Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that encodes digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera and provided according to a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The digital signals are transmitted as serial digital interface (SDI) streams to a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) unit; the WDM unit performs electrical-to-optical conversion of the SDI streams and outputs a multiplexed signal to a single fiber-optic cable. The video camera, encoding unit, and WDM unit form a combined module within a housing; the device connects to a proximal end of a single fiber-optic cable, and a distal end of the single fiber-optic cable is configurable for connection to a demultiplexer of a 4K-UHD video presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing a terrestrial content service that delivers media content to premises of a subscriber for presentation to media processing equipment of the subscriber. An interruption in the terrestrial content service is determined that interrupts the delivery of the media content item to the media processing equipment. An alternative media content item is identified based on the media content item, wherein the alternative media content item is available by way of a direct broadcast satellite service not subscribed to by the subscriber. The direct broadcast satellite service is provisioned to the media processing equipment responsive to the determining of the interruption in the terrestrial content service. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that encodes digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera and provided according to a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The digital signals are transmitted as serial digital interface (SDI) streams to a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) unit; the WDM unit performs electrical-to-optical conversion of the SDI streams and outputs a multiplexed signal to a single fiber-optic cable. The video camera, encoding unit, and WDM unit form a combined module within a housing; the device connects to a proximal end of a single fiber-optic cable, and a distal end of the single fiber-optic cable is configurable for connection to a demultiplexer of a 4K-UHD video presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that encodes digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera and provided according to a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The digital signals are transmitted as serial digital interface (SDI) streams to a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) unit; the WDM unit performs electrical-to-optical conversion of the SDI streams and outputs a multiplexed signal to a single fiber-optic cable. The video camera, encoding unit, and WDM unit form a combined module within a housing; the device connects to a proximal end of a single fiber-optic cable, and a distal end of the single fiber-optic cable is configurable for connection to a demultiplexer of a 4K-UHD video presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing a terrestrial content service that delivers media content to premises of a subscriber for presentation to media processing equipment of the subscriber. An interruption in the terrestrial content service is determined that interrupts the delivery of the media content item to the media processing equipment. An alternative media content item is identified based on the media content item, wherein the alternative media content item is available by way of a direct broadcast satellite service not subscribed to by the subscriber. The direct broadcast satellite service is provisioned to the media processing equipment responsive to the determining of the interruption in the terrestrial content service. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for encoding media content based on network quality of service parameters. A system configured to practice the method determines quality of service parameters for a network between a media server and a media client. The system selects an encoder based on a list of decoders available at the media client and the quality of service parameters, and encodes at least a portion of the media via the encoder. The system can further determine settings for the encoder based on a media type, and encode the media via the encoder according to the settings. The system can detect when the media client moves to a new network, detect new quality of service parameters, and select a new encoder based on the list of decoders available at the media client, the media type, and the new quality of service parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of packetizers, a buffer, and an interface. The plurality of packetizers includes a first packetizer and a second packetizer. Each of the plurality of packetizers is configured to receive media content from a corresponding media source. The buffer is coupled to the plurality of packetizers and is configured to concurrently receive first content from the first packetizers and second content from the second packetizers. The interface is configured to provide the first content from the buffer to a display device and to provide the second content from the buffer to the display device responsive to a media selection request received from the display device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first tuning state of a media processor of a subscriber. The first tuning state includes a satellite service channel, wherein the satellite service channel provides a first media content item that is processed by the media processor for presentation. A terrestrial service channel is identified that provides a second media content item. Access to the terrestrial service channel is provided by control of a switch. Subsequent processing of the second media content item by the media processor is facilitated by replacing the first media content item, responsive to the determining of an unavailability of the satellite service channel Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for encoding media content based on network quality of service parameters. A system configured to practice the method determines quality of service parameters for a network between a media server and a media client. The system selects an encoder based on a list of decoders available at the media client and the quality of service parameters, and encodes at least a portion of the media via the encoder. The system can further determine settings for the encoder based on a media type, and encode the media via the encoder according to the settings. The system can detect when the media client moves to a new network, detect new quality of service parameters, and select a new encoder based on the list of decoders available at the media client, the media type, and the new quality of service parameters.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first tuning state of a media processor of a subscriber. The first tuning state includes a satellite service channel of a number of channels, wherein the satellite service channel provides a first media content item that is processed by the media processor for presentation. A terrestrial service channel is identified that provides a second media content item. The terrestrial service channel is accessed, but not at a time of access processed by the media processing device for presentation. An unavailability is determined of the satellite service channel to the media processor, and subsequent processing of the second media content item by the media processor is facilitated by replacing the first media content item, responsive to the determining of the unavailability of the satellite service channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command from a user device. The media selection command identifies first media content, the media content available from a first content source in a first format. The media interface device is configured to provide the first media content to the user device as second media content in a second format different than the first format. The method includes selecting a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device to process the first media content based on the media selection command. The method includes receiving the first media content at the particular module, where the particular module converts the first media content in the first format to the second media content in the second format. The method also includes sending the second media content from an interface coupled to the particular module to the user device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command included in a first communication from an application executing on a processor in a display device. The method further includes transmitting a signal to a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device, where the particular module is selected based on the media selection command, and where each of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media content from a corresponding media source. The method further includes sending a second communication to the application. The second communication includes a particular media content item received via the particular module.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of packetizers, a buffer, and an interface. The plurality of packetizers includes a first packetizer and a second packetizer. Each of the plurality of packetizers is configured to receive media content from a corresponding media source. The buffer is coupled to the plurality of packetizers and is configured to concurrently receive first content from the first packetizers and second content from the second packetizers. The interface is configured to provide the first content from the buffer to a display device and to provide the second content from the buffer to the display device responsive to a media selection request received from the display device.

Abstract: A satellite digital broadcast systems transmits signals from a geosynchronous satellite to a plurality of geographically dispersed receivers. Each receiver measures a receive signal level and transmits a value representing the level to a data center. The data center analyses data received from a plurality of receivers in order to determine a size, shape, and velocity of propagation of an obstruction. The data center then predicts which receivers will experience signal disruptions based on the obstruction and the velocity of propagation of the obstruction. The data center transmits instructions to receivers that will be affected by the obstruction.

Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns to expected levels.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing a terrestrial content service that delivers media content to premises of a subscriber for presentation to media processing equipment of the subscriber. An interruption in the terrestrial content service is determined that interrupts the delivery of the media content item to the media processing equipment. An alternative media content item is identified based on the media content item, wherein the alternative media content item is available by way of a direct broadcast satellite service not subscribed to by the subscriber. The direct broadcast satellite service is provisioned to the media processing equipment responsive to the determining of the interruption in the terrestrial content service. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first tuning state of a media processor of a subscriber. The first tuning state includes a satellite service channel of a number of channels, wherein the satellite service channel provides a first media content item that is processed by the media processor for presentation. A terrestrial service channel is identified that provides a second media content item. The terrestrial service channel is accessed, but not at a time of access processed by the media processing device for presentation. An unavailability is determined of the satellite service channel to the media processor, and subsequent processing of the second media content item by the media processor is facilitated by replacing the first media content item, responsive to the determining of the unavailability of the satellite service channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and products passively generate electrical energy from waste heat. Electronic components in cabinets generate waste heat that is used to illuminate an interior of a cabinet. A thermovoltaic semiconductor detects a temperature differential between a pair of terminals installed in the cabinet. The thermovoltaic semiconductor generates a low voltage output in response to the temperature differential. A power supply receives the low voltage output and produces a higher voltage for low-wattage light sources installed in the cabinet.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command included in a first communication from an application executing on a processor in a display device. The method further includes transmitting a signal to a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device, where the particular module is selected based on the media selection command, and where each of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media content from a corresponding media source. The method further includes sending a second communication to the application. The second communication includes a particular media content item received via the particular module.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and products passively generate electrical energy from waste heat. Electronic components in cabinets generate waste heat that is used to illuminate an interior of a cabinet. A thermovoltaic semiconductor detects a temperature differential between a pair of terminals installed in the cabinet. The thermovoltaic semiconductor generates a low voltage output in response to the temperature differential. A power supply receives the low voltage output and produces a higher voltage for low-wattage light sources installed in the cabinet.