Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a content receiver and an antenna coupled to the content receiver. A camera is mounted on the antenna. The content receiver includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the content receiver to: output a control signal to the camera mounted on the antenna, receive image data from the camera mounted on the antenna, determine that the image data received from the camera mounted on the antenna indicates a potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna, and output a message indicating that the potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna device has been detected, in response to determining that the image data received from the camera mounted on the antenna indicates the potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a content receiver and an antenna coupled to the content receiver. A camera is mounted on the antenna. The content receiver includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the content receiver to: output a control signal to the camera mounted on the antenna, receive image data from the camera mounted on the antenna, determine that the image data received from the camera mounted on the antenna indicates a potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna, and output a message indicating that the potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna device has been detected, in response to determining that the image data received from the camera mounted on the antenna indicates the potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a content receiver and an antenna coupled to the content receiver. A camera is mounted on the antenna. The content receiver includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the content receiver to: output a control signal to the camera mounted on the antenna, receive image data from the camera mounted on the antenna, determine that the image data received from the camera mounted on the antenna indicates a potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna, and output a message indicating that the potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna device has been detected, in response to determining that the image data received from the camera mounted on the antenna indicates the potential or actual obstruction of the antenna or movement of the antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating television receiving devices (such as cable and satellite set-top boxes) include functionality that pre-downloads software or firmware updates for the receiving device on a mobile device, such as a smartphone, of a television service provider technician. In order to communicate the updates to the receiving device from the mobile device, during initial installation of the set-top box at the customer premises, the technician connects his or her mobile device to the same input of the set-top box that normally receives the television programming and remote software or firmware updates from the television service provider. The mobile device may include or be coupled to an adapter that adapts a signal and hardware interface from an output interface of the mobile device to a signal and hardware interface compatible with the input interface of the set-top box.

Abstract: A base station device used with a vehicle includes a first transceiver which communicates with a first network, a second transceiver which communicates with a second network, and a third transceiver which communicates with devices within the vehicle. The base station device also includes a processor and a memory device that cause the base station device to: obtain types of traffic being transmitted or received by the devices within the vehicle, assign first priority values to the types of traffic being transmitted or received by each of the devices within the vehicle, assign second priority values to the devices within the vehicle; assign each of the types of traffic to the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the first priority values and the second priority values, and redirect traffic to the first transceiver and to the second transceiver.

Abstract: A base station device used with a vehicle includes a first transceiver which communicates with a first network, a second transceiver which communicates with a second network, and a third transceiver which communicates with devices within the vehicle. The base station device also includes a processor and a memory device that cause the base station device to: obtain types of traffic being transmitted or received by the devices within the vehicle, assign first priority values to the types of traffic being transmitted or received by each of the devices within the vehicle, assign second priority values to the devices within the vehicle; assign each of the types of traffic to the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the first priority values and the second priority values, and redirect traffic to the first transceiver and to the second transceiver.

Abstract: A functionality of an accessible device such as a set-top box, computer, mobile device, media device, is unlocked or otherwise made available to a user by a security system dependent on an external paired device, such as a mobile device, a key fob or radio frequency identification (RFID) device paired to the accessible device being in a particular wireless communication range of the accessible device. When an authorized user carries the external paired device, this provides the authorized user of the accessible device the ability to conveniently restrict the use of the accessible device and access to various functionalities of the accessible device, such as access to particular television programming or streaming media at times when the authorized user is not in close proximity or in the same general area of the accessible device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and non-transitory, machine-readable media that facilitate personalized home automation control based at least in part on individualized protocol. First sensor data may be received, and may be indicative of an identified individual that is sensed by a set of sensors. A particularized pattern of activity of individual may be determined. Second sensor data may be indicative of an unidentified individual. Identification rules specified by a stored protocol record may include criteria for identifying sensed individuals. The second sensor data and/or identification information from another data source may be analyzed to identify the unidentified individual. A home automation rule may be determined based on the particularized pattern, which rule may include an anticipation of an operational setting of a home automation device. The home automation device may be instructed based on the determined home automation rule.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and non-transitory, machine-readable media that facilitate personalized home automation control based at least in part on individualized protocol. First sensor data may be received, and may be indicative of an identified individual that is sensed by a set of sensors. A particularized pattern of activity of individual may be determined. Second sensor data may be indicative of an unidentified individual. Identification rules specified by a stored protocol record may include criteria for identifying sensed individuals. The second sensor data and/or identification information from another data source may be analyzed to identify the unidentified individual. A home automation rule may be determined based on the particularized pattern, which rule may include an anticipation of an operational setting of a home automation device. The home automation device may be instructed based on the determined home automation rule.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: A functionality of an accessible device such as a set-top box, computer, mobile device, media device, is unlocked or otherwise made available to a user by a security system dependent on an external paired device, such as a mobile device, a key fob or radio frequency identification (RFID) device paired to the accessible device being in a particular wireless communication range of the accessible device. When an authorized user carries the external paired device, this provides the authorized user of the accessible device the ability to conveniently restrict the use of the accessible device and access to various functionalities of the accessible device, such as access to particular television programming or streaming media at times when the authorized user is not in close proximity or in the same general area of the accessible device.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: A satellite dish assembly and a set-top box are utilized to provide an internet wireless hotspot. The set-top box connects to the internet through a modem. The set-top box is coupled to the satellite dish assembly allowing the satellite dish assembly to connect to the internet through the set-top box. An antenna coupled to the satellite dish assembly broadcasts a wireless internet signal allowing a mobile electronic device to connect to the internet through the set-top box.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus are described for facilitating the collection of data from television receivers. First and second television receivers exchange data over a wireless communication link. The first television receiver transmits the data received from the second television receiver to a data collection system associated with a television provider. The data collection system processes the received data to analyze the operation of the second television receiver.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus are described for reducing unauthorized usage in a television distribution system. A television receiver communicates with base stations of a wireless communication network. Based on the communications with the base station, the television receiver identifies its location and transmits the location information to a data collection system through the wireless communication network. The data collection system utilizes the location information to identify unauthorized uses of the television receiver.

Abstract: Described herein are mobile communication devices that are insertable within a slot of a host system. The mobile communication device is sized to fit within the host system. When inserted within the slot of the host system, the mobile communication device may interface with the host system to exchange data.

Abstract: A satellite receiving system is constructed including an antenna, a solar cell, and a set-top box receiver. The set-top box receiver includes a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar cell, and a main power supply. The solar cell is configured to charge the rechargeable battery. The set-top box is configured to operate from either the rechargeable battery or the main power supply, and to operate from the rechargeable battery when the main power supply is turned off.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.