Abstract: A channel zapping method is provided. The channel zapping method includes setting a channel group selected from among a plurality of channel groups classified by genre as a target for group zapping, and if a channel zapping command is input, performing channel zapping to a next channel in the channel group to which a current channel belongs, and if a group zapping command is input, performing channel zapping to a channel in another channel group included in the target for group zapping, and the another channel group is a channel group in a highest class or in a sub class which belongs to the highest class in the each genre.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus can provide channel scanning. In various examples, a channel scanning module can instruct scanning of multiple channels within a wideband frequency range by assigning channels to one or more demodulators to attempt to lock onto a signal at the assigned channel. In other examples, a channel scanning module can instruct scanning for downstream channels by assigning channels to multiple narrowband tuners and multiple demodulators to attempt to lock onto a signal on the assigned channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking content sources from which media assets have previously been viewed are provided. A user request to access a first content source is received. Content currently being presented to the user from the first content source is monitored to determine whether the content meets a criterion. An amount of time the content being presented meets the criterion is measured. In response to determining the amount of time exceeds a threshold, an identifier of the first content source is stored in a list of content sources from which content meeting the criterion was previously presented to the user. Content received from one of the content sources in the list is presented each time a user request to access a last content source is received.

Abstract: A simple antenna is connected to the RF input port on a conventional digital TV to receive video content from a plurality of video content sources wirelessly. The wireless RF transmission by a local transmitter has a range generally limited to within a home or room. The low power RF transmission is on a carrier frequency that is legally authorized by the FCC in frequency and power level. To identify the open channels for the RF transmission, a tuner scans for weak channels, and the transmitter is tuned to transmit on the detected weak channels.

Abstract: A video and audio processing device comprises: a switching unit that switches a video input and output pathway at least between “analog video input terminal—analog video output terminal” and “specific-standard digital input terminal—specific-standard digital output terminal”; an input determining unit that determines whether the specific-standard digital data is fed into the specific-standard digital input terminal; and a pathway determining unit that determines whether the video input and output pathway is “analog video input terminal—analog video output terminal”. The receiving unit produces only the audio data from the specific-standard digital data, when the specific-standard digital data is fed into the specific-standard digital input terminal while the video input and output pathway is “analog video input terminal—analog video output terminal”.

Abstract: In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user's receiver to receive the desired program.

Abstract: A remote control method applied to a remote control system, including a remote control device and at least one be-controlled device, includes the following steps. The remote control device discovers the at least one be-controlled device dynamically via a network and retrieves a device control profile from the at least one be-controlled device. The device control profile includes a composite finite state machine representing the dependency of various operation states of the at least one be-controlled device and multiple control codes coded in a bit-string format. Then the remote control device retrieves a current operation state code from the at least one be-controlled device via the network periodically. The remote control device analyzes the current operation state code based on the device control profile to accordingly generate a user interface to control the at least one be-controlled device.

Abstract: A television receiver for receiving TV signals when unknown interference is present in a predetermined bandwidth in which the TV signals are transmitted. The TV receiver comprises an input, a tuner, a configurable filter and a controller circuitry. The input receives a radio frequency (RF) signal comprising the terrestrial TV signals. The tuner is configured to detect the terrestrial TV signals, where the terrestrial TV signals include a plurality of frequency channels within a predetermined bandwidth and the plurality of frequency channels provide TV signals which communicate TV channels. The configurable filter is configurable to suppress signals received from one or more of the plurality of frequency channels within the predetermined bandwidth.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to receive and display digital television signals are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus to receive digital television signals comprises an antenna assembly coupled to the signal processing circuitry and comprising a first antenna positioned to maximize reception in a first direction and a second antenna positioned to maximize reception in a second direction, different from the first direction, and a processor coupled to the antenna assembly and comprising a selection logic module to select an antenna to receive a digital television signal for a specific channel, and a tuning logic module to configure the antenna assembly to receive a signal via a selected antenna.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for distributing a received modulated RF signal to a plurality of tuners including a diplexer device. The diplexer device includes a plurality of filter circuits adapted to direct respective portions of the received modulated RF the signal to respective tuner devices. In an illustrated embodiment, the tuner devices supply tuned signals to a picture in picture display device. Also disclosed is a method of receiving a modulated ready of frequency signal and routing portions of the received signal to respective tuner devices using filter devices in a diplexer or multiplexer configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting an electronic device to receive digital television broadcast signals is disclosed. The device comprises a switch commandable to interpose one or more matching networks as in the RF signal path according to a channel command to match an integrated headset antenna to the tuner receiving the RF signals.

Abstract: A television receives a command to power up from a standby mode. This causes the TV to start a boot process, and while the boot process proceeds. At a point in the boot process when the tuner input switch is operative, the process simultaneously determines a current time from a real time clock and retrieves a channel and a switch setting from a usage pattern database corresponding to the current time. The tuner is tuned to the channel and the input switch is set. At completion of the boot process the tuner is already tuned to the channel and the input switch is set to the switch setting corresponding the current time so that time to viewing a desired channel is often minimized. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a cable network to acquire electronic programming guide (EPG) content signals from one or more EPG vendors. The system includes a set-top box (STB) for receiving cable signals and EPG signals from a headend controller so that the STB can output the signals to a media output device for display. A conversion table is provided to each STB for use by the STB in determining source IDs associated with a given channel for each EPG vendor, the source IDs for use in acquiring the EPG content signals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an internal buffer may be provided within an integrated circuit (IC) to convert a signal to an output current to be output via a pin of the IC, under control of a switch which can be controlled based on a configuration setting of the IC, and may selectively directly couple the signal to the pin when the IC is coupled to an external driver circuit.

Abstract: A method of processing video data with an electronic equipment where the video data is available from a time-sliced data stream having video data corresponding to each of a plurality of channels. The method includes receiving video data corresponding to one of the channels from the plurality of channels that is currently selected by the user and driving a display in accordance with the video data corresponding to the currently selected channel, and predicting which one of the remaining channels from the plurality of channels that the user may next select. Video data corresponding to the predicted channel is received and buffered to improve switching time from the currently selected channel to the predicted next channel.

Abstract: Techniques involving the reception of content are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may include a tuning detection module, a channel selection module, and a remote tuning module. The tuning detection module determines a local tuning of a user device. This determination may be made from a leakage signal (e.g., local oscillator (LO) leakage) generated by the user device. Based on the determined local tuning, the channel selection module selects an output channel from a remote digital tuner. The output channel may then be tuned by the remote tuning module for reception by the user device at its local tuning.

Abstract: A receiver device is provided singly capable of applying demodulator circuits with differing frequency characteristics with respective signals of desired frequencies for the demodulator circuits. The receiver device in accordance with the present invention switches between a mode in which a digital signal having a frequency suitable for various signal processes is supplied to a DA converter and a mode in which a digital signal for which the IF frequency is about 30 MHz to 60 MHz is supplied to the DA converter, by using a switch and a wire.

Abstract: An RF transceiver integrated circuit has a novel segmented, low parasitic capacitance, internal loopback conductor usable for conducting IP2 self testing and/or calibration. In a first novel aspect, the transmit mixer of the transceiver is a current mode output mixer. The receive mixer is a passive mixer that has a low input impedance. In the loopback mode, the transmit mixer drives a two tone current signal to the passive mixer via the loopback conductor. In a second novel aspect, only one quadrature branch of the transmit mixer is used to generate both tones required for carrying out an IP2 test. In a third novel aspect, a first calibration test is performed using one quadrature branch of the transmit mixer at the same time that a second calibration test is performed using the other quadrature branch, thereby reducing loopback test time and power consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a channel change response time are disclosed. A meta channel associated with an original and auxiliary media streams is generated. The information conveyed by the meta channel is propagated toward at least one user device. The user device may receive the meta channel information and select one of the media streams using the meta channel information in response to a channel change request from a user terminal, or a network device may select one of the media streams for a user terminal in response to a channel change request from the user terminal.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention includes a latch circuit having a first input to receive a data signal and a second input to receive a clock signal. This latch circuit may have a first pair of transistors including a first transistor gated by the data signal and a second transistor gated by an inverted data signal and a second pair of transistors including third and fourth transistors gated by the clock signal. The first transistor may be coupled to the third transistor at a first inter-latch node and the second transistor coupled to the fourth transistor at a second inter-latch node. A reset circuit may be coupled to the latch circuit to maintain the first and second inter-latch nodes at a predetermined voltage level when the clock signal is inactive.

Abstract: An image display device has a display panel which displays an image; a first case which accommodates the display panel; an ion generating unit which generates ion mist; a second case which accommodates therein the ion generating unit; and a blower which is disposed inside the second case, and generates an air flow for emitting the ion mist generated by the ion generating unit to outside of the second case. The second case has an inlet provided upstream in the air flow relative to the ion generating unit; and an outlet for emitting air flowing in from the inlet and including the ion mist generated by the ion generating unit to the outside of the second case. The air including the ion mist and emitted from the outlet is emitted to a viewing space in front of the display panel.

Abstract: A first terminal device and a video display control method are described. The first terminal device includes at least two tuners configured to receive and decode a video; a first display unit configured to display video or image; a first communication unit configured to communicate with a second terminal device; and a first processing unit configured to control the at least two tuners, the first display unit and the first communication unit. The first processing unit chooses one of the at least two tuners as a primary tuner, and displays a first video of the primary tuner on the first display unit, and the first processing unit sets the other tuner of the at least two tuners as slave tuner, and transmits a video of the slave tuner to the second terminal device through the first communication unit so as to be displayed by the second terminal device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for receiving audiovisual programs sent by a server to at least two reception devices. Initially, a first user requests a document from the server that establishes a unicast stream to download said document. Then, a second user requests to receive the same document, even truncated by a part. The server studies the proposal and possibly, for a lower price, agrees to the download. The server then switches the broadcast of the document from a unicast stream to a multicast stream, the first and second devices receiving said document via the same multicast stream. The invention also relates to a device for receiving audiovisual content and a server for implementing the method.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mixed-signal tuner for analog and digital TV reception incorporates a demodulator for analog TV, employing various features for resolving limitations of the analog circuitry and for achieving compatibility with various global TV standards. Such features, which may be present in one or more embodiments, include the use of a variable sample rate in all digital clocks for frequency planning, and use of a microcontroller (MCU) to control various circuitry of the tuner.

Abstract: A television receiver for receiving TV signals when unknown interference is present in a predetermined bandwidth in which the TV signals are transmitted. The TV receiver comprises an input, a tuner, a configurable filter and a controller circuitry. The input receives a radio frequency (RF) signal comprising the terrestrial TV signals. The tuner is configured to detect the terrestrial TV signals, where the terrestrial TV signals include a plurality of frequency channels within a predetermined bandwidth and the plurality of frequency channels provide TV signals which communicate TV channels. The configurable filter is configurable to suppress signals received from one or more of the plurality of frequency channels within the predetermined bandwidth.

Abstract: Embodiments of cognitive radio technology can recover and utilize under-utilized portions of statically-allocated radio-frequency spectrum. A plurality of sensing methods can be employed. Transmission power control can be responsive to adjacent channel measurements. Digital pre-distortion techniques can enhance performance. Embodiments of a high DNR transceiver architecture can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiver capable of reducing influence of disturbance waves and capable of receiving analog and digital broadcast signals without interference with a single front end module, without leading to complexity of the configuration. A receiver 10 includes, on a module board 11, a first terrestrial wave tuner 16 and second terrestrial wave tuner 17 which receive broadcast signals of a first frequency band, and a first satellite wave tuner 14 which receives broadcast signals of a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, with the first satellite wave tuner 14 being situated between the first terrestrial wave tuner 16 and the second terrestrial wave tuner 17. The present invention can be applied to receivers receiving broadcast signals of different frequency bands, for example.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multimode tuner architecture implementing direct frequency conversion are shown. Embodiments provide a highly integrated configuration wherein low noise amplifier, tuner, analog and digital channel filter, and analog demodulator functionality are provided in a single integrated circuit. A LNA of embodiments implements a multi-path configuration with seamless switching to provide desired gain control while meeting noise and linearity design parameters. Embodiments of the invention implement in-phase and quadrature (IQ) equalization and a multimode channelization filter architecture to facilitate the use of direct frequency conversion. Embodiments implement spur avoidance techniques for improving tuner system operation and output using a clock signal generation architecture in which a system clock, sampling clock frequencies, local oscillator (LO) reference clock frequencies, and/or the like are dynamically movable.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a receiver is configured to calculate first moving average of reception quality information output within first period, to calculate second moving average of the information output within second period, to reproduce a broadcast program based on the strong-layer broadcast signal if the first moving average is lower than first threshold corresponding to the first moving average, and to reproduce a broadcast program based on the weak-layer broadcast signal if the second moving average is higher than second threshold corresponding to the second moving average.

Abstract: A method of automatically selecting between a first video programming channel and a second video programming channel in a video content receiver is presented. In the method, the receiver receives video programming carried over at least one of the first channel and the second channel, as well as scheduling information regarding the two channels. The receiver also receives a channel selection for one of the two channels, such as from a user. In response to the channel selection, the receiver compares the scheduling information for the first channel to a current time value. If the scheduling information indicates the first channel is not currently carrying video programming that is available for presentation to the user, the receiver selects the second channel for presentation to the user; otherwise, the receiver selects the first channel.

Abstract: A method for accessing a multimedia resource of a smart television, includes: receiving a channel selection signal to determine a target channel index number; querying pre-bound correspondence between a channel index number and a multimedia resource; when one multimedia resource corresponding to the target channel index number exists, starting the multimedia resource; and when multiple multimedia resources corresponding to the target channel index number exist, presenting all identifiers of the multimedia resources corresponding to the target index number, and determining a target multimedia resource according to a selection instruction of a user and starting the target multimedia resource, where the multimedia resource is a television channel or an application program.

Abstract: A method, a coding format and a device is provided for switching from a first data channel to a second data channel of a digital television system. At least the second data channel is coded in a multilayer scalable video coding format comprising a base layer and at least one enhancement layer. The multilayer coding is used for switching between channels, and at least one of the enhancement layers may be adapted for providing fast switching by providing it with more random access points, e.g. more IDR-frames, than the base layer.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mixed-signal tuner for analog and digital TV reception incorporates a demodulator for analog TV, employing various features for resolving limitations of the analog circuitry and for achieving compatibility with various global TV standards. Such features, which may be present in one or more embodiments, include the use of a variable sample rate in all digital clocks for frequency planning, and use of a microcontroller (MCU) to control various circuitry of the tuner.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting signal processing method for processing a multimedia stream by a set-top box is disclosed. A USB request command set is pre-defined in a digital signal receiving unit to support the set-top box. The digital signal receiving unit transmits data with the set-top box and controls the signal quality of the data transmission according to the USB request commands transmitted by the set-top box while the digital signal receiving unit connected with the set-top box via USB.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and a method for performing manual fine tuning (MFT) are provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus includes a signal processor which processes a broadcast signal of a tuned channel; a image generator which generates a manual fine tuning (MFT) image on which an optimal frequency of the tuned channel is to be tuned; a display which displays the MFT image; and a controller which, if a signal requesting adjustment is received, determines whether the broadcast signal is blocked and whether to re-tune the tuned channel using an adjusted optimal frequency based on a result of the blocking determination. The method includes processing a broadcast signal of a tuned channel; receiving a signal requesting adjustment; determining whether the broadcast signal is blocked; and determining whether to re-tune the channel using an adjusted optimal frequency based on a result of the determining.

Abstract: A gate driver creates a dummy insertion period in which the driver does not apply a gate on pulse to a scanning signal line immediately after the time of the inversion of a data signal. When a period from the time of the application of the gate on pulse to an odd numbered or even numbered scanning signal line to which the gate on pulse is applied previously to the time of the application of the gate on pulse to an even numbered or odd numbered scanning signal line to which the gate on pulse is applied later is set as an adjacent line writing time lag period for two scanning signal lines adjacent to each other, a CS control circuit allows the polarity of every CS signal to be reversed on the same cycle at least in the adjacent line writing time lag period.

Abstract: To provide an electronic device capable of preventing an enclosure from falling down without providing a stand and also improving heat dissipation of the enclosure. An electronic device (1) according to the present invention has a substrate (3) where a data storage unit (5) incorporating a storage medium is mounted, and a columned enclosure (2) for storing the substrate (3) in a standing posture, with an axial direction thereof directed to the vertical direction. The enclosure (2) has a pair of lateral walls (22, 23) opposite to the substrate (3) in the Y1-Y2 direction. The pair of lateral walls (22, 23) have a curved shape curved so that middle portions in the Z1-Z2 direction depart from the substrate (3) more than the respective both ends in the Z1-Z2 direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of cognitive radio technology can recover and utilize under-utilized portions of statically-allocated radio-frequency spectrum. A plurality of sensing methods can be employed. Transmission power control can be responsive to adjacent channel measurements. Digital pre-distortion techniques can enhance performance. Embodiments of a high DNR transceiver architecture can be employed.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus includes a channel scanning unit configured to perform a channel scanning process of scanning broadcast channels to be received, determining on each scanned broadcast channel whether the channel is receivable, and registering a broadcast channel determined as receivable, a function setting unit configured to perform settings of various functions, and a control unit configured to control the channel scanning unit and the function setting unit so that the channel scanning process is performed simultaneously with the settings of the various functions.

Abstract: Methods for channel scanning are provided. An embodiment of a method for channel scanning comprises scan progress information stored when interrupting a channel scanning process. A carrier RF subsequent to the most recently processed carrier RF is locked onto with reference to the stored scan progress information when resuming the interrupted channel scanning process. Channel information of a program carried by the locked carrier RF is acquired. The acquired channel information of the program is stored in a channel table.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a one-segment tuner I/F that is connected to a one-segment tuner, a tuner I/F that is connected to a digital terrestrial tuner, a decoder that selectively decodes a first broadcast signal supplied from the one-segment tuner I/F and a second broadcast signal supplied from the tuner I/F, a general purpose processor that is provided separately from the decoder and decodes the first broadcast signal, and a switch unit that, based on signal intensity of the second broadcast wave, switches the decoding by the decoder between the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal while the general purpose processor is decoding the first broadcast signal. The one-segment tuner I/F, the tuner I/F, the decoder, the general purpose processor, and the switch unit are integrated on one chip.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a universal television receiver that is capable of processing a television channel signal to provide phase-adjusted video information for the desired television channel signal.

Abstract: A TV tuner includes an Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) tracking filter, an UHF/VHF matching circuit and a single conversion Tuner IC. The UHF/VHF tracking filter includes a first Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) inductor, a first varactor diode and a fine-tune capacitor electrically connected to determine the maximum gain frequency of the UHF/VHF tracking filter. The UHF/VHF matching circuit includes a second LTCC inductance, a second varactor diodes and a fine-tune capacitor electrically connected to determine the maximum gain frequency of the UHF/VHF matching circuit.

Abstract: A television receives a command to power up from a standby mode. This causes the TV to start a boot process, and while the boot process proceeds. At a that a point in the boot process when the tuner input switch are operative the process simultaneously determines a current time from a real time clock and retrieves a channel and a switch setting from a usage pattern database corresponding to the current time. The tuner is tuned to the channel and the input switch is set. At completion of the boot process the tuner is already tuned to the channel and the input switch is set to the switch setting corresponding the current time so that time to viewing a desired channel is often minimized. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus which accumulates and stores a status value of a broadcast signal is provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus includes a signal receiver which receives a broadcast signal, a decoder which decodes the received broadcast signal, a signal detector which detects a signal status of at least one of the received broadcast signal and the decoded broadcast signal, and a storage unit which accumulates and stores a status value of the broadcast signal detected by the signal detector. Accordingly, the past signal status of the broadcast receiving apparatus can be easily recognized.

Abstract: A digital TV data processing method includes: (a) when a first channel digital TV data corresponding to a first channel is displayed, storing a second channel digital TV data corresponding to a second channel, the second channel digital TV data including an audio data and a video data; (b) when the first channel is switched to the second channel, decoding the video data of the stored second channel digital TV data at a first rate; and (c) when the decoding catches up a real-time second channel digital TV data corresponding to the second channel, decoding subsequent second channel digital TV data at a second rate and displaying a corresponding real-time decoding result; wherein the first rate is higher than the second rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a noise intolerant device, e.g., a phase-lock loop of a tuner within a television receiver, from source of noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus isolates a phase-lock loop integrated circuit (IC) from the bus, by providing an isolation buffer that allows the receiver to only pass data to the tuner's phase-lock loop IC when a tune command is issued by a processor. When not being tuned, the IIC lines to the tuner are held HIGH by a buffer until needed again to perform the tuning function. This allows the demodulation circuitry to use a setting for a carrier tracking-loop that optimizes bit error rate performance.

Abstract: A headset, a circuit structure of a mobile apparatus, and a mobile apparatus are provided. The headset includes at least one earphone, a microphone, an audio plug, and a headset cable. The audio plug includes a connector having a plurality of contacts. The microphone and the at least one earphone is coupled to the corresponding contacts of the audio plug through the headset cable. The headset cable includes a ground line, a microphone line, at least one audio line, and an antenna for receiving a television broadcasting signal. The antenna is coupled to one of the contacts coupled to the ground line, the microphone line, and the at least one audio line. The one of the contacts to which the antenna is coupled further serves as a radio frequency contact to provide the television broadcasting signal and an audio broadcasting signal.

Abstract: A system with a function of switching channels of a television (TV) is provided. The system includes a processing unit and a plurality of modules to be executed by the processing unit. The plurality of modules include a collecting module, a comparing module, and a channel switching module. The collecting module collects a voice frequency of a channel being watched by user at a sampling period. The comparing module compares the voice frequency at a prior sampling period with the voice frequency at a current sampling period. The channel switching module switches the channel being watched to another channel when the voice frequency at the prior sampling period is lower than the voice frequency at the current sampling period.

Abstract: A tuner for use in mobile television devices comprises at least one RF front end component comprising a LNA adapted to amplify mobile television signals; a PLL circuit to generate signals; and a pair of mixers to receive the signals from the LNA and the PLL circuit and downconvert the signals; an analog baseband component connected to the RF front end component, wherein the analog baseband component comprises I and Q channel signal paths each comprising a tunable high order impedance filter; at least one signal amplification stage; and a signal filter stage connected to the signal amplification stage, wherein the analog baseband component further comprises a plurality of switches operatively connected to the I and Q channel signal paths, and wherein the plurality of switches are selectively opened and closed in multiple configurations in order to allow the tuner to receive mobile TV signals for all mobile TV standards.