Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating program changes. The apparatus and method include a controller for detecting a change program request and for outputting change event data when a change event is detected. A non-active video information replacement module is coupled to the controller for receiving non-active video information and the change event data. When the replacement module receives change event data, a clear code generator generates clear code data that replaces non-active video information, and the non-active video information replacement module generates modified non-active video information. The modified non-active video information is provided to an output stage, whereupon the clear code data resets a non-active video information field within a display device, thereby preventing the display of erroneous information by a display within the output stage. Thereupon, clear code data is synthetically inserted within non-active video information upon the occurrence of a change event.

Abstract: A video production facility system may produce closed caption data that includes text data and timing data. The system may receive script data for a video program. The system may then determine identifiers for individual programming events that make up the program. The system may then produce closed caption data for the program. The closed caption data may include text data corresponding to the script data, and timing data provided at locations that correspond to the beginning of each of the programming events. The timing data may comprise an identifier of the corresponding programming event. Further timing data may be provided that marks the ends of programming events, or that marks individual segments within a programming event. Related embodiments may pertain to systems that implement such processing. The closed caption data may be synchronized to a video signal based on the display of corresponding text by a teleprompter system that is used in the production of the video program.

Abstract: A system for transmitting digital programming includes a program source providing digital information, circuitry for modulating the digital information onto a visual carrier modulated with analog television programming, and a visual transmitter coupled to the modulating circuitry. Using a phase modulation method, the system phase modulates the digital information onto a visual carrier, reduces the baseband frequencies of the phase modulated visual carrier, and amplitude modulates the phase-modulated video carrier onto a video signal. The amplified and encoded video signal are combined with an amplified sound signal and transmitted. Using an additive method, the system modulates the sidebands of the video carrier with the digital information and amplitude modulates the video signal onto the video carrier. The data-modulated sidebands are phase-shifted such that they will be in quadrature with the amplitude-modulated video signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a multi-picture in a display device are disclosed. The apparatus includes a demodulation unit demodulating a plurality of broadcast signals, which include video signals, audio signals, and supplementary information including genre information, a video processing unit converting at least one of the video signals into data representing a displayable main picture and data representing one or more displayable sub-pictures, and a controller selecting at least one of the video signals corresponding to at least one selected genre based on the demodulated genre information, wherein the controller controls the video processing unit to convert the video signals corresponding to the selected genre into the sub-picture data.

Abstract: A method of reinserting Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) data in a digital video signal includes creating a gray scale palette in a an On Screen Display (OSD) memory; sizing a VBI area in an OSD memory; locating a VBI area in an OSD memory; generating a VBI luma waveform bitmap; and overlaying the VBI luma waveform bitmap in a DVB video bit stream according to the gray scale palette, size and location data stored in the OSD memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter identification system, which utilizes an identification signal embedded into a digital television signal, enabling the transmitter of origin to be identified at a receiving station. Ideally the identification signal is an orthogonal pseudo-random sequence time synchronized to the signal frame structure of the digital television signal. Particularly designed for single frequency networks, identification of the various transmitted signals enables the network to be tuned to eliminate or minimize multi-path effects at certain locations, which receive transmissions from various transmitters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for generating reference signals that, when correlated with synchronization code signals or other components of broadcast TV signals, yield minimal sidelobes, produce large main peaks, and have minimal couplings to high frequency noise and low frequency disturbance signals. The present invention also provides a method and system for accurate position determination utilizing broadcast TV signals by employing reference signals with improved correlation characteristics of minimal sidelobes, minimal coupling to high frequency noise, minimal coupling to low frequency disturbance signals and a maximal main correlation peak.

Abstract: A ground wave video signal is extracted by a ground wave video decoder from a ground wave broadcast signal received by a ground wave tuner. A BS program link information signal is extracted by a BS program link information decoder from a BS broadcast signal received by a BS2 tuner. An AM radio sound signal is extracted by a radio sound decoder from an AM radio broadcast signal received by an AM radio tuner. The extracted ground wave video signal and BS program link information signal are displayed as videos by a display device, while the extracted AM radio sound signal is output as a sound from a speaker.

Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a TMDS-like link, in which video data and auxiliary data are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, or in which video data are transmitted over the link from the transmitter to the receiver and auxiliary data are transmitted from the receiver to the transmitter (or from the transmitter to the receiver and also from receiver to the transmitter), a transmitter or receiver for use in such a system, and methods for sending auxiliary data and video data over such a link, synchronizing such auxiliary data with such video data, and generating clocks having frequency closely matching the rate at which the auxiliary data are transmitted. Typically, the auxiliary data include one or more streams of audio data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for signal modulation. A plurality of pixels are selected in a pattern such that a first pixel group of the plurality of pixels is unpaired with a second pixel group of the plurality of pixels throughout the pattern in a portion of a video signal. The intensity of the plurality of the pixels is altered at a constant magnitude in the portion of the video signal pursuant to the pattern in a substantially invisible way.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which the transmitter is configured to transmit video data, embedded-clock auxiliary data (or auxiliary data derived from embedded-clock auxiliary data), and a video clock over the link to the receiver. The transmitter is configured to extract a sample clock from the auxiliary data without use of a phase-locked loop, and to generate time stamp data in response to the sample clock and the video clock. Typically, the auxiliary data are SPDIF (or other) audio data, and the sample clock changes state in response to codes that occur periodically in the audio data. Other aspects of the invention are a transmitter for use in such a system, a time stamp data generation circuit for use in such a transmitter, and a method for generating time stamp data in response to a stream of embedded-clock auxiliary data and a video clock.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, and cause the associated data to be rendered on a separate hand held device. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

Abstract: A method of providing a broadcast, method of reproducing the same, terminal for the same, and system thereof are disclosed, by which recorded broadcast data can be summarized and reproduced according to contents or priority of the broadcast. The present invention includes a broadcasting station inserting a summary reproduction information in broadcast data, transmitting the broadcast data; and a broadcast terminal storing the broadcast data received from the broadcasting station, reproducing a summary of the broadcast data using the summary reproduction information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus has: an input unit for inputting image data and program information data, the program information data indicating information on a program including the image data; a display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the image data input from the input unit; and a control unit responsive to a change in a program including images displayed by the display unit for controlling the display unit to display the changed program and the images on the same screen.

Abstract: In a baseband video transmission system for transmission of a video signal at a baseband based on the DVI standard, a transmitting device multiplexes a data signal representing data other than video during at least one blanking period of component video signals of the video signal to generate a DVI signal. A receiving device receives the DVI signal, and extracts the data signal from the received DVI signal.

Abstract: A system in which encoded data (e.g., encoded video and auxiliary data) are transmitted over a serial link. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters for use in encoding data for transmission over a serial link, receivers for receiving such data, and methods for sending encoded data over a serial link. Source data to be transmitted are encoded using a subset of a full set of code words. The subset consists of preferred code words. Disjoint clusters of code words in the full set are predetermined. Each cluster includes one or more of the preferred words, and optionally also at least one additional code word that is similar to a preferred word of the cluster in the sense that it is likely to be generated as a result of probable bit errors in transmission, or transmission and decoding, of such preferred word. Each preferred word of a cluster is indicative of a single source data value. Each received code word in a cluster is mapped to the source data value determined by each preferred word of the cluster.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to a video signal transmitting/receiving system in which digital video signals are transmitted from a transmitter (30) to a receiver (50) using a line (9) as a transmission channel. The transmitter (30) converts the video signals to be transmitted to a bit string longer in data length than a pixel making up the video signals, allocates a plural number of the bit strings to a blanking period during which pixel data in the pixel string is not transmitted and, using these bit strings, transmits the same superposed data a plural number of times. The receiver (50) extracts the specified bit strings indicating the blanking period from the received data and performs majority processing on the results of demodulation of the extracted bit strings to decide on output data. This reduces errors in reception of supplementary data to simplify the circuit structure as well as to ameliorate the error rate.

Abstract: A digital TV and a method of switching a channel automatically thereof provides a viewer with advance notice of an automatic channel switch using linkage descriptor information on HD broadcasting. Providing the viewer with notice of the switched channel reduces viewer confusion. The method includes the steps of determining whether a linkage descriptor is included in additional information regarding a broadcast program whether the broadcast program regardless of whether the broadcast program is selected by a viewer, checking the remaining time of the broadcast program if the linkage descriptor is included in the additional information, displaying a channel switch notice message on a screen, determining whether or not the broadcast program has ended, switching a channel of the broadcast program to a designated channel when the broadcast program ends, and displaying a channel switch confirmation message on the screen.

Abstract: A method, and program storage device apparatus for adapting multi-media presentations of various formats to a new format suitable for playback on a general scene description based playback system. More specifically, when mult-media presentations do not contain scene description components, such components appropriate to the multi-media presentation will be constructed. The multi-media presentation will then be presented together with the created scene description components to the playback system for decoding rendering.

Abstract: Television schedule information transmission and utilization systems transmit TV schedule data and associated network control messages provided by computer as packets via the Video Blanking Interval (VBI) lines in the TV signal from various television program providers. This data is acquired by regional data processing systems and forwarded by the regional data processing systems to subscriber units and used to construct an internal database. This internal database can be accessed by the subscriber unit to display a TV schedule for the channels that are received by the user's TV.

Abstract: A device and method for embedding plural kinds of additional information or multiple bits of additional information into one picture is provided. A region information generating step generates region information to specify at least two regions in the real picture spatial or frequency space corresponding to the picture data, a coefficient sequence generating step sets at least two coefficient sequences, which are different from each other, a watermark pattern generating step allocates the coefficient sequences to each divided region to generate watermark patterns, and an embedding step embeds digital watermark information by changing the picture data using the watermark patterns.

Abstract: T Systems and methods for providing picture-in-picture, or other multi-picture displays. Some of the systems include two or more video and/or data signals that are coupled to a transmission device. In addition, a selector signal is coupled to the transmission device. The transmission device also includes a video output that, based at least in part on the selector signal, provides a derivative of one of the video and/or data signals at a first compression and bandwidth, and the other video and/or data signal at a second compression and bandwidth. Various of the methods include utilize the systems to transmit two or more video outputs based at least in part on a selector signal.

Abstract: The formatting of a video image frame (10) having a first aspect ratio to yield an image frame having a different aspect ratio is facilitated by establishing a pan and scan pixel coordinate (P) within the image that defines an image capture window for formatting purposes. A predictor (22) determines the pan and scan pixel coordinate by examining the image frame to determine the location therein of the most pertinent activity. The predictor (22) determines the location of the most pertinent activity by examining at least one of: video data, audio data, and other data such as closed captioning information.

Abstract: VEIL modulation is a method of “subliminal” encoding of data in a video image that is similar to a watermark. The encoding consists of alternately proportionately raised and lowered luminance on selected horizontal scan lines. The encoding can be detected using a notch filter centered at half the line frequency. The encoding is lost, however, if the resolution of the video signal is changed downward. The invention preserves the encoding by coding alternate groups of lines, not alternate lines. This allows detection with a notch filter even after a reduction in resolution.

Abstract: A method for post-synchronizing information stream includes obtaining lip-objects from a video signal. The original lip-objects are replaced with new lip-objects which correspond to a translated audio signal. The new lip-objects may be obtained by tracking a further video signal or by using a database with visemes or lip-parameters. For a multi-language information stream, a desired language may be selected at the receiver.

Abstract: A system detects a non-video source embedded in a video sequence and provides direction to a deinterlacing algorithm accordingly. The system comprises a signal generator for generating a plurality of signals. The signals are generated in accordance with pixels input from the video sequence. The system further comprises a plurality of pattern detection state machines, each for receiving the signals and for detecting a pattern in the video sequence. The pattern is detected in accordance with a preset threshold, wherein the pattern detection state machine varies the preset threshold in accordance with the received signals. The system further comprises an arbiter state machine coupled with the plurality of pattern detection state machines for governing the pattern detection state machines and for determining whether or not a non-video source is embedded in the video sequence.

Abstract: A computerized audio or video signal control system controlled by an announcer and having a display of the available signal sources and scheduled events which can be activated, mixed, faded and cued by the announcer in the scheduled order or in an order the announcer desires. The control system provides the correlation between the displayed source or event name, the devices necessary to air the source or event and the routing necessary to air the event or source and then activates the proper devices to perform the task. The control system additionally logs the events actually activated in order.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing out contents carried on broadcast signals onto paper, which comprises a receiving unit for receiving the broadcast signals; a detecting unit for detecting designated contents, which are designated for printing, from contents carried on the broadcast signals received by the receiving unit; and a printing unit for printing out the designated contents detected by the detecting unit onto paper.

Abstract: Viewing of a program is enabled at optimum image quality. A correspondence table of an image signal processing parameter and a combination of TMCC information and transmission errors is stored in a RAM. A CPU reads out an image signal processing parameter corresponding to a combination of TMCC information supplied from an IF demodulator and transmission errors supplied from the IF demodulator, a demultiplexer and an MPEG video decoder from the correspondence table stored in the RAM, and controls signal processing in an image signal processing portion and display processing in an image display portion based on the image signal processing parameter.

Abstract: A method for encoding a carrier signal in a video signal, the video signal having one or more frames, the frames each having a first field and a second field, the first field and the second field of each frame having a plurality of scan lines, each having a plurality of pixels with an intensity value indicating brightness, the method comprising selectively designating the plurality of scan lines of the first field of the one or more frames as up lines or down lines, calculating an optimum amount of adjustment to the pixels of the up lines and the down lines, and selectively increasing the intensity value of pixels of the up lines and decreasing the intensity value of pixels of the down lines by the optimum amount of adjustment thereby modulating the video signal with a carrier signal and creating a modulated video signal.

Abstract: In a program receiver and a method of display processing of a program explanation screen, it is possible to display a reproduced program explanation screen as high-definite as a received program explanation screen when reproducing received program explanation information after recorded. Unrelated and unnecessary information is not displayed in reproduction when program explanation screen generating means for generating a received program explanation screen based on program explanation information added to the received program data is employed to generate a reproduced program explanation screen based on program explanation information added to the reproduced data. This enables efficient graphics processing and helps the user distinguish the received program explanation screen from the reproduced program explanation screen to prevent confusion.

Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which encoded data (e.g., video, audio, and optionally also other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. The serial link can but need not be a TMDS or TMDS-like link. In typical embodiments, packets of encoded audio data are transmitted over each of one or more channels of the link during data islands between bursts of encoded video data, a pixel clock is transmitted over the link, and the receiver regenerates a clock for the audio data using time code data in the packets and the pixel clock. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters for transmitting encoded data and a pixel clock over a serial link, receivers for receiving such data and pixel clock and performing audio clock regeneration, and methods for transmitting encoded data and a pixel clock over a serial link and performing clock regeneration using the transmitted data and pixel clock.

Abstract: In a system having a bi-directional auxiliary channel arranged to transfer information between a video source and a video display and vice versa and a unidirectional main link arranged to carry a number multimedia data packets from the video source to the video display, a method of establishing a stable main link. The method is carried out by performing a link training session carried out over the auxiliary channel to establish the stable main link, prior to starting transmission of multimedia data packet streams from a video transmitter to a video receiver over the main channel.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus supplies time information by a real-time-clock (RTC) that is corrected and a correction history is recorded. When a signal representing a correct-time indication is received, a correction processing section corrects a setting time provided from the RTC using the signal and a result of the correction is recorded into a log memory. When a signal representing a correct-time indication is not received or detected, the correction processing section records failure of correction of the setting time of the RTC into a log memory. The correction processing section is also capable of reading a history of correction information from the log memory and correcting the setting time provided by the RTC based on the correction history.

Abstract: A method for modulating one or more fields of video signal (18) with auxiliary signal (20) by use of an encoding improvement, the one or more fields having one or more sub-fields, the one or more sub-fields having a plurality of odd and even scan lines, the plurality of odd and even scan lines having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels each having an intensity comprising obtaining on encoder (12) the video signal from signal source (10), selectively designating on encoder the plurality of odd and even scan lines as up lines or down lines for at least one of the one or more sub-fields for at least one of the one or more fields, calculating an amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the plurality of odd and even scan lines on encoder, and adding intensity to the up lines and subtracting intensity from the down lines according to the amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the scan lines of video signal on encoder.

Abstract: A method and system for sending and receiving binary bit stream in a composite video signal, such as a NTSC signal. The binary bit stream is modulated according to quadrature amplitude modulation, converted to analog and translated to an intermediate frequency relative to the composite video signal and the associated sync pulses, and combined with the composite video signal. At reception of a composite video signal that includes the modulated bit stream, the sync pulses of the composite video signal are determined by extracting the composite video signal from the modulated bit stream. Also, the modulated bit stream is extracted from the composite video signal, separated into its component parts based on the sync pulses, and combined into a binary bit stream.

Abstract: A transmission efficient packet based display interface arranged to couple a multimedia source device to a multimedia sink device is disclosed. The transmission efficient interface includes a bi-directional auxiliary channel arranged to transfer information between the multimedia source device and the multimedia sink device and vice versa, wherein the information transferred over the auxiliary channel includes a set of packet attributes. The interface also includes a unidirectional main link arranged to carry a number multimedia data packets from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit each having a multimedia data packet header. In the described embodiment, each of the headers is substantially reduced in size over what would otherwise be necessary since the packet attributes are communicated via the auxiliary channel prior to the transmission of the main link packets over main link thereby minimizing the packet overhead and providing a very high main link efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting segments from a broadcast television signal uses a mean display attribute value of pixels of each successive frame of a video component of the signal to identify segment transitions. Elapsed times between the identified segment transitions are compared with expected durations of segments, in order to detect intervals that are likely to constitute segments. Groups of the detected intervals are subjected to tests to see if they are temporally arranged in an expected distribution typical of segments in broadcast signals. The mean display attribute values concurrent with each detected segment are then used to form a statistical profile for the segment. These statistical profiles may be used to identify re-broadcast segments. Further a stream of mean audio amplitudes is preferably used to supply further segment transitions, to improve segment detection, and to provide more statistical values.

Abstract: A system and method for pricing a classified advertisement. The method includes receiving a classified advertisement from an advertiser to be distributed to at least one of multiple device types. The classified advertisement may be substantially simultaneously formatted for at least two of the device types. The classified advertisement may be displayed as formatted for presentation by the device type(s). A price may be determined and displayed for the classified advertisement as formatted for presentation by the device type(s).

Abstract: A system (10) and method of the present invention encodes information into a video signal by substituting luminance information within the video signal with a modulated frame of content data on one or more lines of the active portion of the video signal to provide an additional information channel on the video signal. A modulation and video synchronization circuit (32) converts content data into at least one modulated frame of content data having video synchronization information. An interleaver (34) is operatively connected to the modulation and video synchronization circuit (32) and interleaves the modulated frame of content data within at least one selected line of the video signal.

Abstract: In a channel selection device of the invention used in a digital/analog broadcasting receiver, in instructing changing a channel, either one of the UP/DOWN key pair or the RIGHT/LEFT key pair can be used to change a main channel while changing the other pair to change a sub-channel. Thus, by using the keys distributed between the main channel and the sub-channels, a correlation can be given between the key operations and the channels' hierarchical construction to thereby facilitate the changing and selection of the main channels and the sub-channels in the hierarchical construction in digital/analog broadcasts.

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.

Abstract: The system for updating a clock in an electronic device, such as a personal computer, has a receiver system having an input for receiving a real time signal and having an output on which is provided digital information representative of the real time signal. An extraction module is operatively coupled to the receiver system, the extraction module extracting at least a current time value from the display data. An update module is operatively coupled to the extraction module, the update module updating the clock in the computer when the current time value of the digital information differs from a current value of the clock in the computer. In one embodiment a validating unit is operatively coupled between the extraction module and the update module. The validating unit compares channel identification data derived from the display data to time zone data in the computer, the time zone data being indicative of a time zone in which the computer is currently located.

Abstract: Viewing of a program at optimum image quality is realized. A correspondence table of combinations of MPEG video encoding parameters and image signal processing parameters is stored in a RAM. A CPU reads out from the RAM an image signal processing parameter corresponding to a combination of MPEG video encoding parameters supplied from a demultiplexer, and on the basis of the image signal processing parameter, controls image signal processing in an image signal processor.

Abstract: A method for encoding a carrier signal in a video signal, the video signal having one or more frames, the frames each having a first field and a second field, the first field and the second field of each frame having a plurality of scan lines, each having a plurality of pixels with an intensity value indicating brightness, the method comprising selectively designating the plurality of scan lines of the first field of the one or more frames as up lines or down lines, calculating an optimum amount of adjustment to the pixels of the up lines and the down lines, and selectively increasing the intensity value of pixels of the up lines and decreasing the intensity value of pixels of the down lines by the optimum amount of adjustment thereby modulating the video signal with a carrier signal and creating a modulated video signal.

Abstract: An input content signal, e.g., representing video, is encoded to hide plural-bit auxiliary data therein. The process generates an intermediate signal that is a function of (a) the plural-bit auxiliary data, and (b) data related to human perception attributes of the content signal. This intermediate signal is then summed with the content signal to effect encoding. The plural-bit auxiliary data can include copy control data, i.e., data that can be sensed by a consumer electronic device and used to disable a copying operation. The intermediate signal may include a pseudo-random key signal so as to obscure the encoding and require knowledge of a corresponding key at the decoder to extract the auxiliary data from the encoded content. In some embodiments, calibration data is encoded in the content signal with the auxiliary data. This calibration data desirably has known properties (e.g., spectral attributes, data content, etc.) facilitating its identification in the encoded content signal.

Abstract: A system for nonlinear viewing of television show segments is provided by transmitting a main signal and an ancillary signal. The ancillary signal is a short show segment. The television receiver system can select either the main signal or the ancillary signal. The ancillary signal is stored in a small cache memory for later access in place of the main signal. An icon is generated on the television set to notify the user of the presence of the ancillary signal.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as an interactive toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The interactive device is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for performance subsequent to the transmission session (e.g., a televised program). The interactive device also may be equipped to perform behavior during the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the interactive device to which the data word is directed, so that a particular interactive device will respond (i.e., perform behavior) only in accordance with the control data words including the appropriate genus code.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus obtains a first image and display timing information of the first image via a first channel, and a second image via a second channel different from the first channel. The information processing apparatus includes a main CPU for processing the obtained second image in accordance with the contents of the first image, and a CRTC for outputting the obtained first image, the processed second image and the display timing information to a predetermined display unit to display a combined image obtained by combining the first and second images on the display unit.

Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which encoded data (e.g., video, audio, and optionally also other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. The serial link can but need not be a TMDS or TMDS-like link. In typical embodiments, packets of encoded audio data are transmitted over each of one or more channels of the link during data islands between bursts of encoded video data. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters for use in encoding data for transmission over a serial link, receivers for receiving such data, and methods for sending encoded data over a serial link.