Abstract: Systems and/or methods for supporting communications at a reduced bandwidth with a full bandwidth network such as a long-term evolution (LTE) network may be disclosed. For example, inband assignments such as downlink assignments and/or uplink grants may be provided and/or received and transmissions may be monitored and/or decoded based on the inband assignment. Additionally, information (e.g. a definition or configuration) associated with an ePDCCH may be provided and/or received and ePDCCH resources may be monitored and/or decoded based on such information. An indication for support of a reduced bandwidth by the full bandwidth network may also be provided and/or received and control channels in the reduced or narrow bandwidth may be monitored and/or decoded based on the indication. A PRACH preamble and/or a multi-type subframe definition may also be provided and/or used for support of such a reduced bandwidth.

Abstract: A wireless transmit/receiver unit (WTRU) is configured to receive sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration information. The SRS configuration information indicates a plurality of SRS configurations and indicates antenna transmission information. The WTRU is configured to receive SRS trigger information. The SRS trigger information comprises an indication to trigger transmission of one of the plurality of SRS configurations. The WTRU is configured to transmit a plurality of SRS associated with the indication in the SRS trigger information and based on the SRS configuration information. At least a first SRS of the plurality of SRS is transmitted over a first antenna port in a first symbol and at least a second SRS of the plurality of SRS is transmitted over a second antenna port in a second symbol.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively enforcing required insertion or viewing of secondary content, such as advertisements or promotions, in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network is a managed network (e.g., cable television, satellite, or the like), and the method includes identifying secondary content with a particular attribute or property (e.g., an advertisement that a user has watched before), and selectively enabling one or more “trick mode” functions relating to that secondary content. In one implementation, audio codes or watermarks are inserted into the secondary content and detected when the content is accessed or rendered; if the detected content matches a database or listing of previously played content for that user or premises, the trick mode functionality (e.g., FF or “skip”) is enabled, thereby allowing the user to bypass the content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively enforcing required insertion or viewing of secondary content, such as advertisements or promotions, in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network is a managed network (e.g., cable television, satellite, or the like), and the method includes identifying secondary content with a particular attribute or property (e.g., an advertisement that a user has watched before), and selectively enabling one or more “trick mode” functions relating to that secondary content. In one implementation, audio codes or watermarks are inserted into the secondary content and detected when the content is accessed or rendered; if the detected content matches a database or listing of previously played content for that user or premises, the trick mode functionality (e.g., FF or “skip”) is enabled, thereby allowing the user to bypass the content.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: A device profile manager receives notification of a user operating a mobile communication device in a subscriber domain. In response to detecting authorized usage of the mobile communication device in the subscriber domain, the device profile manager initiates registering of the mobile communication device and/or corresponding non-head of household user for subsequent use of incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain. Subsequent to auto-registration of the mobile communication device to use services associated with the subscriber domain, the non-head of household user operating the mobile communication device is able to use the incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain based on the identifier value of the mobile communication device without submission of access credentials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced or interactive features over a network. In one embodiment, the exemplary apparatus and methods leverage extant high-bandwidth capabilities of a managed network, and are implemented to enable a user to create a playlist of content, clips, advertisements, from among currently broadcast content, stored content, user generated content, web or other network content. The user can upload user-generated or other content to the network such as for selection into a playlist at higher rates using a network operator-provided wireless dongle. Additional interactive features include, among other, enhancements which enable user participation individually or with other subscribers in live or recorded content-based group activities (such as e.g., cooking, exercising, group viewing, dating, and learning/teaching). Further interactive gaming and couponing options are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing indications of received emergency alert messages to devices within a consumer premises are disclosed. In one embodiment, a consumer premise equipment (CPE) receiving one or more emergency alert messages from a content provider or managed network determines one or more alert responses for one or more devices of the consumer premise network. In one implementation, the responses are based at least in part on the received emergency alert messages themselves. The CPE issues one or more commands to one or more devices present within the consumer premises (which may be for example a home automation system), to indicate the one or more determined alert indication responses, such as auditory alert and visual alert by the one or more devices. Thus, users in the consumer premises may be made aware of an alert message outside of the typical means in which an alert is displayed, such as via a television.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively enforcing required insertion or viewing of secondary content, such as advertisements or promotions, in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network is a managed network (e.g., cable television, satellite, or the like), and the method includes identifying secondary content with a particular attribute or property (e.g., an advertisement that a user has watched before), and selectively enabling one or more “trick mode” functions relating to that secondary content. In one implementation, audio codes or watermarks are inserted into the secondary content and detected when the content is accessed or rendered; if the detected content matches a database or listing of previously played content for that user or premises, the trick mode functionality (e.g., FF or “skip”) is enabled, thereby allowing the user to bypass the content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing control over targeted secondary content based on a zone associated with a user. In one exemplary embodiment, a user request for primary content from a non-legacy device results in the delivery of the same secondary content which would have been provided had the request been generated at a legacy device (so-called “zone preservation”). To accomplish this, the devices are associated with a user's zone at a zone preservation server in communication with the server providing content to the devices. The zone preservation server associates each user with an advertisement zone identifier, and utilizes the identifier to direct the delivery of primary and secondary content. In another embodiment, a prescribed rule set for one or more zones is employed, such as where certain types of advertisements or secondary content are inserted given a particular device or user context.

Abstract: A content manager receives a request to display a content guide of available content. In response to receiving the request, the content manager initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. In the displayed content guide, the content manager initiates display of multiple selectable content viewing options. A first selectable channel viewing option of the multiple content viewing options can be configured to correspond to a television channel from which to view content originating from a content sponsor. A second channel viewing option of the multiple content viewing options can be configured to correspond to an auxiliary channel with respect to the television channel from which to access available over-the-top content associated with the content originating from the content sponsor. Accordingly, a user can be easily notified of the availability of content on a television channel and over-the-top content associated with the television channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively enforcing required insertion or viewing of secondary content, such as advertisements or promotions, in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network is a managed network (e.g., cable television, satellite, or the like), and the method includes identifying secondary content with a particular attribute or property (e.g., an advertisement that a user has watched before), and selectively enabling one or more “trick mode” functions relating to that secondary content. In one implementation, audio codes or watermarks are inserted into the secondary content and detected when the content is accessed or rendered; if the detected content matches a database or listing of previously played content for that user or premises, the trick mode functionality (e.g., FF or “skip”) is enabled, thereby allowing the user to bypass the content.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling location identification and related services in a premises. In one embodiment, location identification services are provided via a gateway device using data extracted from a wireless signal. The data is used to estimate a location of a device (based on comparison to previously gathered and/or reference data). In another embodiment, infrared (IR) or other short range wireless signals are broadcast from the client devices to a set-top-box (STB), and the STB or gateway correlates the signals to a location within the premises. A profiling process is used to establish specific locations within a premises, and associate location-specific services therewith.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: A device profile manager receives notification of a user operating a mobile communication device in a subscriber domain. In response to detecting authorized usage of the mobile communication device in the subscriber domain, the device profile manager initiates registering of the mobile communication device and/or corresponding non-head of household user for subsequent use of incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain. Subsequent to auto-registration of the mobile communication device to use services associated with the subscriber domain, the non-head of household user operating the mobile communication device is able to use the incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain based on the identifier value of the mobile communication device without submission of access credentials.

Abstract: A device profile manager receives notification of a user operating a mobile communication device in a subscriber domain. In response to detecting authorized usage of the mobile communication device in the subscriber domain, the device profile manager initiates registering of the mobile communication device and/or corresponding non-head of household user for subsequent use of incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain. Subsequent to auto-registration of the mobile communication device to use services associated with the subscriber domain, the non-head of household user operating the mobile communication device is able to use the incremental subscription services assigned to the subscriber domain based on the identifier value of the mobile communication device without submission of access credentials.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for tracking influence of a user on content shared via encoded uniform resource locator (URL) links. Measuring influence of a user may identify what level of engagement the user drives to content when the user shares content with other users, such as via encoded links. A high influencer may be a user who drives a high level of engagement with content when the user shares content. A low influencer may be a user who does not drive a high level of engagement, or otherwise drives a low level of engagement with content when the user shares content. The method may include receiving, by a server, identification of a user for each of a plurality of encoded uniform resource locator (URL) links. The server may identify a plurality of keywords from content identified by each encoded URL link. The server may determine a number of actions via a plurality of users that decoded each encoded URL link of the plurality of encoded URL links of the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced or interactive features over a network. In one embodiment, the exemplary apparatus and methods leverage extant high-bandwidth capabilities of a managed network, and are implemented to enable a user to create a playlist of content, clips, advertisements, from among currently broadcast content, stored content, user generated content, web or other network content. The user can upload user-generated or other content to the network such as for selection into a playlist at higher rates using a network operator-provided wireless dongle. Additional interactive features include, among other, enhancements which enable user participation individually or with other subscribers in live or recorded content-based group activities (such as e.g., cooking, exercising, group viewing, dating, and learning/teaching). Further interactive gaming and couponing options are also provided.