Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the internet. In one implementation, a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a report such package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge.

Abstract: A method is provided for maximizing utility of a media delivery network having a media source, a first media adaptor, a second media adaptor and a media renderer. The media source can provide data in a first format and a second format. The first media adaptor can receive the data in the first format from the media source. The second media adaptor can receive the data in the second format from the media source. The first media adaptor can further provide data in a third format based on the received data in the first format. The second media adaptor can further provide data in a fourth format based on the received data in the second format. The media renderer can render the data in the third format and can render the data in the fourth format.

Abstract: An access/edge network node (300) according to the invention includes a single proxy function (301) to terminate on the subscriber side a single requesting protocol for a plurality of streaming video services.

Abstract: A system and method permits a network management agent executing on a customer premise equipment (CPE) component to determine whether a router is coupled between the CPE component and the cable modem through which the CPE component communicates with a data-over-cable network. The network management agent executing on the CPE component encapsulates the MAC address of the CPE component in a network management message that is sent to a server at the head end of the data-over-cable network. The head end compares the encapsulated MAC address with the MAC address of the device coupled to the cable modem that sent the network management message. If the MAC addresses are not the same, the server at the head end sets a router status element in the network management message response and sends it to the agent executing on the CPE component.

Abstract: Systems having a user interface comprising a filtered view of media available for consumption are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a first user with a view that enables consumption of only the available media that matches characteristics of a media filter. The characteristics of the media filter may be specified by a second user, and the second user may define the characteristics of the media filter remotely, via a communication network. The user interface may support separate media filters for each of a number of different users. Filter characteristics such as type of media channel, the language of any dialogue, an industry rating, an overall viewer rating, and the media format may be supported. The media filter characteristics may be applied not only to what is displayed on the user interface, but also the media available for selection via a remote control.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time.

Abstract: A device receives, from a fixed user device connected to a wireless network, a request for video content in a particular format, and requests, from a content provider, the requested video content in multiple formats. The device also receives, from the content provider, the video content in multiple formats, and stores the video content in the multiple formats, where the video content in the multiple formats is provided locally to the wireless network.

Abstract: A media center and an audio visual (AV) unit may be remotely synchronized on the same remodulation channel. A system may include a media center connected to an audio visual (AV) unit; and a remote control unit to activate the media center. The remote control unit may receive signals from the media center to indicate a transmission channel for the AV unit, and the remote control unit may send the received signals to the AV unit to independently cause the AV unit to switch to the indicated transmission channel.

Abstract: A moving-image-data acquiring unit acquires, when a failure occurs in other moving-image distributing apparatus, a plurality of moving-image data transmitted from a part of the encoders to the other moving-image distributing apparatus. An imaging-target-information acquiring unit acquires location information of an imaging target from a management server that manages the location information of the imaging target. An encoder selecting unit selects the encoder to take charge in place of the other moving-image distributing apparatus, based on encoder location information included in the moving-image data and the location information of the imaging target.

Abstract: A method and system for performing chaincast communication to multiple communication systems within a system of coupled electronic devices. In one implementation the electronic devices can be computer systems and the system of coupled electronic devices includes the Internet. The present invention provides a system wherein a broadcast source communicates broadcast information (e.g., encoded audio radio content, encoded audio/video television content, program instructions, etc.) to a first group of electronic devices. The first group of electronic devices can be instructed by a transmission scheduler to then communicate (e.g., forward) the broadcast information to other electronic devices which devices can also be instructed to communicate to more devices, etc., thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements of the communication channel between the broadcast source and the first group of electronic devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively implementing a wireless television system may include a communications processor and a transmitter device that combine at least one of a local-area network interface, a wide-area network interface, and one or more television data interfaces for effectively performing a wireless network transmission process. A transmitted stream from the wireless television system may be received via wireless network processing for viewing local-area network data, wide-area network data (such as Internet data), or television data by flexibly utilizing various electronic devices such as a notepad personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handheld TV remote control device.

Abstract: A presence enabled media host device is provided for accessing presence information associated with a number of communication endpoints and requesting the initiation of a communication session with at least one of the communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may access presence information, which includes information relating to the availability of a number of first communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may also receive a command requesting establishment of a communication session between at least one of the first communication endpoints and one or more second communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may then communicate a request for the communication session to a proxy server.

Abstract: An improved network router apparatus and associated network architecture is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the router apparatus is adapted to interface between an external network (such as an HFC/DOCSIS digital network) and a local network created using existing HFC cabling within a premises. The router device provides address translation between the single IP address assigned to the router by the external network and the addresses of the individual nodes or access points on the local network through creation of logical ports assigned to various portions of the available bandwidth of the cable system. The router further distinguishes network protocols from the media content streamed over the HFC network, allowing for the foregoing functionality and replacing any existing cable modem. Methods of initiating the router and assigning addresses are also disclosed, as well as business models for leasing the router equipment and access points.

Abstract: An optical signal return path system analog RF signals are sampled using a master clock frequency, and combined with digital data such as Ethernet data at a cable node. The cable node sends the combined signals on a return path over a fiber optic medium to the cable hub. The cable hub extracts an approximate in-frequency replicate of a master clock signal, and can use the replicate master clock signal to desample the digitized RF signals back to analog. The cable hub can further use the replicate of the master clock signal to serialize Ethernet data, and send the Ethernet data back to the cable node via an optical cable in the forward direction. Accordingly, a single master clock signal can be used on a CATV network for encoding/decoding, and transmitting a variety of data signals, which enhances the integrity and reliability of the data signals.

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: The conditional access system in a single frequency network in a digital broadcasting system includes a main broadcasting system transmitting encoded broadcasting signals including a data stream and transmitter identification information (TII) through a main broadcasting network; a repeating system amplifying and transmitting encoded broadcasting signals of the main broadcasting network, or modulating and amplifying a stream input by the main broadcasting system through a cable, and repeating broadcasting signals of the main broadcasting system through a repeating network; a subscriber station decoding the encoded signals of the main broadcasting network included in the broadcasting signals received through the main broadcasting network or the repeating network, TII, and an encoding key according to a decoding method; and a decoding key provider receiving a decoding key from the main broadcasting or repeating system, authenticating a user, and transmitting the decoding key to a charged subscriber station thro

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed to enable switched video service on a host media server using a component within the media server to relay messages between a set of one or more tuners coupled with the media server and an interpreter device connected to a network source node that allocates switched video channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) channel change to a first multimedia stream of an IPTV channel, where the channel change is initiated by a set top box coupled to the network device is described. A network device receives a request from a set top box for a high-resolution multimedia stream from a device downstream and transmits a low-resolution multimedia stream upstream in place of the high-resolution multimedia stream request. The network device receives the low-resolution multimedia stream and forwards the low-resolution stream to the requesting set top box. The set top receives the low-resolution stream and displays this stream. Furthermore, the network device transmits the high-resolution multimedia stream request and receives the high-resolution multimedia stream. The set top box receives the high-resolution multimedia stream and displays this stream.

Abstract: A media content manager residing at a user premises having a tuner coupled to at least one media source operable to selectively receive at least one media stream of at least one type of media content. The media content manager also including a media processor coupled to the tuner and operable to receive the at least one media stream and convert the media stream to a predetermined data format, the at least one media stream comprising metadata. Additionally, the media content manages has a media manager coupled to the media processor and operable to receive the at least one media stream in the predetermined data format and direct the media stream to a selected media player device coupled to the media processor. Furthermore, the media content manager includes a storage device coupled to the media manager and operable to receive and store the at least one media stream in the predetermined data format.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: A cost-efficient digital CATV network to improve signal quality, provide reliability, and offer the ability to meet demands for interactive services is described. Analog or digital video downstream channels are converted to a digital format by a digital headend transmitter. Relatively costly error-encoding for digital video channels is also part of the digital headend transmitter. Downstream analog and digital video channels in the digital format are transmitted using time-division multiplex technology from a headend to nodes using standard network protocols, such as SONET. Standard network protocols provide error-monitoring and status indication of transmit data, thus ensuring high signal quality and reliability. Time-division multiplexing facilitates easy adding or dropping of information to a transmit path. Flexibility to add or drop information is critical in providing interactive services. Data from interactive services can be added or dropped at points of presence throughout the digital CATV network.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for delivering television programming to a subscriber. In one aspect the method includes receiving one or more channels of program content, and encoding each channel a plurality of times, each time at a different rate producing multiple rate encoded signals for each channel. The method can further include transmitting the multiple rate encoded signals to a central office over a network, determining an available bandwidth of a downstream link to a subscriber and a current bit rate available for transmission to the subscriber. The method can further include selecting a best available bit rate from the multiple rate encoded signals for a requested channel and transmitting the selected rate encoded signal to the subscriber.

Abstract: View-upload decoupled (“VUD”) peer-to-peer (P2P) video distribution is provided, in which each peer is assigned to one or more channels to upload, with the assignments made independent of what the peer is viewing. For each assigned channel, the peer distributes (that is, uploads) the channel. This effectively creates semi-permanent distribution swarms for each channel, which are formed by peers responsible for uploading that channel. This can minimize problems associated with channel churn because peers may remain in their assigned distribution groups even if they switch channels. To minimize cross-channel overhead associated with VUD P2P video distribution, substream swarming, in which a peer in a distribution swarm only downloads a small portion of the video stream, called a substream, and uploads the substream to multiple viewers, may be provided.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling media for consumption via a demand broadcast channel based upon notifications received during user consumption of media. An embodiment of the present invention may employ notifications generated when users select media for consumption, to calculate one or more statistics. The statistics may be calculated and used by a media provider to schedule media into a demand broadcast channel in which the frequency of repetition or time of availability of the media is set according to a ranking of the relative frequency of requests for the media. The statistics may also be shared with a third party, to enable a third party media provider to arrange the scheduling of media availability according to the relative frequency of requests for the media.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a centralized broadband gateway for a wireless communication system, including: a router/gateway module which receives encoded compressed audio/video (A/V) streams and distributes the encoded compressed audio/video A/V streams; multiple audio/video decoders which receive the encoded compressed A/V streams from the a router/gateway module, decode the encoded compressed A/V streams, and output uncompressed A/V streams; and an integrated Wireless High Definition Multimedia Interface (WHDMI) which receives the uncompressed A/V streams from the multiple audio/video decoders and transmits the uncompressed A/V streams wirelessly to media devices, without deploying individual media processors at each media device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A multicasting system includes a delivery server for multicasting a content via at least one upper router and a plurality of lower routers, a plurality of client devices for playing the content multicast by the delivery server and an upper router controller, a content retrieving unit, and a content playing unit. The client device includes an individual storage unit, a content retrieving unit, a content playing unit, a switch time addition unit, and a display controller. The delivery server includes a content delivery unit for delivering each content to the client device. The upper router controller includes a session information retrieving unit, a book scheduling unit, and a schedule information notifier.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering content is provided. In one example, responsive to a request by a client device identifying a video program, the system is configured to determine different first and second network paths for delivery of the video program from a content source; deliver the video program via the first network path to the client device; and responsive to a change in status of the video program being delivered via the first network path, deliver the video program via the second network path to the client device.

Abstract: The principles of the invention allow an intermediate device, such as a router, to intelligently filter redundant data streams provided by one or more hosts. In the event of a network disturbance, the router may stop filtering one of the now needed redundant data streams in a manner that may reduce the consumption of network resources, such as bandwidth, without having to modify end-user applications residing on subscriber devices. Therefore, the router acting in accordance with the principles of the invention may transparently provide data streams to subscriber devices despite the occurrence of a network disturbance that may otherwise prevent the subscriber devices from receiving the data streams.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, device, and system for verifying a video path between a source device and a destination device. The destination device may receive a video signal including at least one video test pattern from the source device via a network. The destination device may automatically judge that a video path exists if the received video signal meets at least one predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for linking the account of a subscriber of a multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) network to an account of the subscriber on a social networking site and to receive invitations to follow a page or join a group hosted on a social networking site that is relevant to the video content being displayed on the subscriber's television.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and a transport re-encapsulator/tagger for delivering streaming media to customer premises equipment. A digital streaming media system broadcasts streaming media to provider networks which use middleware which has certain requirements for the transport encapsulation and tagging of headers of the streaming media. The invention provides for re-encapsulating/tagging of media broadcasts having one type of transport encapsulation/tagging into a type of transport encapsulation/tagging required by the middleware.

Abstract: An Internet appliance, comprising, within a single housing, packet data network interfaces, adapted for communicating with the Internet and a local area network, at least one data interface selected from the group consisting of a universal serial bus, an IEEE-1394 interface, a voice telephony interface, an audio program interface, a video program interface, an audiovisual program interface, a camera interface, a physical security system interface, a wireless networking interface; a device control interface, smart home interface, an environmental sensing interface, and an environmental control interface, and a processor, for controlling a data transfer between the local area network and the Internet, and defining a markup language interface communicated through a packet data network interface, to control a data transfer or control a remote device.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing system has a data storage device that stores a data stream with a predetermined data format and an information recording/reproducing apparatus, which is connected with the data storage device, for recording and reproducing the data stream. The apparatus includes information recording/reproducing portion and memory portion that stores plural species of empty data file bodies each in which additional information corresponding to a species of data format and data are assigned to loading regions. The apparatus also has selection portion that selects an empty data file body with a specified data format from the plural species of empty data file bodies. The apparatus further has information-loading portion that loads the additional information and the data into predetermined loading regions assigned in the empty data file body that has been selected by the selection portion.

Abstract: The present invention enables a capability for automatically porting the telephone number of the original VoIP endpoint device to the user's new VoIP endpoint device by re-associating the original telephone number with the MAC address of the new IP endpoint device.

Abstract: A multicasting system includes a delivery server for multicasting a content via at least one upper router and a plurality of lower routers, a plurality of client devices for playing the content multicast by the delivery server, an upper router controller for controlling the upper router and a lower router controller for controlling the plurality of lower routers. The client device includes a play history storage unit, an individual storage unit, a content retrieving unit, and a content playing unit. The delivery server includes a master storage unit, an optimizer optimizing the identifier and the session information of the content stored on the individual storage unit, and a content delivery unit. The upper router controller includes a session information retrieving unit, a book scheduling unit, and a schedule information notifier.

Abstract: A last router in the route of a packet determines when a packet is at the last hop prior to reaching its destination, based on information conveyed in the routing table that the destination is a directly-connected host, and can then convey that information to the host by setting the TTL to zero in the packet being forwarded to its final destination. The host, being so informed that the packet is destined for its IP address, can thereby eliminate the IP address table search for the destination IP address of the incoming packet against the list of its allocated IP addresses to determine if the packet is destined for that host, thereby providing significant performance enhancements to the network system by enabling a receiving host to skip the IP address lookup process and immediately consume the received packet.

Abstract: A module for use in connection with a media content set-top box is described. The module may include a communications node configured to interface with the media content set-top box that receives media content, a receiver and/or transceiver and control logic. The control logic is configured so as to receive one or more first signals, via the receiver and/or transceiver, carrying corresponding one or more CMRS tower, wireless access point, and/or transmitter identifiers, to determine one or more signal strengths of the one or more first signals, and to obtain a location of the device. The location of the device can then be used to provide location specific media content or information alerts and/or to facilitate the determination of whether a use of the device, a use of an associated media content set-top box, etc., at the location is authorized.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for processing television signals includes a local collection facility that has a primary receiver and a primary encoder forming a broadcast signal in response to a first channel signal received at the receiver. The system also includes a remote facility having a monitoring system monitoring the local collection facility at the remote facility. A back-up receiver at the local facility tuning to the first channel, generating a back-up receiver signal for the first channel and communicating the back-up receiver signal to the remote facility from the local collection facility. The monitoring system displays the back-up receiver signal. The remote facility switches the broadcast signal to correspond to the back-up receiver signal.

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 visual server system (10) includes a server (12) having a graphics application (20). The graphics application (20) generates image content and position information. The server (12) streams the image content and the position information for transport over a network link. A plurality of remote clients (14) can receive the image content and position information from the server (12) over the network link. Each of the plurality of remote clients (14) may provide input parameters to the graphics application (20). The input parameters can provide adjustments to the image content and position information provided to each of the plurality of remote clients (14). The graphics application (20) selects from among the input parameters provided by the plurality of remote clients (14) for adjusting the image content and the position information provided to the remote clients (14).

Abstract: A system and a method for facilitating interactions between users such as social interactions across computer networks such as the Internet are disclosed. In one embodiment herein, a plurality of distributed user computers, each user computer capable of accessing a webpage is provided. An interactive contribution widget (ICW) is provided that comprises an ICW server application for providing social interactions, and an ICW player for allowing the users to interact with each other. As per the embodiments of the invention, the ICW player is executed on a small space on the webpage being accessed by the user computer, thereby facilitating the users to interact with each other while staying on the said webpage.

Abstract: Pattern matching can be achieved by considering only the position numbers of a source pattern and a target pattern within ordered sequences of possible source patterns and target patterns respectively. The position numbers of source patterns containing the target pattern form a number of groups. The number of source patterns within each group and the number of source patterns in the gaps between groups depend on the position of the target pattern within the source pattern, the length of the target pattern and the number of elements in the alphabet set. Each group also has a position number, its position within an ordered sequence of groups. The group position number of an input source pattern is compared to a series derived from the position number of the target pattern, the length of the target pattern and the number of elements in the alphabet set (9). If the group position number is a member of the series (10), then the source pattern contains the target pattern (11).

Abstract: Systems having a user interface comprising a filtered view of media available for consumption are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a first user with a view that enables consumption of only the available media that matches characteristics of a media filter. The characteristics of the media filter may be specified by a second user, and the second user may define the characteristics of the media filter remotely, via a communication network. The user interface may support separate media filters for each of a number of different users. Filter characteristics such as type of media channel, the language of any dialogue, an industry rating, an overall viewer rating, and the media format may be supported. The media filter characteristics may be applied not only to what is displayed on the user interface, but also the media available for selection via a remote control.

Abstract: A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network and for building-up a good quality version of the media information. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided from a media server, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. Once the media server receives the request, the media server begins to stream a copy of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth to the user device via the network and proxy device.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber distribution hub with a panel assembly that includes one or more selectively removable parking devices. The parking devices are adapted to selectively receive one or more connectors of fiber optic cables within the fiber distribution hub. The panel assembly includes a parking area that defines a plurality of slots into which the parking devices are inserted. Once a parking device has been removed from the slot, a splitter module can be inserted into the slot previously occupied by the parking device. Therefore, the size of the housing of the fiber distribution hub can be reduced because the parking area can also be used for splitter mounting.

Abstract: A method of providing communications services to customer premise equipment (CPE) coupled to a television. The method includes operating a network element as a communications terminal server, the network element being part of a communications network. The network element receives from the CPE a request to initiate communications with a diagnostic system coupled to the communications network. The network element accesses a communications application executing on a communications server coupled to the communications network and pushes a communications interface to the CPE. The network element receives message information from the CPE and routes the message information to the communications server to initiate delivery of a message to the diagnostic system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time.

Abstract: A method for providing assets includes providing information to a user regarding at least one asset from a pool of assets, where the pool of assets includes a subset of available assets and a subset of unavailable assets, and then receiving a user's request for an asset from the pool of assets to define a requested asset. The method further includes determining whether the requested asset is: (a) within the subset of available assets; or (b) within the subset of unavailable assets. The method further includes, when the requested asset is within the subset of available assets, immediately providing the requested asset to the user. Further, the method includes, when the requested asset is within the subset of unavailable assets, offering to provide the requested asset to the user when a number of requests for the requested asset exceeds a threshold.