Abstract: An arrangement for inserting advertisement media into a streaming multimedia file destined for an end-user uses a caching inserter including a first cache for storing a loaded advertisement file and a second cache for holding the streaming multimedia file that needs to be buffered as the advertisement file is sent to the end-user. The advertisement file may be inserted at the beginning of the multimedia file, the end, or at any point during the stream. Once the advertisement begins to be sent to the end-user, the incoming multimedia stream is cached and then is played out of the cache once the advertisement has ended. As a result of the time delay associated with the advertisement, the remainder of the multimedia file must be cached then played out until the stream is complete.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method and apparatus for detecting and characterizing one or more ingress events in the return band and creating a time/frequency map based on the detection of the ingress events. The time/frequency map is further characterized by marking frequency bands with ingress level above a predetermined threshold with a “1”. The time/frequency time map may be used to determine when and which return frequency band has exceeded a predetermined threshold, and to distinguish between a narrowband ingress event and a wideband ingress event. When such characterization has been made, the return path may be attenuated or disconnected at a communications gateway device located at or substantially near the subscriber location. By disconnecting the return path or attenuating the return path signal at or near the subscriber location, the ingress may be reduced and locations which are the cause of severe ingress may be effectively isolated.

Abstract: An enhanced telephony services manager is used in a broadband communication environment, such as with a set-top-box coupled to a television monitor. A number of different telephony-based services can be offered and displayed on the television monitor (e.g., voice mail, call logs, Internet access, personal telephone directories, white pages, yellow pages, etc.), where a remote control, keyboard, or any other suitable interface device can be used to access the services. In accordance with the present invention, the GUI of the enhanced services consists of a set of menus that can be displayed concurrently with other video information on the television monitor.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method and apparatus for ingress detection and attenuation. When a determination is made that the level of ingress in a return frequency band has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the return path is attenuated or disconnected at a communications gateway device located at or substantially near the subscriber location. By disconnecting the return path or attenuating the return path signal at or near the subscriber location, ingress is reduced and locations which are the cause of severe ingress are effectively isolated. This allows for a high degree of reliability to be maintained on the return path, and insures that critical services like cable telephony can be provided.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for distributing a content object over a broadband connection to an end-user location is disclosed. In one step, an amount of bandwidth for adequate quality of service (QOS) to transport the content object is determined. A period for transporting the content object is also determined. A check for availability of the amount of bandwidth to the end-user location over the period is performed. If available, the bandwidth is reserved. The content object is streamed to the end-user location.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for distributing a content object over a network system is disclosed. In one step, a request is detected for the content object associated with one of a plurality of content providers coupled to a network that uses a first transport protocol. A node of the network receives the content object from the one of the plurality of content providers. The content object is buffered at a point distant from the one of the plurality of content providers and the content receiver. The content object is transported between the node and a content receiver with a second transport protocol. The first transport protocol is different from the second transport protocol.

Abstract: An arrangement for inserting advertisement media into a streaming multimedia file destined for an end-user uses a caching inserter including a first cache for storing a loaded advertisement file and a second cache for holding the streaming multimedia file that needs to be buffered as the advertisement file is sent to the end-user. The advertisement file may be inserted at the beginning of the multimedia file, the end, or at any point during the stream. Once the advertisement begins to be sent to the end-user, the incoming multimedia stream is cached and then is played out of the cache once the advertisement has ended. As a result of the time delay associated with the advertisement, the remainder of the multimedia file must be cached then played out until the stream is complete.

Abstract: Secure point-to-point communication of information to specific terminals is provided via a shared network. Far in advance of the establishment of an information session with a particular one of a plurality of terminals, a unique session identifier is securely delivered to the terminal by a highly secure entity. Information to be provided to the terminal is subsequently encrypted under the session identifier of that terminal by an insecure connection manager. The encrypted information is inserted into designated locations in a signal multiplex. The signal multiplex is transmitted over a portion of the network serving the terminal that is to receive the information. The terminal is informed of the designated locations of the encrypted information in the signal multiplex and of a transmission frequency at which the signal multiplex is carried on the network portion.

Abstract: A system for transmitting different categories of data in a single data stream generates program data, receiver control data, and program specific tag data for insertion into a single data stream. Program data is combined with receiver control data to form data groups. Headers are generated containing tag data. Each successive header is combined with a plurality of data groups to form a plurality of units. The data stream is constructed by joining successive units for transmission. A receiver for receiving the data stream detects the receiver control data and the tag data, and recovers the program data in response thereto. A program is reproduced from the recovered program data. The system runs off a master clock having a fixed frequency. Program data is sampled at a first rate that is a function of the master clock frequency. The receiver control data is sampled at a second rate that is a function of the first sampling rate.

Abstract: A cable television converter with remotely modifiable functionality receives firmware downloaded over a cable television network. The integrity of the firmware is verified, and if valid, the firmware is executed to provide one or more converter functions. If the firmware is invalid, default operation software contained in ROM is executed instead of the firmware to return the converter to baseline operation. In one embodiment, the converter includes a frequency agile data receiver to receive control instructions on a first data channel and firmware on a second data channel. The receiver is forced back to the first channel if a successful firmware download does not occur on the second channel within a predetermined time period. The firmware is continuously transmitted in short segments, and the converter can continue to receive segments until all the segments of a designated firmware package have been successfully downloaded, unless the predetermined time limit expires sooner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to enable billing of subscribers of pay-per-view television systems or the like on a non-real-time basis. A scrambled television signal is received at a subscriber terminal from a headend. The received signal is selectively descrambled in response to subscriber action indicating acceptance for viewing of a program contained in the signal. A record is maintained at the subscriber terminal of the billable programs accepted for viewing by the subscriber. The signal received from the headend is monitored by the subscriber terminal for a call-in command which instructs the subscriber terminal to forward the record of billable programs to the headend. A telephone communication path is established between the subscriber terminal and the headend in response to the call-in command. The record of billable programs is transmitted to the headend over the telephone communication path, and the subscriber is billed in accordance therewith.