Abstract: One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to aid in the installation and configuration of one or more components of a distribution system. In one embodiment, the one or more matrix codes may be utilized by the system to configure one or more aspects and features of a component of the system, such as a receiver or display device. In another embodiment, the one or matrix codes may provide system information to a provider or an installer to verify proper installation of one or more components. The information encoded in the matrix codes may include any type of information about one or more components of the distribution system to aid the system or an installer in configuring or installing components of the system.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to access additional content related to one or more multimedia presentations. For example, the information contained within the one or more matrix codes may include one or more web addresses that, when selected, may link to one or more webpages on the Internet containing information related to the multimedia presentation. In another example, the information contained within the matrix codes may include instructions that may be executed by an electronic device to provide the additional content. The additional content may be displayed a display device associated with the distribution system, on a reader device, or any electronic device that includes a display.

Abstract: A system for fingerprinting audiovisual content. The system includes a content receiver and a display device in communication with the content receiver. The content receiver is configured to receive a video signal, where the video signal includes audiovisual content. The content receiver may then be configured to generate a matrix barcode that includes identification data. The content receiver is also configured to create a fingerprinted content that includes the audiovisual content from the video signal and the matrix barcode. The content receiver may then be configured to output the fingerprinted content. The display device is configured receive the fingerprinted content form the content receiver. Also, the display device is configured to display the fingerprinted content.

Abstract: The document discloses a method for communicating information, such as audiovisual data and other information to a user. The method includes receiving a broadcast signal on a content receiver. The broadcast signal includes a video signal and a graphical signal, and the graphical signal includes a matrix barcode. After the content receiver receives the broadcast signal, the content receiver determines whether the matrix barcode should be displayed. The determination that the matrix barcode should be displayed may be based on the geographic location of the content receiver or user settings/preferences stored on the content receiver. If the matrix barcode should be displayed, the content receiver creates and outputs a modified signal. The modified signal includes the video signal with the matrix barcode overlaid on top of the video signal. If the matrix barcode should not be displayed, the content receiver outputs the broadcast signal.

Abstract: An electronic device may generate a matrix code that includes information for performing an interactive activity related to content, combine the matrix code with the content, and transmit the combination of the matrix code and the content to a display device. Subsequently, the displayed matrix code may be captured by a matrix code reader in order to initiate performance of the interactive activity. In some implementations, the content may be a sporting event and capture of the matrix code may initiate performance of an activity corresponding to a fantasy sporting event league associated with the sporting event. In various implementations, the matrix code reader's initiation of performance of the interactive activity related to the content may utilize one or more other electronic devices located in a user location.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for providing communication between multiple content viewers. First video data is captured of a first user located locally with respect to a presentation device and transmitted to a base station located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The base station transmits a composite signal that includes video content provided by a content source communicatively coupled the base station and further includes second video chat data captured of a second user located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The composite signal is responsively presented by the presentation device to the first user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device and furthers transmits identifying data regarding the user. Responsive to receiving the user input and the identifying data, the mobile communication device authenticates the user and outputs the content for presentation to a user based on the user input.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device, and responsive to receiving the user input, the mobile communication device manipulates playback of the video content.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device and furthers transmits identifying data regarding the user. Responsive to receiving the user input and the identifying data, the mobile communication device authenticates the user and outputs the content for presentation to a user based on the user input.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide techniques for prioritizing content reception by a DVR. A DVR identifies a resource conflict between a use of a television receiving resource to receive programming currently being watched by a user and a use of the television receiving resource for receiving television programming for subsequent playback. The DVR evaluates various criteria regarding one or both uses of the television receiving resource and identifies a higher priority of one of the uses of the television receiving resource. The DVR then assigns a use of the television receiving resource according to the identified priority.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a securing ring are described along with assemblies utilizing the securing ring. A securing ring includes a curvilinear body defining an opening and having a gap that defines confronting ring ends that are separable to receive at least one curvilinear device within the opening. The curvilinear body includes an outer surface and opposing first and second side walls that define a slot therebetween. The slot is configured for receiving the curvilinear device, and the outer surface, the first wall and the second wall provide a clamping force on the curvilinear device in the slot when the confronting ring ends are drawn together, with the clamping force securing the curvilinear device within the slot. The securing apparatus further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the confronting ring ends and configured to releasably engage the confronting ring ends to secure the confronting ring ends together.

Abstract: A method for updating a network address of an audio/video node of a communication network to a communication device is provided. In the method, a communication identifier associated with the communication device is received at the audio/video node. Also received at the audio/video node, by way of the communication network, is a network address of the audio/video node. In response to receiving the network address, a message is transferred from the audio/video node to the communication device using the communication identifier, wherein the message comprises the network address. A request for audio/video data is transferred from the communication device over the communication network to the audio/video node using the network address. In response to receiving the request, the audio/video data is transferred from the audio/video node over the communication network to the communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for wirelessly providing television content from a satellite antenna to a television. An antenna is configured to receive a satellite broadcast signal that includes the television content, and a demodulator coupled to the antenna demodulates the received satellite broadcast signal. A wireless transmitter coupled to the demodulator transmits at least a portion of the demodulated satellite broadcast signal across a wireless connection to thereby allow viewing of the television content on the television.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a securing ring are described along with assemblies utilizing the securing ring. A securing ring includes a curvilinear body defining an opening and having a gap that defines confronting ring ends that are separable to receive at least one curvilinear device within the opening. The curvilinear body includes an outer surface and opposing first and second side walls that define a slot therebetween. The slot is configured for receiving the curvilinear device, and the outer surface, the first wall and the second wall provide a clamping force on the curvilinear device in the slot when the confronting ring ends are drawn together, with the clamping force securing the curvilinear device within the slot. The securing apparatus further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the confronting ring ends and configured to releasably engage the confronting ring ends to secure the confronting ring ends together.

Abstract: A method for replacing audio data within a recorded audio/video stream is presented. In the method, a first audio/video stream including audio data, video data, and supplemental data is stored. Location information is received which references the supplemental data to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location information is received in a data file separately from the first audio/video stream. Also received is an audio data segment. At least a portion of the audio data of the first audio/video stream is replaced at the identified location with the audio data segment to produce a second audio/video stream. At least a portion of the second audio/video stream is then transferred for presentation.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for the remote control of a personal video recorder (PVR), digital video recorder (PVR), set-top box (STB) or other consumer device that is capable of receiving programming via a high-bandwidth connection. A request is received from the customer for an action to be taken by the consumer device, wherein the request is received via a communications channel distinct from the high-bandwidth connection. The consumer device associated with the customer is identified in response to the request, and instruction is transmitted to the consumer device associated with the customer via the high-bandwidth connection to thereby direct the consumer device to carry out the action requested by the customer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for providing communication between multiple content viewers. First video data is captured of a first user located locally with respect to a presentation device and transmitted to a base station located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The base station transmits a composite signal that includes video content provided by a content source communicatively coupled the base station and further includes second video chat data captured of a second user located remotely with respect to the presentation device. The composite signal is responsively presented by the presentation device to the first user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device, and responsive to receiving the user input, the mobile communication device manipulates playback of the video content.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device and furthers transmits identifying data regarding the user. Responsive to receiving the user input and the identifying data, the mobile communication device authenticates the user and outputs the content for presentation to a user based on the user input.