Abstract: Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. In some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded. Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms.

Abstract: Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. In some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded. Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting a television program to a viewer using a mobile television receiver. The television program is received at the mobile television receiver via a first signal transmitted by a signal source having a limited range. It is determined whether the mobile receiver will exit the limited range of the signal source and, before the mobile receiver exits the limited range of the signal source, an action is facilitated to allow the viewer to continue to view the television program. Actions that may be facilitated include tuning to an alternate source of the television program, obtaining a placeshifted media stream of the television program, recording the television program on a remote video recorder, or simply notifying the viewer that he or she is about to exit the limited range of the signal source.

Abstract: Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. In some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded. Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for controlling multiple devices using a virtual device that may be displayed on a screen. The method may include providing the information for the virtual device from a set-top box to the screen. The method may also include using a control device to scroll around the virtual device and make a selection fro the options provided by the virtual device. Additionally, the buttons on the control device may not correspond to the functionality associated with the virtual buttons on the virtual device.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of a video program on a virtual channel. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a video stream that has plurality of video programs having program content. Each program has been preassigned for presentation on a particular channel. A virtual channel is linked to one or more users. The EPG manager tracks the types of programs that a user watches and records metadata associated with the programs that the user actually views. When sufficient data is stored in the data base, the virtual channel is provided that program that a user will likely wish to view based on this past viewing history.

Abstract: A receiver accumulates characteristic information by tracking content being presented. When the receiver determines to present a menu of recorded content, the receiver analyzes the accumulated information to rank the recorded content based on a frequency of the characteristics and sorts the menu based at least one the analysis. The receiver may present an instance of content when it is selected. In some implementations, the instances of content are recorded as part of recording multiple instances of content received via at least one broadcast wherein the multiple instances of content are all included in a same frequency band of the broadcast and are all encoded utilizing a same code word. In one or more implementations, the menu may include content information for one or more of the instances of content in the menu, such as the number of related instances of content also stored by the content receiver.

Abstract: A system for accessing content corresponding to a matrix barcode, such as a video and/or audio content. The system may include a mobile computing device in communication with a content receiver. The mobile computing device may be configured to capture the matrix barcode, for example, via using an optical component and/or barcode scanner to record and/or scan the matrix barcode. The mobile computing device may also include a network interface component configured to transmit the matrix barcode to the content receiver. The content receiver may then receive the matrix barcode from the mobile computing device. The content receiver may include a processor to determine and/or access the content corresponding to the matrix barcode. The content receiver may then transmit the content to a display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting a television program to a viewer using a mobile television receiver. The television program is received at the mobile television receiver via a first signal transmitted by a signal source having a limited range. It is determined whether the mobile receiver will exit the limited range of the signal source and, before the mobile receiver exits the limited range of the signal source, an action is facilitated to allow the viewer to continue to view the television program. Actions that may be facilitated include tuning to an alternate source of the television program, obtaining a placeshifted media stream of the television program, recording the television program on a remote video recorder, or simply notifying the viewer that he or she is about to exit the limited range of the signal source.

Abstract: Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. in some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded, Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms.

Abstract: Customer-specific information such as billing information, a listing of available services or the like can be provided to multiple receivers via a satellite or other high-bandwidth connection. The customers to receive customer-specific information are selected, and a broadcast message is created that includes the customer-specific information, as well as an identifier for each receiver associated with the selected customers. The broadcast message is transmitted on the high-bandwidth connection to thereby allow each of the receivers associated with the selected customers to extract the customer-specific information based upon the identifier and to display the customer-specific information to the customer.

Abstract: Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. In some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded. Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms.

Abstract: A receiver determines to transmit an EPG that includes schedule information regarding content available from a provider, determines that content is stored and is not currently available from the provider, incorporates information regarding the stored content in the EPG, and includes indicators indicating that the stored content is stored rather than available from the provider. The stored content may be recorded as part of recording a plurality of content received via a broadcast that are all included in the same frequency band and encoded with the same code word. The EPG may be divided into portions that include information regarding available content and portions that include information regarding previously available content and may include indications of which are stored. The EPG may be configured in a calendar arrangement based at least on the information regarding the available and information regarding when stored content were previously available from the provider.

Abstract: A portable electronic system comprises a portable electronic device having a screen and a visual extender. The visual extender has a thin film element and is coupled to the portable electronic device, positioning the thin film element to provide visual extension of the screen of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of a video program on a virtual channel. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a video stream that has plurality of video programs having program content. Each program has been preassigned for presentation on a particular channel. A virtual channel is linked to one or more users. The EPG manager tracks the types of programs that a user watches and records metadata associated with the programs that the user actually views. When sufficient data is stored in the data base, the virtual channel is provided that program that a user will likely wish to view based on this past viewing history.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing simulated three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional display screen without the use of special filters or overlays on the display or special eyewear. Images having different focal points are displayed as pictures and switched between rapidly, such that the human eye automatically adjusts to focus on each picture in succession. As the pictures are presented sequentially, the viewer may perceive that the display shows images at different depth planes. The number of depth planes may vary between embodiments.

Abstract: Various embodiments of network performance assessment apparatus, systems and processes collect performance information pertaining to a current capacity utilization of a network, identify an occurrence of a capacity constraint on a portion of the network that is communicating the program to at least one presentation device, select one of a plurality of paths coupling the receiving device and the presentation device, and modify the program to a format compatible with the selected path.

Abstract: A system for accessing content corresponding to a matrix barcode, such as a video and/or audio content. The system may include a mobile computing device in communication with a content receiver. The mobile computing device may be configured to capture the matrix barcode, for example, via using an optical component and/or barcode scanner to record and/or scan the matrix barcode. The mobile computing device may also include a network interface component configured to transmit the matrix barcode to the content receiver. The content receiver may then receive the matrix barcode from the mobile computing device. The content receiver may include a processor to determine and/or access the content corresponding to the matrix barcode. The content receiver may then transmit the content to a display device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing simulated three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional display screen without the use of special filters or overlays on the display or special eyewear. Images having different focal points are displayed as pictures and switched between rapidly, such that the human eye automatically adjusts to focus on each picture in succession. As the pictures are presented sequentially, the viewer may perceive that the display shows images at different depth planes. The number of depth planes may vary between embodiments.

Abstract: A device obtains a video and a matrix code (such as a QR code) to divide into portions and interlace with the video. The device generates a modified interlaced video by including at least a first portion in a first but not a second field of a first frame, a second portion in a second but not a first field of a second frame, and so on such that all of the portions of the matrix code are included in the modified interlaced video. Subsequently, the device transmits the modified interlaced video to a display. When the modified interlaced video is displayed, the matrix code is present but not visually perceptible. A matrix code reader detects and/or records and analyzes the displayed modified video to identify the portions of the matrix code included therein, extract such portions, and combine the extracted portions to form the matrix code.