Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: A method of effectively operating a Content-On-Demand (COD) system is disclosed. Requests for content are received from COD clients. If the requested content exists in a COD server and the content is content for one-to-one transmission, a session is set up between the COD server and one of the COD clients by providing access information for one-to-one transmission. Thereafter, the requested content is transmitted to the corresponding COD client in a one-to-one transmission manner, and then the session is terminated when the transmission is completed. If the requested content is content for one-to-N transmission, sessions are set up between the COD server and the respective COD clients by providing access information for one-to-N transmission. Thereafter, the requested content is transmitted to the corresponding COD clients in a one-to-N transmission manner when a one-to-N transmission requirement is met, and then the sessions are terminated when the transmission is completed.

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 power supply controlling system includes a receiving device, a power supply device, and a transmitting device connected to an information processing apparatus. The receiving device includes a transmitting portion that transmits a switch signal of a power supply switch used for on/off of the power supply device to the transmitting device via second signal lines used for the reception of a second video signal, which are different from first signal lines used for the reception of a first video signal. The transmitting device includes an acquiring portion that acquires the switch signal from the second signal lines on which the second video signal and the switch signal are mixed, and an outputting portion that outputs the switch signal to the power supply device. The receiving device and the transmitting device are connected with a single cable including the first and the second signal lines.

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: A fast channel switching method and apparatus for a digital broadcast receiver that can reduce a channel switching delay caused by limitations in real time broadcasting systems is provided. A fast channel switching method of the present invention includes simultaneously receiving broadcast signals of a first service channel and a second service channel; presenting the broadcast signal of the first service channel through a player; and circular-buffering the broadcast signal of the second service channel. A digital broadcast receiver using a fast channel switching technique of the present invention can buffer an adjacent service channel while serving the current service channel such that the buffered broadcast signal is output when the adjacent channel is selected, thereby reducing a channel switching delay.

Abstract: A motion image distribution system includes a server and a use terminal. The server generates a feature quantity table CHT1 representing a data structure of motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates the motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT1. Then, the server transmits the motion image encoded data VDE and the feature quantity table CHT1 to the user terminal. The user terminal generates a feature quantity table CHT2 representing a data structure of the received motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates received motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT2. Then, the user terminal plays back the motion image encoded data VDE and outputs motion image playback information.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving image and audio data that is information on any of image and audio has a transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus. The transmission apparatus transmits the image and audio data using a multi-channel communication system and includes a first protocol conversion device. The reception apparatus receives the image and audio data using the multi-channel communication system and includes a second protocol conversion device. The transmission apparatus performs data conversion processing on the image and audio data by the first protocol conversion device using a protocol to produce parallel image and audio data, and transmits it to the reception apparatus using the multi-channel communication system. The reception apparatus receives the parallel data to perform data conversion processing on the parallel data using the protocol by the second protocol conversion device to return to the image and audio data.

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 communication system is disclosed comprised of a primary Ethernet broadcast system, a node, and a secondary Ethernet broadcast system. The primary Ethernet broadcast system broadcasts multiple video channels each corresponding to an Ethernet address. The node receives a request for a video channel. The node determines the Ethernet address of the selected video channel and transmits a response to the request that includes the Ethernet address of the selected video channel.

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 Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS, 42, FIG. 1) having a gateway configured to output signals over tunnels, wherein the tunnels are one way and out-of-band messages (FIG. 1) are sent over said tunnels (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing channel change time of an IPTV and an IPTV service provision server for implementing the same, which comprise: determining the type of each of individual channels to be provided to a user and the number of additional intraframes required to be inserted into video data to be provided via the channels; inserting the additional intraframes corresponding to the determined number into the video data; encoding the video data; and transmitting the encoded video data to a first router or a second router according to the determined channel type, before receiving a channel request signal from the user.

Abstract: A set-back box (SBB) includes a digital TV signal receiver. The SBB can be connected via a HDMI cable to a TV having only an analog TV signal receiver so that digital TV signals from the SBB can be displayed on the TV screen. The TV processor recognizes the SBB and in effect treats the digital receiver of the SBB as its own, such that a single remote control can be used to control both analog channel selection within the TV and digital channel selection within the SBB.

Abstract: A method for performing a service action on a particular set top box based on a particular private identifier associated with the particular set top box is disclosed. At a database associated with a service provider, a user record is created. The user record includes a public identifier and a private identifier for each set top box that is available to the user. The public identifier for a particular set top box is accessible by the user and may be used to determine the private identifier for the particular set top box.

Abstract: A service application method and system, and a service application control agent (SACA) for reducing the delay of service application are provided. The method includes the following steps. An SACA receives service application information sent from a customer premises equipment (CPE). The SACA queries for Quality of Service (QoS) parameters corresponding to the service according to the service application information. Resource authorization and reservation request information containing the QoS parameters is sent to a resource and admission control unit. The resource and admission control unit verifies the request information to be authorized and admitted, and delivers a control strategy to a transport unit after the verification is passed. A service application system and an SACA are also provided correspondingly.

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: Methods and systems capture user commands. A user command is received at a viewer's appliance. A determination is made whether the user command is automatically locally stored in memory of the viewer appliance. A look-up is performed when the user command is not automatically locally stored in the viewer appliance to determine if local storage is require. When the look-up determines that local storage is required, then the user command is captured and locally stored for execution at the viewer appliance. When the look-up determines that local storage is not required, then the user command is forwarded to a remote location for remote storage in a network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the delivery of digital content in a network. In one embodiment, the digital content comprises internet content received from an Internet host server in a first container format, and converted to a second container format at a headend entity of a cable television or satellite network. The headend entity transmits the re-containerized content to one or more consumer devices, and acts as a gateway device between the consumer devices and various internet content sources. Delivery of internet content from the gateway device can be via broadcast, nPVR, DVR and/or VOD delivery mechanisms. The internet content gateway device is adapted to request, receive and process the internet content. Requests for internet content may be made from either a CPE or the gateway device itself according to one or more rules. The content may also be selectively transcoded before re-encapsulation based on the consumer device capabilities.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate sharing program content between computing devices that utilize different media formats. In one embodiment, a media format transcoder facilitates content sharing between a receiving device, such as a set-top box, and a content player, the receiving device providing a program as data formatted in a first media format. The media format transcoder obtains from the receiving device the data formatted in the first media format, transcodes the received data into data formatted in a second media format that is compatible with the content player, and causes the content player to present the program by transmitting the transcoded data to the content player. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods that overcome deficiencies in the prior art. One embodiment of the invention comprises an integrated system for providing video and data services to a customer premises. The integrated system comprises a digital broadcast satellite receiver, a data source, and an integrated network interface device. The integrated network interface device can be coupled to a receiver and/or the data source, and the integrated network interface device can be configured to receive video information from the receiver and data (e.g. Internet Protocol data) from the data source. In certain embodiments, the integrated network interface device can further be configured to distribute the data to the customer premises via a first internal transport medium and/or distribute the video information to the customer premises via a second internal transport medium. In one aspect, network interference devices can be attached to an external wall of customer premises.

Abstract: A method of provisioning a set-top box (STB) with a provisioning server is disclosed. In the method, a provisioning request is received from a STB, where the provisioning request includes a provisioning stream identifier, an authorization server identifier, and a STB address. The provisioning server requests a provisioning system generate a configuration for the STB, where the configuration includes a channel map and basic code. The provisioning server receives the configuration from the provisioning system. The provisioning server prepares provisioning information, including the configuration for the STB and sends the provisioning information to the STB using the identifier for the STB.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method a method for controlling a digital broadcast receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signal having mobile service data and main service data multiplexed therein, extracting transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling information and fast information channel (FIC) signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, acquiring a program table, by using the IP signaling channel within an ensemble included in the received broadcast signal, and controlling the system to create a list of channels mapped with all ensembles transmitted through at least one physical frequency, by using the acquired program table.

Abstract: A TV advertisement server (TA server) and method of providing advertising-on-demand includes a TV, a set-top-box (STB) connected with the TV, and connected with the STB. When the STB sends a request to download a TA list, the TA server sends the TA list to the STB for a user selecting one or more desired TV advertisements. The TA server may generate a new TA list according to the selection and acquire the selected TV advertisements from a storage device. The acquired TV advertisements may be transmitted to the STB and broadcasted on the TV.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically configuring a switched digital video (SDV) system. An SDV server is configured to generate logs, including logs of program information, stream information and client information. A listener is configured to monitor the logs generated by the SDV server, generate state data indicative of a desired state of the SDV system, and generate state data indicative of an actual state of the SDV system. The listener compares the desired state data to the actual state data and determines whether the actual state data in view of the desired state data are indicative of an aberrant state of the SDV system. When the actual state data are indicative of an aberrant state of the SDV system, the listener determines a remedial action to change the operation of the SDV system and configures the SDV server to implement the remedial action.

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: A TV microcomputer sends a channel switching demand command to a wireless center microcomputer, via an SS transmission/reception unit and an SS transmission/reception unit. Via the SS transmission/reception unit and the SS transmission/reception unit, the wireless center microcomputer returns, to the TV microcomputer, a response indicating that the command demanding the channel selection has been received. Subsequently, the wireless center microcomputer performs a process demanded by the received channel switching demand, and sends, to the TV microcomputer, process completion information indicating that the process has been performed. Receiving the process completion information, a TV main body performs muting of the screen for a certain period starting from the reception of the information, so as to hide the visual disturbance on account of the delay at the time of the channel switching.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The method includes receiving a data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, acquiring transmission-parameter-channel signaling information including transmission parameter information of the mobile service data, and fast-information-channel signaling information, acquiring binding information describing a relationship between at least one ensemble transferring the mobile service data and a first virtual channel contained in the at least one ensemble by decoding the fast-information-channel, and acquiring status information of the first virtual channel, displaying content data contained in the mobile service data according to the binding information and the status information of the first virtual channel.

Abstract: A set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.

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: 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: Highly asymmetrical nature of digital video allows a single Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) like device to support the transmission over a thousand individual high-quality IP packetized video data channels terminating into low cost cable modem units. A Video Modem Terminating System (VMTS) unit handles housekeeping information. As the amount of upstream housekeeping data are small, even for 1000 simultaneous TV channels, the data can be inserted into the digital video cell streams and packaged within IP packet envelopes. The VMTS unit is equally effective for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Microsoft Media 9 and other digital encoding of video and audio signals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing scalability for channel change requests in a Switched Digital Video system is presented. A request for a channel change is received. A determination is made regarding whether a channel requested by the request for a channel change is currently being provided to the settop box. When the channel requested by the request for a channel change is being provided to the settop box then the request for a channel change is buffered for transmission at a later time. When the channel requested by the request for a channel change is not being provided to the settop box then the request for a channel change is immediately sent to an SDV server in communication with the settop box.

Abstract: A system includes a camera and a monitoring system that are capable of wireless communication. The camera is operable to send a message to the monitoring system via a plurality of wireless communication paths. The message includes information relating to an operational status of the camera. The camera may generate and analyze a video signal and the message may include information relating to the analysis of the video signal. The camera may be one of a plurality of cameras capable of generating video signals. The system may further include an intermediate node capable of wireless communication with the cameras and the monitoring system. The intermediate node may multiplex the video signals from the cameras to the monitoring system.

Abstract: In an internet protocol television (IPTV) system, fast channel change (FCC) transactions that experience late multicast joins are handled specially, thereby allowing the system to be provisioned for the vast majority of multicast joins that are within an expected range. During an FCC transaction, the subscriber interface device, such as a set-top box (STB), can determine how long it can wait to join the multicast stream of the new channel before a gap can be predicted to occur in the handover from the FCC unicast to the multicast. If the STB has not joined the multicast stream by the determined time, a recovery procedure is invoked in which the STB sends a RESTART request to the FCC server which, in turn, increases the rate of the FCC unicast as if the FCC transaction were restarted, thus allowing the handover to occur seamlessly. This solution reduces the demands of each FCC transaction, allowing for greater scalability and reduced cost.

Abstract: A digital receiver for processing one of a packetized input data stream and a digitized standard definition input signal is provides a delay in the processing of the standard definition audio input signal to maintain synchronism with the processing of a corresponding standard definition video signal.

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: An interface module for use between a signal source and a receiver has an input, a processor, and an output. The input receives a signal from the signal source. The received signal contains MPEG files formatted according to an Internet Protocol. The processor strips the Internet Protocol formatting from the received signal and reformats the received signal as a receiver signal containing an MPEG transport stream. The output makes the reformatted signal available for supply to a port supported on a chassis of the receiver.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method carried out in a digital television receiver device incapable of full two way communications, of receiving switched digital television programs involves storing a virtual channel table in the digital television receiver device, the virtual channel table having entries for each available channel and having a channel type indicator that identifies switched digital channels; receiving a command indicative of selection of a switched digital channel having the switched digital channel type indicator in the stored virtual channel table; sending a request from the television receiver device for the switched digital channel; responsive to the request, receiving a response that either grants the request or denies the request; and if the response grants the request, receiving an updated virtual channel table having updated table entries. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing digital information and/or data services over hybrid network infrastructures including both IP and coax transmission media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timed tagging of content is featured. The method and apparatus can include the steps of, or structure for, obtaining at least one keyword tag associated with discrete media content; generating a timed segment index of discrete media content, the timed segment index identifying content segments of the discrete media content and corresponding timing boundaries of the content segments; searching the timed segment index for a match to the at least one keyword tag, the match corresponding to at least one of the content segments identified in the segment index; and generating a timed tag index that includes the at least one keyword tag and the timing boundaries corresponding to the least one content segment of the discrete media content containing the match.

Abstract: Method and system for reducing switching delays between digital video feeds using multicast slotted transmission technique. Method, system, computer program stored on a computer readable medium for reducing switching delays between digital video feeds or different video or data channels using a slotted distribution and transmission technique. Method and system for performing a fast channel change operation. A computer propagated data signal. An article of manufacture comprising a digital video signal set.

Abstract: A system for receiving network video includes a remote control with a power control input. A video receiver, controlled by the remote control, powers up or powers down based on a control signal indicating activation of the power control input. The video receiver receives video signals from a gateway or gateway source connected to the video network. The gateway decodes signals received from the network into a format acceptable by the receiver. If the gateway receives a control signal from the remote control indicating activation of the power control input and the gateway is currently in the “on” state, the gateway toggles to the “off” state and outputs a predefined channel to the receiver.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver apparatus includes: a detection section that detects a receivable digital broadcast wave; a list production section that produces a list by associating pieces of provider information of a plurality of broadcast programs superposed on the digital broadcast wave with identifiers uniquely assigned to the broadcast programs and then sorting the pieces of provider information associated with the identifiers in predetermined order; an addition section that adds, if the identifiers of a currently-produced current list are the same as the identifiers of a previous list that was produced immediately before the current list, detailed information about the pieces of provider information to sub items associated with the identifiers; and a display control section that displays, based on the identifiers, the pieces of provider information of the list and contents of the sub items corresponding to the identifiers on a display screen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.

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: The present invention utilizes station preset buttons on a radio frequency receiver to allow the user to browse through the various subchannels included in a single station or channel. The preset buttons still have the standard function of having a frequency and subchannel selection parameter associated with the button that can be used to directly select that subchannel. But subsequent presses of the button may change the currently playing program to a different program contained in the same station or channel using a circular queue ordering.

Abstract: A process for grouping cable modems by type/modulation profile and/or throughput ability into different logical groups. Each logical group is commanded to transmit on an upstream which has a burst profile set to effectively use the throughput ability of the cable modem. Some species monitor initial ranging bursts and separate CMs with inadequate power onto a lower throughput upstream. Some species monitor post registration data transmissions for various factors and subdivide groups into subgroups of overperformers and underperformers.