Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for displaying a video signal in dependence on a user interaction. The system comprises a display for receiving the video signal, at least one transmitter for transmitting location signals, and at least three transceivers for receiving the location signals from the transmitter and for transmitting modified location signals. The geometric locations of the at least three transceivers are known to a computing device. The computing device is then able to derive a transmit location of the location signals based on the received modified location signals, wherein the computing device is adapted to modify the content of the video signal in response to the derived transmit location in dependence on the user interaction.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitated generating a broadcast schedule of content based on user feedback. Users can provide feedback such as ratings, interest (e.g., like or dislike), comments, reviews, critiques and so on regarding content available on a media distribution system. The feedback can be utilized to determine a schedule or order of content that is delivered via a broadcast mechanism. In addition, users can supply contemporaneous feedback during broadcast. Contemporaneous feedback can be employed to enable dynamic adjustment and/or reconfigurations of the broadcast schedule.

Abstract: A system for converting digital signals in a cable network is provided. A cable head end provides a plurality of digital signals. The plurality of digital signals are grouped into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being in a first frequency band and the second portion being in a second frequency band. The system includes a digital channel remapping module configured to select one or more digital signals from the first portion and remap the selected one or more digital signals into a first plurality of analog signals and a digital-to-analog translator configured to convert the digital signals in the second portion to a second plurality of analog signals. The first and second plurality of analog signals are combined and delivered to at least one analog device. Some or all of the second plurality of analog signals are within the first frequency band.

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 determining entitlement to content residing on a server. A subscriber computing device operated by a subscriber generates a request for access to a requested content residing on a content access provider server. The subscriber has an account with a multi-channel video program distributor (MVPD) and the account comprises subscription information indicative of the services provided by the MVPD to the subscriber. The content request is received by the content access provider and forwarded to an entitlements server. The entitlement determines whether the subscriber is entitled to receive the requested content based on the subscription information and sends an access granted message to the content access provider server when the subscriber is entitled to receive the requested content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a channel changing method in a digital broadcasting service. According to the channel changing method, a subscriber device provided with a channel change protocol that operates on a TCP/IP layer transmits an input channel change message through the channel change protocol, and a channel change server that received the channel change message receives a confirmation message that includes channel information according to channel change information included in the channel change message, and transmits data of a requested channel to the subscriber device.

Abstract: Data representing video content is distributed over a passive optical network (PON) on virtual channels that are assigned to television (TV) channels as subscribers request the TV channels and de-assigned from TV channels when subscribers are no longer viewing them. Associating and de-associating TV channels with virtual channels can be performed with very low latency by using a near-physical layer protocol, such as the Physical Layer Operation Administration and Maintenance (PLOAM) protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning physical channels in a content-based network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network having a plurality of cable modems, and the physical channels are assigned to the cable modems based at least in part on any multicast transmissions that may exist on the system. When two cable modems are receiving the same multicast transmission, the invention causes tuning of one or more of the cable modems to the same physical channel in order to limit the total number multicast transmissions on the network. Multicast transmissions typically comprise video or audio information, but other types of information may also be multicast according to the invention. In another embodiment, a multicast transmission list (containing a list of multicast transmissions and the corresponding physical channels) is sent to the set of cable modems. This list is used by the modems (or associated CPE) to manage channel allocation and tuning.

Abstract: A data network comprising a node serving a local area, the node comprising an FCC/Retr (fast channel change/retransmission) server having a means for installing a location based FCC/Retr service profile, wherein the service profile is self-discovered by the module. Methods for configuring the profile are discussed.

Abstract: A cable distribution system with distributed architecture that can accommodate both digital and analog subscribers. Each home has at least one Room Interface Unit (RIU), one for each television. There is a local service module associated with a group of RIUs (e.g., one for every ten RIUs). There is also a local headend in the vicinity. The local headend has a block of integrated tuner/receiver/decoders that can be controlled to tune in a selected video channel. The selected video channels and a group of standard channels are multiplexed and sent to the local service modules where a group of programmable converters (one for each RIU) place the channel selected by its corresponding RIU at a predetermined frequency. Each of the RIUs associated with a particular local service module receive the corresponding channel. Depending upon whether the subscriber has subscribed to digital or analog service, they will have either a digital or an analog RIU.

Abstract: The present invention relates a bidirectional signal transmission apparatus and method, wherein said apparatus comprises a processor unit connected in signal communication with an Ethernet, an RF modulation/demodulation unit, and an RF frequency conversion unit connected in signal communication with a coaxial cable network. The data signal input from the Ethernet is modulated into standard IEEE802.11 signal by means of said signal processing unit and RF modulation/demodulation unit, and then down-converted from 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz standard IEEE802.11 signal to a range of 500 MHz to 2000 MHz, and preferably to a range of 900 MHz to 1200 MHz. The bidirectional transmission apparatus further includes a frequency band selector for selecting different frequency bands so as to broaden the bandwidth of the signal and a real broad band data transmission is accomplished.

Abstract: A method for improving video on demand (VOD) service reliability includes: selecting a first VOD server to provide VOD services for a user terminal; and reselecting a second VOD server according to the current running status of each VOD server and a policy to continue providing VOD services for the user terminal after receiving a VOD request re-initiated by the user terminal. The present invention avoids blind switchover of VOD services, greatly improves the switchover success ratio, and ensures the quality of the VOD services provided for users.

Abstract: A media delivery kiosk can be deployed at an establishment to deliver targeted advertisements to people waiting in the establishment. Through the analysis of demographic information, advertisements likely to appeal people waiting at a particular establishment may be delivered. The kiosk may also be interactive, which can aid in the gathering of additional demographic information about a specific user or the establishment. Advertising selection can be further user-tuned based on this demographic information and selected ads can be dynamically delivered in real-time.

Abstract: A technique for providing program restart functionality in a digital video network involves receiving requests from different end-user devices to restart a program and servicing the program restart requests from the different end-user devices via a single broadcast stream. In an embodiment, program restart requests that are received within an established time interval, referred to as an aggregation interval, are serviced by the same broadcast stream. Additionally, during the aggregation interval and before the program restart begins, personalized content can be provided to the end-user devices via, for example, unicasting. Once the aggregation interval is over, all of the unicast streams are switched over to the same broadcast stream and the program broadcast is restarted. In an embodiment, a switch buffer is provided just before the restarted broadcast stream in order to ensure a smooth transition from each of the multiple unicast streams to the restarted broadcast stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to video communication networks and more specifically to a method for interworking between a number of video communication terminals, to a video communication system, and to a video interactive gateway unit. The solution according to the present invention makes it possible to interwork between different terminals e.g. between a low bit-rate multimedia terminal and a packet based multimedia terminal.

Abstract: A cable receiver is disclosed that comprises a multimedia channel unit to receive a multimedia signal, and a multimedia processor to process the multimedia signal. The cable receiver further comprises a cable modem to perform data communication with an information provider that provides appendix information about the multimedia signal and a Web server that hosts a predetermined Web page through a cable network. An information processor adds appendix information to the multimedia signal, and a Web browser transmits request information received for the Web page according to a user's selection and processes the received Web page for the user. The cable receiver further comprises a controller to control data transmission of the cable modem, the information processor, and the Web browser to transmit the appendix information and the Web page to the information processor and the Web browser.

Abstract: A CATV station apparatus subjects received optical signals to processes such as optical-electrical conversion, signal separation, coupling, and demodulation for obtaining an uplink signal. A received photocurrent monitoring section compares a received photocurrent at a optical receiving section with a predetermined reference current. If the received photocurrent is equal to or higher than the reference current, an amplifying section amplifies a signal output from a signal separating section at a predetermined level. If the received photocurrent is lower than the reference current, on the other hand, it is determined that a non-linear phenomenon, such as stimulated Brillouin scattering, has occurred in an optical fiber. The amplifying section then outputs a signal at a level which does not affect, even after being coupled with other signals, communications performed by other optical transmission systems.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver and a communication interface. The receiver is adapted to tune to an audio/video portion over a transport medium. The communication interface is adapted to receive announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video content directed to a first addressable location and to receive a special announcement directed to the first addressable location. The special announcement indicates availability of the announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video program, and the announcement data is associated with the tuned audio/video content and indicates enhancement data is being transmitted. The controller is adapted to redirect the announcement data to a second addressable location other than the first addressable location in response to the special announcement.

Abstract: An imaging distribution apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a distribution request for distribution of a specific program from a client apparatus via a network, a program scenario acquisition unit configured to acquire a program scenario corresponding to the specific program requested for by the distribution request, a content acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of information contents based on the program scenario, a conversion unit configured to convert the information contents to image scene based on the program scenario, an encoding unit configured to encode the image scene, to generate a stream, and a stream distribution unit configured to distribute the stream to the client apparatus via the network.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual (A/V) devices are disclosed. A disclosed example method receives media content from an A/V source device, embeds a video overlay in the wirelessly received media content, and wirelessly transmits the media content and the video overlay to the wireless A/V device. The example method wirelessly receives audience identification information in response to the transmitted video overlay, and wirelessly receives audience behavior information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that generate television program recommendations based on queries that have previously been performed by a user on an electronic program guide. A conventional program recommender score for a given program is adjusted according to the degree of correlation between the attribute-value pairs that define the program and the attribute-value pairs that have previously been searched by the user. A historical search database indicates the number of times each attribute-value pair appears in a user query and provides additional information regarding the preferences of the user. Higher frequency counts for certain attribute-value pairs imply the user's preference for programs conforming to such criteria.

Abstract: A system for gradually implementing network services to end users includes substantially redundant first and second control networks, connectable to the end users through a routable communications network. The first control network provides a first service capability to all the end users. The second control network provides a second service capability to a first portion of the end users, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the first portion of the end users. The second control network subsequently provides the second service capability to a second portion of the end users, while continuing to provide the second service capability to the first portion, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the second portion of the end users. The second service capability provided to the second portion of the end users may include revisions based on feedback from the first portion of end users.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for limiting a content usage authority scope of a client by using metadata in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method performed by a metadata server adds control information to the metadata and transmits the metadata, wherein the content usage authority scope of the client is defined in the control information. The client of a user limits a content control operation according to a user input by using the control information extracted from the metadata.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to updating a resident application (RA) and replacing an updated resident application with a previous version of a resident application are described. The methods and apparatus may be used for updating and replacing resident applications in set-top terminals (STTs) of a cable system including a cable network headend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing collaborative viewing of a media stream are disclosed. For example, the method establishes a viewing group having a plurality of members, and provides at least one media stream that is accessible by the plurality of members of the viewing group. The method then receives one or more annotations from at least one of the plurality of members of the viewing group relating to the at least one media stream, and saves each of the one or more annotations with a temporal marker. The method then provides the one or more annotations to at least one of the plurality of members of the viewing group.

Abstract: A method is provided for transferring information from an information node to a broadcast programming receiver, such as, for example, a satellite or cable set-top box receiving broadcast programming. The information node is coupled with the broadcast programming receiver by way of a communication network, and is configured to receive the information. A command issued from the broadcast programming receiver to the information node indicates a condition under which the information is to be transferred to the broadcast programming receiver. In response to the command, the portion of the information indicated by the condition is transferred to the broadcast programming receiver.

Abstract: A novel method and system for enhancing user experience when switching channel in digital video broadcasting system is proposed. The invention proposes a server-based cache mechanism which caches all channels simultaneously in a cache server near from the video playing terminal. The channel switch latency could be heavily reduced since the initial part of the current GOP of any channel could be retrieved from the cache server, therefore the user experience is improved greatly.

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 system, method and apparatus for implementing a wireless point-to-point interface that securely and robustly delivers digital content from a generalized content source to a generalized content sink. The system, method and apparatus performs in a manner that is sufficiently secure and robust to serve as a replacement for the delivery of HDMI content over cable. The system, method and apparatus is also applicable to the delivery of other types of content traditionally delivered over cable, including but not limited to Digital Video Interface (DVI) content, composite video (CVSB) content, S-video content, RGB video content, YUV video content, and/or various types of audio content.

Abstract: A video playback apparatus for playing back a recorded program video which is connected with an ECG server for providing information related to a program through a communication network includes a designation information transmitting portion to transmit designation information designating a program containing a specific recorded program video to the ECG server, a related information receiving portion to receive a related information associated with the designated program, which is selected from related information each containing an ECG scenario related to each program video constituting a program and a scheduled time of each program video and stored in association with the program, from the ECG server, and a display/playback control portion to control display of the ECG scenario related to the specific program video in synchronization with playback of the specific program video based on the scheduled time of the program video.

Abstract: To implement more appropriate QoS control by compressing contents data distributed via a network taking into consideration meaning of contents and preferences of users. A network system comprises a content provider that provides content and client that acquires the content. The content provider attaches information on communication priorities to the content based on the content's importance which is determined from the meaning of the content's and sends the content to the client using a protocol which controls quality of service based on the priority and the client receives the content transmitted by the content provider.

Abstract: A system for providing broadcast content includes at least one content source for broadcasting content, and at least one terminal. The terminal can receive and consume content for a selected channel x, which is one in a set of ordered channels of broadcast content. The terminal can also change channels from the selected channel x to an adjacent channel x±1 in the set of n ordered channels. In response to changing channels to the adjacent channel x±1, the terminal can receive and consume content for the adjacent channel x±1. The terminal can receive and store content for Y next adjacent channels (x±1)±y, y=1, . . . , Y in buffer memory. Content for the next adjacent channels is stored based upon the direction the channel is changed and in response to changing channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring an interactive walkthrough movie located at a server via a network and displaying the same at a user station, which comprises: (a) a display unit at the user station for displaying movie frames; (b) a control device at the user station for enabling the user to navigate within the movie; (c) a map of the movie describing the links between the individual movie frames and the index of each movie frame, said map also maintains at any given time the present virtual location of the user within the map; and (d) a prediction unit for receiving inputs from said map and from a user control device, and based on said inputs predicting those future frames that may be required for view by the user, and instructing the server to convey said predicted future frames to the user station.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is provided that allows an end user to monitor and/or control various data streams appearing on one or more customer premises equipment (CPE) interfaces of a residential gateway, even where the data streams are of different types such as voice, video or computer data. The invention provides a user interface, implemented as part of a CPE device or as a stand-alone device, that is accessed by an end user to transmit commands to a residential gateway. A processor within the residential gateway executes gateway monitoring and control software that receives the commands and, in response, performs the necessary routing and conversion of data streams to execute the desired monitoring and/or control functions.

Abstract: A centralized gateway connects to a broadband digital network for receiving various types of video feeds. The gateway provides output television signals directly to conventional inputs of standard television receivers. Port extenders connected to the gateway via a local-area network allow users to select a video feed sent by the gateway to a television associated with each port extender. The port extenders each provide a convenient and low cost termination point for keyboards, mice, joysticks, digital cameras, and other peripheral devices to interact with computer-based network services via the centralized gateway. The capabilities of the port extenders and the gateway provide a substitute for a personal computer in basic Internet access activities as well as a lower cost system for providing network based video programming to multiple televisions.

Abstract: An architecture for automatically optimizing audio and video modes available from interconnected multimedia devices. When one multimedia device is connected with another multimedia device, the devices communicate with each other to determine the modes available from both devices. The devices then compare the different combinations of available audio and video modes and determine which mode combination yields the optimal operating efficiency for outputting a media service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buffering server transfers a dynamic burst transfer of data encoded using an inter-coded compression technique. The dynamic burst transfer is timed so that an initial transfer rate is reduced to a remaining transfer rate at the same time or before a decoding endpoint joins a corresponding data stream. The decoding endpoint merges the video stream and the dynamic burst transfer to decode and quickly reconstruct a displayable video frame.

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 home gateway for a home media network. The home gateway comprises a number of input interfaces each configured for receiving encrypted & unencrypted data from a content source, a layout generation unit adapted to generate substantially simultaneously a number of different composite layout streams. Each one of the different composite layout streams is generated according to one or more of the number of input interfaces. The home gateway further comprises a number of output interfaces for providing a number of client stations with the ability to access one or more of the number of different composite layout streams in encrypted & unencrypted manner.

Abstract: Enhanced DOCSIS upstream channel changes. A CMTS directs channel changing of a CM, sometimes between upstream data bursts. Logical channels, part of a single frequency channel, may be used, and the channel changing may be performed between those logical channels. Multiple upstream burst profiles and/or modulation densities may be used providing high degrees of robustness, fidelity, and throughput and allowing great channel flexibility. A CM may be switched between channels without losing transmitter capability. Even if some throughput rate may be sacrificed during the channel changing, the CM will still be able to continue data throughput. Then, the new channel may then undergo the initialization and ranging processes thereby enabling greater throughput on that new channel. After undergoing the initialization and ranging processes, the new channel will then be a fully equivalent member of the CM communication system.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitting unit multiplexes a content exclusively used for remote controller in addition to contents of programs A and B and transmits the multiplexed contents. A digital broadcasting receiving unit separates the multiplexed contents and transmits the content exclusively used for remote controller to a bidirectional remote controller. The bidirectional remote controller displays the received content exclusively used for remote controller on a display thereof.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that broadcast coverage is unevenly distributed across a geographical region and multiple-access transmissions can be interposed in regions where interference is minimum. In one embodiment, advantage is taken of the known broadcasting signal and techniques, such as, for example, dirty paper coding techniques, can be used to pre-cancel broadcasting differences, allowing a system to operate as if the interference did not exist.

Abstract: Techniques are described that can be used to identify a defective communication channel in a communications network. A decoder in a receiver may decode a signal received from a network. The decoded signal may be re-encoded and compared with the signal received from the network. A count of differences between the re-encoded signal and the signal received from a network may be provided. An indication of errors remaining after the decoding may also be provided. Based on the count and the indication, a defect in the communication channel may be identified. A user may be notified and/or actions may take place.

Abstract: A host includes a controller configured to receive a request self-diagnostic to the host, wherein the request is for diagnostic information associated with memory allocated for an application. The controller is further configured to collect the requested diagnostic information.

Abstract: A method and system for partitioning television channels in a platform. A method involves creating partitions for a platform, associating each of one or more television channels with one of the partitions, determining a current television channel from the one or more television channels to display, and activating the partition associated with the current television channel.

Abstract: There is provided a method for provisioning a network service provider application in a digital interactive broadcasting environment.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver, a Forward Data Channel (FDC) interface method, and a broadcast signal processing method are disclosed. The Forward Data Channel (FDC) interface method includes: requesting a tuning of a Forward Data Channel (FDC); receiving data of the Forward Data Channel (FDC) tuned/demodulated by the request, and specific information indicating the presence or absence of validity of the FDC data; and performing an error correction decoding process, if the demodulated data is valid by referring to the specific information indicating the validity.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, via a portable electronic communication device, first digital video data in bursts using a first communication technology. The method further includes receiving second digital video data in bursts using a second communication technology, the second communication technology being different than the first communication technology, processing the received first digital video data for presenting the first video data by the portable electronic communication device, processing the received second digital video data enabling presenting the second digital video data by the portable electronic communication device; presenting the processed first digital video data, detecting selection of second digital video data to be presented by the portable electronic communication device, providing the processed second digital video data for presenting by the portable electronic communication device in response to the detecting and presenting the provided processed second digital video.

Abstract: A method for swapping channel configuration data comprises the following steps. A channel profile table comprising a first channel number and a first primary key for mapping to first channel configuration data, and a second channel number and a second primary key for mapping to second channel configuration data is established. The first primary key in the channel profile table is swapped for the second primary key.

Abstract: A wireless communications network (100) includes various base stations (110) and subscriber-stations (114). The base stations each provide (602) broadcast content services to subscriber-stations over communication channels of one of the following types: 1) shared channels for use by multiple subscriber-stations, 2) individual channels each dedicated for use by an individual subscriber-station. In response to one or more prescribed condition changes (604), there is a switch (606) in the type of communications channel used to provide broadcast content services to one or more given subscriber-stations.