Abstract: An arrangement is provided where a media server temporarily stores a DRM license that is associated with downloaded media content prior to copying the DRM license to a physical archival medium such as an optical disc. When the media server confirms that the DRM license is successfully copied to the physical archival medium, it destroys the temporarily stored DRM license.

Abstract: A digital data signal, such as a digital video signal, is intentionally pre-distorted before being sent over a network. In one embodiment, this pre-distortion may be performed in accordance with a pre-distortion pattern or algorithm which is shared with only intended receivers. The pre-distortion pattern may be used to vary the pre-distortion on a periodic basis, as frequently as on a symbol-by-symbol basis. The pre-distortion function may include distorting the phase and/or the amplitude of the digital signal's modulation.

Abstract: Techniques for personalizing audio levels, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, provide different audio volumes to different locations in a room allowing for two of more users to enjoy the same audio content at different volumes. Differential level and delay compensation filtering based on a position of each of a plurality of speakers, the location of each user and the preferred relative audio volume of each user are utilized to produce different effective audio levels in localized regions of a room.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively performing a remote control configuration procedure includes a settop box that receives electronic programming from a program source and a television that is configured to reproduce the electronic programming. A remote control device controls various functionalities of the television over an RC-TV communications link. The remote control configuration procedure is coordinated by the television and a configuration server to allow the remote control device to also control various functionalities of the settop box over an RC-STB communication link. The television and the configuration server support a user-friendly interactive procedure to automatically determine and provide certain settop-box control information for adding appropriate settop-box control functions to the remote control device during the remote control configuration procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively performing a remote control configuration procedure includes a settop box that receives electronic programming from a program source and a television that is configured to reproduce the electronic programming. A remote control device controls various functionalities of the television over an RC-TV communications link. The remote control configuration procedure is coordinated by the television and a configuration server to allow the remote control device to also control various functionalities of the settop box over an RC-STB communication link. The television and the configuration server support a user-friendly interactive procedure to automatically determine and provide certain settop-box control information for adding appropriate settop-box control functions to the remote control device during the remote control configuration procedure.

Abstract: The return channel in a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communication system is used to provide signal information on an individual-channel basis. In one embodiment, in a controlled factory environment, this information may be used to incrementing up or down the variable gain amplifier and/or the power amplifier of a MIMO transmitter and/or receiver so as to generate a default signal power offset to be used during normal operation. Thereafter, such signal information may similarly be provided via the return channel and used to further adjust the transmit parameters to account for location-specific signal conditions.

Abstract: A digital data signal, such as a digital video signal, is intentionally pre-distorted before being sent over a network. In one embodiment, this pre-distortion may be performed in accordance with a pre-distortion pattern or algorithm which is shared with only intended receivers. The pre-distortion pattern may be used to vary the pre-distortion on a periodic basis, as frequently as on a symbol-by-symbol basis. The pre-distortion function may include distorting the phase and/or the amplitude of the digital signal's modulation.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a search technique for image query. A region of interest (ROI) containing an image in a scene of a displayed content is captured. The ROI is analyzed locally or remotely to search for related content associated with the image. The related content is received.

Abstract: First, a user may select an illumination color for a bezel framing a display of an electronics device. Second, the illumination of a digital picture frame may be established based on sensed motion nearby and/or ambient light. Third, the color of a user interface presented on a display can be established to match the color of the room in which the display is disposed, as indicated by colorimetry from a camera.

Abstract: A handheld wireless device for controlling an electronic device. Ambient noise is automatically detected using a microphone and user preference parameters (e.g., volume) are adjusted, compensating for the detected noise. Plurality of signals are sent and received, operable to determine the location of the remote control, thereby operable to automatically tune various user preference parameters (e.g., surround sound). The remote control may be used as a telephone. When receiving a call, the caller information may be displayed using a popup window (e.g., on a television set). A call may be answered and the program may be paused/recorded/muted. The electronic device is automatically configured by identifying the user. A reader may read information on a payment card in a contactless manner. In one embodiment a radio frequency signal is used to reduce interference with LCD wavelength. The remote control may respond to a user command in order to be located.

Abstract: System and method for displaying guide data on a remote control. In one embodiment, guide data may be received in a first format by the remote control. The guide data may be converted from the first format to a second format based in part on a predefined user preference. A portion of the guide data may be displayed in accordance with the second format on a display of the remote control such that guide data is displayed according to a first scale.

Abstract: A digital data signal, such as a digital video signal, is intentionally pre-distorted before being sent over a network. In one embodiment, this pre-distortion may be performed in accordance with a pre-distortion pattern or algorithm which is shared with only intended receivers. The pre-distortion pattern may be used to vary the pre-distortion on a periodic basis, as frequently as on a symbol-by-symbol basis. The pre-distortion function may include distorting the phase and/or the amplitude of the digital signal's modulation.

Abstract: A bezel for a TV display has two or more bezel elements, one being more diffusive of light from a source juxtaposed with the bezel assembly than the other element. One element can laterally border the other element or one element can be directly behind the other. More than two bezel elements may be used.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying video content includes a scene detector to detect a plurality of consecutive scenes in the video content. The video content may include a video program and an advertisement contained within the video program. A signature generator determines a scene change signature for each of the plurality of consecutive scenes. A content identifier provides the plurality of scene change signatures to a comparator that compares the plurality of scene change signatures to a database having a plurality of video content items to identify the video program. The database includes an ordered plurality of previously determined scene change signatures for each item of video content in the database. The content identifier receives an identification of the video content from the comparator. The content identifier may further receive information related to a position of the plurality of scene change signatures within the ordered plurality of previously determined scene change signatures.

Abstract: Audibly announcing program channels is provided upon the detection of a channel information display, such as a programming banner or graphical channel representation. In response to the channel information display being detected, data corresponding to the channel information display may be captured and parsed. Once speech data representative of the current program channel has been generated, an audible announcement of the program channel may be made to the user, thereby enabling visually impaired individuals to ascertain the currently selected program channel. In another embodiment, the broadcast network corresponding to the current program channel may also be identified and audibly announced with the current program channel.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively implementing a charging base for a remote control includes a television device that is controlled by the remote control over a wireless RC-TV communications link. The charging base recharges a battery of the remote control when the remote control is docked to the charging base. In addition, the remote control may be docked to the charging base for bi-directionally communicating with the television and other external entities over a wireless base-TV communications link. Furthermore, various compatible peripheral devices may also recharge their batteries and bi-directionally communicate with the television and the external entities over the base-TV communications link while the peripheral devices are docked to the charging base.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for securing communications with an electronic device. The method comprises obtaining a dynamic, non-repeating value from internal logic within a remote control. Thereafter, information including the non-repeating value is encrypted to produce an encrypted value, which is transmitted along with a radio frequency (RF) command from the remote control in order to restrict wireless control of the electronic device.

Abstract: An input system for a TV remote control or other system has a single touch surface with a deformable haptic assembly below the touch surface such that a user placing a finger on the touch surface can feel deformation of the haptic, assembly. A pressure sensing assembly is below the haptic assembly and sensing motion of a finger on the touch surface, with a processor receiving input from the pressure sensing assembly and providing output to the haptic assembly in response. Also, a display receives input sent by the processor in response to input from the pressure sensing assembly to cause the display to present a changing image of a keypad as a user moves a finger on the touch surface.

Abstract: Remote control of an electronic device is achieved by retrieving a description of a control surface associated with the electronic device, rendering a graphical representation of at least portion of the control surface on a screen in accordance with the description and navigating the graphical representation using a navigation device that is remote from the first electronic device. The graphical representation may include multiple controls. The electronic device is operated in accordance with controls selected using the navigation device. The graphical representation may be displayed on the navigation device or on a remote screen. The controls to be displayed may be selected automatically dependent upon a selected operating mode.

Abstract: A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface.