Abstract: A technique for dynamically controlling delivery of content is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for controlling the delivery of subscriber television content over a network. The method comprises the steps of: receiving at least one content receiver designation associated with a content receiver where content is to be displayed, wherein said content receiver is at a location other than a primary address associated with a subscriber; validating the content receiver designation; and delivering content over a network to the content receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for controlling multimedia system are provided. In the present method, a received wireless communication signal is translated into a control code. Next, a reference table is looked up for obtaining a control instruction corresponding to the control code. The control instruction is used for controlling a multimedia system. Therefore, a specific remote controller need not be used so that the flexibility for controlling the multimedia system may be increased. In addition, the looked-up control instruction may be remotely transmitted to a control apparatus through a network to control the multiplemedia system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reservation recording in a digital broadcasting receiver are provided. The apparatus includes an input unit which receives first time information and channel information for reservation recording; a tuner unit which tunes a reservation recording channel corresponding to the channel information; and a controller which compares the second time information provided from the reservation recording channel with the first time information and controls recording of a broadcast signal received based on a time difference between the first time information and the second time information. Accordingly, the apparatus may correctly record an entire amount of a desired reservation-recorded broadcasting program in consideration of different time information from broadcasting station to broadcasting station and can record a desired broadcasting program even when a broadcasting station modifies a broadcasting schedule of programs.

Abstract: A decision portion decides whether a tuner can receive real-time broadcast content delivered from a server apparatus. If the real-time broadcast content can be received, a control portion controls the tuner so that it may receive the delivered real-time broadcast content. Further, a signal selection portion selects the broadcast content received by the tuner in place of the broadcast content delivered from the server apparatus. A presentation processing portion performs presentation processing on the broadcast content selected by the signal selection portion. It is thus possible to present, with a good quality, the real-time broadcast content delivered by the server apparatus even if an amount of traffic over a network increases.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, and the like. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. A controllable ticker may be displayed on top of a television program on the user television equipment. The controllable ticker may be sponsored. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times.

Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: A system and a method for secure transmission of protected content to a subscriber, without requiring a smart card or other renewable security element to be in physical proximity of the recipient module of the subscriber, such as a set-top box for example. Therefore, the renewable security element may optionally be protected and controlled by the transmitter of the protected content, such as by the broadcaster for example.

Abstract: A method of processing audio information for broadcast to an audience can include changing first audio information from occurring in a first time interval to occurring in a second time interval to provide time-changed audio information. The time-changed audio information can be combined with second audio information that is responsive to the first audio information to provide broadcast audio information.

Abstract: A communication system (10) includes a controller (10, 160) for communicating a selection list to a wireless device (28, 36). The wireless device includes a user interface (280) for selecting a selection from a selection list (452). The wireless device generates a selection signal in response to selecting and wirelessly transmits the selection signal to the controller (100, 160). The controller (100, 160) wirelessly transmits content corresponding to the selection signal to the wireless device. The controller (100, 160) may be a business service controller or a local communications controller.

Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) component networking system comprising a sink component configured to control presentation of A/V program data received from a source component on a presentation device and a sink interface configured to receive an input command from an input device and determine whether to direct the input command for processing to either the sink component or the presentation device.

Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) component networking system, comprising a presentation device and a sink component configured to simultaneously present on the presentation device A/V program data received from at least two different source components.

Abstract: A method of playing back audiovisual content with an electronic device that has a keypad with a plurality of user operable keys includes associating respective items of audiovisual content with one or more of the keys. Operation of a key that has an associated item of audiovisual content is detected and, in response, the associated item of audiovisual content is played back.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rendering a frame or image of a selected video program. The method begins by receiving a single user command specifying an operational mode of a video rendering device that displays and pauses a first frame or image of the program. A control signal is generated in response to the received user command. The first frame or image of the program is displayed and paused in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An activating apparatus (300) is arranged to conditionally activate an interactive application associated with a digital program. The activating apparatus (300) has a receiving means (310) for receiving program information of the digital program and application information regarding the interactive application, a detecting means (320) for detecting a program mode of the digital program, the program mode indicating how the digital program is being run, and an obtaining means (330) for obtaining an activating parameter from the application information, the activating parameter indicating the interactive application has at least two mutually different portions, at least one of the at least two portions is conditionally be executed in dependency on the application including an the program mode. with the program mode.

Abstract: A cable modem of a CATV system includes an address monitoring unit and a proxy requesting unit. The address monitoring unit monitors an address of at least one set top box connected to the cable modem based on a content of transmission sent to the cable modem from the set top box. The proxy requesting unit requests for sending relevant information about the set top box to an address indicated by monitoring result of the address monitoring unit, when the proxy requesting unit is requested for sending the relevant information by at least one management device connected to the cable modem via a CATV network.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for processing multimedia data may include receiving a DVB-H signal via a DVB-H receiver integrated within a cable modem. The cable modem may include a wireless interface and/or a wired interface. The received DVB-H signal may be routed from within the cable modem to a multimedia device coupled to the cable modem via the wired or wireless interface. An audio signal and/or a video signal may be generated based on the received DVB-H signal, and may be communicated to a multimedia device communicatively coupled to the cable modem. The wired interface may comprise an Ethernet interface or a serial interface. The wireless interface may comprise a WLAN interface. The multimedia signal may include a multimedia standard native to the multimedia device.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for interactive content at a mediation device, the request sent from a set-top box device via a secure network. The method also includes receiving the interactive content at the mediation device from at least one content provider via an unsecured network. The method also includes removing at least one unapproved element from the interactive content. The method also includes sending the interactive content to the set-top box device via a video head-end.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for tuning an antenna using injection may include mixing a received DVB-H signal with a reference oscillator signal to generate an added DVB-H signal. A mixed signal may be generated from the added DVB-H signal using the reference oscillator signal. A wireless antenna that receives the received DVB-H signal may be tuned based on a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with the mixed signal. The reference oscillator signal may be generated and then may be amplified. The first mixed DVB-H signal may be amplified prior to the generating of the mixed signal. The RSSI associated with the mixed signal may be determined. The tuning may occur during receiving of a preamble of a packet for the received DVB-H signal and/or during receiving of a plurality of packets for the received DVB-H signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced metadata to a user. Systems and methods can include extraction of data from metadata and searching for related metadata based upon the extracted data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method can include: (i) receiving a contact center interaction request via a device coupled to a display screen; (ii) accessing information about the device or a user of the device from a customer database of a content provider; and (iii) establishing an interaction path between the contact center and a viewer. The method can further include providing information to the user via the interaction path in response to a request by the user for the information. The device can be a set-top box (STB) or a cable card and the display screen can be a television, for example. Also, the content provider can be a cable or satellite television provider, for example.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing related commercial content to a user. Systems and methods can include extraction or development of data from metadata and searching for related commercial content based upon the extracted or developed data.

Abstract: A system for processing video information, the system including a memory configured to store video information, a memory controller coupled to the memory and configured to receive memory requests for the video information, a first video signal processing client coupled to the memory controller. The first video signal processing client including a video signal processor, a buffer coupled to the video signal processor, and a memory request module coupled to the memory controller and to the buffer, the memory request module being configured to submit amortized memory requests to the memory controller.

Abstract: A method for providing television advertising includes receiving user input for selecting an advertising parameter and providing a user with an advertisement corresponding to the advertising parameter.

Abstract: A low-noise block (LNB) control device within a set-top box is disclosed. The LNB control device is capable of controlling modulation of an alternating waveform on a direct current (DC) voltage from a DC power supply to an LNB amplifier. The LNB control device includes a power supply control module, an LNB signaling module and a switch. In response to a power supply feedback signal received from the DC power supply, the power supply control module sends a control signal to the DC power supply. In addition, the LNB signalling module provides a switch control signal and a modulating waveform to the switch. Under the control of switch control signal, the switch selectively sends the modulating waveform to a summing circuit that is located external to the LNB control device. Within the summing circuit, the modulating waveform is added to the DC voltage from the DC power supply.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) is disclosed. The STB includes a network interface to send signals to and receive signals from a network. The STB also includes a tuner to send a display signal to a display device based on a signal received by the STB. The STB also includes a user interface display module to send a user interface display to the display device and to receive user input. The STB also includes a diagnostic module to generate a network diagnostic command and to send the network diagnostic command to a first network device. The network diagnostic command is configured to solicit a response from the first network device. The diagnostic module is configured to determine a status of a network connection from the STB to a remote network device based on the network diagnostic command and the response received from the first network device.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method of transmitting broadcast viewing information thereof are disclosed. The mobile communication terminal includes a broadcast module configured to receive a broadcast program, an information collecting unit configured to collect and manage the broadcast viewing information for the received broadcast program, a transmitting unit configured to transmit the broadcast viewing information to a broadcast managing server according to a transmission cycle, a receiving unit configured to receive a change request message for the transmission cycle from the broadcast managing server, and a control unit configured to change the transmission cycle according to the change request message, and control the transmitting unit to transmit the broadcast viewing information to the broadcast managing server in the changed transmission cycle.

Abstract: A method of creating a visual program guide for use on a TDM mobile TV receiver comprises receiving a RF signal associated with a TV channel; demodulating all of the received RF signals associated with the TV channels; decoding all of the demodulated received RF signals corresponding to all the TV channels simultaneously; and creating the visual program guide as a consolidated view of each of the decoded TV channels, wherein the simultaneous decoding of the demodulated received RF signals significantly reduces a power consumption level and a memory utilization level in the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for adjusting audio/video effect. The system comprises a tuner with demodulator, a DTV decoder, an audio/video mapping unit, and an audio/video processing unit. The method comprises the steps of receiving a digital TV signal; transmitting the service information signal in the digital TV signal to the audio/video mapping unit. Then, the mapping unit is used for comparing the service information signal with parameter tables to obtain at least one audio/video parameter value. Finally, the audio/video processing unit adjusts the digital TV signal based on the audio/video parameter value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing cable TV a la carte service, wherein customers only pay for programs actually presented to their TV monitors. Customers are provided with keys for unscrambling TV signals from any channel provided by a service provider. The customers signal to the service provider the identification of a channel being provided to their monitor whenever they turn on their TV. The service provider uses the record of times and channels to perform charging for the customer. Advantageously, customers need not pay for programs not presented to their monitors.

Abstract: A subscriber or other user is provided with access to a subscription service of a signal distribution system at a roaming location remote from a home location of the user. The subscription service comprises a plurality of selectable channels available to the user at the home location. In one aspect of the invention, a request for initiation of a roaming session is received, and responsive to initiation of the roaming session, at least one user interface is generated for presentation on a device at the remote location. The generated user interface is configured to provide access at the remote location to one or more of the channels available to the user at the home location, and represents an at least partial alteration of a normal user interface that would otherwise be presented on the device at the remote location in the absence of the roaming session.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving terminal and method of reproducing a digital broadcast thereof are disclosed, by which synchronism between a digital broadcast reproduced by a receiving end and additional information associated with the digital broadcast can be controlled. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving the digital broadcast and additional information associated with the digital broadcast from a digital broadcast network, obtaining output speed adjustment information for the additional information, and outputting the additional information by considering the additional information output speed adjustment information when the digital broadcast is output.

Abstract: A method for receiving information content from an information distribution system, wherein the information content is divided into a plurality of content portions, the method comprising: subscribing to a multicast group representing at least one content portion; and determining, at the end of a content portion, whether to subscribe to another multicast group.

Abstract: To compensate a failure in downloading of music piece data. For example, when a viewer instructs purchase of a music pieceC to an IRD at a timing t0 during the sixth transmission of music piece data, the music piece data to be transmitted for the seventh time immediately after the instruction is usually downloaded. When the downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the seventh time fails for some reason, downloading is re-executed on music piece data to be transmitted for the eighth time. The music piece data for the final transmission time in each of musical pieces is used for re-execution. Timing at which downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the time immediately preceding the final time can be instructed is set as purchase limit time by using elapsed time since program start time.

Abstract: An open cable broadcast processing apparatus which includes a tuner is provided. The apparatus further includes: a signal processor which selectively processes at least one media data received through a broadcasting signal based on media setting information; an interface which outputs a tuning command according to a channel changing command of an application when the application is received; and a controller which prestores media identification information on at least one media data supplied through respective channels, controls the tuner to change a first channel to a second channel according to the tuning command output from the interface, and sets the media setting information to process reference media data among the at least one media data received through the other channel, based on the media identification information. Thus, the open cable broadcast processing apparatus can reduce time to change a channel by an application.

Abstract: A cable broadcast receiver, an in-band channel interface method, and a broadcast signal processing method are disclosed. The method for interfacing an in-band channel includes: requesting a tuning of an in-band channel; receiving data of the in-band channel tuned/demodulated by the request, and specific information indicating the presence or absence of validity of the in-band channel data; and performing a decoding process, if the demodulated data is valid by referring to the specific information indicating the validity.

Abstract: An exemplary method of operating an electronic device comprises updating a channel map. The method further comprises prohibiting further updating of the channel map for a predetermined time, and permitting further updating of the channel map after expiration of the predetermined time.

Abstract: A remote processor receives from a terminal over a communications network (e.g., a cable TV network) commands relating to a presentation of programming content (e.g., fast-forward, rewind pause and select), and compiles data concerning the received commands. The data is analyzed to determine users' viewing patterns and preferences. For example, the relative popularity of various programs, say, a list of most popular TV shows (and episodes), may be determined. The list may be displayed on a user's TV screen during or immediately after a show. In addition, another list of shows (and episodes) popular among the viewers of a particular show may also be determined based on the compiled data. Such a list may be displayed on a user's TV screen during or immediately after that particular show.

Abstract: A radio communication terminal, and a method for alerting a communication terminal user of an incoming signal. The method comprises the steps of receiving an input signal from a sender, such as a telephone call signal; extracting identity data related to the sender, such as a telephone number extracted from the received signal or a name of the sender extracted from a memory in the terminal using the senders communication address; generating and outputting an alert signal comprising a first audio part associated with the terminal and preferably used for all incoming phone calls, and a second audio part associated with the identity data, such that the alert signal provides an indication of who has sent the signal received in the terminal. The second audio part may be a modified version of the first audio part, or a separate audio piece such as its own audio file.

Abstract: Provided are a reproduction control device and method for an image display apparatus having a recording function. Even when a channel change command is input from a user during a time shift function being performed for a predetermined channel, the time shift function can be continuously performed for the predetermined channel while a program on a channel corresponding to the channel change command is being displayed. That is, while a time shift function continues for a current channel, a program on another channel can be displayed. Therefore, received broadcast signals can watched and stored in various manners, thereby satisfying user's demands and increasing convenience.

Abstract: A system for automatically pausing a video program in response to detection of the occurrence of a audio communications event or triggering event. In response to an incoming phone call, message, web page, or other communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the audio communications event. The system also buffers the video programming while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of the video programming. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the audio communications event, in order to pause the video program. The audio (voice) portion of a phone call or voice mail message is converted to text for display to a recipient of the call.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital broadcasting receiving apparatus that can offer high-definition images with appropriate image quality correction by setting the quantity of image quality correction with reference to encoding information and image information in pixel blocks. The apparatus includes an image processing unit for performing image processing on decoded image signals. This image processing unit has a noise detection unit for detecting noise information for each pixel block based on encoding information of images included in digital broadcasting signals, a setting unit for setting the quantity of image quality correction based on noise information detected by the noise detection unit and image information for each pixel block of the decoded image signals, and a unit for performing image quality correction on each pixel block of the decoded image signals with the quantity of image quality correction set by the image quality setting unit.

Abstract: Intra-frame prediction coding data of a channel that the viewer is not viewing is stored. When the viewer has switched channels to be viewed, the stored intra-frame prediction coding data is output during a period before intra-frame prediction coding data of the newly selected channel is received.

Abstract: A conventional digital video reproducing apparatus outputs a descrambling request to a descrambling processing unit also on a packet which is not needed to be descrambled. When types of inputted packets exceeds the maximum number of types of packet that the descrambling processing unit can simultaneously descramble, it is impossible for the conventional apparatus to descramble a packet to be descrambled, whereby an audio and a video are not reproduced. In contrast to this, A PMT processing section 6 deletes data on a packet of a type, that a video decoder 4 and an audio decoder 5 cannot decode, from a program map table PMT acquired from a TS decoder 3. Based on processed PMT information Ipmt processed by the PMT processing section 6, a descrambling card 2 descrambles only packets having data formats that the video decoder 4 and the audio decoder 5 can reproduce.

Abstract: A router stores a value that indicates the maximum number of channels that can be output to a group, and the number of channels that are output to the group. When a member of the group indicates a channel change selection from a first channel to a second channel, the router drops the first channel before outputting the second channel when the maximum number of channels and the number of channels are equal.

Abstract: A processor for a cable television set-top box has an interface for coupling the processor to a second processor. The processor also has a port that is coupleable to control a tuner, a demodulator and a DOCSIS module with or without DSG support. The tuner has an output coupled to the demodulator input, and the demodulator has an output to the DOCSIS module input. The demodulator's output is also coupled to a conditional access module controlled by the second processor. The processor issues commands via the port to control at least one of the tuner and the demodulator based on instructions received via the interface from the second processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cable card mounting apparatus capable of maintaining a temperature that conforms to operating conditions at a high environmental temperature without using a small fan or heat sink. The cable card mounting apparatus comprises a receiver housing and a card mounting section that is positioned outside the receiver housing and provided with a card slot inside the receiver housing. While a connector for a cable card is mounted in the card slot, a main body of the cable card is positioned inside the receiver housing and in parallel with a bottom surface of the receiver housing.

Abstract: Alternate radio data frequency selection involves receiving radio data system signals and extracting region tables from the radio data system signals, with the region tables each including a quantity of alternate frequencies and a list of alternate frequencies. The quantity and list of alternate frequencies included in the region tables are compared with each other if the quantity of alternate frequencies included in a region table is equal to or greater than the quantity of frequencies included in another region table. One of the alternate frequencies included in the region table is identified if each of the alternate frequencies in the list of alternate frequencies included in each region table, and the identified alternate frequency is output if each of the alternate frequencies in the list of alternate frequencies is included in each region table. A seek operation is performed if any of the alternate frequencies in the list of alternate frequencies is not included in each region table.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to request and download selected media files from distributed content provider sites via the Internet. The system includes a plurality of user sites each including a player/receiver housed in an enclosure having a simple user interface, a plurality of content provider sites, and a transaction server site. The player/receiver enables the user to connect to the transaction server via the Internet to access a program guide listing available media files. The user is then able to select a desired file and, via the player/receiver and Internet, request the transaction server to authorize download of the selected file. The file request along with file encryption and transfer instructions are sent from the transaction server via the Internet to the content provider site storing the requested file. Requested files are then dynamically encrypted by the content provider site and securely downloaded to the requesting player/receiver.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing communications services to Internet Protocol-enabled devices associated with a subscriber are provided. The method includes creating an account identifying the subscriber, an Internet Protocol address associated with the Internet Protocol-enabled device of the subscriber, and a communications service provisioned for the subscriber. The communications service includes one or more of a(n): electronic messaging, local video-on-demand, channel-based content, and Internet-based content. The method also includes delivering content to the Internet Protocol-enabled devices over a network based upon the communications service provisioned for the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital access 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. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals.