Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media providing an enhanced call alert service via a television service network are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a call alert service mediator (CASM) that includes a telephone network interface for receiving, from a telecommunications network, a query message for a call to a called party device associated with a subscriber for requesting instructions for completing or modifying the call. The CASM also includes a TV network interface for, in response to the query from the telecommunications network, for sending a message to a TV network, wherein the message results in notification of the call to the subscriber via an customer premises equipment (CPE) device and the requesting of instructions from the subscriber via the CPE device for completing or modifying the call.

Abstract: A method for downloading and displaying a video program using a mobile terminal that includes a first radio access network having a first data transfer rate and a second radio access network having a second data transfer rate faster than the first data transfer rate. The downloaded video program is displayed at a predetermined playback rate. Excess portions of the downloaded video program that result when a rate at which the video program is downloaded exceeds the predetermined playback rate are buffered. A third data transfer rate that is lower than the first transfer rate is calculated in response to the predetermined playback rate, the buffered excess portions and the time duration of the remainder of the video program. The third data transfer rate is negotiated with the first network for downloading the video program when the difference between the first and third data transfer rates exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: Television audio via phone is described. In embodiment(s), a request for a television program or television channel can be received from a mobile phone, such as via a mobile communications network. A video feed of the television program or channel can be accessed to obtain television audio that corresponds to the television program or channel, and the television audio can then be communicated to the mobile phone to render as a telephone communication.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect is advanced multimedia communications via OCAP using customer specific profiles resident in the STB for calendar management. Additional aspects relate to invitation management including auto-calendaring, forwarding of an invitation details to a specific destination, conflict resolution, auto-rescheduling, global rescheduling and automatic reminders based on an invitation. Still further aspects relate to enabling confirmation of an appointment based on a received reminder and a technique to confirm an appointment with the ability to forward an appointment confirmed identifier to the appointment setter. Rescheduling routines are also provided for use with the calendaring application.

Abstract: A wireless transmission system for transmitting a picture data between a transmitter and a receiver by wireless communication is provided. Each of the receiver and the transmitter is equipped with a directional antenna and a non-directional antenna. A communication of the picture data is performed by using the directional antennas, and a communication of a control data indicating a reception status of the picture data is performed by using the non-directional antennas. The transmitter controls an intensity of a signal radiated from the directional antenna of the transmitter based on the control data so that the intensity becomes a minimum intensity that can transmit the picture data.

Abstract: A test system couples various ports of one or more CPE devices to components mounted in a rigid mounting system. The system can test the line card portion of the CPE devices coupled to line card interface equipment for various parameters. Variable RF attenuation in RF interface equipment can adjust power levels to/from the RF port of the CPE devices to account for close proximity and variations between different vendors and models, which are coupled via the RF interface equipment to an included CMTS. Network interface equipment tests network port performance of the CPE devices by coupling a general purpose computer thereto. Switching one of a plurality of CPE devices to be the only one tested at a time and switching an addition RENLOAD is controlled by a provisioning server based on criteria including information in a database of various parameters of the particular device being tested.

Abstract: A transmission system for a passive optical network comprises a shared optical transmission apparatus, a shared electrical interface apparatus and a plurality of transmission convergence termination units. The shared optical transmission apparatus is configured for being coupled to an optical line termination unit via an optical fiber. The shared electrical interface apparatus is coupled to the shared optical transmission apparatus. The plurality of transmission convergence termination units is coupled to the shared electrical interface apparatus. Each one of the transmission convergence termination units is configured for selectively controlling the shared electrical interface apparatus.

Abstract: In order to offer contents on demand services triggered by broadcasted TV programs in an efficient and effective way, notifications are received by a TV receiver, for example, a set-top box, on the availability of additional contents, such as, movie tracks, back stages, audio and/or video interviews, written articles, songs, photos, games, software programs, catalogues, brochures, electronic books, electronic tickets, electronic discounts, and electronic bonuses, together with TV programs, and these additional contents are automatically collected and stored into electronic appliances, for example, a portable electronic appliance, at the request of a user.

Abstract: A set top terminal equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a cable television delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of it. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the communications event, in order to pause the video program. The set top terminal also includes features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls, such as picture in picture.

Abstract: A directional terminal adapter has a housing and a reversible faceplate. Distribution cables of a cable network are connected to the housing and conduct downstream and upstream signals through the housing. Signals flow through the faceplate in a predetermined direction. Reversing the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the housing reverses the direction of flow of the upstream and downstream signals through the directional terminal adapter.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the transmission of data between a client device and a remote device over a wireless telephone network. More particularly, data from a client device is modulated into an audio signal and transmitted to a wireless telephone. The wireless telephone receives the audio signal and places a phone call to a remote device over a wireless telephone network. During the phone call, the wireless telephone transmits the audio signal across a voice channel of the wireless telephone network to the remote device. The remote device receives and decodes the audio signal to extract the transmitted data.

Abstract: A method may provide an interactive video program to a user, receive, by a video client, audio data from a microphone based on the user's interactive speech during the interactive video program, and send, by the video client, the audio data to another device to verify at least one of that the audio data corresponds to the user or that the user completes the interactive video program.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for the remote control of a personal video recorder (PVR), digital video recorder (PVR), set-top box (STB) or other consumer device that is capable of receiving programming via a high-bandwidth connection. A request is received from the customer for an action to be taken by the consumer device, wherein the request is received via a communications channel distinct from the high-bandwidth connection. The consumer device associated with the customer is identified in response to the request, and instruction is transmitted to the consumer device associated with the customer via the high-bandwidth connection to thereby direct the consumer device to carry out the action requested by the customer.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to receive a call from a communication device, present notice of receipt of the call on a display device coupled to the set top box, provide a message to the communication device that a user of the set top box will provide a return call at a pre-determined time, and initiate the return call from the set top box at the pre-determined time. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for sending a message that recommends viewing a digital multimedia broadcast to a mobile terminal capable of receiving the digital multimedia broadcasting services.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing video calls includes receiving a plurality of incoming video calls originating from a corresponding plurality of calling endpoints over a data network. A corresponding plurality of first connections is formed with each of the plurality calling endpoints. Data is streamed over the plurality of first connections while the plurality of calling endpoints awaits availability of one answering endpoint. A second connection is then formed between one of the plurality of calling endpoints and the one answering endpoint to replace one of the plurality of first connections when the one answering endpoint is available.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a voicemail system through a set-top box. A call may be received from a caller. The call is intercepted utilizing a voicemail system available through a network. The voicemail system is operable to store one or more messages. A user selection is received to access the voicemail system utilizing a set-top box. An interface for the voicemail system is displayed to a user. The interface is displayed on a display in communication with the set-top box. The one or more voicemail accounts are managed based on user input.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system is provided, including a network consisting of the Internet, PSTN, and CATV network. The network is connected to multiple users' client systems, and also to multiple service provider systems. Each user has a user profile stored in a User Preference Database, while each service provider has service parameters defining the type of its service stored in a Service Database, both of which are connected to the network. The system further includes a Gatekeeper Server, which establishes voice communication among the client systems and the service provider systems. In operation, upon receiving a user's request for service, the Gatekeeper Server identifies one or more service providers whose service parameters match the user's request for service and the user's profile. Upon the user's selection of one such service provider, the Gatekeeper server automatically selects and establishes a preferred mode of voice connection between the user and the selected service provider.

Abstract: A disclosed computer program product includes computer executable instructions, stored on a computer readable medium, for allocating bandwidth among various network provided communication services. The executable instructions include instructions to process a subscriber request to specify a bandwidth allocation, determine a multimedia bandwidth allocation indicative of bandwidth allocated to multimedia content, and generate a multimedia content request. The multimedia content request is influenced by the multimedia bandwidth allocation. In some embodiments, for example, the multimedia content request includes multimedia bandwidth information determined at least in part by the multimedia bandwidth allocation. The multimedia bandwidth information may indicate the bandwidth available for multimedia content, which may be determined from the multimedia bandwidth allocation less any bandwidth allocated to or otherwise consumed by other multimedia layers.

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention provide a video database client application configured to execute on a wireless communication device or a device with a small display screen. The video database client application includes a user interface including user interface components designed to access video information and view videos using the wireless communication device. The video database client application includes a video player module to integrate and control a native video player within the user interface. The video database client application further includes a video database interface module adapted to retrieve videos and video information from the video database. The video database interface module functions to pre-fetch information from the video database based on anticipated user information needs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: A set top terminal equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a cable television delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of it. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the communications event, in order to pause the video program. The set top terminal also includes features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls, such as picture in picture.

Abstract: A home video system (200) capable of supporting video telephony includes a sub-system including a programmed processor (210) for analyzing illumination in a room (100) in which the system (200) is set up and recommending to the user of the system, lighting changes to avoid overwhelming the dynamic range of the camera (107), to optimize the ambient lighting and achieving a style of lighting selected by users of the system (200), thereby improving the video quality of the transmitted video image.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for providing communication between multiple television viewers. A television receiver receives broadcast television content and outputs the broadcast television content for presentation on a presentation device. A link is established between the local television receiver and a remote television receiver. The local television receiver receives non-broadcast content from the remote television receiver, and outputs the non-broadcast content simultaneously with the broadcast television content for presentation on the presentation device.

Abstract: A method comprises releasing to at least one television service subscriber a content stream conveying at least one information element deemed to be of potential interest to a multi-subscriber audience that includes the at least one television service subscriber; receiving from a particular one of the at least one television service subscriber an indication of a selection of a particular one of the at least one information element; determining a telephone number associated with the particular television service subscriber; determining a telephone number associated with the particular information element; establishing a first telephony leg on a basis of the telephone number associated with the particular information element; establishing a second telephony leg on a basis of the telephone number associated with the particular television service subscriber; and joining the first and second telephony legs to form an end-to-end telephony link for the particular television service subscriber.

Abstract: A portable mobile communications device for controlling the destination of mobile TV programs broadcast by a mobile TV service provider includes a mobile TV device, a processor running a mobile TV redirect application communicable with the mobile TV service provider, and a user interface for controlling the mobile TV device and the mobile TV redirect application such that mobile TV broadcast programs can be simultaneously redirected to an external device in response to input received by the user interface and sent to the mobile TV service provider. The external device can include a home media server or a computer coupled to and communicable with the mobile TV service provider via the Internet.

Abstract: A method for providing video telephony is presented. By the method, a telephone directory of a broadcast receiving apparatus can be updated by receiving a telephone directory of a connected external device is provided. A call request signal can be transmitted to an information communication terminal of the user of an external broadcast receiving apparatus when the external broadcast receiving apparatus is turned off A video telephony mode can change according to whether or not audio signals are transmitted and received when video telephony is connected. The volume of a plurality of windows can each be adjusted separately. As a result, users can utilize video telephony more conveniently.

Abstract: A method for providing viewing information is presented. The method includes displaying a call recipient list including at least one call recipient; and displaying a channel being viewed by each call recipient on the call recipient list.

Abstract: The VOIP drop amplifier connects end user equipment to a broadband system, such as that provided by a cable provider. The amplifier includes a splitter for connecting the cable signal to multiple output connectors, and RF amplifiers compensating for losses in the splitter and other passive components in the amplifier. The drop amplifier includes an input connection for accepting a broadband cable signal from a cable system and returning broadband signals to the cable system. The drop amplifier includes an amplification path connecting the input connection to the plurality of output connections through RF amplifiers and a splitter, and a bypass path that bypass the splitter and forward and reverse amplifiers in the amplification path to connect the input connection directly to the output connection for the essential circuits. A sensing circuit monitors the amplifiers and the supply voltages, and selects the bypass path when a failure is detected.

Abstract: Outgoing video communication requests are intercepted and screened by one or more unauthorized recipient lists, authorized recipient lists, caller-specific authorized/unauthorized recipient lists, and/or various combinations of these. The video communication requests may be blocked or forwarded to the recipient depending on whether the recipient is included or not included in one of the various lists.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for sharing information related to broadcast programs are described. One of the methods includes receiving data identifying at least a portion of a first broadcast of a program, receiving data identifying at least one recipient, and communicating information indicative of the identified at least a portion of the program to the at least one recipient. The method may also include identifying a subsequent broadcast of the program to the at least one recipient, and communicating data indicative of the subsequent broadcast of the program to the at least one recipient. Other aspects include systems, apparatus, and devices for sharing information related to broadcast programs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transferring a plurality of satellite signals through an optical communication network. The method includes the steps of selecting a frequency of a local oscillator signal within a guardband between a left polarization signal and a right polarization signal of a first satellite signal of the plurality of satellite signals, frequency shifting the first satellite signal upwards in frequency by the selected frequency. The method further includes the steps of combining the frequency shifted satellite signal with a second satellite signal of the plurality of satellite signals and modulating a optical carrier with the combined signals, transferring the modulated optical carrier to a receiver through an optical fiber and decoding the first and second satellite signals within the receiver.

Abstract: Data may be encoded into dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) digits within a set top box (STB). The STB may be a satellite STB. The STB may establish connection to a networked entity such as a billing center or satellite headend via voice call over cellular network and communicate data encoded by DTMF digits. A wireless transceiver integrated within the STB and/or an external wireless transceiver such as cellular phone may be utilized to establish a call and transmit the DTMF digits. The external wireless transceiver may be coupled to the STB via a wired connection or a wireless connection such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The data communicated via DTMF digits may comprise billing data. The STB may receive an acknowledgement for receipt of the transmitted data.

Abstract: Aspects include methods and apparatuses for allowing an electronic device to rejoin a program during a subsequent broadcast of the program. The method may include identifying at least a portion of a first program, the program being broadcast to an electronic device during a first period, identifying a subsequent broadcast of the program during a second period, and outputting notification information related to the subsequent broadcast proximate to the time during the second period during which the identified portion of the program is to be broadcast. Other aspects include systems, apparatus, and devices for accessing broadcast programming and for communicating broadcast programming in ways that allow an electronic device to rejoin a program during a subsequent broadcast of the program.

Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a mobile DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial) receiver includes a position detecting system, a plurality of tuners, a plurality of demodulators configured to process DVB-T signals, each of which is paired with one of the plurality of tuners, for demodulating each of the signals received by each of the tuners and comparing the strengths of the signals. A database sets a frequency code relating to the optimum frequency found by the demodulators, to an area-cell code relating to the receiver position, in a processor. The processor controls the automatic tuning system on the basis of the stored frequency codes and current position data from the position detecting system.

Abstract: A method for providing services to a television system, the method comprising receiving a user message via a telephone line, the message including a translated version of user information (436); using the message received to identify an address for the television system associated with the user and broadcasting a return message for receipt by the television system, the return message including the television system address.

Abstract: An optical access network system having a function of correcting upstream signal waveform distortions occurring in the PON section, wherein a central office side apparatus comprises a main controller to notify each subscriber connection apparatus of a transmission grant period, an equalizer of a tap gain adaptive control type to correct waveform distortions of signals received from the subscriber connection apparatuses, an equalizer controller, and a parameter table for storing, for each subscriber connection apparatus, the initial values of tap gains to be set for the equalizer. The main controller issues a switchover request for switching the equalization characteristic to the equalizer controller each time notifying a subscriber connection apparatus of a transmission grant period, and the equalizer controller retrieves the initial values of the tap gains for the subscriber connection apparatus from the parameter table in response to the switchover request, and sets these values to the equalizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive multi-user TV method and system and to a TV receiver for using such a method. The invention method consists of broadcasting a TV program (23) and at least one related interactive program (22) to a TV receiver (3), in downloading the sequences of the related interactive program into terminals (4) connected to a mobile telephony network from said TV receiver device (3) according to a client-server configuration and in performing said interactive program sequences by the terminals (4), each of which exchanges data with the TV receiver (3) via a local communication channel (5). Said invention is particularly suitable for interactive services provided by the same TV receiver to a plurality of users located in proximity thereto.

Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: A CATV network distributing signals below 860 MHz is modified with a secondary transmission bi-directional capability above 860 MHz by adding filters to separate modified mobile-communications frequencies (above 860 MHz) from typical CATV services (below 860 MHz). CATV subscriber termination points function as extremely localized ultra-miniature cell sites within a building. Multiple cellular networks and possibly multiple providers are simultaneously accommodated over a CATV network. The modified network simultaneously handles traffic in combinations of known cellular air interface standards such as: UMTS, GSM, TDMA, CDMA and PDC. Cellular mobile radio terminals do not have to be modified. Signals traverse on non-utilized CATV frequencies. CATV active elements are modified, and new components are provided. A Cable Mounted Cellular Adapter at the CATV outlet acts as a transmit/receive unit and frequency translator for the cellular signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multimedia signals is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an adjunct device coupled between a Set-Top Box (STB) and a media device. The adjunct device can have a controller element that receives a telephony signal from a communication system and an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) multimedia signal supplied by the STB, monitors call origination activities in the telephony signal, and presents at the media device in whole or in part the telephony and the IPTV multimedia signal according to the call origination activities monitored. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for wirelessly communicating data files using a mobile terminal having video communication capability is provided. The method reserves one or more data files to be transmitted during a video call. The communication device associates identifies data files for transmission to a video call recipient, and displays associated information of the data files during the video call.

Abstract: A CATV network is modified with a secondary transmission (CBP) by adding filters to separate modified mobile-communications frequencies. A CATV terminal can be routed to cellular network by way network coupling devices (NCD).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collaborating over a short-range communication path between a video output device, such as a television, and a telephonic device which is also configured for simultaneous communication over a long-range communication path. Call progress of the telephonic device is annunciated by the video output device whose functions can be controlled through the telephonic device. Embodiments of the invention describe utilizing the telephonic device in a hands-free mode as well as tracking the relative position of the user based on the position of the telephone. The short-range communications can comprise a Bluetooth™ communications protocol, or similar short-range communications mechanism, which preferably provides a mechanism for identifying the telephonic device as well as its range and/or position.

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 system allowing a viewer of a program to know a rating is provided. A viewing information distribution system includes an IP telephone management server and each television connected to the Internet. The television is controlled by a signal emitted from a remote control terminal having an IP telephone function. The IP telephone management server includes a processor carrying out operational processing and communication control and a database. The IP telephone management server and the television communicate with each other in accordance with a session initiation protocol. The television transmits a selected channel to the IP telephone management server. The IP telephone management server summarizes viewing information received from each television and distributes the information to each television. Receiving statistic data, the television displays that figure in a video image display area.

Abstract: A method for providing call information is disclosed and includes receiving information related to a call at a set-top box device, the call received at a wireless phone. The method also includes sending the information related to the call to a display device coupled to the set-top box device when the wireless phone is within a pre-defined region.

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: Methods and systems for connecting a call using a name or series of characters are disclosed. A user provides data pertaining to a call from the user to a called party. The data includes name information that corresponds to the called party. A query may be sent to a global name database to search for a telephone number that corresponds to the name information. During the search, a determination may be made as to whether the global name database has multiple telephone numbers that correspond to the name information. When the name information corresponds to multiple telephone numbers, one of the telephone numbers is selected based on preference information associated with the user. Thereafter, the call is routed to a device associated with the selected telephone number.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.