Abstract: A method for selectively and multiply routing a media stream input to a media appliance is provided. The method includes receiving the media stream. Further, the method includes distributing the media stream onto a plurality of individual media paths within the media appliance. Furthermore, the method includes routing the media stream on at least a first one of the media paths to a first media processor within the media appliance, while simultaneously routing the media stream on at least one other of the media paths to at least one additional media processor within the media appliance.

Abstract: A portable hand-held media device includes a receiver configured to receive image data representing an image, a display unit configured to display the image, and an integrated modulator configured to convert the image data into a digital television (DTV) signal and transmit the DTV signal to a monitor.

Abstract: A video information appliance (104) for facilitating routing of a plurality of independent video signals is provided. The video information appliance includes a plurality of video signal input interfaces (202), a signal router (204), a plurality of video output ports (206) and a processor (208). Each of the plurality of video signal input interfaces is adapted to facilitate reception of the plurality of independent video signals. The signal router is coupled to the plurality of video signal input interface. The plurality of video output ports are coupled to the signal router. The processor is adapted to control the signal router to selectively direct at least one of the received independent video signals to at least a first video output port. The processor is also adapted to direct at least one other of the received independent video signals to at least a second video output port.

Abstract: A method for selectively and multiply routing a media stream input to a media appliance is provided. The method includes receiving the media stream. Further, the method includes distributing the media stream onto a plurality of individual media paths within the media appliance. Furthermore, the method includes routing the media stream on at least a first one of the media paths to a first media processor within the media appliance, while simultaneously routing the media stream on at least one other of the media paths to at least one additional media processor within the media appliance.

Abstract: Commands received in a set-top-box are forwarded upstream to an augmentation unit. The augmentation unit executes commands. Record and play commands may enable personal video recording using a set-top-box as a command interpreter. Firmware patches enable a set-top-box to forward commands using a network protocol.

Abstract: Squelch circuitry for narrow band audio receivers which uses a sub-audible tone or coded signal to modulate the intermediate frequency in accordance with the presence of a desired broadcast signal and then detects the sub-audible tone frequency or coded signal in the modulated IF frequency to control the audio output of the receiver to an off condition when there is excessive noise.

Abstract: Interference and/or nonlinear distortions are reduced in a signal communicated from a transmitter to a receiver. To reduce interference, the transmitter is momentarily disrupted, during which time the receiver analyzes interference on the communication path to determine the frequency of at least one peak thereof. Information is communicated from the receiver to the transmitter identifying the frequencies of the interference peaks. Based on this information, the transmitter pre-distorts the signal to accentuate the signal magnitude at the identified frequencies. The pre-distorted signal is then communicated to the receiver, where it is filtered to attenuate the signal magnitude at the identified frequencies. An adaptive scheme periodically determines the interference peak frequencies. For nonlinear distortion cancellation (e.g., CSO/CTB), there is no need to disrupt the transmitter since the frequencies of the distortion are already known.

Abstract: Interference and/or nonlinear distortions are reduced in a signal communicated from a transmitter to a receiver. To reduce interference, the transmitter is momentarily disrupted, during which time the receiver analyzes interference on the communication path to determine the frequency of at least one peak thereof. Information is communicated from the receiver to the transmitter identifying the frequencies of the interference peaks. Based on this information, the transmitter pre-distorts the signal to accentuate the signal magnitude at the identified frequencies. The pre-distorted signal is then communicated to the receiver, where it is filtered to attenuate the signal magnitude at the identified frequencies. An adaptive scheme periodically determines the interference peak frequencies. For nonlinear distortion cancellation (e.g., CSO/CTB), there is no need to disrupt the transmitter since the frequencies of the distortion are already known.

Abstract: A phase locked loop frequency source with greatly reduced load pull susceptibility is achieved by using a voltage controlled oscillator of frequency which is neither the same as nor a harmonic or sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency, which is derived by non-integer multiplication from the voltage controlled oscillator frequency.