Abstract: Techniques for a smartphone-based conditional access (CA) system are described. In some embodiments, a headend in the CA system obtains a security profile associated with a pair of receiving devices used by a user, e.g., a first device (e.g., a smartphone) and a second device (e.g., a set-top-box or a TV). The headend dynamically regulates user access to requested media content during each entitlement period by assigning and distributing separate keys to the first and second device based on the security profile. The headend also uses the distributed keys to protect the media content before broadcasting. On the receiving end, one receiving device receives the media content and determines whether it is decryptable by the device. If decryptable, the receiving device (e.g., the set-top-box/TV) decrypts the media content using the keys assigned by the headend. Otherwise, the receiving device forwards the media content to the pairing device for decryption.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding apparatus including: a communication interface configured to receive AI encoding data generated as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) down-scaling and first encoding of an original image; a processor configured to divide the AI encoding data into image data and AI data; and an input/output (I/O) device, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a second image by performing first decoding on a first image obtained by performing AI down-scaling on the original image, based on the image data; and control the I/O device to transmit the second image and the AI data to an external apparatus. In some embodiments, the external apparatus performs an AI upscaling of the second image using the AI data, and displays the resulting third image.

Abstract: A network device for a mobile carrier network sends, to a third-party platform, a first client message including a first parameter extension. The first parameter extension indicates subscription parameters for a data flow between a user equipment (UE) device that originated the first client message and the third-party platform. The network device receives, from the third-party platform, a server message. The server message does not include a confirmation that the third-party platform accepts subscription parameters. The network device forwards, to the UE device, the server message with the first parameter extension. The network device receives, from the UE device, a second client message including a second parameter extension. The second parameter extension confirms that the third-party platform accepts the one or more subscription parameters. The network device then generates a policy enforcement rule for the data flow that relies on the confirmation from the third-party platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to communications methods, apparatus and systems for efficiently managing NAPT bindings and mappings. An exemplary embodiment of operating a communication system includes the steps of (i) receiving, at a real-time communications entity, a media session offer from a device, (ii) transmitting, from the communications entity to a Network Address and Port Translation entity (NAPT), a request signal to allocate a public Internet Protocol (IP) address and port number pair corresponding to an interface on the NAPT for the session; (iii) determining, at the communications entity, a remote IP address and port number pair corresponding to an interface on the device to be used for communicating media of the media session; (iv) transmitting, from the communications entity to the NAPT, a signal identifying the determined remote IP address and port number pair; and (v) releasing, at the NAPT, the allocated public IP address and port number pair.

Abstract: A server is provided. The server includes a communicator and a processor configured to, from a plurality of electronic apparatuses that reproduce content received from an external server, receive information regarding reproduction of the content and information on home network environments of the plurality of electronic apparatuses through the communicator, based on the information regarding reproduction of the content, identify a plurality of qualities of a channel providing the content for each of the plurality of home network environments, and transmit information on the plurality of qualities of the channel identified for each of the plurality of home network environments to the external server through the communicator to add the information on the plurality of qualities of the channel to a channel list provided by the external server.

Abstract: A compositor receives, from each of a plurality of originating devices, compressed and/or encrypted image data portions of a frame of image data, together with portion metadata for each of the compressed and/or encrypted image data portions. Frame metadata for the frame of image data. The compositor then composites the image data portions without decompressing and/or decrypting them, based on the portion and frame metadata, by generating composited frame metadata for the composited image frame and amending the portion metadata for each of the compressed and/or encrypted image data portions to indicate a location of the compressed and/or encrypted image data portions in the composited image frame. The compressed and/or encrypted image data portions, the composited frame metadata and the amended portion metadata are then transmitted by the compositor to a display control device.

Abstract: A system includes a host device to provide a content signal, an end device to receive the content signal, and a branch of amplifiers connected between the host device and the end device to carry the content signal from the host device to the end device. The host device may receive a first signal from the branch of amplifiers connected to the end device, and extract, from the first signal, first characteristics of the content signal measured at one or more points in the branch of amplifiers. The host device may compare the first characteristics of the content signal to second characteristics. The host device may determine, based on the comparison, adjustments for one or more settings of a first amplifier of the amplifiers, and send a second signal to the branch of amplifiers to communicate the adjustments for the one or more settings to the first amplifier.

Abstract: Embodiments for managing High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) data. HDMI data received by at least one of a second HDMI connector of an HDMI device and the processor of the HDMI device is transmitted to a first HDMI connector of the HDMI device according to each of a plurality of modes of operation. A switching operation between the plurality of modes of operation is automatically performed based on a time schedule programmed by a user notwithstanding a priority signal embedded within the HDMI data received at the second HDMI connector or the processor is configured to override the time schedule to initiate the switching.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein involve a first connector that facilitates access to a system, a second connector that facilitates access to the same system, and an adapter controller to facilitate concatenating functionality of the first connector and the second connector when the apparatus is communicatively coupled to the system via the first connector and the second connector; and establish a high speed connection between the system and the apparatus via the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding apparatus including: a communication interface configured to receive AI encoding data generated as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) down-scaling and first encoding of an original image; a processor configured to divide the AI encoding data into image data and AI data; and an input/output (I/O) device, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a second image by performing first decoding on a first image obtained by performing AI down-scaling on the original image, based on the image data; and control the I/O device to transmit the second image and the AI data to an external apparatus. In some embodiments, the external apparatus performs an AI upscaling of the second image using the AI data, and displays the resulting third image.

Abstract: Cable housing assemblies include frames and cable carriers slidably mounted to channels provided at edges of the frames. The cable carriers may house or support male or female connectors to the cables, which may be power or communications cables (e.g., Ethernet cables) that extend from the connectors within the cable carriers into the channels, and through voids within the frames to power sources or communications systems. The cable carriers are releasably inserted into channels at edges of the frames, and permitted to slide in either direction (e.g., up or down) to various positions within such channels, in order to make power or communications services available at such positions. When installed in association with a shelving unit, e.g., between a backerboard and shelves, the cable carriers may be used to provide power or communications services available to such shelves provided at any height within the shelving unit.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding apparatus including: a communication interface configured to receive AI encoding data generated as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) down-scaling and first encoding of an original image; a processor configured to divide the AI encoding data into image data and AI data; and an input/output (I/O) device, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a second image by performing first decoding on a first image obtained by performing AI down-scaling on the original image, based on the image data; and control the I/O device to transmit the second image and the AI data to an external apparatus. In some embodiments, the external apparatus performs an AI upscaling of the second image using the AI data, and displays the resulting third image.

Abstract: A system includes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to store an original content of an online education course of a first format type in an online education platform. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to automatically translate the original content of the online education course from the first format type to a content of a second format type, and to deliver, by the online education platform, the translated content of the online education course in the second format type to a student logged in on a client device.

Abstract: An optical local area network includes a passive optical distribution fabric interconnecting a plurality of nodes including a first node and a plurality of remaining nodes, a hub that includes the first node and a control module, and a client network adapter coupled to each of the remaining nodes for responding to the control module. The control module controls timing for each of the client network adapters to transmit signals over the passive optical distribution fabric and distribution of signals to each of the nodes.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding apparatus including: a communication interface configured to receive AI encoding data generated as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) down-scaling and first encoding of an original image; a processor configured to divide the AI encoding data into image data and AI data; and an input/output (I/O) device, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a second image by performing first decoding on a first image obtained by performing AI down-scaling on the original image, based on the image data; and control the I/O device to transmit the second image and the AI data to an external apparatus. In some embodiments, the external apparatus performs an AI upscaling of the second image using the AI data, and displays the resulting third image.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding apparatus including: a communication interface configured to receive AI encoding data generated as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) down-scaling and first encoding of an original image; a processor configured to divide the AI encoding data into image data and AI data; and an input/output (I/O) device, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a second image by performing first decoding on a first image obtained by performing AI down-scaling on the original image, based on the image data; and control the I/O device to transmit the second image and the AI data to an external apparatus. In some embodiments, the external apparatus performs an AI upscaling of the second image using the AI data, and displays the resulting third image.

Abstract: A content item may be received from an author and offered to customers on behalf of the author. A promotional activity associated with the content item may be conducted or performed. A baseline amount of sales expected for the content item during a time period associated with the promotional activity may be determined. The actual amount of sales of the content item during the time period may also be determined. Based on the baseline amount of sales and the actual amount of sales, the financial impact of the promotional activity may be determined. The expected financial impact of a future promotional activity for the content item that has yet to occur may be predicted. Some or all of the data may be visually presented to the author via a self-service interface.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an electronic response message by a vehicle product vendor for an online electronic inquiry message from a consumer concerning a vehicle product inquiry, the method comprising the steps of: receiving the online electronic inquiry message; identifying the inquiry content pertaining to each of the plurality of inquiry content categories; receiving the electronic response message; identifying the response content pertaining to each of the plurality of response content categories; scoring each of the response content; comparing a message reception timestamp and a message send timestamp; generating a response score by combining the quantitative score to the message send timestamp and the quantitative score to the assigned response content; and sending a score message.

Abstract: Embodiments for managing High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) data, such as an HDMI device, are provided. The HDMI device includes a body, first and second HDMI connectors coupled to the body, and an electronic assembly coupled to the body. The electronic assembly is configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode of operation, the electronic assembly causes HDMI data received at the second HDMI connector to be transmitted to the first HDMI connector. In the second mode of operation, the electronic assembly does not cause the HDMI data received at the second HDMI connector to be transmitted to the first HDMI connector.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to configuration of content and consumption thereof content in a networked environment. In certain aspects, the consumed content can be coordinated or otherwise synchronized between disparate consumption devices, which may be served content via different content platforms. In another aspect, the consumed content can be customized for a specific device and/or an end-user thereof. In yet another aspect, recommendations for content and/or products associated with at least a portion of the content can be provided.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a communication system. The communication system includes a central node that is coupled to a communication channel and configured to individually communicate with a number of network nodes over a frequency range. One of the network nodes can identify a common frequency band that is within the frequency range and on which the central node and network nodes can transmit a signal. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, communications electronics, and a processing circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the communications electronics. The processing circuit is configured to cause the trainable transceiver to control a remote device in response to a signal received from a cloud computing system, wherein the signal is received from the cloud computing system using the communications electronics.

Abstract: A server structure (101) includes one or more multicast servers (106). An analytics engine (207) determines one or more channel maps (217) identifying a group of channels that will be delivered by the multicast servers across a network (104). The analytics engine determines the one or more channel maps as a function of both historical data corresponding to one or more client groups (204,205,206) operating in one or more zones (201,202,203), and optionally from near real time data such as electronic program guide metadata provided by an electronic program guide metadata manager (213). A flap detector (210) can determine one or more flapping thresholds (405,406,407) identifying channels in the group of channels delivered by the multicast servers, as well as whether channels having flapping frequencies greater than the flapping threshold should remain in the group of channels delivered by the multicast servers.

Abstract: A system for asynchronous uploading of live digital multimedia with guaranteed delivery is provided. The system comprises a video encoder and a remote server, wherein the video encoder includes instructions for acquiring video and audio, encoding the video and audio, creating a manifest file, storing the manifest file, adding the manifest file to an upload queue, creating a segment file, storing the segment file, adding the segment file to the upload queue, initiating at least one upload worker thread, taking a first file from the upload queue, attempting to transmit the first file to the remote server, determining if an instability with the connection to the remote server exists, and, if so, repeating the attempting and determining steps, executing a data integrity test on the first file upon a successful upload of the first file, and repeating, if the data integrity test fails, the attempting, determining, and executing steps.

Abstract: A method for and a feedback node capable of making feedback information provided from communication devices accessible to an application server, the feedback information being associated with at least one service provided by the application server, the feedback node comprising a processor and a memory comprising executable code which when executed by the processor causes the feedback node to: receive a second set of instructions from the application server, instructing the feedback node, under which conditions to provide feedback information from at least one of the communication devices to the application server; received feedback information from the at least one communication device, and forward the received feedback information to the application server according the second set of instructions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for electronic device communication. A method includes translating monitor control commands to an internet protocol (IP) format to produce IP formatted monitor control commands, and communicating the IP formatted monitor control commands to an IP port dedicated for communicating IP formatted monitor control commands.

Abstract: A method for enabling a consumer to remotely manage a media content subscription is described. The method includes transmitting, over a network from a computing device associated with a consumer, a request to set up an account. The request is received at a local point of presence having an address within the local media market in which a local media content provider is providing the media content subscription. The local point of present includes a storage device and a plurality of servers located within the local media market, with the plurality of servers being configured to execute computer programmed instructions to receive the request to set up the account and, in response, create a user profile and an account associated with the consumer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing playback devices with trick play functionality are described. The system includes a playback device, e.g., without recording capability, and a gateway device with multiple tuner-demodulators and/or a cable modem and recording capability. During normal playback, in some embodiments, both the playback device and gateway receive content in parallel with the gateway recording content at the request of the playback device and supplying the content over the local network when a user of the playback device requests a trick play operation. A single gateway, with multiple tuner demodulator pairs and/or a cable modem, supports trick play functions. In some embodiments if the number of playback devices exceeds the number of tuner-demodulator pairs in the gateway, the playback device can stream content to the gateway for recording and to be returned via the local network in the event of a request for a trick play operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a broadcast packet at a first device including an address; transmitting the generated broadcast packet to a second device through a first protocol. The first device may communicate with the second device via the transmitted address through a second protocol different from the first protocol. Alternatively, an apparatus is provided to receive an unsolicited broadcast packet including an address through a wireless, close-by communication protocol; extract from the broadcast packet identification information about the remote device; and store the extracted identification information in association with the remote device. Alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided storing instructions to receive a an unsolicited broadcast packet including an address through a first protocol; extract from the broadcast packet identification information, including the address and a service available at the remote device; and communicate with the remote device via a second protocol.

Abstract: A system for controlling a video is provided. The system includes a terminal which transmits a flush command to an external device to delete buffered data in a buffer of the external device when a search command for moving to a location of specific data of a video is generated while data of the video is streamed to the external device and which then transmits to the external device the specific data located in relation to the search command, and an external device which deletes the buffered data in the buffer when the flush command is received from the terminal while a video streamed from the terminal is reproduced and which buffers the specific data of the video received from the terminal in the buffer to be output.

Abstract: A method for providing assistance to a drilling site including receiving, by a remote system, an assistance request from a quick-link communication device, wherein the quick-link communication device is located at the drilling location. The method also including obtaining sensor data from the rig based on the assistance request, analyzing, by the remote system, the sensor data to identify a condition of the rig, and providing assistance to the drilling site for the condition of the rig.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a private broadcast channel service, e.g., a virtual closed circuit television service, on packet networks such as Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. For example, a customer subscribes to the private broadcast channel service for a group having a plurality of confirmed members who have confirmed their desire to participate. The network service provider enables one or more of the group members to upload media content to the service provider's network. The service provider then broadcasts the uploaded media content to all the confirmed members such that each confirmed member may view the media content by simply tuning to the appropriate channel assigned for the private broadcast channel service.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a degradation monitoring circuit. The degradation monitoring circuit includes a comparison circuit having a delay element including an input coupled to a data node of a timing path and having an output to provide a delayed signal of a data signal of the data node. The comparison circuit includes a logic comparator that provides a logic comparison between a data signal of the data node and the output of the delay element. The monitoring circuit includes a sampling circuit that provides a sampled signal of the output of the logic comparator that is a sampled with respect to a clock signal of the clock signal line. The monitoring circuit includes a hold circuit that provides a signal indicative of a data signal of the data node transitioning within a predetermined time of an edge transition of a clock signal of the clock signal line.

Abstract: Entertainment systems for aircraft and other vehicles are described having a plurality of media players. The media players collectively store a full content set, with each media player storing only a fraction of the full content set. Each of the media players can be configured to index the full content set, such that media players can obtain missing content from other media players.

Abstract: A home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing content on a distributed storage system are described including receiving a request to schedule recording of the managed content from at least one of a plurality of networked recording device, the request including a reference for the managed content, determining a replication factor, selecting a number and selecting which of the plurality of networked recording devices are to record the managed content, determining actual program start time and one of starting content ingest and instructing the selected plurality of networked recording devices to start content ingest, fragmenting the requested content and distributing the fragmented content to the selected plurality of networked recording devices and transmitting at least unique content playback reference required to access the content on the distributed storage system.

Abstract: A gateway device configured to receive IP video content may select and use transmission methods that maintain a certain quality of service for delivering the content. A transmission method may be selected based on a network to which the client device is connected. The gateway device may select a network through which the content is to be delivered depending on a variety of factors including bandwidth availability, client compatibility, quality of service provided and the like. A gateway device may further be configured to convert multicast transmissions to unicast, to provide dynamic storage of content for pre-positioning and other purposes and/or to provide other functions.

Abstract: A method and system optimally selecting antenna elements based on the current availability of antenna elements and the current usage of other antenna elements within a two or three dimensional array. The present system and method pertain to an approach to allow the maximal usage of each antenna element while simultaneously reducing the coupling between antenna elements to improve the signal strength in each antenna element by ensuring that antenna elements in the same incident path are not tuned to the same frequency or physically or electrically near elements tuned to identical or adjacent frequencies.

Abstract: A method of operating a first networking device includes receiving, from a media server, a cable length request message. The cable length request message includes data indicative of a length of a first networking cable arranged between the media server and the first networking device. The method includes determining a cumulative cable length based on the length of the first networking cable and a length of a second networking cable arranged between the first networking device and a media client. The method includes, in response to presence of a second networking device between the first networking device and the media client, sending a further cable length request message to the second networking device indicating the cumulative cable length. The method includes, in response to absence of the second networking device, sending a cable length response message to the media server indicating the cumulative cable length.

Abstract: A multiplexed transport interface (MTSIF) may be utilized during communication between a demodulation module and a video processing system-on-chip (SoC). The MTSIF may enable concurrent demodulation of a plurality of input modulated video streams, via a plurality of demodulator chips within the demodulation module, by multiplexing data generated by the demodulator chips via the MTSIF during communication between the demodulator module and the video processing SoC. The MTSIF may also be utilized for communicating control signals, which may be used in controlling and/or managing operations of the demodulation module, the video processing SoC, and/or the MTSIF. Communication via the MTSIF may be synchronized. Packets communicated via the MTSIF may be timestamped. Timestamp counters may be used in the demodulation module and the video processing SoC to generate and/or track timestamps in communicated packets. The timestamp counter may be synchronized, using control signals communicated via the MTSIF.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a Transport I/O system are described. Network encrypted content may be received by a device. The device may provide the network encrypted content to a secure processor, such as, for example, a smart card. The secure processor obtains a network control word that may be used to decrypt the network encrypted content. The secure processor may decrypt the network encrypted content to produce clear content. In embodiments, the secure processor may then use a local control word to generate locally encrypted content specific to the device. The device may then receive the locally encrypted content from the secure processor and proceed to decrypt the locally encrypted content using a shared local encryption key. The Transport I/O system ensures the protection of the network control word by maintaining the network control word on the secure processor.

Abstract: A gateway includes at least one communications interface and processing circuitry and establishes communications with at least one service provider device and with a serviced client device. The gateway receives serviced client device display structure instructions, first streamed content from a service provider device, and second streamed content from a cloud server, the second streamed content based upon an Internet session hosted by the cloud server. Based upon the serviced client device display structure instructions, the gateway combines the first streamed content with the second streamed content to form merged streamed content and transmits the merged streamed content to the serviced client device. In another operation the gateway forwards the first streamed content to a first client device and the second streamed content to a second client device based upon the serviced client device display structure instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content providers with network distribution nodes for distributing content to subscribers of a communications service provider may include maintaining multiple network nodes by the communications service provider, where the network nodes may be in communication with the Internet and be configured to enable subscribers of the communications service provider to access and download content over a controlled service provider network without the content having to be communicated over the Internet. Multiple respective content service providers may be enabled to store content at the network nodes for subscribers local to each respective network node to download the content. Multiple customer databases configured to store information associated with subscribers of the communications service provider may be operated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device interposed in a network path between a source and a receiver, video optimized for a wired network link located between the source and the network device, identifying the receiver as a wireless device, optimizing the video for wireless transmission, and transmitting the video optimized for wireless transmission to the receiver. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing personal broadcast channels are provided. In one embodiment, one or more users interact with a local broadcast agent hosted by a local server to define profiles for a number of personal broadcast channels. The profiles include information identifying types of content to be broadcast on the personal broadcast channels and optionally formats for the personal broadcast channels. Based on the profiles for the personal broadcast channels, the local broadcast agent generates a request for content types desired for the personal broadcast channels and provides the request to a content distribution agent hosted by a master server. Based on content provided to the local server in response to the request and the profiles of the personal broadcast channels, the local broadcast agent generates the local broadcast channels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing provision of content to devices in a content delivery network. In one exemplary embodiment, content with a high probability of viewership is sent to consumer premises equipment (CPE) during off-peak periods and stored prior to viewing. An application is utilized to manage decisions related to content provision. The computer program will identify content that is likely to be of interest users associated with respective CPE, and schedule provision of that content in advance of viewing. Then, the system will develop a plan for optimal scheduling of transmission of content to CPEs, often including the use of trickle downloads. The scheduling plan is based collected statistical and historical data on network resource demand to make scheduling decisions. The system allows for the shifting of bandwidth utilization from periods of high demand to those of low demand, and increased performance with regard to user experienced latency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of streaming video content from a server to a client over a channel via a network. Video content is offered as a set of consecutive fragments, each fragment of said set of consecutive fragments being offered in a plurality of quality levels corresponding to respective encoded data rates. The method comprises a session of transmitting one or more of requests for fragments and receiving via the network one or more replies to the requests containing fragments with target quality levels at said client. These fragments are displayed at said client. At a capture node requests and/or replies to the requests of the session are captured. The captured data is used to reconstruct at least part of the session as experienced (QoE) at the client.

Abstract: An affiliate site commands the central site to construct a unique broadcast event log through the affiliate site's command browser. The sequenced data stream of broadcast content is combined with a digital artifact inserted into the digitized broadcast video and/or audio content immediately prior to the data transmission process. Transmission to the affiliate site is accomplished utilizing Internet Protocol. Upon reception at the destination, the commercial advertising or prepared program content is input to the affiliate site's system, routed to the broadcast production system, and in turn, processed by the broadcast transmission site, where it is converted from a digital to an analog signal, and transmitted electromagnetically in the radio frequency spectrum by the broadcast transmitter.

Abstract: A virtual converged cable access platform (CCAP) system and method for hybrid fiber CATV (HFC) cable networks. The system uses a new type of digital optical fiber node configured to receive optical fiber data packets, and reconstitute the optical data packets into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable. The system replaces the legacy HFC head end with a simplified “virtual head end”. The system's virtual head end operates using a new type of virtual CCAP controller and virtual CCAP software that in turn controls high performance edge routers. Much of the intelligence of running the HFC cable system is managed by the controller software, while the edge router manages the interface between the CATV portion of the system and outside networks. The system can handle even legacy CATV RF signals by appropriate conversion operations, while reducing power and space needs, and improving operational flexibility.

Abstract: A user may purchase in a retail outlet a host device for receiving cable services. The cable operator needs to provide a point-of-deployment (POD) module for insertion into the host device to realize out-of-band communications, and provide conditional access to premium subscription channels. Security measures are implemented to detect removal of the host device from its connection to a broadband communications system. If its removal is unauthorized, the service area in which the host device is located may be identified when it is reconnected to the system. In addition, a transmission device in the host device may be activated to transmit detectable signals to help recover the host device.