Abstract: Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller element to receive a tout message associated with a media content item, and present the tout message with a selectable Internet link having one or more instructions for directing a set-top box (STB) receiver of a subscriber of the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a video on demand (VOD) service method, a VOD receiver, and a VOD server. The VOD service method includes downloading a first content from a VOD server in a download-and-play mode, receiving feedback information from a client terminal during buffering the first content in order to reproduce the first content, and transmitting the feedback information to the VOD server.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) of a television system receives web-based content, such as a web page, from a wide area network such as the Internet. The web-based content is provided to the STB for display. In response to an instruction, the STB provides all or a portion of the web-based content to a printer for printing. The printer can be connected to the STB via a network or through a computer connected to the STB on the same network. By providing an option to print the web-based content, the usefulness of the content is enhanced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast/VOD receiver comprises a broadcast reception processing unit which selectively receives broadcast signals and reproduces content of broadcast programs, a VOD communication processing unit which communicates with a server providing VOD content to acquire the VOD content, an EPG information acquisition unit which acquires EPG information, a viewing reservation unit which makes reservations for viewing the VOD content to the server, a display data generation unit which creates a schedule table of the broadcast programs on the basis of the EPG information, adds list information columns displaying list information of the VOD content on the schedule table, and inserts viewing schedules corresponding to viewing reservations for the VOD content to the list information columns to generate display data, and a display processing unit which reproduces to output the display data and display the schedule table on a display screen of a display unit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a digital video recorder on a cable network. Signaling associated with the answering or initiation of a digital telephone call by a digital telephone subscriber is used to issue commands to a digital video recorder (DVR). A signal is generated by an MTA when the telephone is enters an “off-hook” state and sent to the DVR to initiate recording of a program being viewed by the called party. When the phone goes “on-hook”, the called party resumes watching the program from exactly where it was interrupted. The MTA may be connected directly to the VTD/DVR and the telephone state is determined by the DVR from information provided by the MTA. Alternatively, a soft switch monitors signaling from the MTA indicative of the state of the called telephone. A telephone state message comprising the telephone state information is then sent over an out-of-band channel/path to a DVR client within the VTD. The DVR client uses the telephone state information to control a DVR.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to propose a method to prevent that the decryption of a keys file of a group of data stored in a storing unit (DB) of a decoder (STB), the latter comprising a security module (SM), allows many bad intentioned users to benefit illegally from this product. This method consists in extracting from an encrypted data flux the data to send towards the storing unit (DB) and to re-encrypt the data before transferring them to the storing unit (DB) by at least one specific key (K1, K2).

Abstract: A communication system 10 includes a service provider 12 used to provide content to a user device 14. The user device 14 is coupled to a network. A service is selected at the user device. A welcome video is communicated from the service provider 12 to the user device 14. A confirmation signal is provided from the user device 14 to the service provider 12 in response to successfully receiving the welcome video. Access to the service is enabled at the service provider 12 in response to the confirmation signal.

Abstract: A system and method for ordering content for a user device includes an ordering interface such as an interactive interface having available content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to a content from the interactive interface and communicating a customer identifier and a material identification to a transaction system. A content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the content corresponding to the material identification.

Abstract: A system providing search functionality supporting the exchange and consumption of media is disclosed. The searching of media on storage belonging to any of a pre-defined group of users of a personal media network is provided. In addition, media stored on designated servers may also be included in a search. The media stored may include audio, still images, video, and data. A user may search the stored media using a number of criteria including the time period of the media, the type of device, and the type of media. The system also provides support for the search of one or more media peripherals, which may be searched when the media peripherals are communicatively coupled to the system.

Abstract: A CATV tuner includes a metallic housing having first through fourth partitioned chambers. In the first through fourth partitioned chambers, a data circuit, an input filter circuit, a first mixer circuit, a first local oscillation circuit, a first intermediate frequency circuit, and other elements are housed. In the fifth partitioned chamber, a second intermediate circuit and an IC including a second local oscillation circuit are housed. With this configuration, the CATV tuner defines an up/down tuner. The third partitioned chamber in which the first local oscillation circuit is housed and the fifth partitioned chamber in which the second local oscillation circuit is housed are located adjacent to each other. Lines and terminals are used both for a first PLL circuit and a second PLL circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a download execution apparatus that can prevent, at least, sudden interruption of the viewing or recording by a user when a program is downloaded. An AM (1205b) includes a download source determination unit (2901) which compares current tuning information and a frequency required for downloading, and determines a download source, a tuning frequency obtainment unit (2902) which obtains tuner use situation and the frequency being tuned to by respective tuners that are in use, a download frequency obtainment unit (2903) which obtains a frequency required to download an application, a store unit (2904) which downloads and stores a program from a determined download source, a notification unit (2905) which notifies the downloading of the program to a user, and a tuning request unit (2906) which tunes a specified tuner to a frequency required for downloading a program.

Abstract: A method of providing video content commentary is disclosed that includes sending video content to a first set-top box device at a first time, where the first set-top box device is associated with a first subscriber. The method also includes receiving data corresponding to a comment submitted by the first subscriber. The comment relates to a particular portion of the video content. Further, the method includes sending the video content to a second set-top box device at a second time, where the second set-top box device is associated with a second subscriber. The video content sent to the second set-top box device includes a graphical representation of the comment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a trigger module and a tuning module. The trigger module presents a notification on a display device in connection with an occurrence of a predetermined condition in a real time event, such that the notification is added to a decoded video signal representing a video presentation other than the real time event before the decoded video signal is output to the display device. The tuning module displays the real time event when the notification is selected. A method for presenting a notification for an occurrence of a predetermined condition in a real time event and for displaying the real time event is also disclosed.

Abstract: A set top box 22 includes a communication module 102 receiving a remote control configuration database having a remote control associated therewith. The set top box 22 further includes a display control module 116 forming a screen display in response to the remote control configuration database. An interface 110 forms selections in response to the screen display and a display control module displays programming instructions for the remote control.

Abstract: Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a set-top box. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a cable network to produce a subscriber cable channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting system and method for seamlessly providing digital broadcasting contents to a digital broadcasting terminal in a digital broadcasting mode. According to the digital broadcasting system and method, the area in which the digital broadcasting terminal can receive digital broadcasting contents can be expanded. Moreover, a user can seamlessly receive the digital broadcasting contents due to the expanded transmission area.

Abstract: A method of transmitting/receiving a broadcasting signal and a receiver are disclosed. According to the present invention, one broadcast service can be provided by a plurality of video streams. The receiver receives broadcasting information including a main service, which includes a service trigger information of a supplementary service. So the user can view a combination of several associated video streams or select and view a specific video stream by selecting the supplementary service through the service trigger information. In addition to the video streams, a combination of several audio broadcasting streams or data broadcasting streams can be selected and viewed.

Abstract: A count value of a clock for reproduction is stamped in a receive packet of a program A from a tuner as a first time stamp, and a first operation for synchronously reproducing the receive packet is switched to a second operation for synchronously recording the receive packet based on the first time stamp and PCR added to the receive packet. In this case, a count value of a clock for recording is stamped in the receive packet as a second time stamp, and after all the receive packets, which are stored in a first buffer for temporarily storing a receive packet received by the one tuner, and in which the first time stamp is stamped, are output, the first receive packet is synchronously recorded based on the second time stamp stamped in the receive packet and PCR.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a receiver that receives a signal for playing back a program, a storage device that stores the signal received by the receiver, and a controller that, during a period in which a first program is selected, starts control for starting reception of a signal for playing back a second program different from the first program, and, when a predetermined portion of signals for playing back the second program is stored in the storage device during the period in which the first program is selected, stops reception of another portion of the signals for playing back the second program.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention a method, system and apparatus for conveying personalized content to a viewer is provided. A method for conveying personalized content comprises obtaining an indication of viewer-selected content and receiving an indication of a viewing time by which a target receiver device is required to have received the viewer-selected content. The method further comprises determining a delivery window based on the viewing time and generating a delivery component including the viewer-selected content and an identifier associated with the target receiver device. The method further comprises causing the delivery component to be delivered to the target receiver device during the delivery window.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes an input unit, a receiving unit, a control unit, a main memory, a demultiplexer unit, and a decoding unit. When a user switches on or resets the main power by operating the input unit, an operation signal (main-power switching-on signal or reset signal) is supplied to the control unit via a bus. The control unit reads, via the bus, the bit-rate value of transport stream data stored in a program area in a main memory. The control unit computes the optimal size of the FIFO buffer area based on the read bit-rate value and confirms it. The control unit reserves, in the main memory, the FIFO buffer area based on a result of the computation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for decrypting a selected program. The system and method can receive at least one authorization message and at least one control message associated with a selected program. The system and method stores the at least one authorization message. The system and method transmits a first control signal if the at least one control message specifies a type of program that can be decrypted given the at least one authorization message and transmits a second control signal if the at least one control message specifies a type of program that can not be decrypted by the decryption device given the at least one authorization message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for minimizing co-channel interference in communications systems are disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises scrambling a first frame using a first scrambling code, attaching a first header to the first frame to create the first signal, scrambling a second frame using a second scrambling code, attaching a second header to the second frame to create the second signal, and transmitting the first signal and the second signal over different channels of the communication system.

Abstract: A method of providing video content includes receiving a channel change data packet from a set-top box device at a subscriber premise via a packet-based video distribution network. The channel change data packet includes data indicating a requested channel and a channel change index value. The method also includes reading the channel change data packet to identify the channel change index value. The channel change index value indicates an available bandwidth at the subscriber premise to receive video content of the requested channel via the packet-based video distribution network. The method also includes allocating an overhead bandwidth to the set-top box device based on the channel change index value.

Abstract: A software architecture and control protocol that provides seamless playback of multiple clips of media data across a data network. Conventional server-based data network architecture where playback logic resides on the servers does not provide the capability of seamless playback of multiple clips stored in different servers. The present invention allows users to specify a playlist and provides control on the client with the implementation of a “client pull” data transport model. According to the present invention, the playlist is translated into a plurality of frame accurate requests, which are sent from the client to the servers one request at a time. The servers, upon receiving the requests, retrieve the corresponding frames of media data and transmit the media data back to the client. In this way, the present invention allows a user-interface to provide seamless playback of multiple clips that reside on different servers on the client workstation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to remove the dependence on the IP layer (OSI layer three) in Video-on-Demand (VoD) transport networks. The present invention replaces the IP layer with Ethernet layer two addressing and even layer one, allowing connectivity in access/aggregation networks without IP layer three capabilities. The present invention enables STBs to communicate with VoD controllers, servers, and the like at layer two and/or layer one, eliminating the need for layer three routing capabilities in access/aggregation networks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for receiving and playing network television programs. The system of the present invention comprises a program receiving unit, adapted to receive video data of at least two programs and store the video data of the at least two programs in at least two caches respectively; and a program playing unit, adapted to provide at least two video windows and output the video data of the at least two programs respectively retrieved from the at least two caches onto the at least two video windows respectively. The method the present invention comprises receiving video data of at least two programs and storing the video data of the at least two programs in at least two caches respectively; and retrieving the video data of the at least two programs from the at least two caches respectively and outputting the video data onto the at least two video windows respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting progressively downloaded media programs is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a controller element to determine a length of a media program from a catalog of media programs and present according to said length a portion of the media program while it is being delivered to the STB by a media delivery system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for purchasing, downloading, and transferring audio and/or video data files through video broadcasts is disclosed. The user signals the set-top box of his video viewing system that he is interested in downloading the audio/video data file being offered. The box records the time, the channel being viewed, and, where applicable, the user ID. The box then sends this information to the controlling server when it next reports in. The server transmits the requested data, either over the Internet or by broadcasting it back to the set-top box, where it can be downloaded to a desired format.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive multimedia service to a user in an access network are provided. The system includes a multimedia service providing server and a user terminal. The multimedia service providing server creates multimedia information requested by a user terminal, processes the created multimedia information, and manages a corresponding communication channel to allow a predetermined user terminal to receive the processed multimedia information. The user terminal transmits inputted user multimedia information to the multimedia service providing server through the access network and receives the multimedia information transmitted from the multimedia service providing server through the access network.

Abstract: A method for providing television signals is disclosed including the steps of: receiving signals utilizing a first antenna and a second antenna; generating a first signal quality indicator corresponding to signals from the first antenna; generating a second signal quality indicator corresponding to signals from the second antenna; and selectively producing only a main picture signal or the main picture signal together with a sub picture signal utilizing the signals from the first and second antennas according to the first and second signal quality indicators.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for searching media stations is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box having a video processor that presents multimedia programs at a media device, and a controller element that manages operations of the video processor and searches for a broadcast channel associated with a media station according to a search string corresponding to one among a name of the media station, and call letters of the media station. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A server apparatus includes a memory which stores a management table relating content identification information for specifying the content and a trick play request and a trick play data, and a transmitter which refers to the management table based on the content identification information and the trick play request, reads out the corresponding trick play data from the management table according to the reference result, to transmit the trick play data to the receiving apparatus from the specified reproduction starting position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for forwarding locally stored video content that has a video resolution associated with receiving remote devices. More specifically, set top boxes (STBs) receive full screen and lower resolution video content for each program title. The STB may store both versions of the video content for future viewing. When remote devices request a program title, the STB forwards the lower resolution version. Alternatively, the STB may request an appropriate video resolution for a remote device from a video service provider.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to support a karaoke system provided via a set-top box and internet protocol television system. An example embodiment includes an apparatus and system to receive a karaoke content user selection through a user interface of a set-top box, send the karaoke content user selection to a VOD server via a network, enable access to selected karaoke content corresponding to the karaoke content user selection from the VOD server, and to enable viewing of the selected karaoke content on a display device via the set-top box. The set-top box further includes a karaoke input interface and a storage device operable to store karaoke input received via the karaoke input interface.

Abstract: A system and method for the management of common consumption of media in a media exchange network is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for control by a first user at a first location in a media exchange network of the simultaneous consumption of media content by other users at other locations in the media exchange network. The media content consumed may comprise audio, still pictures, video, and data. The first user may consume the media content simultaneous with the consumption of the other users, and the media content may be stored at the location of the first user, or at other locations in the media exchange network.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multimedia display content in a communication network is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may support the selection, scheduling, and delivery of media from a set top box at a first location to a multimedia display at a second location, using a communication network. The selection and scheduling may be performed via a user interface having at least one view comprising a representation of at least one media channel. The media delivered may comprise at least one of audio, a still picture, video, real time video, and data. The multimedia display may comprise a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, “electronic paper”, or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The multimedia display may be communicatively coupled to a set top box at the second location via a wireless link, and may comprise at least one sensor for detecting conditions such as, for example, the movement of a viewer. The display may change if the sensor detects the condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a communication mode for a communication terminal are provided. An embodiment of a method for implementing a communication mode includes receiving a message from a remotely located network control system and implementing one of a plurality of communication modes responsive to the message.

Abstract: A digital home audiovisual Information recording and playback apparatus includes a microprocessor associated, through a digital interface, with a display, through another interface with sound playback structure and through a telecommunications interface with structure for loading audio selection or visual selection digital information. The system includes structure for controlling the display, enabling an operating mode to be selected from a menu of three modes, in which the device either plays back information stored in its mass memory, records new digitized information in its mass memory or combines analog information from a microphone with digitizer information received from the mass memory.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing in real-time the playback of a broadcast data signal. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a broadcast data signal at a player device; (b) storing the broadcast data signal on the player device; (c) generating an output signal based on the broadcast data signal substantially simultaneous to the storage of the broadcast data signal; (d) creating a time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal; and (e) adjusting the time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal, thereby manipulating the output signal from the player device.

Abstract: A user recovers and records multiple programs communicated simultaneously using a communications channel, e.g., QAM communications channel. The simultaneous communication may be by communicating, e.g., an MPEG-2 transport stream including data corresponding to multiple programs through a corresponding to QAM communications channel. Thus a user device, e.g., a set top box, is able to receive and record programs corresponding to multiple simultaneously broadcast programs using a single tuner. This allows a device to receive and record or display more programs at any given time, than the number of QAM tuners and/or receivers in the user device. Novel user interface features which facilitate a user's ability to identify and record multiple programs corresponding to a QAM channel are also described. Methods and apparatus for determining program to communication channel mappings based on user program recordation information are also described.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing authentication on a subscriber terminal in a digital television (DTV) network which comprises at least one subscriber terminal and a head end for sending encrypted DTV program data to each subscriber terminal, the subscriber terminal comprising a set top box (STB) and a subscriber identification module for storing key information for decrypting the DTV program data, the method including: reading, by the STB, the life cycle of the key from the subscriber identification module when the STB starts up; initiating, by the STB, an authentication request to the head end when the life cycle expires; performing, by the head end, authentication after receiving the authentication request, and sending a response message to the STB; receiving, by the STB, the response message, and updating the key information when the response message is a response message which indicates successful authentication.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing interactive television are provided. A method may include sending television content received from a content source to a user device. The method may also include sending at least one interactive program trigger. The interactive program trigger may be adapted to cause the user device to initiate execution of processor executable instructions stored at the user device to provide at least one interactive display related to the television content at a display device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for minimizing co-channel interference in communications systems are disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises shifting a characteristic of the first signal with respect to a like characteristic of the second signal to mitigate co-channel interference, and transmitting the first signal and the second signal over different channels of the communication system.

Abstract: In a digital recording device, image data recorded in a recording portion has its resolution decreased to be recorded in the recording portion when it is determined that the digital recording device is not being used. In other words, when it is determined that a power switch is turned off, a system portion allows an MPEG decoder to convert a bit stream of a program data at high definition recorded in a hard disk drive to image data at low resolution and allows an MPEG encoder to convert the converted image data at low resolution to a bit stream to be stored in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the retrieval and storage of image data captured using a digital image acquisition device such as a still camera, a video camera or a scanning device, and of image data stored on removable storage media such as compact flash, smart and memory stick media. An image retrieval architecture is described such that image data may be retrieved from any digital image acquisition device and/or from removable storage media, and a “one-click” operation is available to minimize an amount of interaction needed to retrieve image data from the digital image acquisition device.

Abstract: A method for controlling contents viewing in an internet protocol television (IPTV) receiver, the method comprises receiving contents and service discovery information from a external server, wherein the service discovery information includes rating system information defining a rating system structure of a region in which the external server is located, extracting the rating system information from the received service discovery information, storing the extracted rating system information, and controlling viewing of the received contents according to a user's selection, wherein the user's selections is based on the stored rating system information.

Abstract: A method of routing video data includes receiving data from a Video on Demand (VoD) content source at a network management system, the data indicating a first set-top box device requesting VoD content. The method also includes identifying an end node group associated with the first set-top box device. The end node group includes a plurality of set-top box devices that share a resource at the VoD content source. Further, the method includes selecting a network path between the VoD content source and the first set-top box device from a set of prospective network paths associated with the first set-top box device. The set of prospective network paths associated with the first set-top box device and network path sets associated with other set-top box devices of the end node group simultaneously satisfy a plurality of constraints related to network path delay and jitter.