Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for accessing data that is periodically transmitted by a broadcaster. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a receiver capable of reception of data is disclosed. The data is transmitted by a broadcaster in a broadcasting system. The receiver reduces the delay conventionally encountered in accessing periodically transmitted data in a broadcasting system.

Abstract: An information communication terminal apparatus which is capable of performing search processing or preset processing for received services within a short period of time. There is provided an identifier which specifies an attribute of a service to be included for the search processing or the preset processing. A table in which the attributes of the received services are registered is searched through based on the identifier. The search processing or the preset processing is performed only for those services that match with the identifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting messages from a data stream has multi-tasking capabilities for accommodating a greater number of data streams and for combining data from different streams. The message extractor includes a packet identifier filter, a control message processor, and two buffers, each buffer divided into a plurality of address locations associated with a plurality of channels. One buffer is used to store extracted message portions, and the other buffer is used to store state data corresponding to the extracted message portions. The control message processor includes a single message processor that is shared by all of the message extraction channels associated with the device. As message portions are filtered and captured, they are stored into the first buffer, while the state data is stored in the second buffer.

Abstract: An Internet broadcast system includes a video file providing apparatus and a video receiving/reproducing apparatus that are connected via the Internet. The providing apparatus includes a storing unit for storing a video file consecutively storing a plurality of sets of sectional video data. The receiving/reproducing apparatus stores a plurality of video reproduction tables specifying sets of sectional video data in an order of reproduction. A viewer designates one of the video reproduction tables. An information processing unit in the receiving/reproducing apparatus generates a transfer instruction for each set of sectional video data specified in the designated table, and transmits the generated instruction to the providing apparatus. Upon receiving the instruction, the providing apparatus reads a set of sectional video data from the video file, and transmits the read set to the receiving/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided that can easily capture the same broadcast stream from an arbitrary application. An interface between application and a reception route selection mechanism describes in a unified mode a broadcast resource capture specification method and a communication resource capture specification method. The interface employs a description scheme in which an application does not recognize whether or not a broadcast stream is captured through broadcast or communication. In the reception route selection, the reception route selection mechanism checks for a broadcast time contained in the identifier of a broadcast stream to be input so that a zone where a broadcast time is earlier than the current time by using a communication resource receiver while a zone where the broadcast time is later than the current time is selected by using a broadcast resource receiver.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting and controlling target devices on a digital home network, in particular a network compliant with IEEE 1394. Various aspects of the process for connecting target devices are moved from the controller to the target devices. An input-select button is used to select a device (a source device) to provide an input signal to another device (a sink device) on the home network. An output-select button is used to specify which output plug is to be used by the source device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the delivery of assets and/or content to set top terminals within a heterogeneous information distribution system based on graphics and/or processing capability of set top terminals receiving the assets and/or content.

Abstract: The invention facilitates and enhances review of a body of information, such as a set of audio, video and text data or some combination thereof, enabling the body of information to be quickly reviewed so to obtain an overview of the content of the body of information and allowing flexibility in reviewing. In on embodiment, the content is acquired from a first set of one or more sources, i.e. TV news, and text news stories are acquired from a second set of one or more sources, i.e. On-line services. The invention enables the user to access the information randomly, thereby enhancing the speed of accessing/locating among news stories/programs pertaining particular subject. Additionally, the user while observing a particular news story, the invention can identify and display related news stories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a high bandwidth communications channel for broadcasting network data during off-peak hours is disclosed. A demodulation unit includes, 1) a standard television broadcast signal receiver, the signal having a plurality of channels; 2) a partitioning unit configured to partition at least one channel of said plurality of channels into a plurality of variable size sub-channels; 3) a modulating unit configured to modulate a variety of different types of information into said plurality of sub-channels; and 4) a transmitter configured to transmit said plurality of sub-channels over a high bandwidth communications channel during off-peak hours.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the distance that xDSL services are able to be provided to subscribers. A DSLAM located at a Central Office is connected to a general-purpose network, such as the Internet. The DSLAM is additionally connected to a first fiber optic transceiver. The first fiber optic transceiver is connected via a fiber optic link to a second fiber optic transceiver located proximate to the subscribers' premises, preferably in a street cabinet. Each subscriber premise's equipment is connected to the broadband transceiver via subscriber lines. Electrical signals to be transmitted between the Central Office and the subscribers' premises are utilized to form a frequency division multiplexed signal. The frequency division multiplexed signal is used to modulate a light subcarrier for transmission across the fiber optic link.

Abstract: A tuner component module within a home network based on the HAVI standard, i.e. a tuner FCM, according to the present invention includes the funtionality to provide the capability of the tuner and/or to introduce the DVB/DTV concepts of components and events to the HAVi network. In this context, components could be audio, video, or data streams associated with a service and events could e.g. be information for an electronic programming guide (EPG). The capability of a tuner in this context are all functions supported by the tuner. Therefore, a tuner FCM according to the present invention includes at least one of the following APIs and the corresponding (data/signal) structures necessary to have a proper functionality: GetItemComponentList API, GetEventList API, SelectItemComponent API, GetCurrentItemComponent API and GetCapability API.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of MPEG encoded television signals from a Video-On-Demand server (1) to a receiver (2) via a network (3). Non-linear playback functions such as ‘pause’ and ‘resume’ require a very accurate control of the bit stream, taking account of typical network aspects such as network latency and remultiplexing. In order to allow the receiver to flawlessly resume signal reproduction after a pause, position labels (p; 5, 6; 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) are inserted into the bit stream at positions where the server can resume transmission of the signal after an interruption. Upon a pause request, the decoder initially continues the reproduction until such a position label is detected. The subsequent bits delivered by the network are ignored, i.e. they are thrown away. Upon a request to resume reproduction, the receiver requests the server to retransmit the signal starting at the detected position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing prioritized communications are provided. An embodiment of a method for implementing prioritized communications includes receiving a first message from a first set-top terminal (STT), receiving a second message from a second STT, the second message identifying a second communication priority for the second STT, and responding to the second message prior to responding to the first message, responsive to the communication priority identified by the second message.

Abstract: Circuitry and processes carried out thereby are disclosed for implementing simple single tuner set top box decoders which do not require a separate tuner for an out of band management and control channel. Removable smart card conditional access circuitry and replaceable modules having decoding circuitry for different compression schemes and encoding circuitry for different format television circuits is disclosed. An embodiment with a single tuner and a full DOCSIS compatible modem which can interface to personal computers, etc. is also disclosed to make the set top box a simple, inexpensive home gateway is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for flexible locking and unlocking programming content. Programming content and the content of the programming content is often described by electronic program guide (EPG) data or guide data. Using the guide data, a user is able to create, alter and unlock locks on the programming content. Locking and unlocking the programming content can be based on characteristics of the programming content such as the duration of the programming content, start times of the programming content, end times of the programming content, content descriptors and ratings of the programming content and the like. The ability to create and unlock locks is flexible and can be directed specifically to particular programs within a channel or to specific channels. The ability to create and unlock locks can further be based on user profiles such that the programming content provided to particular users is determined by the user's profile.

Abstract: The invention can be viewed as a system for providing media information to a user via an interactive media services client device coupled to a programmable media services server device. A method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes adding a media title to a media title list in response to user input.

Abstract: A system enabling television viewers to participate in an audio conference from audio-enabled remote control devices that are equipped with microphones and speakers without requiring the viewer to “dial in” as in a conventional conference call. The system determines the TV channel being watched by the viewer and collects the viewer information that is coming from the remote control device. The user input information is transmitted to an audio conference control center. The information regarding all the viewers interested in participating in an audio conference are collected and processed at an audio conference control center. An operation entity is connected to the audio conference control center for reserving the conference resources provided in an audio bridge device for the viewed TV program channel.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for delayed synchronization of an event on a plurality of client apparatuses. First, a plurality of client apparatuses are connected via a network and an event is stored in memory on the client apparatuses. The event is then simultaneously played back on the client apparatuses utilizing the network. During the simultaneous playback, a request may be received from one of the client apparatuses for that particular client to be included in the synchronized event. In response to the request, information is transmitted to the requesting client apparatus utilizing the network. This information is adapted for identifying a location in the memory where the event is currently being played back on the remaining client apparatuses. This allows the simultaneous playback of the event on the requesting client apparatus.

Abstract: In a processing terminal, operational request information inputted from an operational request unit is transmitted as additional information to a communication unit of a CATV distributor. In the CATV distributor, the additional information is received in the communication unit, and when the additional information is the operational request information, an operational command generator generates operational command information corresponding to the operational request information. The operational command information is transmitted to a communication unit of a receiver through the communication unit. In the receiver, as the communication unit receives the operational command information for the receiver, an operating unit operates the receiver to perform the desired operation in response to the operational command information.

Abstract: An operation-mode conversion apparatus for an image display compound device includes: a power-state detector which detects a power state of the compound device; an operation-mode determination unit which determines a present operation mode of the compound device; and an operation-mode controller which converts the operation mode of the compound device based on the power state, the present operation mode, and whether one of an optical storage medium and a movable memory is detected by the compound device, in response to a user input signal, regardless of the preset operation mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for displaying purchased content information in a high-level menu display of a server-client broadcast system. Purchased content information is stored locally and is changed according to viewing parameters. The menu display reflects the current purchased content information. When the client accesses the server for other purposes, purchased content information is exchanged between the client and the server. Accordingly, only existing bandwidth is utilized and no additional load is placed on the system as a result of maintaining purchased content information in a high-level menu.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allocating a plurality of tuning devices to access services provided by a broadband network head-end. The tuning devices are controlled by a client device which schedules the tuning devices to access the services. The client device receives a plurality of requests for the services provided by the broadband network head-end. The number of requests exceeds the number of tuning devices. The client device automatically assigns each of the tuning devices to a specific one of the services.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to configure, store, and apply user-selected operating characteristics for multimedia devices on a per-program basis, rather than a per channel or connector-specific basis. The system provides a mechanism to set up and apply user-customized characteristics to a broadcast received on a multimedia device. Operating characteristics which may be selected for setting modification are video characteristics such as brightness, contrast, aspect ratio, resolution, closed-captioning type, parental control features, and others. In addition, audio operating characteristics that are user-selectable for modifications are volume level, language, tone, stereo, surround sound, and so forth. The operating characteristics may include recording options. A current program is identified and the operating characteristics are applied to related multimedia devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing multi-media data, e.g., video and audio data, corresponding to television programs, movies, local advertising, etc. are described. Video on demand services such as pay-per-view (PPV) services are supported by caching initial portions of PPV programs in user devices such as cable set top boxes and satellite receivers. In response to a request for a PPV movie, the user is immediately presented with the movie by outputting data corresponding to the requested program from the cache. During the presentation of the PPV program to the user, the cached data is supplemented with broadcast data obtained from a time staggered repetitive broadcasting of the requested PPV movie. A variety of regional news programs are also made available to a user of the invention through the use of program segment caching. Regional news program segments are cached prior to presentation time.

Abstract: A switching portion of an IRD supplies a non-descrambled TS (transport stream) received from a front end portion or a descrambled TS received from a descrambler to a DVCR connected to an IEEE 1394 interface. In addition, data received from the DVCR is supplied to the descrambler.

Abstract: Received digital CATV signals are branched by a directional coupler into signals flowing in a through direction and signals flowing in a branch direction. The signals output from the directional coupler in the through direction are then fed through an extraction circuit, a variable attenuator, and a wide-band amplifier so as to have a desired frequency range and a desired level, and are then fed to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into downstream signals to be fed to a downstream tuner and CATV signals to be fed to an analog/digital tuner. The signals output from the directional coupler in the branch direction are fed through a band-pass filter and a wide-band amplifier to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into VHF signals and FM signals. Upstream signals are fed through an extraction circuit to a terminal at which the CATV signals are received.

Abstract: A digital video recorder (DVR) has a memory to simultaneously store consecutive video programs in a sequence of video programs. An automatic program selector automatically adds a video program from the sequence to a download schedule in response to playback of a first of the consecutive video programs in the memory, the video program sequentially following a last of the consecutive video programs stored in the memory. A modem downloads the video program from a video server based on the download schedule for storage in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for ordering a Pay-Per-View program by proxy. The method includes sending a program request from a first set top box (STB) to the head end unit requesting a program for a second STB, receiving the program request in the head end unit where the head end unit determines whether said first STB is authorized to make the program request for the second STB, and if the first STB is authorized to make the program request for the second STB, enabling the second STB to play the requested Pay-Per-View program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and system for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) set-top box network having a head-end unit and a set-top box having diagnostics software. The diagnostics software stored in the set-top box enables the head-end unit to remotely query the set-top box about the current condition of the set-top box and, as a result, reduces the necessity of service calls and/or shipping charges that would otherwise be required. The diagnostics software generates data is response to a set-top box identification request, a software version request, a check television connection request, a check I/O ports request, a check HPNA networking request, a check USB request, a check system ICs request, a check DSL connection request, a check error codes request, a read warranty clock request, a read hours of operation request, and a perform default test request received from the head-end.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices related to program viewing guides for multimedia presentation such as television programs. A centralized server gathers data related to end user viewing preferences by polling end user devices on what multimedia presentation is currently being accessed. This data is then processed and collated by the centralized server such that each multimedia presentation currently available to the end user devices is given a rating based on its popularity with the end users. The data can then be accessed by each end user device by requesting such multimedia presentation specific data from the server. Once the server has send this data, it can then be presented to the end user by way of a user interface that not only gives the relevant data regarding the multimedia presentation such as its rating and where it is being broadcast, but also provides the end user with a view of the multimedia presentation as currently being shown.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A media reading apparatus is described. In one embodiment, a media reading apparatus is comprised of a reading component adapted to read data from a media storage device. The reading can be at a selectable accelerated playback speed. The media reading apparatus also includes a digital encoder, coupled with the reading component and a data pump, adapted to digitally encode data read by the reading component. The encoding is performed at a corresponding selectable accelerated speed. The data pump is for synchronizing encoded media with and for transferring encoded media to a data storage device of a digital terminal device and for receiving encoded data from the data storage device and transferring the encoded data back to the digital encoder. The media reading apparatus also includes a high speed communication channel, coupled to said data pump and the digital terminal device, which enables high speed transference of the encoded data to and from the data storage device of the digital terminal device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of receiver networks. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM), a primary set-top terminal (STT), and at least one remote device. The remote devices communicate with the primary STT via the SIM over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the remote devices utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary STT via the networked multimedia system.

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 plurality of messages from a remotely located network control system and implementing one of a plurality of communication modes responsive to the plurality of messages.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture for generating a video signal having an auxiliary data payload complying with a data payload protocol selectable from at least two available data payload protocols is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the method comprises the steps of generating a data reference signal (which describes an auxiliary data payload protocol including an auxiliary data payload clock speed) at a baseline clock speed compliant with both of the two data protocols; appending the auxiliary data payload signal at the auxiliary data payload clock speed to the data reference signal; and inserting the data reference signal and the appended auxiliary data payload signal in a portion of at least one line of a video frame. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus comprises a generator, for generating at least one line of a video frame having a data reference signal at a baseline clock speed compliant with two data protocols and an appended auxiliary data payload.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is a communication system including a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) capable of facilitating PVR functionality for a video file transmitted toward a subscriber data processing system via the DSLAM. In accordance with such a communication system, a DSLAM line card is coupled to a service provider managed (SPM) file storage module and to a personal video recorder (PVR) card. The SPM file storage module has a video file stored thereon. The DSLAM line card is capable of providing multiplexing functionality for a plurality of digital subscriber lines and is capable of enabling the video file to be transmitted for reception by a subscriber data processing system from the SPM file storage module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving the focus within a window, the focus movement can be performed on an information apparatus, such as a set top box (STB). The present invention enables a user to control the focus to move within a window via directional buttons. When a directional button is pressed, determining if there is a link along the direction of the directional button pressed by the user, if yes, then move the focus to the link. If there is no link, then further determine if there is any content. If yes, then scroll the active sub-window along the direction of the directional button. If there is no content, then further determine if there is a sub-window, if yes, then move the focus to the sub-window.

Abstract: A digital video recording system receives a first stream of on-demand video content and can both record the video content and route the video content for viewing on a display device. In response to a viewer request to fast-advance the video content display, the digital video recording system can request a second stream of the on-demand video content and route the second video content for fast-advance display on the display device while continuing to record the first video content without interruption and without a change in the speed at which the video content is recorded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for matching the rate of presentation of digital video data at a receiver/client with the rate the server is serving the data without the need of a voltage control oscillator or other hardware. An embodiment of the invention compares the presentation time at the receiver with the server elapsed time estimated from timestamp values on the served data. When the presentation time and the server elapsed time differ by an unacceptably large amount, an adjustment is made to the audio data stream to re-synchronize the presentation time with the elapsed time, which effectively also synchronizes the overall presentation rate with the overall server rate. The video data stream is then synchronized to the adjusted audio stream. The video data stream and audio data stream are converted to analog signals for presentation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for presenting broadcast information that comprises steps of: (a) receiving broadcast information; (b) receiving guidance information relating to presentation of the broadcast information; (c) paying for a capability to alter or override at least a portion of the guidance information; (d) receiving user input to alter or override at least some of the guidance information; (e) analyzing the guidance information, the capability, and the user input to provide one or more presentation rates; and (f) presenting the information at the one or more presentation rates.

Abstract: A method for processing broadcasts comprises receiving a broadcast of the program containing a plurality of perspectives of the program and presenting at least one of the plurality of perspectives to a viewer. The method further includes automatically recording the plurality of perspectives in a storage device and playing alternate recorded perspectives for the viewer without interrupting the recording of the broadcast. A system for recording a broadcast containing a plurality of perspectives of a program is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arbiter component receives a request from a media control object for control of a media resource. The arbiter determines whether a media resource is available, and if a media resource is available, forwards the request to the available media resource. The control object may lock control of the media resource to maintain control of the media resource until the media control unlocks control of the media resource.

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: A network personal video recorder (nPvR) supporting PVR functionality in a server-centric environment.

Abstract: A selected program channel of a video signal, received and tuned to by a set-top box (STB), is simultaneously displayed on a television and on a display of an auxiliary display device that controls the selection of program channels displayed on the television. The STB has a first and second interface. The STB selects the program channel and sends the selected program channel, via the first interface, to a television which displays program content of the selected program channel. The STB encodes the selected program channel into a streaming video signal and sends the streaming video signal to the auxiliary display device via the second interface. The auxiliary display device decodes the streaming video signal into the selected program channel and displays the program content of the selected program channel.

Abstract: In AV deices connected to a network via a digital interface, a connection request given from the outside via the network is rejected within a preset time after a connection state of the network changes.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for presentation of information received from a broadcaster which comprises the steps of: (a) receiving broadcast information; (b) receiving guidance information relating to presentation of the broadcast information; (c) analyzing the guidance information to determine a presentation rate; and (d) presenting the information at the presentation rate.

Abstract: The habits of users are to be determined in a service-on-demand system in order to analyze and optimize the menu control. A digital decoder (STB) is employed having a control device (P) which can be controlled by a received timing signal. The control device is adapted to capture input sequences from a user which include a plurality of commands together with the time when the individual commands were entered, and to store the input sequences in a write/read memory (MEMO). Alternatively, the timing signal can be used to determine the time interval between the individual commands. These time intervals are then stored instead of the actual input times. The stored packets, together with packets received from a plurality of digital decoders, can also be transmitted telemetrically to a server for processing.