Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for PQC. An example method includes transmitting a first portion of an electronic communication to a client device over a non-PQC communications channel, wherein the client device comprises a PQC shim circuitry. The example method further includes transmitting one or more communications between a PQC callback circuitry and the client device over a PQC communications channel, wherein the client device is a non-PQC device. The example method further includes transmitting a second portion of the electronic communication to the client device over a PQC communications channel.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for PQC. An example method includes transmitting a first portion of an electronic communication to a client device over a non-PQC communications channel, wherein the first portion of the electronic communication comprises a PQC request data structure. The example method further includes receiving a PQC acknowledgment data structure from the client device over the non-PQC communications channel. The example method further includes transmitting a quantum cryptographic key to the client device over a quantum communications channel and authenticating a session with the client device over the non-PQC communications channel based on the quantum cryptographic key. Subsequently, the example method includes transmitting a second portion of the electronic communication to the client device over a PQC communications channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing error in data compression and decompression when data is transmitted over low bandwidth communication links, such as satellite links. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for variable block size compression for gridded data, efficiently storing null values in gridded data, and eliminating growth of error in compressed time series data.

Abstract: A system for troubleshooting signals in a cellular communications network, and in particular, for determining the cause of distortion or corruption of such signals, includes a robotic or other type of switch. The robotic switch can tap into selected uplink fiber-optic lines and selected downlink fiber-optic lines between radio equipment and radio equipment controllers in a wireless (e.g., cellular) network to extract therefrom the I and Q data. The selected I and Q data, in an optical form, is provided to an optical-to-electrical converter forming part of the system. The system includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like, and an analytic computer unit, or web server, and SSD (Solid State Drive) and magnetic disk storage, among other components of the system. The system analyzes the I and Q data provided to it, and determines the cause, or at least narrows the field of possible causes, of impairment to transmitted signals.

Abstract: A system for troubleshooting signals in a cellular communications network, and in particular, for determining the cause of distortion or corruption of such signals, includes a robotic or other type of switch. The robotic switch can tap into selected uplink fiber-optic lines and selected downlink fiber-optic lines between radio equipment and radio equipment controllers in a wireless (e.g., cellular) network to extract therefrom the I and Q data. The selected I and Q data, in an optical form, is provided to an optical-to-electrical converter forming part of the system. The system includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like, and an analytic computer unit, or web server, and SSD (Solid State Drive) and magnetic disk storage, among other components of the system. The system analyzes the I and Q data provided to it, and determines the cause, or at least narrows the field of possible causes, of impairment to transmitted signals.

Abstract: A system for troubleshooting signals in a cellular communications network, and in particular, for determining the cause of distortion or corruption of such signals, includes a robotic or other type of switch. The robotic switch can tap into selected uplink fiber-optic lines and selected downlink fiber-optic lines between radio equipment and radio equipment controllers in a wireless (e.g., cellular) network to extract therefrom the I and Q data. The selected I and Q data, in an optical form, is provided to an optical-to-electrical converter forming part of the system. The system includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like, and an analytic computer unit, or web server, and SSD (Solid State Drive) and magnetic disk storage, among other components of the system. The system analyzes the I and Q data provided to it, and determines the cause, or at least narrows the field of possible causes, of impairment to transmitted signals.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a message in an interactive television system, comprises receiving at a receiver unit a video stream including video data and a timing stream indicative of the timing of the video data; receiving at the receiver unit an instruction from a user to transmit a message from the receiver unit and in response to the instruction forming the message so as to include a timing indication based on current data from the timing stream; and transmitting the message from the receiver unit.

Abstract: There is provided a display device including a signal receiving unit for receiving a video signal from an external device via a transmission path through a plurality of channels using a differential signal, an information receiving unit for receiving program information from the external device using a bidirectional communication path including predetermined lines of the transmission path, an image display unit for displaying images on image display elements based on the video signal received by the signal receiving unit, and a program information display unit for displaying the program information on the image display elements based on the program information received by the information receiving unit.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for facilitating the transmission of an upstream data signal from at least one subscriber in a communications network. The device is operable to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal from one or more subscribers. The RF signal includes at least one upstream data signal. The RF signal is demodulated into the upstream data signal by a RF demodulator in the device, which is then converted into an optical signal by an optical transducer in the device for transmission over a fiber optic link in the network.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method that comprises recording broadcasted television content and determining if one or more segments of the content is corrupted. The method can also present a notification if the content is corrupted, where the notification can include indicia such as a pop-up window, an icon or symbol in a program guide screen or program recorded content screen, and/or an indicator on the DVR unit. The method can also acquire uncorrupted content to replace one or more segments of the corrupted content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing video delivery to mobile device clients. Videos are assimilated for transmission to clients, a playout lead is estimated for each video and the videos are transmitted to the clients.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device a first satellite program of a number of satellite programs. A first request is received from a cell phone for content associated with the number of satellite programs. A second request is transmitted over a broadband Ethernet connection to a media system that is separate from equipment of the satellite service provider, to cause the media system to submit a fee to the multimedia satellite provider related to the content information. Content information is received over the Ethernet connection without interrupting the presenting of the first satellite program. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of performing data communication upstream to the network central location is provided. A system and method for providing one way devices with video and/or services distributed using switched digital video can be provided. A system may include a one way device, a gateway device, a user operated communication device, and/or a network central location. Such systems and methods allow for greater functionality, customization and/or interactivity to users of one way devices, which do not communicate data from the one way device upstream to a network central location.

Abstract: Multiple devices in a user's premises may each be configured to separately communicate with an external network, but the signal strength available to each may vary significantly depending on the wiring of the premises. The disclosure provides methods wherein the various devices may coordinate with one another, and determine which among them has the best signal connection and the most available capacity, and a subset of the devices may be chosen to act as network proxies to relay communications to/from the other devices in the premises.

Abstract: A method for dynamic routing is provided. Status information of a multichannel video and data distribution service (MVDDS) channel from customer premises equipment (CPE) is received. The status information is evaluated to determine if data destined for the CPE over the MVDDS channel should be routed over a secondary channel. Data destined for the CPE is route over the secondary channel when the data is determined to be routed over the secondary channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing video delivery to mobile device clients. Videos are assimilated for transmission to clients, a playout lead is estimated for each video and the videos are transmitted to the clients.

Abstract: A device for and a method of decreasing the data rate of a digital return path link in a Cable Television Hybrid Fiber-Coax system (CATV system) is disclosed. At the node of the CATV system, the bandwidth of the a digital data stream representative of an analog return signal is limited to a desired frequency band. The bandwidth-limited data stream is then digitally re-sampled at a predetermined multiple of a center frequency of the frequency band. The re-sampled data stream is then separated into two data streams. Then, these separate data streams are digitally decimated to a lower data rate, interleaved and serialized for transmission to a head end of the CATV system. A reverse process reconstructs the original analog return signal's signal components within the desired frequency band at the head end.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating a source device transmitting a video segment. In the method, the video segment is received from the source device over a communication network. The video segment comprises a number of frames. Identification data indicating the source device is also received over the communication network. Each of the frames of the video segment is marked with a form of the identification data. Access information is transmitted over the communication network for accessing the marked video segment.

Abstract: Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a channel change request; determining whether the channel change request is user-initiated; setting at least one channel change parameter to a value based on the determination; and performing a channel change using the at least channel change parameter having the set value. An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user-initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least channel change parameter. The channel change parameter has a value that is based on the determination.

Abstract: System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method, system and user device for obtaining a key frame in a streaming media service. The method includes: setting a threshold time for receiving a key frame, receiving video data by a client from a streaming media server, and analyzing the video data, when the network state is normal, sending a request for adjusting a video key frame generating frequency to the streaming media server if a video key frame is not received by the client in the threshold time; when the request is received, the streaming media server determines whether to adjust the video key frame generating frequency, if so, then adjusts the video key frame generating frequency according to the request of the client. The application of the invention can improve the quality of the streaming media service, and advance the experience level of the streaming media service.

Abstract: Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes an RF hardline coaxial cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is transmitted proximate to one or more potential points of ingress into the hardline cable plant. Based on signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress into the hardline cable plant, one or more faults in the hardline cable plant are specifically identified and remediated so as to significantly reduce a noise power in the node in at least a portion of the upstream path bandwidth below approximately 20 MHz. In one example, hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults are remediated so as to significantly reduce ingress arising from terrestrial short wave radio signals.

Abstract: Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request for access to a downstream network connected to the DHCT; determining a source of the request for access; and setting at least one parameter to a value based on the determined source; and performing a channel change using the at least one parameter having the set value An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user-initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least one parameter. The parameter has a value that is based on the determination.

Abstract: Systems and methods to process program wish list data are provided. A system includes a media receiver adapted to receive media content from a media distribution system and a recording module responsive to the media receiver. The system also includes a program guide module to receive a published program guide identifying media content available to be distributed via the media distribution system. The system further includes a wish list module to generate wish list data including identifying information associated with at least one program. The at least one program is not listed in the published program guide when the wish list data is generated. The system also includes a reporting module to report information related to the wish list data to a remote network element.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device content information received over a broadband connection. The content information can be associated with at least one satellite service presented to the media device over satellite signals disassociated with the broadband connection. The content information can also be received responsive to a request for said content information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for multi-purpose metering are disclosed. An example method includes acquiring a rate of data transfer to/from the monitored location and comparing the acquired rate of data transfer to a threshold. The example method also includes setting at least one media monitoring device in a first bandwidth mode when the acquired rate of data transfer exceeds the threshold, and setting the at least one media monitoring device in a second bandwidth mode when the acquired rate of data transfer is below the threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating a bi-directional control channel into an entertainment display device to deliver content and exchange control information. The system collects request and response information from the entertainment display device. The system also provides format translation of received and collected content to and from a plurality of formats such as N-PCS technology formats and video display formats in such a manner that the integrated system is independent of broadcasters, satellite, IPTV and cable operators. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A reduced-memory vectored DSL system includes methods and apparatus for reducing the bandwidth and memory storage demands on a vectored DSL system in which FEXT data is transmitted and stored. An upstream-end device such as a DSLAM communicates with a plurality of downstream-end devices such as CPE modems. When test signal data, such as training and/or tracking data, is sent to determine FEXT characteristics of the DSL system, error signals are available for all or substantially all of the upstream and/or downstream frequency band DSL tones used in the system. Dividing a frequency band into sub-bands, only a subset of tones in each sub-band is used for deriving FEXT data, such as a FEXT channel response, FEXT channel coefficients and/or FEXT cancellation coefficients. For tones in the sub-band subsets, full-precision FEXT data values can be derived. For other tones, approximations of the FEXT data can be derived.

Abstract: A web-based service which provides a notification such an email to a user to facilitate managing the recording of broadcast content using a personal video recorder (PVR). The user can agree to participate in the service in exchange for emails which can provide information such as a summary of programs recorded over a few days, missed recordings, and scheduling conflicts. The notification can include targeted recommendations, targeted advertising and information about recording habits of members of a social network of the user. A notification can be provided on an urgent basis if program schedule conflicts or hardware or software problems with the user's equipment are detected. The user's equipment can include a PC-based PVR, or a PC which communicates with a separate PVR device. PC-related information such as events thrown can also be reported up to the web service.

Abstract: A wireless video camera system including a single or dual HDTV digital camera; a system for the wireless transmission of uncompressed single or multiple SMPTE 292M, HDSDI data streams over an RF band; and automatic self-pointing transmitting and receiving antennas.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media gateway establishing communications with a set-top box over a wireline network according to a next generation home network protocol, and over a wireless network according to a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi™) protocol. The media gateway measures a quality of service (e.g., latency, jitter, packet loss) and/or bandwidth for communications with the set-top box over the wireless and wireline networks. The media gateway compares the measured parameters against service provider requirements for the set-top box, and determines a network to be used by the set-top box. The media gateway can also consider the quality of service and/or bandwidth of other media devices on the networks to switch the set-top box and the devices among the available networks. The switching can be limited to avoid excessive switching between the networks. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to the invention, a video distribution system is disclosed. The video distribution system distributes a video program in a first aspect ratio and includes information to convert the first aspect ratio to a second aspect ratio. Included in the video distribution system are a distribution point and a video converter that is located remotely from the distribution point. The video converter receives the information and the video program from the distribution point. The video converter uses the information to guide conversion between the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio.

Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning device is provided that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tunable low pass filter, a tunable high pass filter connected in series with the tunable low pass filter, and at least one voltage control unit. The voltage control unit is configured to adjust each of the tunable low pass filter and the tunable high pass filter between at least a first intermediate frequency range having a first width and a second intermediate frequency range having a second width. The first width differs in size from the second width.

Abstract: A method performed by a central network device, such as a network edge device, or a CMTS, determines whether some of a plurality of user devices coupled to a communication device are transmitting at substantially their respective maximum power output level over a given channel. If the central device determines that some of the devices are operating at near their maximum output level (“power pegged,) the central device searches for another channel that can carry the traffic of the power pegged devices at reduced data rate. If another channel can accommodate transmission of signals of the power pegged device, the central device instructs the power pegged devices to tune to the new channel at a reduced data rate compared to the data rate of the current channel.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment consistent with the invention a method of quality of service (QOS) data aggregation and service management for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) involves receiving data from a plurality of DDRIVL collector devices representing QOS service for sets of IPTV content providers assigned to each collector device, with each collector device being in a separate specified region of Internet service; evaluating from a geographic and interconnection perspective the data from the plurality of collector devices to isolate IPTV receivers located in areas where problems with IPTV service is likely to be occurring; and populating the isolated IPTV receivers with channel set tuning information that either excludes or flags the channels that may be having problems with IPTV service. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A content delivery system headend is provided. The headend includes a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend also includes an input unit such as a server for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions. Additionally, the headend includes a subscriber control unit for comparing channel change requests received by the SDV manager from subscribers to subscriber-established rules. Tuning information for accessing programming specified in the channel change requests is only supplied if the channel change requests do not conform to any of the subscriber-established rules for blocking the programming.

Abstract: A modem apparatus including means for communicating authentication information of a host along a first path to prompt a first validation for receiving data over the first path, and means for communicating identifying information of the modem apparatus and a request for network resource allocation over the first path to prompt a second validation after the first validation, the second validation enabling the reception of data over a second path that has a higher rate of transmission than the first path.

Abstract: A community access or cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals communicated between active ports of the entry adapter are rejected by MoCA frequency rejection filters to avoid interfering with the functionality of an eMTA subscriber device connected to a passive port of the entry adapter, without interfering with the passage of CATV upstream and downstream active and passive signals.

Abstract: A method for broadcasting images from a video sequence, the method comprising, at the level of broadcasting equipment: including images in an output stream for transmission to at least one restoration equipment, receiving feedback from said restoration equipment of error messages relating to the restoration of the images from the video sequence, analyzing the error messages in order to identify images or parts of images not restored or badly restored and determining response messages including correction images or image parts. The method furthermore comprising determining a level of seriousness for each error message according to the analysis performed and deciding to return a response message relating to an error message according to the level of seriousness of that error message.

Abstract: An optical access network (OAN) system is provided. In the system, a remote radio unit (RRU) receives and sends a wireless signal and implement conversion between the wireless signal and a first frequency signal; an optical network device receives and sends the wireless signal, and implement conversion between the wireless signal and the first frequency signal and conversion between the first frequency signal and a fiber transmission signal; an optical distribution network (ODN) connected to the optical network device transmits the fiber transmission signal; an optical line terminal (OLT) device receives and sends the fiber transmission signal, and implements conversion between the fiber transmission signal and a second frequency signal, conversion between the second frequency signal and a base band signal, and conversion between the base band signal and a signal of another standard protocol.

Abstract: An advertisement system includes an advertising manager that receives a content-event indicator, which indicates playback of an advertisement for viewing on a first display screen at a media-playback device or indicates playback of recorded content that includes advertisements. The advertising manager can determine an optimal time offset as a duration of time before or after playback of an advertisement to the start of an event that is associated with the advertisement for viewing on a second display screen at a mobile device. For recorded content, an optimization schedule is determined that replaces and time-shifts advertisements during playback of the recorded content. The advertising manager can also determine a fulfillment criterion for a product or service based on latency constraints to indicate a duration of time within which fulfillment of the product or service is expected when offered as a second advertisement corresponding to a first advertisement.

Abstract: A digital transmitter includes a generic adaptable reconfigurable digital transmitter module; and a reversibly removable module operationally coupled to the generic adaptable reconfigurable digital transmitter module. Configuring a generic adaptable reconfigurable digital receiver having a programmable signal conditioner includes specifying a number of output RF channels; specifying an RF bandwidth of an output channel; and selecting a digital to analog sampling rate of a digital to analog convertor of the programmable signal conditioner as a function of the RF bandwidth of the output channel using a processor/demux of the generic adaptable reconfigurable digital receiver.

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

Abstract: A system for locating an impairment in a coaxial cable network comprises an encoder, an impairment detector, and a decoder. The encoder couples to the network at a predetermined encoding point, upstream of the impairment. The encoder automatically encodes an identification code on a signal originating downstream of the encoding point and associated with the impairment. The impairment detector couples to the network at an access point, upstream from the encoding point, and receives signals from the network. The detector is adapted to detect from the received signals the signal associated with the impairment and generate a detected version of the signal. The decoder is adapted to decode the identification code from the detected version of the impairment signal. Once the identification code is determined, the encoder and encoding point are identified, and the location of the impairment is determine to be downstream of the encoding point.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided for measuring an upstream bandwidth. The measurement device includes a return path extending at least a portion of a distance between a supplier side connector and a user side connector. A coupler is connected within the return path, the coupler providing a secondary path. A detection circuit is connected electrically downstream the coupler. A level detector is connected electrically downstream the detection circuit, and a microprocessor is connected electrically downstream the level detector. The microprocessor includes a first buffer and a second buffer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a switched digital video (SDV) client to intelligently generate and transmit reverse request in a SDV system. In this manner, reverse channel traffic is reduced. During rapid channel changes using the up and down keys on a remote control, the SDV client waits a predetermined amount of time before generating a reverse request that is subsequently transmitted upstream to a headend server. By way of example, changing broadcasted channels quickly will not generate a reverse request until the predetermined amount of time is over. In the event that a changed channel is an SDV session, a program select request is immediately generated in order to begin receiving the SDV session.

Abstract: Provided is a device for use with a headend, a household and an amplifier. The headend is able to provide signals within a high-frequency band fH. The household is able to provide signals within a low-frequency band fL, and to provide signals within a super-high-frequency band fR, where fL<fH<fR. The device includes a splitter, a diplexer and a combiner. The splitter is arranged to receive the signals within the high-frequency band fH and to split the signals within the high-frequency band fH into a first signal portion within the high-frequency band fH and a second signal portion within the high-frequency band fH. The diplexer is operable to pass the second signal portion within the high-frequency band fH to the household, to pass the signals within the low-frequency band fL to the splitter and to pass the signals within the super-high-frequency band fR.

Abstract: A method of delivering personalized content to customers of a subscription television service for display on their televisions, the method comprising: (a) converting Internet-based content from an Internet based format to a format suitable for display on a customer's television through a customer's set top box, and (b) after the conversion, delivering the converted content to a set top box associated with that customer for display on that customer's television. With such a method, the customer's set top box need not be Internet-enabled. Preferably, the customer's subscription television service is a cable television service.