Abstract: A television signal processing apparatus is capable of receiving emergency alert signals and providing alert outputs to notify individuals of emergency events. According to one exemplary embodiment, the television signal processing apparatus includes a tuner operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating an emergency event. A processor is operative to cause the television signal processing apparatus to be switched from an off/standby mode to an on mode responsive to the emergency alert signals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and data structure enabling multiple channel data stream transmission by inserting data to be transmitted into portions of a plurality of transport streams nominally including NULL packets. The inserted packets have associated with them stream identification and sequence code information enabling the reconstruction of the initial data stream using data packets transmitted via a plurality of data channels.

Abstract: A method for creating a secure powerline modem network transmits a private key (y) individually to each of the plurality of powerline modem devices (22) to be secured in a network such that each powerline modem device receives the private key in isolation of the network. Each of the plurality of powerline modem devices store the private key. A public key (X) is computed by a master device (32) in the network to be secured. The public key is transmitted from the master device to the plurality of devices. A shared key (Y) is computed at each of the plurality of powerline devices based on the public key and the private key, and communication within the secured network is performed by employing messages encrypted based on the shared key.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously processing each of a plurality of carrier signals having data modulated thereon, wherein a complete data stream is formed by extracting at least portions of at least two of the modulated signals and combining the extracted portions. Each of the portions of the complete data stream comprises a plurality of packets having associated with them respective stream identification and sequence codes, where the stream identification identifies the complete bit stream to be formed, and the sequence codes identify the order or position within the complete bitstream that the associated data packets should be inserted.

Abstract: A multi-mode bi-directional communications device including a diplexer having a high-pass filter, a first low-pass filter, and a second low-pass filter. Downstream processing circuitry is coupled to the high-pass filter, and upstream processing circuitry is selectively coupled to the first low-pass filter and the second low-pass filter in response to an indicium of a desired spectral region.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method includes a digital to analog converter and a mode controller that is operative to provide the digital to analog converter with a plurality of reference voltage ranges (Vref) under a respective plurality of operating modes.

Abstract: A device for sensing unauthorized use of an electronic security device has a host device and a detector with a loop antenna associated with the port that receives the electronic security device, such as a smart card. The host device comprises a housing having the port formed therein. In one embodiment, the port detector senses radiation emitted from unauthorized use of the electronic security device by attachment of hot-wire conductors to the security device, which conductors carry currents through the port and the detector. In an alternate embodiment, the dielectric constant of the electronic security device is measured and compared to a predetermined value for distinguishing a nominal device from one with attached hot wiring.

Abstract: A system for economically extending the effective operational range of an infrared remote control system having a remote control unit with an infrared transmitter, and a controlled device having an infrared receiver. The system includes a first transmitter to receive IR signals from the remote control unit and transmit an RF output signal corresponding to the infrared signal received from the remote control unit. The RF signal is received by an RF receiver which generates a second IR signal corresponding to the received radio signal. The second IR signal is transmitted to and received by the IR controlled device. In some cases, the first IR control signal, and in all cases, the RF, signal include information/data concerning the IR carrier frequency.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling channel set up and antenna control in a television signal receiver provides an efficient way in which to optimize channel tuning. According to an exemplary embodiment, a television signal receiver such as a digital television (DTV) receiver includes a memory for receiving and storing data provided from a storage medium. The data includes a channel list having one or more channels available for reception by the television signal receiver at a designated location and antenna control information corresponding to each of the channels in the channel list. According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium is a database which provides the channel list and antenna control information to the television signal receiver over a communications network such as the internet.

Abstract: A portable security device (10) for setting up secure powerline modem networks is disclosed. The portable security device includes a memory (18) which stores a protocol (19) for communicating with powerline modem devices (e.g., 22), and a socket (14) configured to receive a power cord (23) from a powerline modem device (22). A number assigning device (12 or 16) transmits a private key to powerline modem devices such that the private key is stored in the powerline modem devices and is used to associate a plurality of powerline modem devices and exclude unauthorized powerline modem devices.

Abstract: A signal processing arrangement has a signal source for providing an information bearing RF signal, a signal output point, and a control circuit coupled between the signal source and the signal output point for controlling the selection of a low noise figure amplifier including impedance matching circuitry or an attenuator in response to the quality of the information borne by the RF signal.

Abstract: A siganl processing method includes the steps of tuning to a channel frequency and then measuring quality of the information borne by an information bearing RF signal on the selected channel frequency under a first operation mode, enabling an attenuator and/or an amplifier and then measuring quality of the information borne by the RF signal under a second operation mode, and determining the optimum receiving condition by comparing the quality of the information born by the RF signal under the first and second operation modes.

Abstract: A signal processing arrangement has a signal source for providing a radio frequency (RF) signal, a signal output point, and first control means coupled between the signal source and the signal output point for controlling the selection of a low noise figure amplifier in response to the magnitude of an RF signal on a tuned channel frequency and the magnitude of an RF signal in the vicinity of said tuned channel frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously processing each of a plurality of carrier signals having data modulated thereon, wherein a complete data stream is formed by extracting at least portions of at least two of the modulated signals and combining the extracted portions. Each of the portions of the complete data stream comprises a plurality of packets having associated with them respective stream identification and sequence codes, where the stream identification identifies the complete bit stream to be formed, and the sequence codes identify the order or position within the complete bitstream that the associated data packets should be inserted.

Abstract: A tuner includes a tunable filter for selecting a desired RF signal in response to a tuning control signal and a tunable image trap for rejecting the undesired image signal corresponding to the desired RF signal responsive to the tuning control signal coupled in cascade between an RF amplifier and a mixer. The tunable trap also serves as an impedance transformation element between the tunable filter and said mixer. The arrangement is particularly useful in a tuner in which the frequency range of the local oscillator signal is below the frequency range of the received RF signals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and data structure enabling multiple channel data stream transmission by inserting data to be transmitted into portions of a plurality of transport streams nominally including NULL packets. The inserted packets have associated with them stream identification and sequence code information enabling the reconstruction of the initial data stream using data packets transmitted via a plurality of data channels.

Abstract: A multi-mode bi-directional communications device including a diplexer having a high-pass filter, a first low-pass filter, and a second low-pass filter). Downstream processing circuitry is coupled to the high-pass filter, and upstream processing circuitry is selectively coupled to the first low-pass filter and the second low-pass filter in response to an indicium of a desired spectral region. 1. The downstream processing circuitry comprising a tuner, a demodulator, a first SAW filter adapted for selective coupling between the tuner and the demodulator, and a second SAW filter adapted for selective coupling between the tuner and the demodulator.

Abstract: A method for creating a secure powerline modem network transmits a private key (y) individually to each of the plurality of powerline modem devices (22) to be secured in a network such that each powerline modem device receives the private key in isolation of the network. Each of the plurality of powerline modem devices store the private key. A public key (X) is computed by a master device (32) in the network to be secured. The public key is transmitted from the master device to the plurality of devices. A shared key (Y) is computed at each of the plurality of powerline devices based on the public key and the private key, and communication within the secured network is performed by employing messages encrypted based on the shared key.

Abstract: A multi-mode bidirectional communications device including a diplexer having a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, and a notch filter selectively coupled to the low-pass filter. The notch-filter is selectively coupled to the low-pass filter in response to an indicium of a desired spectral region.

Abstract: A multi-mode bi-directional communications device including a diplexer having a high-pass filter, a first low-pass filter, and a second low-pass filter. Downstream processing circuitry is coupled to the high-pass filter, and upstream processing circuitry is selectively coupled to the first low-pass filter and the second low-pass filter in response to an indicium of a desired spectral region.