Abstract: An exemplary system includes at least one computing device located within a local media content network and configured to 1) generate a media index of local media content stored by one or more media content access devices located within the local media content network and cloud media content stored by one or more cloud computing devices located within a cloud media content service network and 2) manage the local media content and the cloud media content based on the media index and on a predefined media management heuristic. Corresponding methods, systems, and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interactive advertising system that utilizes an analyzing tool that is capable of analyzing and displaying overlay data and signaling data that is transmitted to set top boxes to be displayed. If problems exist with the data, the analyzing tool is capable of storing and displaying the data for later analysis.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may operate according to, for example, a method involving recording audio feedback from a plurality of subscribers commenting on media content supplied by a media communication system on at least one of a plurality of media channels, detecting one or more trigger words in the recorded audio feedback having an association with a disruption of one or more media services supplied by the media communication system, selecting one or more network elements of the media communication system in at least one transmission path that supplies media services to one or more of the plurality of subscribers that supplied audio feedback matching the one or more trigger words, and directing the selected one or more network elements to record media content on one or more media channels selected from the plurality of media channels. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are afforded for providing syndication feed content on a television STB with limited decoder capability. A request is initiated for syndication feed content from a networked content source through the STB. The syndication feed content is obtained through a proxy device in communication with the networked content source. When the syndication feed content is in a first format usable by the STB, the proxy device passes the syndication feed content in the first format to the STB. When the syndication feed content is in a second format unusable by the STB, the syndication feed content is first converted from the second format to the first format usable by the STB and then the syndication feed content is passed, in the first format, to the STB.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for effectively transmitting a plurality of contents under the situation securing minimum QoS. According to the technique, among a plurality of contents to be transmitted to a data reception device, two or more contents are set as main contents, and the remaining contents are set as stand-by contents. One of the two or more main contents is set as a broadcasting content to be broadcasted actually, and the remaining main content is set as a switching content. The data transmission device transmits the two main contents to the data reception device via a high-quality line (main content line) and transmits the remaining stand-by contents via a line of a quality lower than the main content line (proxy data transmission line). Contents are switched by interchanging between a broadcasting content and a switching content and interchanging between a switching content and a stand-by content.

Abstract: A modem system may include modems that have multiple upstream transmitters for transmitting signals upstream in a communication network. In some embodiments herein, one or more of those upstream transmitters may be retasked to transmit downstream signals for reception at devices within a modem's premises. The downstream signal may be modulated differently from its original modulation as received by the modem, and may be modulated in a manner that can be received by legacy components on the premises, such as analog televisions.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a video data over a grid infrastructure network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from at least one user for viewing the video data and identifying a plurality of attributes from a plurality primary grid enabled mini servers (GEMS), wherein the plurality of primary GEMS together form the grid network. The method further includes partitioning video data into a plurality of discrete fragments using a shard creator indicative of the plurality of attributes in each of the plurality of primary GEMS and allocating the plurality of discrete fragments among the plurality of primary GEMS based on the plurality of attributes of each of the plurality of primary GEMS. The method also includes decoding the plurality of discrete fragments of the video data using a streaming server for transmitting the video data to the at least one user.

Abstract: An access node (e.g., DSLAM) is described herein which can limit bandwidth usage in a transport network by incorporating an enhanced rapid TV channel changing functionality/enhanced BTV server in which TV channels from a multicast TV stream are dynamically selected based on past TV channel clicking statistics and then stored therein so there is a good chance that it can respond to a TV channel change request from a STB.

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: A distributed content analysis network uses the processing capabilities of customer-premises equipment as subordinate nodes for analyzing multimedia programs. A master node selects a program and identifies subordinate nodes that are available for analysis, which may include both nodes tuned to the program and idle nodes. The master node divides the program into segments for analysis and instructs each subordinate node to analyze a segment. The subordinate nodes then provide analysis results back to the master node, which may build a metadata profile for the program based on the analysis.

Abstract: A device may be used for conditioning an upstream bandwidth. The device can include a return path extending at least a portion of a distance between a supplier side connector and a user side connector, and a coupler connected within the return path, the coupler providing a secondary path. An offset or noise detection circuit is connected electrically downstream the coupler. A microprocessor is connected to the detection circuit. A variable signal level adjustment device is connected within the return path. The variable signal level adjustment device can be controlled by the microprocessor responsive to a detected offset level or noise floor in the return path.

Abstract: A method of forming a picture in picture (PIP) service over an internet protocol (IP) transmission to one or more users, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for a PIP channel comprising a first predetermined channel superimposed with a second predetermined channel; determining if the PIP channel already exists; forming the PIP channel if it does not already exist; and transmitting the PIP channel on a dedicated channel to any users who have requested that PIP channel.

Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning premise device for use as part of a CATV system and for placement on or near a user's premise to reduce noise created on the user's premise that would otherwise be injected into upstream transmission channels and passed into an RF main signal distribution system of the CATV system. The device includes a variable attenuation device, a signal measurement circuit, a memory circuit and an electronic circuit, which is configured to iteratively determine (i) whether an incremental amount of additional attenuation is to be applied and (ii) whether at least a portion of a previously applied incremental amount of attenuation is to be removed. The electronic circuit includes a counting circuit, a threshold comparison circuit configured to compare a peak signal strength to a predetermined threshold, and a peak comparison circuit configured to compare a contemporary peak signal strength to a previous peak signal strength.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may be used to test monitor MCDN performance by acquiring a baseband video signal and performing a test operation including at least one check point condition. The check point condition may be associated with a masked region of the video signal and may also involve a test of an audio channel. A plurality of test operations and/or check point conditions may be defined and executed on the baseband video signal, while the results of the test operation may be logged.

Abstract: A video port aggregator receives plural asynchronous video data streams. Corresponding input buffers generate video data and a status signal. A memory controller writes the video data in corresponding locations within an external memory. A channel triggers the memory controller to read data out of the external memory for transmission to a single video output port when said corresponding status signal indicates receipt of a predetermined portion of data. This read out of the external memory being faster than the writing. The channel sequencer triggers the memory controller to read data out of the external memory video data of a highest priority asynchronous video data stream having a received next portion of data.

Abstract: A mobile terminal connects to a wireless access point (AP) connected to a web server to retrieve and display a list of uniform resource locators (URLs) corresponding to types of multimedia content stored in a multimedia server. Each URL includes a channel identifier allocated to a corresponding type of the multimedia content. After receiving a selection of one URL, the mobile terminal parses the selected URL to retrieve a channel identifier, and automatically switches to a channel corresponding to the channel identifier. The mobile terminal connects to a wireless AP on the channel to retrieve a corresponding type of the multimedia content from the multimedia server.

Abstract: Even if high speed are available between the router and the multimedia unit through the IP line (up to 24 Mbits/sec), this is still the bottleneck in term of data transfer. Indeed in practice the vast majority of IP users have access speed between 2 to 5 Mbits/sec and the development of other services (telephony, videoconference, push VOD, game) are bandwidth consuming. It is now an object of the invention to propose a solution to reduce the data flow between the router and the multimedia unit over IP line.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content provider and a media content processing subsystem communicatively coupled to the media content provider by a network. The media content processing subsystem is configured to receive a first media content instance from the media content provider, and receive a second media content instance from at least one other media content processing subsystem connected to the network. At least a portion of the second media content instance is received concurrently with the receipt of the first media content instance. In certain embodiments, the media content processing subsystem is configured to receive the second media content instance without using a tuner.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content reception apparatus includes a communication module and a communication controller. The communication module is configured to communicate with a content transmission and reception control apparatus. The communication controller is configured to communicate with the content transmission and reception control apparatus by the communication module, to receive content transmittable time information of a content transmission apparatus managed by the content transmission and reception control apparatus, to request content managed by the content transmission apparatus based on the content transmittable time information, and to receive the content.

Abstract: Firmware is installed in a cable modem, enabling detection of the presence or absence of a cable trap in the feed of a customer location. Such a cable modem includes a trap-detection module and a trap-detection object. The trap-detection module is configured to determine whether a video signal is present at a cable-television frequency. The trap-detection object is configured to store data as to whether the video signal is present. For example, a first piece of data is stored if the video signal is present, indicating absence of a properly functioning cable trap between a cable head-end and the cable modem. A second piece of data is stored if the video signal is absent, indicating presence of a properly functioning cable trap between the cable head-end and the cable modem.

Abstract: A method of delivering a regional television channel to a user over an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service comprising the steps of forming a multicast of channels intended for delivery to a user each channel having a specific channel slot, the multicast of channels including one or more regional channels corresponding to one of the multicast of channels; broadcasting the multicast channels to the user through a regional gateway; forming a regional channel control signal for scheduling and requesting broadcast of the at least one regional channel instead of the one of the multicast of channels; transmitting the regional channel control signal to the regional gateway; and in accordance with the regional channel control signal, at the required time, switching the regional gateway to the at least one regional channel instead of the corresponding one of the multicast channels such that the regional channel is in the specific channel slot of the corresponding channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for frequency agile band-pass filtering of broadcast signals are disclosed. An example method to receive a broadcast signal for distribution to a plurality of reception sites disclosed herein comprises processing the broadcast signal with a frequency agile band-pass filter to receive the broadcast signal at a headend site for distribution to the plurality of reception sites, monitoring reception quality of the broadcast signal at an operating center separate from the headend site and included in the plurality of reception sites, and sending commands to the frequency agile band-pass filter from the operating center based on the monitored reception quality of the broadcast signal, the commands controlling at least a tuned operating frequency of and an attenuation provided by the frequency agile band-pass filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for blocking specific television commercials from the viewer's television based upon the characteristics of the television commercial and a program to place the blocked television commercials into an archive. An archive interrogation program 10 then acquires the users search criteria and sends the search criteria to the content search program for a list of matches. The matches are displayed to the user and the user can select a segment for viewing.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may operate according to, for example, a method involving recording audio feedback from a plurality of subscribers commenting on media content supplied by a media communication system on at least one of a plurality of media channels, detecting one or more trigger words in the recorded audio feedback having an association with a disruption of one or more media services supplied by the media communication system, selecting one or more network elements of the media communication system in at least one transmission path that supplies media services to one or more of the plurality of subscribers that supplied audio feedback matching the one or more trigger words, and directing the selected one or more network elements to record media content on one or more media channels selected from the plurality of media channels. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes connecting a communications device to an Internet Multimedia Subsystem network. The method includes transmitting presence information indicating multimedia capabilities of the communications device and requesting multimedia content from a multimedia server to cause the multimedia server to transmit multimedia content. The method includes detecting connection of a peripheral device to the communications device and determining that the multimedia capabilities have increased due to the connection of the peripheral device. The method includes updating the presence information to indicate the increased multimedia capabilities and transmitting the updated presence information to cause the multimedia server to transmit the multimedia content adjusted for the increased multimedia capabilities indicated in the updated presence information.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of providing a personal broadcasting service according to scheduling are provided. The system for providing a personal broadcasting service includes a producer client which produces and transmits a broadcasting schedule, a broadcasting server which establishes a broadcasting channel according to the broadcasting schedule and provides broadcasting content produced by the producer client through the broadcasting channel, and a viewer client which receives the broadcasting content through the broadcasting channel.

Abstract: A method for interference-free, centrally controlled switchover from a first to a second program channel in a data transmission system for distributing encoded program data streams to multiple subscribers includes delivering at least two program data streams, each of which is associated with a separate program channel, to a separate, controllable encoder. The program data streams are encoded in the associated encoders. The encoded first and second program data streams are fed into a distribution network. One encoded program data stream is delivered through a routing device to at least one target subscriber. Control parameters are provisioned in a central control device which permits a synchronized activation of the controllable encoders and at least one switching device for interference-free switchover of the program channels. An interference-free switchover from the first to the second program channel is executed.

Abstract: A system for product advertising through a telecommunication network is disclosed. The system comprises an advertising engine and an information depot. The advertising engine comprises an information-extraction tool for acquiring product information, an authoring tool for tracking product images appearing in a display of a video recording, and an augmented-display tool for relating product images appearing in a display of a video recording to respective product information. The information depot comprises a global product directory and overlay directories for a set of video recordings. A number of authoring computers connect to the advertising engine of the present invention as well as streaming video sources and advertising databases to generate content of the information depot. The advertising engine distributes the augmented-display tool to viewers' computers which accesses the video-content directory and the product directory to acquire respective overlay directories and associated product data.

Abstract: Assets, such as content and related data are packaged, transmitted, received and managed in a digital cable television system to standardize the distribution of content and services from a content/service provider to subscribers in the system. The standardized format for packaging content enables the digital cable system to package, transmit, receive and manage diverse types of content, such as MPEGs, executable files, HTML pages, and the like, using standard system components without requiring reprogramming of the system to deploy new services. Service and content providers are freed from having to develop custom formats for delivering content and data to the cable system. Moreover, the standardized bundling of content and related data that is enabled by the invention allows the cable system operator to automate the deployment of services based on specific content and data to select subscribers.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering video content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes storing video data packets of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) channel at an access switch/router system that communicates with an IPTV access network. The method also includes receiving data at the access switch/router system indicating a selection of the IPTV channel from a set-top box device via the IPTV access network. Further, the method includes sending copies of the stored video data packets of the IPTV channel to the set-top box device via the IPTV access network.

Abstract: A content distribution system distributes at least either one of a first content and a second content to a terminal (3) through a network from a distribution server (1) which stores a compression coded bit stream of the first content and a compression coded bit stream of the second content. The content distribution system has a conversion device (2) which, when a syntax indicating an order to be satisfied by the bit stream of the content distributed from said distribution server (1) to said terminal does not match a syntax of decoding information preliminarily notified to the terminal, converts the syntax of the content distributed to the terminal to match the syntax of the decoding information before distributing the same to the terminal (3).

Abstract: A recording apparatus is for a DVD on which a TS-VOB, and pieces of playback path information each showing a playback path of the TS-VOB are recorded. When extended control with various contents can be executed by an apparatus at the time of playback, an extended attribute section in which extended control is valid is specified in accordance with the contents of the extended control. When an extended attribute section is to be uniformly specified for playback paths of the TS-VOB, a section marker for specifying a location of the extended attribute section of the TS-VOB is generated in VOB information. When an extended attribute section is to be individually specified for one playback path, a section marker specifying a location of the extended attribute section of the playback path is generated in PGC information. The generated VOB information and PGC information are written to the DVD.

Abstract: Transmitting streamed video to at least one wireless terminal by a wireless network having a channel frequency reuse pattern. The wireless network receives a request for the streamed video from the at least one wireless terminal and receives position information from the at least one wireless terminal requesting the streamed video. The wireless network selects a transceiving device to service transmission of the streamed video to the at least one wireless terminal. The transceiving device is allocated a first channel frequency set of the channel frequency reuse pattern. The wireless network or a component thereof selects a channel from a second channel frequency set that is different from the first channel frequency set. The transceiving device then, using a directional antenna, transmits the streamed video to the at least one wireless terminal in a direction based upon the position information using the selected channel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gateway including a controller adapted to transmit media content to a group of set top boxes that are associated with a premises and that each have a presentation device connected thereto where the presentation devices are in proximity to each other, receive a plurality of streams of the media content from a media server where the streams are of the same media content, and apply a delay compensation to delivery of the plurality of streams to one or more set top boxes of the group of set top boxes to synchronize presentation of the media content at each of the presentation devices, where the delay compensation is based on a transmission delay and a receipt delay, where the transmission delay is between each of the group of set top boxes and the gateway, and where the receipt delay is between the gateway and the media server. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for delivery and synchronization of an ad to a user of a streaming media. An embodiment uses a Real-time Transport Protocol header extension to provide an ad cue to a splicer for the delivery of an ad within the primary media stream (the stream containing the header extension) or in an ancillary stream. An existing ancillary stream my be used, or a new ancillary stream may be initiated in response to the ad cue. The ad may have a variety of formats such as takeover, overlay, standard banner, and rich media.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time monitoring of programming content transmission over a broadcast network. The identification and analysis of data embedded within a broadcast signal allows a broadcaster to determine whether or not their content is actually being broadcast over the network as intended. The embedded data may include various information and indicators, such as proprietary tags, included in the signal. Real-time monitoring may occur across single or multiple channels, narrow or wide geographic areas, be based on various demographic or other characteristics, and may be monitored by content providers or others.

Abstract: A head-end system for providing a two-way VOD service and a service method thereof are disclosed. The head-end system includes: a terminal which is based on a Java virtual machine and a Java TV/GEM standard middleware and has a VOD navigator application of a tool set form for replaying and controlling an audiovisual (AV) which is processed to be replayed in real time and an application related to the AV which is processed to be replayed in real time; and a two-way VOD head-end system server for providing a VOD content list and content information to the terminal through the Internet and providing information of an application related to an AV which is processed to be replayed and an application execution-related file together when a VOD content is selected and requested by a user.

Abstract: An end-to-end lecture broadcast system (LBS) is described. The LBS system typically comprises three modules: a schedule module, a capture module and a transmission module. The schedule module is comprised of a scheduler that is implemented as a software add-on on the lecture host's computing device, a schedule server, and a schedule agent component in the uploading peer to provide for channel based management. The capture module is comprised of a video camera for capturing video content, one or more microphones for capturing audio content, and a VGA signal capture for capturing presentation materials. The transmission module is comprised of an uploading peer and a web server. The uploading peer is responsible for transmitting video/audio content to the Internet/intranet using peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming technology. The web server is responsible for the delivery of captured presentation materials and for ensuring the synchronous play back of video/audio content and presentation materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a relay apparatus including a video buffer control unit that controls a video buffer according to a control instruction received by an instruction receiving unit, a threshold set by a threshold setting unit, and a timing set by a timing generation unit. The video buffer control unit controls the video buffer for each segment, according to a result of analysis by a segment interpretation unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for personal video recorders (PVRs) and other devices configured for recording and playing back media content from a data storage unit, preferably a random access unit such as a hard drive. A system is described having network connectivity, such as a power-line communications, with other PVRs or similar units, wherein media content can be automatically shifted from one unit to another over the network, such as in response to changes in available storage space. Content transfers and deletions within the system being intelligently performed based on content status, user preference settings, and user preference information such as received from a preference engine, toward optimizing the value to the user of the content which is retained network wide. An additional aspect provides content restoration after mistaken deletion by the user or automated deletion functions.

Abstract: A broadcaster generates programming content and a carousel containing chunks of data defining one or more interactive applications. The programming content and carousel are received by a local gateway which distributes the carousel and content to receivers at end-users via a distribution network. A carousel proxy in the local gateway receives the inbound carousel from the broadcaster and modifies it to produce an outbound carousel suited for the distribution network, receivers, and/or end-users. The modifications performed by the carousel proxy include filtering chunks and/or data within the chunks from the inbound carousel and transforming data within the chunks to customize the interactive applications for the distribution network, receivers, and/or end-users. The carousel proxy also caches chunks in a cache of a local data store. The carousel proxy uses the cached chunks to send the outbound carousel at a rate optimized for the bandwidth available on the distribution network.

Abstract: A video relayer device includes a processing unit and a memory. The processing unit includes: a key information transfer section to transfer first key information to a video content sink upon receiving the first key information from a video content source having a timer, and a timer pausing section to control the timer of the sink to pause upon receiving the first key information from the source. The processing unit is operable to receive second key information and a calculation result from the sink and store the same, respectively in the memory. The processing unit further includes a timer resuming section to control the timer of the source to resume when the second key information and the calculation result have been stored, respectively, in the memory.

Abstract: A method and system for provisioning a specific device to receive video and/or data services from a plurality of service providers at a physical drop in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop associated with the specific device. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, receives the electronic message, stores the information, and upon receiving a sign-on request from a requesting device that is requesting access to one of the video and/or data services, determines whether the requesting device is authorized to access the requested video and/or data service based on the stored information.

Abstract: A multi-source bridge content distribution system links multiple content owners with access network operators or content distribution providers leasing space on access networks so that multi-media content can be provided from multiple content owners to consumers through a multi-source bridge or data center. Content files and associated content owner preference settings are provided from a plurality of content sources or providers to the multi-source data center. Files stored at the data center or locally at an access network are provided to subscribers through the local access network Content files are provided if the content owner preference settings are a sufficient match with service provider access network preference settings set up by the service provider using the access network to provide content to subscribers.

Abstract: A point of distribution that distributes source information to a plurality of subscriber gateway devices through a communications network. A television broadcast spectrum is divided into a plurality of channels. Each channel has a deterministic bandwidth for transmitting packetized data, and each deterministic bandwidth is subdivided into a plurality of unshared bandwidth allocations. An unshared bandwidth allocation is allocated to each subscriber gateway device and source information is transmitted in packetized format to the subscriber gateway device based on the unshared bandwidth allocation.

Abstract: Communication device capabilities may change during an established multimedia session due to connection of a peripheral device. For example, a user listens to an Internet radio service on a mobile phone through a set of headphones. Later, the user connects the mobile phone to stereo system in a car. The mobile phone can leverage the car's stereo system to present higher quality audio than it could present with the headphones. Functionality can be implemented in a communication device to detect connection of a peripheral device and determine multimedia capabilities of the peripheral device. The communication device updates its presence information to indicate the multimedia capabilities of the peripheral device. In response, a multimedia server determines multimedia capabilities indicated in the presence information have changed and optimizes delivery of multimedia content based on the updated multimedia capabilities.

Abstract: Seamless channel changing in a digital-television-based entertainment network can be implemented, for example, by providing an intra frame to a client device upon a change to a new channel even when the broadcast video data is previously compressed. In an exemplary implementation, a method includes: receiving a stream of broadcast video data that is encoded; continuously decoding the stream of broadcast video data into successive decoded images; and transmitting, responsive to a channel change message received from a client device, an intra frame that has been encoded from a decoded image of the successive decoded images. Other exemplary implementations are described herein.

Abstract: A content on demand system includes logic to compose set top box configuration information into an audio and/or video stream format, and to communicate the configuration information to a plurality of set top boxes.

Abstract: A user terminal exchanges information with a server through a transmission medium. A coupling unit couples the user terminal to the transmission medium in accordance with information from the server. Likewise, the server is controlled in accordance with information from the user terminal. In this manner, communication is created and performed between the server and the user terminal. The user terminal may be a Set-Top Unit which may be adjusted to the transmission medium by, for example, a physical medium converter or the communication itself between the Set-Top Unit and the server may be adjusted as directed by programs installed in the Set-Top Unit which may originate from the server.