and receiver. The audio/video input device processes media input by a user. The satellite antenna and receiver receives satellite audio signals and satellite video signals for decoding by an audio and video data decoder. The video screen and speakers/headphones provide video and audio output from the the audio/video input device or the received satellite audio signals and satellite video signals.

Abstract: A satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) receiver is configured to temporarily store data that may be transmitted to the SDAR receiver at a time inconvenient to the subscriber. A memory arrangement buffers data output by a channel decoder. The SDAR receiver can use the buffered data prior to using any currently transmitted data. The buffered data is associated with buffered timing information that lags behind the current timing information associated with the currently transmitted data. The buffered data is available for use only once before a decryption subsystem receives the current timing information. If the subscriber uses the currently transmitted data, the decryption subsystem receives the current timing information. The decryption subsystem decrypts only data that is associated with timing information that is no earlier than the latest timing information received by the decryption subsystem.

Abstract: An ignition control circuit (12) is responsive to a control signal (ESTC) to apply a drive signal (GD) to a power switching device (22) to conduct ignition coil current (IC) therethrough. A resistor (RS) included within the circuit (12) receives, and dissipates heat generated by, the coil current (IC). The circuit (12) includes a first transistor (QHOT) positioned adjacent to the resistor (RS) such that an operating temperature thereof is near that of the resistor (RS), and a second transistor (QREF) positioned remote from the resistor (RS) and having an operating temperature defining a reference temperature. The first and second transistors (QHOT, QREF) are configured to produce an output voltage (VOUT) proportional to a difference in operating temperatures thereof, and a latch circuit (L1) disables the control signal (ESTC) to thereby turn off the power switching device (22) when the output voltage (VOUT) difference exceeds a reference voltage (VREF).