Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing encrypted downstream signals to a plurality of receiver devices 130, 135, 140, where the devices 130, 135, 140 may have different decryption devices. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) 125, a primary set-top terminal (STT) 130, and at least one remote device 135, 140. The remote devices 135, 140 communicate with the primary STT 130 via the SIM 125 over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the remote devices 135, 140 are capable of requesting and receiving stored programs via the networked multimedia overlay system. Depending upon the decryption device included in the requesting remote STT 135, 140, the primary STT 130 sends a stored program encrypted according to that decryption device.

Abstract: A system for the transmission of audiovisual signals between at least one source node and at least one destination node comprises: at least one central switch to which at least one source node is connected and at least two home audiovisual networks, each comprising a plurality of nodes each capable of playing the role of a destination node to which said audiovisual signals are transmitted from said at least one source node. Each home audiovisual network is connected to said at least one central switch by means of said at least one of its nodes. Said at least one central switch comprises interconnection management means. These means themselves comprise means for the selective authorisation of a first type of transmission of audiovisual signals through said at least one central switch from said at least one source node to at least one of the destination nodes of one of the home audiovisual networks.

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 on a macroblock basis. In an exemplary implementation, a method includes: receiving a stream of broadcast video data that is encoded on a macroblock basis; 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 method and apparatus for controllably delivering a multicast broadcast stream to a client via a VLAN channel and, in response to the detection of a splice point, delivering a unicast stream to the client via a sub-VLAN channel.

Abstract: A system and method includes an automation system generating a modified content signal from a content signal by inserting insertion material into the content signal during a break and a monitoring system monitoring the content signal. The automation system controls the automation system to return to the content signal in response to monitoring the content signal when the break ends on the content signal before an end of the insertion material.

Abstract: Enables video over IP distribution system and method that multicasts or broadcasts IP messages over a local layer 2 network (generally for example in a known local network, e.g., a network within an Internet service provider or video provider) to eliminate intermediate replication servers. The system thus utilizes a flat architecture that distributes the same number of video streams as pyramid architectures, but utilizes less hardware, e.g., less replication servers and less network switches. Systems may be configured to transmit multiple versions of the same broadcast, for example at different sizes, resolutions or aspect ratios or at different bit rates or any combination thereof. Groupings of the system allow for customized broadcast of the same video. With respect to quality of service, various clock synchronization, forward error correction (FEC), automatic repeat request (ARQ) methods and systems may be utilized to provide higher quality of service for any embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for operating the same includes an IP network, a remote facility and a local collection facility in communication with the local collection facility through the IP network. The local collection facility receives local channel signals at a local collection facility and encodes the local channel signals into respective IP signals. The local collection facility includes a router routing the respective IP signals through an IP network to a remote facility.

Abstract: A method for compactly communicating a scene of graphical content from a server to a display device of known display characteristics is disclosed. The scene comprises scene data. The method comprises determining if the scene data already exists at the display device. If it is determined that the scene data already exists at the display device, refraining from communicating the scene data, and if it is determined that the scene data does not exist at the display device, communicating the scene data to the display device.

Abstract: A common communication language that can address all the applications running in a multitude of set top boxes (STBs) or client devices and application servers. The present invention, DATP protocol encapsulates a Meta language that provides a generic portable communication application programmer interface that requires light processor utilization and is well suited for a typical STB possessing limited processing power. DATP requires relatively few processing cycles compared to typical Internet communication protocols. DATP reduces the overhead of the communication protocol handler at the STB and makes the communication protocol handler common for all STBs applications. The preferred DATP protocol is portable for all STBs since it is written in a native language that interfaces with the underlying operating system of the STB. A SGW (SGW) performs as a DATP server. The SGW translates between DATP messages and standard communication protocols.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical network unit of an access network for converging broadcast/telecommunication by employing IEEE 1394. The optical network unit processes the broadcast data and the communication data delivered from the optical line terminal according to each corresponding subscriber and delivering the broadcast data and the communication data to each corresponding subscriber.

Abstract: A method and a system for managing content in a network are disclosed. The network includes a content server (104). The method includes receiving (304) the base content of the content. The base content includes information that is independent of a user profile. Further, the method includes modifying (306) the content, based on the dynamic content of the content, the base content and the user profile.

Abstract: A data transfer apparatus receives from an upper station a data stream that includes a plurality of types of repeat data, each type of repeat data being repeatedly transmitted by the upper station, and transfers the repeat data to a lower station, the data transfer apparatus including a storage unit having a storage area; an extraction unit for extracting the types of repeat data from the received data stream; a writing unit for writing the extracted repeat data to the storage area; a data structure ratio determination unit for determining a ratio between the types of repeat data to be output in a data stream per fixed length of time; and a data output unit for reading the repeat data stored in the storage unit, and outputting the read repeat data at the determined ratio.

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 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: Broadband multimedia system comprising a communication bus, a broad band multimedia router, connected to the communication bus, to a data router and further between a plurality of media sources and a plurality of network transmitters, a session manager, connected to communication bus, the session manager providing routing instructions to the router, for directing media received from the media sources to the network transmitters for transmitting over a broadband network and for directing data received from the router to at least a selected one of the network transmitter for transmitting over the broadband network to a specific destination.

Abstract: A program information retrieval system in which a broadcast receiving terminal and a resolver server are connected through a communication network includes a local storing unit that stores a program information, a taste-information acquiring unit that acquires taste information of a user, a program-information requesting unit that requests the resolver server to provide program information, and a program-information receiving unit that receives the program information transmitted from the resolver server.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, identification information identifying a specified broadcast content is converted into identification information identifying another broadcast content corresponding to the originally specified broadcast content, in accordance with table information indicating a correspondence among a plurality of pieces of identification information respectively identifying broadcast contents thereby indicating a correspondence among the broadcast contents.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes identifying a computer-based portable program module, automatically altering code in the portable program module to permit display of the module on a television-based display so that the displayed module has a substantially similar appearance on the television-based display as on a computer display, and providing the altered code for execution on a processor connected to a television-based display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting time-varying multimedia content are described. In one aspect, a lower quality data stream for an initial portion of the multimedia content is received. The lower quality data stream is received at a rate faster than a real-time playback rate for the multimedia content. The lower quality data stream was encoded at a bit rate below a transmission rate. A higher quality data stream of a subsequent portion of the multimedia content is received. The higher quality data stream was encoded at a bit rate that equals the transmission rate. The initial portion and the subsequent portion of the multimedia content are presented at the real-time playback rate. Receiving the initial portion faster than the real-time playback rate provides for a reduction of latency due to buffering by a desired amount.

Abstract: Provided are a content browsing apparatus and method. The method includes: generating a terminal profile which includes system information and a user profile which includes information regarding user-preferred contents; receiving broadcasting contents or Web contents based on the information regarding the user-preferred contents included in the user profile; and rendering received broadcasting contents or Web contents based on the terminal profile and the user profile. Therefore, user-preferred broadcasting contents or Web contents can be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for interfacing a first multi-media digital device with a second multi-media digital device. An exemplary method includes the steps of: (i) converting a plurality of differential digital content channels from the first multi-media digital device into a plurality of single-ended digital content channels; (ii) transmitting the plurality of single-ended digital content channels from the first multi-media digital device to the second multi-media digital device via one or more coaxial cables; and (iii) receiving the single-ended digital content channels from the one or more coaxial cables and converting the single-ended digital content channels back into a plurality of differential digital content channels that are supplied to the second multi-media digital device.

Abstract: A videophone. The videophone can include an imaging mechanism for taking a video picture of a scene. The videophone can include a mechanism for producing a first video stream of the scene and a second video stream of the scene from the video picture and sending the first video stream and the second video stream onto a network at the same time, the producing mechanism in communication with the imaging mechanism. The videophone can include a mechanism for receiving a plurality of video streams of different scenes from a network. The videophone can include a mechanism for displaying the different scenes of the plurality of video streams alongside each other. A method for a video call.

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: The present disclosed system is directed toward a communication and management system that dynamically targets network devices for content deployment, such as application programs, device drivers, configuration files, and registry subhives. Moreover, the present system targets users of network devices for promotions, such as advertisements offered by Internet e-commerce sites. Promotions are generally icons or graphic images with links to host web servers overlaying a video display, but also includes audio and video clips or data streams. Network devices and their users are targeted through user profiles. User profiles are created when network devices register with the system server and are continually updated with information provided by user activity and event logs that are periodically uploaded from each device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling the operators of television broadcasting systems or other content distribution systems to effectively alter the program viewing patterns of viewers or subscribers to direct viewership traffic to selected television programs or other content. In a recommendation based EPG system, the rating or recommendation assigned to a program is increased or decreased in accordance with the desire of the operator to increase or decrease viewership or in exchange for monetary or other consideration from content providers, advertisers or others. In one aspect, a boost value is applied to alter the recommended rating/ranking of program content, including selectively in a manner which may be substantially imperceptible to viewers. In another aspect, a sponsored program is assigned a premium position in a list of programs in exchange for receipt of monetary or other consideration.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a plurality of devices at a physical drop to receive access to video and/or data services from a plurality of video/data service providers in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager, in communication with the video/data service providers, 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, a type of the device being provisioned a the physical drop, and a maximum number of devices for the device type allowed to receive corresponding service at the physical drop. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, is programmed to receive the electronic message and store the corresponding information.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: A disclosed service providing system includes a server configured to deliver an image; and an image display terminal device configured to receive the image from the server via a communication network and display the image on a monitor. The server starts up and executes an application program at the server according to an operation made at the image display terminal device and sends, to the image display terminal device, the image obtained as a result of executing the application program. The image display terminal device displays the image received from the server on the monitor.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at improving the quality of a video stream that is transmitted between networked computers. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that dynamically modifies the properties of a video stream based on network conditions. In this regard, the method includes collecting quality of service data that describes the network conditions that exist when the video stream is being transmitted. Then, the amount of predicted artifact in the video stream is calculated using the collected data. In response to identifying a triggering event, the method modifies the properties of the video stream to account for the network conditions.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for tuning an antenna using injection may include mixing a received DVB-H signal with a reference oscillator signal to generate an added DVB-H signal. A mixed signal may be generated from the added DVB-H signal using the reference oscillator signal. A wireless antenna that receives the received DVB-H signal may be tuned based on a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with the mixed signal. The reference oscillator signal may be generated and then may be amplified. The first mixed DVB-H signal may be amplified prior to the generating of the mixed signal. The RSSI associated with the mixed signal may be determined. The tuning may occur during receiving of a preamble of a packet for the received DVB-H signal and/or during receiving of a plurality of packets for the received DVB-H signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning nodes to CMTS cards in a communication system. In order to avoid bottlenecks and to efficiently use resources of the cards in a hybrid fiber-coax architecture, the nodes are assigned to the cards using linear programming techniques so as to distribute the traffic load and minimize the unused capacity of each card. The number of households, nodes and cards are determined and used to establish a model which is then implemented using linear programming techniques to determine an optimal solution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivery of telecommunications data over fiber. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a fiber distribution hub including a distribution panel mounts, and the distribution panel mounts are configured to receive distribution panels, while the distribution panels are configured for establishing a connection between a feeder cable and a distribution cable, and at least one of the distribution panel mounts is not attached to a distribution panel.

Abstract: A predetermined current frequency is selected for a cable modem or embedded media terminal adapter to evaluate for presence of a CMTS signal. A determination is made whether the current frequency carries signal energy as opposed to just noise. If no signal energy is detected,the current frequency is changed by ½ of a channel width to a new frequency, which becomes the current frequency,and the determination is re-performed. If the determination of the current frequency indicates that signal energy is present,but not CMTS energy,then a new frequency indicates that selected that differs from the current frequency by 1 MHz. If the determination at the current frequency indicates that CMTS signal energy is present, but QAM lock cannot be achieved, then a new frequency is selected by changing from the current frequency by a full channel width.

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 power source of a LAN terminal at a home such as home server is turned on from the outside the home via the Internet. A home gateway apparatus receives such a start request by proxy and transmits a start instruction packet to corresponding equipment on the home LAN. Although there is a case where the protocols of an external network and the home LAN are different from each other, the home gateway apparatus performs a protocol conversion process for assimilating discrepancy between the protocols. Moreover, on the home LAN, the start instruction packet to the corresponding equipment maybe issued by utilizing a magic packet technique.

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: A communications network configuration for delivery of multimedia services comprises a packet network to which a plurality of terminal devices are connected, a service provider network for providing multimedia services to the terminal devices, a virtual circuit switched network intermediate the packet and service provider networks, and a gateway distributed over the circuit switched network. The distributed gateway comprises a client application unit interfacing the circuit switched network to said packet network and a virtual channel interface unit interfacing the circuit switched network to the service provider network. The client application unit binds logical channels for a multimedia call to association tags for respective virtual channels of the circuit switched network and forwards said association tags to the virtual interfacing unit.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost. Output bandwidth of broadcast equipment may also be optimized.

Abstract: In a cable television system a system for supporting SCU return in FTTB-MDU and FTTC/FTTcab configurations. Fiber, baseband transceiver and networking capabilities are shared with data and voice portions of the system for enabling communication from the SCUs to the HE over a packet based networking system. Return packets/upstream packets are passed into the network upstream channel only when a signal is present for eliminating transmission of upstream traffic that contains no signal for conserving upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A secure analog gateway is configured with a pipelined architecture for interfacing various types of analog devices with a digital communication network and enabling asynchronous bi-directional communication between the analog device and the digital communication network using, for example, standard transmission control protocol over internet protocol (TCP/IP) in a network mode of operation. The analog gateway is also capable of operation in a stand-alone mode of operation in which data from an analog device is stored locally for later retrieval by way of a network. The functionality of the analog gateway is segregated among multiple processing elements which each perform a specific part of the gateway's function.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications distribution hub having a cabinet that defines a primary compartment. The cabinet also includes one or more main doors for accessing the primary compartment. Telecommunications equipment is mounted within the primary compartment. The distribution hub further includes a secondary compartment that can be accessed from an exterior of the cabinet without accessing the primary compartment. A grounding interface is accessible from within the secondary compartment.

Abstract: A system for extending the effective distance of digital subscriber line service is provided. The system includes a central office terminal having a data interface and a plurality of line units. The system further includes at least one communication link, coupled to one of the plurality of line units, that carries signals using digital subscriber line service and at least one remote access multiplexer, coupled to the at least one communication link. The at least one remote access multiplexer includes a plurality of ports that are adapted to provide digital subscriber line service. The remote access multiplexer is adapted to multiplex signals between the plurality of ports and the at least one communication link. Further, the at least one remote access multiplexer is located at a distance from the central office terminal so as to provide digital subscriber line service to user terminals that are located more than 12 kilofeet from the central office terminal.

Abstract: A packet switch router that processes downstream digital information to provide dedicated bandwidth to each subscriber destination on a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network. The router includes a network module that terminates a network connection, a switch that forwards data from the network module, and a channel module. The channel module includes a switch interface, a cell processing engine, one or more modulators, and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter network. The switch interface forwards packetized data from the switch to the cell processing engine. The cell processing engine organizes the packetized data into multiple data streams, encapsulates data in each stream into data cells, and multiplexes the data cells into a multiplexed cell stream. Each modulator is configured to modulate a multiplexed cell stream into an analog signal. The RF transmitter network up converts and combines a plurality of analog signals into a combined electrical signal for transmission.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing an end-user to interact with a system in order to execute an application. Multiple application packets are broadcast to a plurality of end-users, such that the upstream transmission of data from end-users is greatly reduced. Each end-ser further receives media packets, whereas visual objects relating to the application can be displayed on an end-user display unit with visual objects originating from the media packets.

Abstract: A switch router and one or more gateways incorporating a diagnostic and calibration system that performs RF characterization of an underlying cable plant. The switch router is connected at a point of insertion or point of distribution and each gateway is located downstream, such as at corresponding subscriber locations. The switch router and each gateway sends a test signal with known characteristics and power level, and the receiving device determines noise level and power loss for the corresponding downstream and upstream channel pair. The power loss information is used to calibrate the power level of the transmitters. The noise levels are used to determine if the selected modulation schemes employed for normal communications is realizable. A frequency analysis, such as FFT or the like, is performed on the upstream test signal spectrum to derive valuable frequency information for the upstream channel or the entire upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A method is presented comprising receiving a broadband signal at a receiver in accordance with a first modulation technique, tuning the receiver to a channel within the broadband signal, and modifying one or more operational parameters of the receiver to demodulate the channel in accordance with a second modulation technique to determine whether the channel is a data channel.

Abstract: A system for distributing electronic information signals throughout a structure, particularly a residential dwelling, is disclosed. The system adapts a plurality of electronic information signals to be received by one or more information utilizing devices which are located throughout a structure. The system provides for adapting a multi-line telephone signal distribution hub for use with a one or two telephone lines allows the wiring for an internal telephone system to be installed immediately with a single telephone line interfaced to the multi-line telephone signal distribution hub while a control box and additional telephone lines from the telephone service utility can be readily connected at a later date. Further, the system distributes electronic signals within a room equipped for audio and video presentations and having a plurality of speaker connection locations for use in home theater applications, thus allowing home theater components to be easily and properly set up or changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming content to an access network in an interactive information distribution system. The method encapsulates the content in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP). The content is then transcoded into a format supported by the access network, and streamed over a distribution network to a remote server or to a subscriber terminal that is coupled to the access network. The apparatus is embodied as stream caching server for streaming the content encapsulated within the IP packet to access networks via a stream distribution network in response to a request for content. A packet processor is coupled to the stream server for processing the encapsulated content within the IP packets into a format native to the access network.

Abstract: Hybrid fiber/coax networks employ the existing cable plant used for cable TV and transmit data signals in a frequency bandwidth above that which is used for cable TV. As this cable plant was deployed in a tree and branch topology, data transmissions may be susceptible to noise, variable transmission loss and frequency dispersion, particularly in the upstream direction. Further, due to the tree and branch topology, homes at the far end of the network experience much greater loss than do the homes that are near to the headend/ONU. The present system, which uses point-to-point data links between intelligent network elements located in the feeder/distribution network to provide reliable, secure, bi-directional broadband access. Digital signals are terminated at the intelligent network elements, switched and regenerated for transmission across additional upstream or downstream data links as needed to connect a home to a headend or router.

Abstract: Methods for improved cable modem ranging in a data-over-cable system. One method includes receiving a value that characterizes how equipment in the network is configured. Using this characteristic value, a cable modem may estimate loss in its upstream path from a measurement of a downstream signal and thereby estimate its initial transmit level during ranging. Launching at a proper initial transmit level may ensure that range request messages arrive at the cable modem termination system with sufficient strength to be detected and hence ameliorate ranging. Another method collects difference between these estimated initial transmit levels and the final transmit levels that succeeded in evoking a response from the cable modem termination system. The collected differences are analyzed and the result of the analysis is passed to cable modems to adjust their estimated initial transmit levels.