Abstract: A method implemented by a security control device of a premises security system that is configured to monitor a premises includes communicating, via the premises security system, with a component of a vehicle and controlling an ability of the vehicle to be driven. The ability of the vehicle to be driven may be based on a state of the premises security system. Sensor information received from a premises device of the security system that indicates the presence of an occupant within the premises may be used to control the ability of the vehicle to be driven. In addition, the premises security system may communicate with the vehicle's key fob and control the ability of the vehicle to be driven using the key fob and its detected location. The ability of the vehicle to be driven can also be managed in accordance with a predefined time schedule.

Abstract: A method implemented by a security control device of a premises security system that is configured to monitor a premises includes communicating, via the premises security system, with a component of a vehicle and controlling an ability of the vehicle to be driven. The ability of the vehicle to be driven may be based on a state of the premises security system. Sensor information received from a premises device of the security system that indicates the presence of an occupant within the premises may be used to control the ability of the vehicle to be driven. In addition, the premises security system may communicate with the vehicle's key fob and control the ability of the vehicle to be driven using the key fob and its detected location. The ability of the vehicle to be driven can also be managed in accordance with a predefined time schedule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically set-up an electronic device having multiple user-controllable functionalities is provided by an arrangement that provides an interactive menu to a user. The user interacts with the menu to select and set a functionality to a desired setting. The automatic set-up arrangement receives a set-up command corresponding to the menu choice and transmits the set-up command to the electronic device in the form of an IR beam. The IR beam containing the set-up command is used to set the user-controllable functionality of the electronic device to the selected setting.

Abstract: A method for updating a plurality of software objects 62, 64 associated with a first consumer device 14 is operable in a broadband communication system 10 having a server 24 responsive to a plurality of consumer devices via a network. The method includes arranging for receipt of a message 55 by the first consumer device 14, the message 55 identifying the plurality of software objects 62, 64; and based on the message 55, arranging for download of the plurality of software objects 62, 64 from the server 24 to the first consumer device 14.

Abstract: Information related to signal quality on the downstream and upstream paths (104) in a cable network may be monitored (116, 208) at selected ones of a plurality of set-top boxes (110) and sent by the set-top box to the headend (102) as it is collected, or when the set-top box is polled by the headend. The information may be collected with the set-top box is in an idle state (204), by the set-top box tuning through the channels in the channel map (206) and by applying a time stamp to the information (208). Ping messages may be transmitted from the set-top box to the headend and back to the set-top box. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selectively passing closed caption data from a source device to a display device includes receiving a data signal including un-rendered closed caption data and video data in the source device, separating the video data from the un-rendered closed caption data, determining closed caption processing capabilities of the display device, and if the display device is configured to process un-rendered closed caption data, transmitting the un-rendered closed caption data to the display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for providing a digital video image to a display device. The method begins by receiving a digital signal in a predefined video format from a service provider and comparing the predefined video format to a plurality of stored video formats supported by the display device. If the predefined video format matches one of the plurality of stored video formats supported by the display device, a decoded output signal is transmitted to the display device in the predefined video format for displaying the digital video image thereon. However, if the predefined video format does not match one of the plurality of stored video formats supported by the display device, a decoded output signal is transmitted to the display device in a selected one of the plurality of stored video formats.

Abstract: A method of formatting data to maximize the readability of song identification (ID) information displayed on a monitor screen and a method of formatting data to maximize the amount of song ID information displayed on a limited number of lines on the monitor screen. The monitor screen is used to view in-band audio broadcast channel song ID information and out-of-band audio broadcast channel song ID information. The in-band ID information is associated with a song that is currently being played on a selected one of a plurality of channels. The out-of-band ID information is associated with all of the plurality of channels. To maximize readability, in-band ID information is abbreviated if the amount of information exceeds a maximum number of lines determined for the in-band ID information. To maximize the amount of in-band ID information, wraparound and abbreviation techniques are performed.

Abstract: A method for recording a television program with interactive content includes recording data supporting interactive features of the television program in addition to recording the television program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for automatically detecting the current speaker configuration of a home theater system. An audio/video receiver of a home theater system automatically detects which sound channels have speakers attached so that audio output may be provided according to the current speaker configuration.

Abstract: A technique is used for determining a video format for a video output signal generated by a television receiver. The technique includes acquiring a preferred output format that is one of a plurality of video formats and determining an aspect ratio of a selected television signal having one of a plurality of television signal formats. The video output signal is generated using one of the plurality of video formats having a 4:3 aspect ratio when the selected television signal has a television signal format having a 4:3 aspect ratio and the preferred output format is other than one that has only a 4:3 aspect ratio. A related technique additionally acquires an optional override output format for television signals having an aspect ratio of 4:3 that is used to determine when to use the stated the stated video format to generate the video output signal.

Abstract: A method and system provide updates of sporting events, including video highlights, to a television or handheld internet-based pad. This method preferably includes recording one or more sporting events, tagging specific plays as highlights of the one or more sporting events, storing the tagged highlights on a server, combining the tagged highlights with a video stream of a provider, accessing the tagged highlights at a consumer location, notifying a user that a highlight has occurred, and displaying the highlights on a television or handheld internet-based pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically set-up an electronic device having multiple user-controllable functionalities is provided by an arrangement that provides an interactive menu to a user. The user interacts with the menu to select and set a functionality to a desired setting. The automatic set-up arrangement receives a set-up command corresponding to the menu choice and transmits the set-up command to the electronic device in the form of an IR beam. The IR beam containing the set-up command is used to set the user-controllable functionality of the electronic device to the selected setting.

Abstract: A software-code configurable digital appliance, such as a television settop box, is provided for operating in a network, such as a subscription television system. A storage component of the appliance stores different versions of at least one of firmware and application program code. A processing component is provided for selecting an appropriate version of the firmware and/or application program code, depending on predetermined criteria relating to the network to which the appliance is connected. The selected version is loaded into an operating component of the appliance to enable the appliance to operate in the network. The different versions of firmware and/or application program code are adapted to enable the appliance to be deployed in any of a plurality of incompatible networks.

Abstract: A subscriber is provided with a combination set-top and DVD/CD player. When the subscriber loads and plays a DVD/CD player, the set top obtains and stores data relating to the DVD/CD being played. This data, accumulated over time, creates a subscriber profile. A head-end periodically acquires the stored profile data, compares it with a large DVD/CD data base to develop a list of DVDs/CDs whose genre/artists are related to the profile. This list is transmitted to the subscriber's set-top to provide suggested titles/artists to the subscriber for possible purchase. Purchase data of the user are employed to create and store a purchase profile at the head-end. The ordered DVDs/CDs are sent by mail and are billed together with an invoice for other cable services The set-top may be provided with a decrypter and writeable DVD/CD drive to receive and record encrypted premium content from the head-end, avoiding the need to ship DVDs/CDs and the attendant costs.

Abstract: An automated signal generator apparatus allows testing of remotely-controlled electronic devices to verify functionality and reliability, or for product set-up, initialization or configuration. The apparatus simulates a person pressing the keys on a remote control key pad, and can simulate key press sequences, key press duration, and time between key presses. Other human interfaces may also be simulated. The apparatus can be continuously driven by an external computer in a slaved mode, or can store test instructions in an internal memory to operate in a standalone mode. Test instructions, which may be written in a macro script language, are processed by a microprocessor to provide a control signal to, e.g., an infrared (IR) transmitter. The IR transmitter can control one or more electronic devices which are under test. The transmitter may use a wide angle IR beam, or a plurality of separate transmitters for testing of a plurality of electronic devices at the same time.

Abstract: The cable television digital audio system of the present invention provides seamless reception and integration of analog video and audio programs and digital audio programs. The system comprises a settop terminal with a digital audio module for receiving an RF modulated digital data stream. The settop terminal permits the simultaneous reception of analog video and audio broadcasts and digital audio broadcasts. The digital audio module may include a separate frequency agile RF tuner enabling both the settop terminal and digital audio module to be tuned to and reproduce separate programs. A television monitor receiver displays normal video programming from the settop terminal and also provides on-screen display (OSD) of channel selection and program information.

Abstract: The improved settop terminal of the present invention utilizes a subscriber's television as the preferred graphical interface to simultaneously provide channel in-band and out-of-band program information to a subscriber. A subscriber may tune, view and select from among a plurality of digital audio channels and analog video channels. In-band and out-of-band information is integrated into a multi-page program guide displayed on a subscriber's television. This integration permits subscribers to visually scan and view information about currently playing selections available on other channels without having to switch to them. While listening to a music selection, the subscriber may navigate through the program guide. Program information such as the title of a song, artist and record label are also displayed.