Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lightweight transcoding. In one embodiment, a minimal function transcoder is disclosed which supports multiple devices requiring various video formats. Transcoding functionality may be downloaded to an existing device and comprises using an intermediate set of data resulting from a partial decode of an input stream that is temporarily stored until all transformation operations have completed. Premises devices register to the transcoder and the transcoder transcodes content requested by the registered devices (i) upon detection that the registered device is “in use”; (ii) at the time of original content playback or broadcast; and/or (iii) at a time prior to a previously scheduled time of intended use. The transcoder exploits the similarities between the mechanisms by which the various encoding formats and, in one variant, ignores some of the features of the more advanced content formats to arrive at a “just-in-time” or “near real-time” transcoded content.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lightweight transcoding. In one embodiment, a minimal function transcoder is disclosed which supports multiple devices requiring various video formats. Transcoding functionality may be downloaded to an existing device and comprises using an intermediate set of data resulting from a partial decode of an input stream that is temporarily stored until all transformation operations have completed. Premises devices register to the transcoder and the transcoder transcodes content requested by the registered devices (i) upon detection that the registered device is “in use”; (ii) at the time of original content playback or broadcast; and/or (iii) at a time prior to a previously scheduled time of intended use. The transcoder exploits the similarities between the mechanisms by which the various encoding formats and, in one variant, ignores some of the features of the more advanced content formats to arrive at a “just-in-time” or “near real-time” transcoded content.

Abstract: A favorites list of program channels which a cable TV user likely prefers is generated automatically, from which the user may select a program channel to watch. Each program channel in the favorites list is identified based on a measure of the duration in which the program channel is continuously tuned to. In an embodiment, this measure varies nonlinearly with such a duration. The favorites list may further comprise sublists of program channels which may correspond to different periods of a day, week, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating images, compressing image data, decompressing image data, and processing the decompressed image data so that it can be used by a rendering circuit of a device, e.g., a set top box, are described. Images are generated in the native format used by the rendering circuit of the device which will ultimately control the display of the image avoiding the need to perform processing associated with converting color component information from one format to another. Uncompressed image data is arranged in a file with color component values being grouped separately from alpha values to facilitate compression by a standard file compression technique. The file is compressed using a conventional file compression operation. The compressed image file is decompressed when needed and the alpha data and color component data is reorganized so that the color component values and alpha value(s) corresponding to individual pixels are grouped together.

Abstract: A message structure is provided for assigning transmission profiles to individual modems for modem transmissions in an upstream direction, on a modem by modem basis. The profiles define a set of transmission parameters, e.g., forward error correction information, symbol rate, frequency, modulation type, etc. that the modem should use to optimize their transmission in the upstream direction in order to maximize throughput. The invention is applicable to both wireless and land-based communications systems, particularly those adhering to the Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (“DOCSIS”)—Radio Frequency Interface Specification standard, or other standards which are analogous to the DOCSIS standard. The message structure can consist of two parts—a first part that defines a plurality of different types of transmission profiles, and a second part that assigns a particular profile to a modem.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing dynamic compensation for delays over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes periodically or situationally assessing variable delays within the system associated with functional commands (such as “trick mode” commands), and dynamically compensating for these variable delays in order to improve the accuracy and timeliness of the user's trick mode command. This approach increases user satisfaction, and obviates the issuance of additional compensatory trick mode commands that only further degrade the performance of the network.

Abstract: A resident application (RA) in set-top terminals (STTs) is updated by providing an upgrade channel application (UCA) over a network. Those STTs that are selected to receive the UCA are identified. The selected STTs download the UCA from the network. Once the UCA begins to execute on an STT, it retrieves the user parameters stored in the STT, and transmits them to a remote location for storage. A new RA is then installed in the STT. The original user parameters are converted at the remote location to become compatible with the new RA. The converted user parameters are transferred to the STT for use by the new RA.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing and decompressing a binary code image includes preprocessing the image to separately group together the operation codes and the operands that make up the binary code image into a columnar format. The resultant preprocessed data is then compressed using any one of a plurality of compression codes. In turn, the resultant compressed image may be stored in a memory element or transferred using a transmission channel to a different device. The compressed image is then decompressed to reconstruct the binary code image.