Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Services and service components in a broadcast network may be mapped to disparate physical layer transmission channels (PLPs) using logical layer pipes (LLPs). The use of LLPs allows different service components of a single service to be mapped to physical layer transmission channels (PLPs). Accordingly, service components may be shared among different services. Additionally or alternatively, different functions (e.g., different error detection or correction protocols) may be applied to each service components of a service. A receiver may identify services, service components and corresponding PLPs based on LLP identifiers. The receiver may then access and receive desired services and service components through the identified PLPs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buffering server transfers a dynamic burst transfer of data encoded using an inter-coded compression technique. The dynamic burst transfer is timed so that an initial transfer rate is reduced to a remaining transfer rate at the same time or before a decoding endpoint joins a corresponding data stream. The decoding endpoint merges the video stream and the dynamic burst transfer to decode and quickly reconstruct a displayable video frame.

Abstract: A test controller can be operable to diagnose a video condition experienced at a customer premises. The test controller can include a port coupled to the customer premises. The test controller can also include a processor operable to activate a diagnosis sequence, send a set of questions to equipment at the customer premises, and isolate a cause of the video condition to a portion of the network, in response to receiving test a video access device can include a first port coupled to particular test equipment and a second port coupled to video access devices. The test controller can be part of a system that includes methods used to diagnose the video condition experienced at the customer premises.

Abstract: A system and method for scalable multifunctional network communication between presentation devices and service providers are disclosed. A group of consumer premise equipment (CPE) units are coupled to the presentation devices, and a headend control computer receives upstream messages from the CPE units and for sending downstream messages to the CPE units. A group of service provider control subsystems interface between the headend control computer and the service providers. The head end control computer receives messages from the CPE units and transports them to the service provider control subsystems, and the headend control computer receives messages from the service provider control subsystems and transports them to the CPE units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

Abstract: Customizable, multimedia messaging over a subscriber television system utilizing a service independent framework is provided. A multimedia messaging (MMM) server is generally located at a headend of a cable or satellite system, and an MMM client at a communications terminal located remotely with respect to the MMM server. A service provider or operator defines a message configuration to present the message content to subscribers. The message configuration includes parameters that control the presentation of the message content. The MMM server receives an MMM request from a service application, and generates an MMM request which is sent to the communications terminal, particularly, to the MMM client. The MMM client processes the MMM request, including retrieving message content and/or message configuration. The MMM client presents the message to the subscriber. Since the MMM server and MMM client are platform independent, different services may send uniquely generated and designed messages for presentation.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for switching between channels of encoded media data involving receiving encoded media data including reference frames and dependent frames for a plurality of channels, wherein each dependent frame refers to at least one reference frame. Frames associated with a first channel from the plurality of channels are decoded to generate a decoded signal for the first channel. While decoding frames associated with the first channel, data corresponding to at least one reference frame associated with a second channel from the plurality of channels are stored. In response to a control signal for switching from the first to the second channel, at least one dependent frame associated with the second channel is decoded by utilizing the stored data corresponding to the at least one reference frame associated with the second channel, to generate a decoded signal for the second channel.

Abstract: A home network service system using an SMS service, the home network service system including: a text message processor to receive a text message; and a home network control apparatus to control a home network device according to the text message by converting a control signal corresponding to the text message using a protocol compatible with the home network device and transmitting the converted control signal to the home network device. Accordingly, various types of home network devices can be easily controlled.

Abstract: A dynamic service group discovery and mapping approach avoids manual assignment of stream channels for transporting video services to the client devices that provide the video services to an end user. Client devices, such as set-top boxes, receive video services such as video on demand (VOD), switched digital video (SDV), pay-per view (PPV) and other narrowcast types of video for selective transmission. Each client device scans for visible stream channels, and sends a report indicative of visible stream channels to a dynamic mapping server. The dynamic mapping server applies aggregation rules for determining, based on the reported stream channels, which client devices are in the same service group. By receiving reports from each client device, the dynamic mapping server identifies groupings of service groups by combining sets of client devices receiving common channels, and “builds” the service groups as additional reports indicate common stream channels visible to multiple set top boxes.

Abstract: Network devices and methods are provided for sharing multimedia data with other network devices existing on a network, in which a network device shares and uses multimedia data with other network devices, collects information about multimedia data contained in the other network devices and requests the transmission of multimedia data from a network device containing the multimedia data based on the collected information at the request of a user. The network device may include a network device management unit for collecting information about multimedia data; a multimedia data management unit for preparing a multimedia data list; a packet generation/processing unit for generating a packet requesting multimedia data; and a transmission unit for transmitting the generated packet to a specific network device.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication system is disclosed which includes, in a wireless communication device, transferring a wireless beacon signal and responsively receiving a wireless access request from a user device, determining if a user identifier received with the wireless access request has usage credits in a data structure, exchanging wireless signals with the user device and with a wireless communication network based on the usage credits to provide a wireless communication service to the user device, and decrementing the usage credits for the user identifier in the data structure. The method also includes wirelessly transferring usage credit updates for receipt in a master data structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system that can receive a group of channels (at least one of which includes an I-frame) from a DSL network, a memory that can store the I-frames, and a channel change detector that can detect a user's selection of a particular channel. If the memory contains the I-frame corresponding to the particular channel and if an I-frame has not been received from the DSL network, then the system provides the stored I-frame from the memory to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for locating Open System Interconnection (OSI) Layer 3 or higher devices at strategic locations throughout the network. The Layer 3 devices may have additional capabilities, such as wireless connections or other functionality that may benefit both the consumer and network provider. Layer 2 traffic is confined to smaller areas, allowing the main backbone of the network to handle more useful data traffic and less overhead traffic.

Abstract: A High Definition (HD) video wireless transmission method for transmitting a data packet for a video frame of an HD video is provided. The method includes: receiving the video frame which comprises a video frame size; acquiring a payload length and a Minimal Required Transmission Time (MRTT) associated with the video frame, wherein the MRTT is a minimal time bound for transmitting the video frame to a receiving end; performing partitioning to the video frame for acquiring the data packet according to the payload length; and performing scheduling to the data packet according to the MRTT, and the scheduled data packet is transmitted to the receiving end.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a communication unit that transmits content to a communication terminal connected via a network and a control unit that controls transmission of the content by the communication unit. The control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a first file containing the content for a time corresponding to a communication disabled time of the communication terminal in response to a transmission request of the content from the communication terminal and causes the communication unit to transmit a second file to be transmitted subsequent to the first file at a transmission predetermined time obtained by adding the communication disabled time of the communication terminal to a transmission time of the first file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for billing data services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller that manages a communications interface coupled to a communication system. The controller can be programmed to calculate a charge for service according to a degree of asymmetric bandwidth usage of upstream and downstream data traffic consumed by customer premise equipment. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of paging a mobile station is provided. The method includes requesting to receive a page that announces when a program is to be broadcast. The method also includes sending the page to the mobile station before the program is to be broadcast. The method further includes receiving the page at the mobile station. A method for providing interactive feedback in a wireless communication network is also provided. The method includes broadcasting a program from a server to a mobile station. The method also includes receiving at least part of the program at the mobile station. The method further includes providing feedback about the program from the mobile station.

Abstract: A wireless communications network includes roving subscriber-stations and base stations receiving broadcast programs from a content server. A subscriber-station evaluates whether a desired program is available from a subject base station. According to this evaluation, the subscriber-station takes steps to (1) receive the desired program on a shared channel for reception by multiple subscriber-stations, or (2) initiate base station delivery of the desired program to the subscriber-station on an individual channel. Responsive to a message from a subject subscriber-station identifying a desired program, a base station either (1) continues transmitting the desired program upon a shared channel, (2) starts transmitting the desired program on a shared channel, or (3) sends the subject subscriber-station a channel assignment message and commences transmission of the desired program on the assigned individual channel.

Abstract: One or more LAN switches capable of accessing the contents of a MAC address table, which the LAN switch contains, from the outside; and a presence server storing in a storage device a first correspondence table between a MAC address of a network interface, which equipment contains, and its user, and a second correspondence table between a port of the above-described LAN switch, and a physical range wired therefrom, are used to thereby obtain a correspondence table between the equipment, its user, and its physical location (range), whereby making applicable also to a wired LAN at the time of determining the location of the equipment or the location of a user using the equipment in a building, and making realizable at low cost, and allowing the location to be determined accurately within a predetermined segmented area, and not being affected even if an IP address is changed.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for receiving data from each of a plurality of components in a network, the components being arranged as a plurality of multicast trees, the data from each of the components indicating a structure of a portion of the network and at least one attribute associated with the respective component. The disclosure further provides for determining, based on the data, a structure of at least some of the multicast trees, receiving search criteria, and determining which of the multicast trees meet the search criteria.

Abstract: A telecommunications system uses an external application gateway (EAG) in communication with a network call control element and external server systems for controlling calls. The telecommunications system further includes a session initiation protocol (SIP) proxy, an intelligent application proxy, and an intelligent application call control. The EAG communicates with a network call control element of a packet network and a third party application server for controlling calls. The external application gateway controls the flow of information between the network call control element and the third party application server, performing such functions as modifying or stripping out network-proprietary information with delivery of the modified messages to the third party application server, keeping track of call state information and associating messages with specific calls, verifying that the third party application server is making only allowed requests, and limiting traffic volumes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for enforcing a rate limit for data traffic. One method identifies a unidirectional stream of data packets flowing through a server to a downstream end user. The unidirectional stream is classified according to a rate class, with each rate class having an associated rate limit. Each rate limit specifies a maximum bit rate at which the unidirectional stream may flow. When the actual bit rate of the unidirectional stream exceeds the maximum bit rate permitted for the associated rate class, packets of data are discarded to reduce the bit rate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning physical channels in a content-based network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network having a plurality of cable modems, and the physical channels are assigned to the cable modems based at least in part on any multicast transmissions that may exist on the system. When two cable modems are receiving the same multicast transmission, the invention causes tuning of one or more of the cable modems to the same physical channel in order to limit the total number multicast transmissions on the network. Multicast transmissions typically comprise video or audio information, but other types of information may also be multicast according to the invention. In another embodiment, a multicast transmission list (containing a list of multicast transmissions and the corresponding physical channels) is sent to the set of cable modems. This list is used by the modems (or associated CPE) to manage channel allocation and tuning.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are provided for combining and processing broadcast and narrowcast content on a common platform. The broadcast and narrowcast content may be processed, routed, encrypted, and transmitted. In some embodiments, a modulator may be used modulate the broadcast content and the output from that modulator may be coupled to an input of one or more interface cards. The inputs of the one or more interface cards may also be coupled to outputs from a plurality of modulators that may be configured to modulate the narrowcast content. In this manner, a reduction in resources may be obtained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically and automatically allocating network resources through anticipatory analysis and control. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched digital architecture, and network bandwidth allocation to multiple digital program streams is performed by processing historical user tuning data, which is obtained directly from the subscriber's consumer premises equipment (e.g., DSTB). When an increase or decrease in bandwidth required to support certain programs is anticipated, network resource re-allocation is performed automatically by a software process running on the switching server. In this fashion, speculative but “intelligent” projections of bandwidth and program stream requirements can be made automatically by the server software, without operator intervention. The server also optionally dictates the optimal monitoring and data collection parameters to the DSTB.

Abstract: A method is described that includes receiving a program request from a transceiver that includes a program request to receive a video program at the transceiver. The method also includes determining an amount of bandwidth on a channel available to the transceiver. The method further includes determining whether to provide a unicast stream or a multicast stream to deliver the requested video program to the transceiver in response to the program request based on a result obtained after implementing a policy control function that considers an amount of bandwidth on the channel to the transceiver. The method further includes formatting and selecting an incoming media stream in accordance with the result of the policy control function to provide a corresponding formatted unicast or multicast media stream that includes video data for the requested video program. The method further includes outputting the associated formatted unicast or multicast media stream on the channel.

Abstract: PLC modems and a PLC communication system that includes the PLC modems receive a multicast packet from a video server of a multicast group. When a MAC address table is set therein, the PLC modems and the PLC communication system convert the multicast packet into a unicast packet and transmit the converted packet to a power line. When no MAC address is set, the PLC modems and the PLC communication system transmit the multicast packet to the power line.

Abstract: A communication system has a communication control unit, communication terminal units and communication units. The communication control unit and the communication terminal units communicate according to a first protocol. The communication units mutually communicate according to a second protocol. A specific communication unit of the communication units has a data analyzer and a data transmitter. The data analyzer judges whether or not second monitoring information represents a steady state. The data transmitter transmits the control information corresponding to the second monitoring information to at least one related second communication terminal unit through the communication control unit according to the first protocol if the second monitoring information represents an unsteady state. Thereby, the load connected to the second communication terminal unit is controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to provide reduced latency in channel changing for interactive programming. In some implementations, such systems and methods can include identifying a rapid channel change mode and filtering older requests when a device detects the rapid channel change mode. In other implementations, such systems and methods can predict channel change requests and identify predicted channels associated with the predicted requests. The predicted channels can thereby be requested in advance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission apparatus for rapid channel change to an A/V stream of a predetermined channel, the apparatus including a program specific information (PSI) generation unit for generating PSI of the A/V stream, a PSI length detection unit for detecting a length of the PSI generated by the PSI generation unit; a channel information (CI) generation unit for generating CI which includes PSI of all digital broadcasting channels input to the digital broadcasting transmission apparatus, a CI insertion unit for dividing and inserting the CI generated by the CI generation unit into a PSI transmission area generated by the PSI generation unit, according to the length information detected by the PSI length detection unit, and a transport stream (TS) multiplexing unit for multiplexing and outputting the A/V stream and an output of the CI insertion unit.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes generating a request for header data, the request is sent to a first processor. The method also includes receiving a response from the first processor that is indicative of video data for a virtual frame to be communicated. A multiplex table is generated based on the response. The method also includes evaluating a multiplex entry in the multiplex table for synchronization with a line number, and requesting the first processor to send at least a portion of the virtual frame after the synchronization. The method further includes communicating a packet, which includes a payload associated with the virtual frame and a packet header that includes multiplex data associated with the multiplex entry.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a plurality of audio frames, assembling groups of the audio frames into logical recording units, storing a plurality of the logical recording units, retrieving the stored logical recording units, and decoding the retrieved logical recording units. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing video conditions experienced at one or more customer premises is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, network device including a port coupled with a first customer premises over a network, a memory storing computer instructions, and a controller. The controller can execute the computer instructions for identifying a video condition experienced at the first customer premises where the video condition is associated with video content transmitted over the network, sending a first query to first equipment at the first customer premises, receiving first responses to the first query from the first equipment, sending a second query to second equipment at a second customer premises, receiving second responses to the second query from the second equipment, and associating a cause of the video condition with the first customer premises in response to receiving the second responses. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An implementation is described herein, which facilitates a fast channel change by receiving and decoding a unicast acquisition media stream that corresponds to a soon-to-be-requested target multicast media stream. It does this before requesting the target multicast media stream of the new channel. Once the transmission of the unicast stream is caught up with the multicast stream, this implementation splices from the unicast acquisition stream to the target multicast media stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting digital multimedia receives signals for a plurality of single program transport streams (SPTS). Each SPTS is transmitted as a series of groups of a predefined number of transport stream packets. An input buffer that receives the packets is configured to hold only the predefined number of packets at any point in time. A table builder receives packets from the input buffer and assigns a set of unique packet identifiers to the packets from each SPTS, reconfigures each program map table in the packets, and generates a program association table for a multiple program transport stream (MPTS). The table builder retains unaltered the program clock reference in the data packets. A first-in, first-out buffer combines packets received from the table builder into a MPTS. An output stage modulates a carrier signal, such as for a television channel, with the MPTS.

Abstract: A method of generating a file at a header metadata creator apparatus, the method including: generating, at the header metadata creator apparatus, a file, the file including: a file header, a file body, and a file footer, wherein the file header includes at least KLV encoded header metadata, the KLV encoded header metadata including at least a universal label, length data and variable length data, the variable length data including a plurality of KLV encoded metadata sets, each one of the KLV encoded metadata sets includes a predetermined universal label, essence length data and a plurality of KLV encoded metadata items, and each KLV encoded metadata item includes at least an item universal label, variable item length data and item value data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for billing data services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller that manages a communications interface coupled to a communication system. The controller can be programmed to calculate a charge for service according to a degree of asymmetric bandwidth usage of upstream and downstream data traffic consumed by customer premise equipment (CPE). Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of main-view and sub-view video streams and a graphics stream are recorded on a BD-ROM disc. Metadata is provided in each GOP in the sub-view video stream. The metadata includes offset information. The offset information specifies offset control for a plurality of pictures constituting a GOP. Offset control is to provide a left offset and right offset for the horizontal coordinates in a graphics plane to generate a pair of graphics planes, and to combine them separately with main-view and sub-view video planes. The sub-view video stream is packetized and multiplexed in a transport stream. A header of each TS packet includes a TS priority flag. TS packets containing the metadata have a different value of TS priority flag from TS packets containing sub-view pictures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining and selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology, delivery bitrates, and resolution parameters for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different display resolution, bitrate, and/or decoding capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE or client device, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE or device based on its profile. The selection process may also take into consideration network and/or CPE operational considerations, such as conservation of downstream bandwidth, CPE uprating capability, client device power consumption, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for composing a subchannel in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes performing a subband-based permutation on resources for composing a subchannel; selecting one or more subbands as resources for a band selection subchannel from the resources passing through the subband-based permutation; composing the band selection subchannel using at least one of the selected subbands; performing a resource allocation unit based permutation on resources not selected for the band selection subchannel; composing a resource allocation unit based diversity subchannel using subband remained in the selected subbands after the band selection subchannel is composed and at least one of the resource allocation units of the resources passing through the resource allocation unit based permutation; and composing a tone-based diversity subchannel by performing a tone-based permutation on resources remained after the resource allocation unit based diversity subchannel is composed.

Abstract: A system for selection by a user and delivery to the user over an internetwork transmission channel of selected audio data files at a delivery rate of at least twice the delivery rate for normal, audibly perceptible playback of an audio data file. The user registers the user's selection of audio material with a central library of audio and/or text data files, and a digitized and optionally compressed omnibus file containing the user's selections is prepared and transmitted to the user at a high data transfer rate. The user receives downloads the selected data files to a personal computer or to a portable storage and playback unit (SPU) that may store and play back digitized text or audio data, using a docking station. The user carries this SPU until the user has an opportunity to audio process and play back the text or audio data files in audibly perceptible form.

Abstract: Systems and methods for point-to-multipoint communications with CAS are provided. In one embodiment, a line unit comprises: an interface to communicate with a node using a first frame structure comprising timeslots, the frame structure transporting signaling bits in an x'th timeslot; the unit coupled another line unit via a communication link, wherein the other unit communicates with another network node using a second frame structure comprising timeslots, the second frame structure transporting signaling bits via its x'th timeslot. Payload timeslots for a first frame received from the other line unit are mapped from the second frame structure to payload timeslots of a second frame using the first frame structure and transmitted via the interface. The x'th timeslot for each of the first and second frame structures are formatted in a multiframe structure comprising a schedule of signaling bit locations allocated to signaling bits corresponding to a designated payload timeslot.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitter, a turbo stream processing method thereof, and a digital broadcasting system having the same. The digital broadcasting transmitter includes a first compressor, forming a normal stream by compressing audio and video signals in a first compression format, a second compressor, forming a turbo stream by compressing the audio and video signals in a second compression format, a transport stream (TS) constructor, compressing the turbo stream in an H.264 format and forming the dual transfer stream by multiplexing the normal stream and the turbo stream, and a TS processor, robustly processing the dual transfer stream transmitted from the TS constructor, thus enhancing the transmission efficiency.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a public address system, and more particularly, to a paging relay controller within the public address system and methods thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the paging relay is configured through a dynamic host configuration protocol server. After configuration, the paging relay can process incoming network streams. The paging relay can receive an incoming network stream from a source typically in the form of a unicast stream. The stream can be transported over a wide area network that commonly does not support multicast transmissions. After receiving the unicast stream, the paging relay converts the unicast stream into a multicast stream. The paging relay then rebroadcasts the multicast stream over a local area network to local subscribing devices. In one embodiment, the paging relay can also convert the unicast stream to line level audio for transmission to an analog system via the RCA phono port.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to detect a media device operating externally to the communication device actively engaged in presenting media content, detect an incoming communication session initiated by another communication device, present a notice identifying the media device and the media content being presented by the media device, detect a directive to modify an operation of the media device to mitigate interrupting a communication session with the other communication device, and instruct the media device to modify its operation according to the directive. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: MPEG video encoders and MPEG audio encoders encode video signals and audio signals, respectively. An SI/EPG data generator generates program information. A transport stream multiplexer multiplexes the program information with video data and audio data. A system controller controls the data output rates of the encoding operations and the multiplexing ratio.

Abstract: Methods for scanning software for the existence of a licensing condition. Software may be uploaded, scanned and compared against known software stored in a datastore. If the uploaded software matches known software in the datastore, a license associated with the known software may be determined. The license may have information associated with it, such as a classification based on risk and obligations. The classification of the license, as well as the obligation information may be returned as a report to a requester that uploaded software to easily identify the risks associated with incorporating the software into a larger code base or project.