Abstract: A method of processing a boot sequence for a processor forming a part of a module apparatus involves interrogating a host television device to determine if the host television device requires use of an application execution engine residing on the module apparatus; receiving a reply to the interrogation; and responsive to the reply, establishing a mode of operation wherein the application execution engine is used to execute application code for the host television device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An external module for use with a host television device consistent with certain embodiments wherein the host television device receives at least one content service has a connector for attaching to the module. Java™ code is received from the content service being received by the host television device over the connector. An application execution engine residing on the external module carries out execution of the Java™ code. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating use of OCAP (OpenCable™ Applications Platform) standard in a host cable television device, the host cable television device having a connector consistent with certain embodiments has a removable module. An OCAP engine resides on the removable module suitable for execution of Java™ code as specified by the OCAP specification. A module side connector is affixed to the removable module, the connector being suitable for mating with the connector of the host device. The module side connector has connections suitable for carrying graphics video data from the OCAP engine to the host device suitable presentation to a video display. The module side connector further has connections suitable for carrying Java™ code instructions to the OCAP engine for execution. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for obtaining filtered audiovisual content over a network for display on a television. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving a request for video content, the request including at least one factor that specifies an attribute of the requested video content, and communicating the request and the at least one factor to a content server. The method may also include receiving a response indicating video content available from the content server that satisfies the at least one factor. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the factor is data indicating a TV Parental Rating.

Abstract: An Internet-enabled TV can display thumbnails of audio-video content available from an Internet server for selecting content to be displayed on the TV by a user manipulating a remote control. Internet information loading rules and thumbnail navigation rules are disclosed.

Abstract: A navigable graphic user interface (GUI) is presented on a TV screen and can be navigated by a user manipulating a remote control to select audio-video content for display on the TV. A network status icon is provided on the navigable GUI to indicate whether the Internet can be accessed from the TV to obtain audio-video content.

Abstract: A remote control device includes one or more mode buttons which, when manipulated, cause plural controlled devices to assume preset configurations. HDMI CEC can be used to convey device ID information to the TV, which can then access the Internet using the ID information and receive back device control information which can be communicated to the remote to enable the remote to control the device.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating use of OCAP (OpenCable™ Applications Platform) standard in a host cable television device, the host cable television device having a connector consistent with certain embodiments has a removable module. An OCAP engine resides on the removable module suitable for execution of Java™ code as specified by the OCAP specification. A module side connector is affixed to the removable module, the connector being suitable for mating with the connector of the host device. The module side connector has connections suitable for carrying graphics video data from the OCAP engine to the host device suitable presentation to a video display. The module side connector further has connections suitable for carrying Java™ code instructions to the OCAP engine for execution. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An external module for use with a host television device consistent with certain embodiments wherein the host television device receives at least one content service has a connector for attaching to the module. Java™ code is received from the content service being received by the host television device over the connector. An application execution engine residing on the external module carries out execution of the Java™ code. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A Set Top Box or other client/server device including an Internet appliance which runs an application and operates under any of several operating systems. The Set Top Box boots from boot code stored, for example, in a ROM which permits a user to select an operating system and application. The Set Top Box contacts a Master Server and obtains a URL for download of the operating system and application. The URL is contacted and the application and operating system are downloaded. The Set Top Box operates under the operating system to run the application until another application is selected.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing recommended items for purchase or rental at a shopping kiosk, based on TV/DVD/CD etc. viewing profiles. A removable media such as a flash memory device can be inserted into an entertainment device receptacle, and the viewer's subsequent viewing (or listening) habits, including selected programming and related data such as TV program category, title, etc., recorded to establish a profile. The media can be removed and taken to the shopping kiosk, where it is inserted and used by the kiosk to present a list of recommended items for purchase or rental, based on the viewing habit profile of the viewer.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing recommended items for purchase or rental at a shopping kiosk, based on TV/DVD/CD etc. viewing profiles. A removable media such as a flash memory device can be inserted into an entertainment device receptacle, and the viewer's subsequent viewing (or listening) habits, including selected programming and related data such as TV program category, title, etc., recorded to establish a profile. The media can be removed and taken to the shopping kiosk, where it is inserted and used by the kiosk to present a list of recommended items for purchase or rental, based on the viewing habit profile of the viewer.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring and installing devices of a home entertainment system includes a portable memory media that can be installed in a memory slot of a television. The portable memory media can be preprogrammed with set-up instructions that are displayed at the television. A user can follow these instructions step-by-step in order to properly install and configure a television and any peripheral entertainment devices.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a viewer to easily program a remote control device with the parameters of various home entertainment components such as TVs, VCRs, DVDs, etc. A removable media is inserted into each component, with the remote control parameters or model identification of the component being downloaded to the media. The media is then removed from the component and inserted into the remote control device, which uploads the model data or control parameters so that the remote control device can be used to control the component without requiring a person to manually set or configure, for each component, the “universal” master remote.

Abstract: A system and method for providing on demand information at a display device includes a microprocessor that is connected to a radio data service signal receiver and a display device. The radio signal contains the data source for the on-demand content rather than the display device tuner. The microprocessor causes information from the radio data service signal to be decoded and displayed at the display device when requested by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a flicker filter for an interlaced video display. Content is analyzed to determine what type of filter or filter characteristics selected from a plurality of available filters or filter characteristics can provide the better display of the content. Based on this analysis, the filter characteristics are selected and used for flicker filtering the content for display.

Abstract: A system and method for retrieving uniform resource locators from television content includes a television that receives a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal includes embedded URL information. Moreover, the television includes a remote control unit that has a memory slot that is sized and shaped to receive a portable memory media. In response to a signal received at the television, e.g., from the remote control unit, the embedded URL is extracted from the broadcast signal and downloaded to the remote control unit. To facilitate Internet use, the downloaded URL can be transmitted to an Internet device, e.g., a computer or a personal digital assistant where it can be used to access information associated with Web sites linked to the URLs.

Abstract: A method to enable multiple TV viewers in discrete physical and/or temporal locations, to share the TV viewing experience by using audio and/or visual comments triggered by a remote control in conjunction with a TV which may be connected to one or more other TVs. The connection may be wireless (such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, etc.) or wired means (such as POTS line, Ethernet cabling, coax cabling, etc.). The TVs may furthermore communicate directly with each other on a peer-to-peer basis or via an intermediary server(s). Alternate embodiments permit time-shifting comments.