Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: The upstream performance characteristics of a network are measured by looping a signal through both the downstream and upstream paths of the network. Test equipment may be located at a headend of the network and configured to transmit a signal downstream to a remotely located loopback device that redirects the signal in the upstream path to the test equipment. The upstream characteristics may be predominant in the analysis of the return signal because the downstream path may be relatively free from noise.

Abstract: A multiplexer of a transmission section generates a clock signal by multiplying a reference clock signal of a digital image signal by a predetermined number ‘K’. A parallel digital image signal is converted into a serial digital signal on the basis of the clock signal, and the serial digital signal is converted into an optical signal in an optical transmission section for transmitting. A demultiplexer extracts a reception clock signal from a serial digital reception signal which is converted into an electric signal in an optical reception section of a reception section, the serial digital reception signal is converted into a parallel signal and a signal corresponding to the parallel digital image signal on the basis of the reception clock signal, and a clock signal corresponding to the reference clock signal is recovered by multiplying the reception clock signal by ‘1/K’.

Abstract: An object is to perform retrial processing according to the allowable volume on communication lines made available at response information receiving equipment. A broadcast unit 140, when broadcasting video and audio, includes retrial information in that broadcast, according to the allowable volume on the communication lines between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment 150. Television receivers effect display based on the received digital data. Response information input by users is sent to the response information receiving equipment 150. The television receivers make retrial transmissions based on the received retrial information when communications could not be established with the response information receiving equipment 150.

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: In interactive television, a broadcaster may broadcast triggers to a great many receiver units prompting the receiver units to attempt to send requests to a single destination on the Internet at roughly the same time. Such a large number of simultaneous requests can give rise to throughput problems and server overload. A receiver unit in accordance with the invention, rather than immediately attempting to send a request, waits a period of time (for example, a random period) before sending the request so as not to overload the server. In one embodiment, a trigger is received on an interactive television receiver unit prompting the viewer to select an icon. If the viewer selects the icon, then a browser in the receiver unit retrieves a web page on the Internet identified by a URL in the trigger. The web page includes an indication of a destination, scheduling information, and a form area. The viewer enters user information in association with the form area.

Abstract: A fiber to the home FTTH network for convergence of broadcasting and communication is disclosed. The network includes: an OLT for receiving and converting a first predetermined number of broadcast signals and an Ethernet signal into a plurality of converted optical signals, combining the converted optical signals into converged optical signals for subsequent transmission by an optical wavelength division multiplexing method; and an optical network unit (ONU) for classifying the optical signal transmitted from the OLT into the first predetermined number of broadcast signals and the Ethernet signal, switching a second predetermined number of broadcasting signals of the first predetermined number of broadcasting signals according to each SIU by channel selection information contained in upstream Ethernet information, and switching the Ethernet signal to be transmitted to the SIU according to each SIU so as to transmit the switched signal.

Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process. The CSR checks the CRS to verify that the “callback” function is operational and authorizes payment to the installer.

Abstract: A software distribution architecture having a television broadcast system as its infrastructure. Software from a software repository (1600) is mixed into a television broadcast system and transmitted into one or more selected channels at prescribed dates and times. An at-home subscriber, capable of receiving with a receiver (1608) the one or more select channels, switches to the one or more channels carrying the software distribution with a channel selector (1611). The subscriber, having programmed a controller (1616) with a programmer (1620) for the date, time, software ID, and channel of the software broadcast, then downloads the software package to a storage device (1622) for ultimate transfer to a PC (1624). A validation and accounting system (1628) then records the software download transaction and transmits this information over a PSTN (1632) to a provider accounting system (1630) such that the subscriber is billed for the software package which was downloaded.

Abstract: A broadcast/communication convergence system, and an FTTH (Fiber To The Home) system that can accommodate broadcast signals of various channels and variable band signals by converging broadcast and communication signals and transmitting the converged broadcast and communication signals using an IEEE 1394 transmission method serving as a standard interface in the FTTH system for broadcast/communication convergence. An OLT (Optical Line Terminal) transfers a plurality of broadcast signals and a communication signal received from external broadcast and communication providers through a single optical signal (A).

Abstract: A bit vector array apparatus provides a high speed method for processing network transmission controls. Complex data structures for controlling network access are represented in the simplest possible form as single bit vector elements. The bit vector elements are combined into bit vectors comprised of 32 single bit vector elements. The bit vectors are processed in parallel in the bit vector array apparatus, which is comprised of special-purpose bit manipulation functions to expedite the processing.

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

Abstract: A Cable Television (CATV) digital return link system that provides dedicated, high-speed, full-duplex and point-to-point connections between users and the head end system is disclosed. The CATV digital return link system includes return path transmitters, intermediate hubs and a head end hub coupled to each other via a network of fiber optics cables. The return path transmitters are each coupled to a relatively large number of users via a local CATV-subtree. Signals from cable modems are transmitted via the local CATV-subtree to the return path transmitters for transmission to the head end. A number of users are individually and directly connected to the return path transmitters. Data from these directly connected users is transmitted to the head end via the network of fiber optics cables in conjunction with the RF data from the subtree. Likewise, data from the head end to these directly connected users is transmitted in the forward path direction using the digital return link system.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a multimedia distribution system and method. The system and method has a producer workstation, a delivery server, a high-bandwidth one-way satellite transmission system, a terrestrial two-way communication system (including use of the Internet), a plurality of satellite affiliate workstations, and a plurality of terrestrial client workstations. The delivery server receives digital information (envelopes and associated media files) from the producer workstations for delivery of the information to the affiliate and client workstations addressed in the envelope. The affiliate and client workstations provide the delivery server with confirmation of delivery of each received envelope and its associated files. In the absence of receipt of confirmation of delivery, the delivery server re-sends the unconfirmed envelope and associated files to the non-confirming affiliate or client workstation by a two-way terrestrial connection or by a manual system, such as a dub-and-ship service.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate the provisioning of a new service in a cable system without requiring that server hardware and/or software be changed to implement the service, or that an equivalent session manager be created in a set-top box. Session requests are generated at the STB and transmitted to the service, which then interprets the request, rather than forwarded from the STB to a server implementing the service, as in conventional systems. To effect the routing to the service the session request contains routing information. Servers facilitating the implementation of services do not know details about, or even the existence of, new services added to the system.

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

Abstract: An information providing system allows to intentionally modify the arrangement of clips to be reproduced from that of the first transmission. The program clips and the CM clips obtained by receiving those broadcast are stored in recorded result storage section 11 and rearrangement examining section 15 carries out a processing operation of comparing the attributes of each of the clips and the applicable profile data generated by applicable profile generating section 14. Then, the sequence of reproducing the contents clips is modified on the basis of the result of the processing operation and download operating section 16 downloads the contents clips to be added on an on-demand basis. Then, the final arrangement section 17 rearranges the sequence of reproducing the contents clips including those to be added to set up the final arrangement.

Abstract: A method of transmitting TV signals and bidirectional telephone communication signals on a single optical fiber, existing telephone twisted pair infrastructure, and existing coaxial cable infrastructure. In addition to allowing the downstream transmission of television channels as well as bidirectional telephone communication, the single optical fibers also provides for the upstream travel of television related signals while requiring minimal changes of the existing infrastructure.

Abstract: A WEB server includes a control unit for HTTP server, a table of addresses of VOD servers, and a table of identifiers of video data. The control unit accesses these tables, in response to a request from a user of a terminal device for a display of video data, to retrieve therefrom an address of a video server and an identifier of a title of video data related to information on a WEB page accessed by the user, then transfers the address and the identifier to the terminal device. This enables the user of a video-on-demand system to easily obtain video data associated with information on the WEB server.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are disclosed for creating a virtual lookahead upstream receiver in a single physical upstream receiver in a CMTS, thereby avoiding having to dedicate an upstream receiver strictly for lookahead capability. A lookahead receiver is used to determine whether a potential alternative frequency is better than the frequency presently being used. A physical upstream receiver is assigned to operate under a set of operational parameters associated with a logical lookahead receiver during a particular time slot. The logical receiver receives upstream data from a selected test modem using an alternative upstream frequency. It is then determined whether the alternative upstream frequency is preferable over the frequency presently being used. If so, the physical receiver is configured to operate normally under the set of operational parameters associated with the logical receiver.

Abstract: A broadcast method and system for continuously and opportunistically driving an optimal broadcast schedule based on most recent client demand feedback from a distributed set of broadcast clients. The broadcast system includes an operation center that broadcasts meta-data to a plurality of client systems. The meta-data describes a plurality of pieces of content that are in consideration for upcoming broadcasts by the server. Each client receives the broadcasted meta-data from and sends back a set of client demand feedback data to the operations center, wherein the user feedback data reflects a client's interest level in at least a portion of the pieces of content. The feedback data, which typically may include ratings and/or relative rankings, may be user-generated, automatically-generated, or a combination of the two. The system then determines a most opportunistic piece of content to be broadcast based on an aggregation of the client demand feedback data.

Abstract: In an in-building CATV system in which an upward signal is frequency-converted to an in-building upward signal using an up-converter at a terminal side and the frequency-converted in-building upward signal is outputted to an external system after frequency-converting the in-building upward signal to an upward signal for outputting using a down-converter, a high frequency signal for frequency conversion leaking out from the up-converter is occasionally transmitted to the down-converter. Then, a trap circuit for removing the high frequency signal is provided on an in-building upward signal path in each converter. And an equalizer is provided on an upward signal path in each converter to compensate a transmission loss in the frequency band of the in-building upward signal occurring when the in-building upward signal is passed through the trap circuit.

Abstract: In interactive television, a broadcaster may broadcast triggers to a great many receiver units prompting the receiver units to attempt to send requests to a single destination on the Internet at roughly the same time. Such a large number of simultaneous requests can give rise to throughput problems and server overload. A receiver unit in accordance with the invention, rather than immediately attempting to send a request, waits a period of time (for example, a random period) before sending the request so as not to overload the server. In one embodiment, a trigger is received on an interactive television receiver unit prompting the viewer to select an icon. If the viewer selects the icon, then a browser in the receiver unit retrieves a web page on the Internet identified by a URL in the trigger. The web page includes an indication of a destination, scheduling information, and a form area. The viewer enters user information in association with the form area.

Abstract: Transmission system for transmitting an MPEG-2 transport stream from a transmitter (10) to a receiver (14), provided with a return channel (16) through which the receiver (14) can transmit selection criteria for the selection of MPEG-2 sections to the transmitter (10). The transmitter (10) has a selector (38) which receives the desired criteria and then filters the sections according to these criteria before transmission.

Abstract: A plurality of metallic telephone lines carrying both baseband POTS (plain old telephone service) and DSL (digital subscriber line) or ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) signals originate at customer premises and pass through a common field cabinet enroute to a telephone central office. Baseband POTS signals flow in an undisturbed manner through the field cabinet and maintain the normal, highly reliable, communication between the subscriber premises and the central office telephone switch. At the field cabinet, DSL/ADSL signals are removed from the metallic telephone line and are then communicated between the field cabinet and the central office using fiber optic broadband transmission. Fiber optic transmission increases the allowed distance between the ADSL transceiver located at the customer location and the respective ADSL transceiver located in the telephone central office.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively adjusting the power and/or frequency of cable modems without relying solely on the most recent measurement of these values to determine whether a change is necessary. Rather, it considers multiple recent measurements and from these makes its assessment. In one approach, the technique employs an average of the recent measurements to determine whether a change in power or frequency is necessary. There are actually at least three determinations that can make use of multiple recent measurements. These include (1) determining whether the signals are fluctuating to an extent that requires a special adjustment technique, (2) determining whether an adjustment is necessary (using the special technique), and (3) determining how large of an adjustment is necessary.

Abstract: An on-demand program access system for broadband, frequency division multiplexed cable television signals, one or more infrastructure element (IF) constituting a local video network signal server has a plurality of subscriber premise equipment elements (SPEE) served thereby. Each SPEE constitutes a video network client. Coaxial premise wiring connects each SPEE with the IE for conducting RF modulated programming signals and bi-directional data signals between the IE and each respective SPEE using out-of-band signaling so that there is no overlap between the programming signals and the bi-directional data signals.

Abstract: A direct broadcast satellite system delivers video content to a subscriber and a CATV network is used to simultaneously provide data services to the same subscriber. Since the CATV system is not used to deliver video/television programming channels, these same channels can be used to transport downstream and upstream data signals. To provide upstream performance and immunity to noise, upstream data traffic signals from a subscriber's cable modem are upconverted for transmission by channels having center frequencies higher than 42 MHz.

Abstract: An adaptive data stream filter removes narrowband interference from the CATV return path prior to these paths being combined in the network. A method for removing narrowband interference from the CATV return path detects potential narrowband interference in real-time and adapts a filter to remove this potential narrowband interference. An exemplary embodiment of the above method uses previously created filters that are combined based on detected interference in an adaptive manner to continually adapt to new interference sources. Another exemplary embodiment of the above method calculates new filter coefficients for the data stream filter based on detected interference. In another embodiment, two filters are operated in a ping-pong manner for each band of interference identified as above threshold. This enables updating of one filter while another filter is performing the data stream filter operation.

Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.

Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process.

Abstract: A shared hybrid circuit for use in provisioning a communication system. In the method and apparatus of the present invention, a single shared hybrid separates transmitted and received signals for multiple transmission pathways between the distribution equipment and the customer premises equipment. In addition, the shared hybrid circuit of the present invention provides a method and apparatus to cancel a component of a downstream broadcast signal from a composite upstream/downstream signal detected at a node, thereby providing a significant reduction in echo and for the upstream transmission from a customer premises equipment transmitter. The present invention results in a significant cost savings over conventional hybrid circuits since a single shared hybrid can be used in provisioning service for many subscribers.

Abstract: An frequency offset message generated by a CMTS is applied by a cable modem to the actual frequency to which it is currently tuned. Quantizing error, or truncation error, occurs only once, since the offset is determined based on the actual tuned frequency. The frequency offset message is converted into a digital offset word—giving rise to quantizing error—and is then applied to another digital word that represents the currently tuned frequency.

Abstract: A reverse path signaling circuit is described which provides less noise and interruption when injecting signals upstream to a head end. The reverse path signaling circuit includes a low pass filter, a status monitor, and a common emitter amplifier. The common emitter amplifier has a emitter region which couples to the status monitor. The status monitor couples to the common emitter amplifier as a single-ended input to the to the emitter region. The status monitor injects status monitor signals into the emitter region for passing the status monitor signals upstream to a head end. The low pass filter is coupled to another input on the common emitter amplifier. An output from the common emitter amplifier is taken at a collector region. The reverse path signaling circuit of the present invention does not require the use of a directional coupler as part of the circuit. Systems and methods are further included within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: A cable television system (100) having forward and reverse paths includes, in the reverse path, a digital optical transmitter (200) for receiving an RF signal, converting it to a digital signal, and adding a digital pilot tone thereto. A laser is driven in accordance with the summed digital signal to generate a digital optical signal representative of the pilot tone and the RF signal. The cable television system (100) also includes an optical receiver (305) for receiving the digital optical signal and recovering therefrom the RF signal and the pilot tone. The optical transmitter (200) and receiver (305) are coupled by fiber optic communication media (110).

Abstract: A transmitter in a digital return link for use in an HFC network includes an analog to digital converter for digitizing a broadband analog RF input. The A/D converter has a parallel bit stream output. A serializer converts the parallel bit stream from the converter to a serial bit stream. An electroabsorption modulated laser converts the serial bit stream to an optical serial bit stream for transmission over the HFC network.

Abstract: A Cable Television (CATV) digital return link system that provides dedicated, high-speed, full-duplex and point-to-point connections between users and the head end system is disclosed. The CATV digital return link system includes return path transmitters, intermediate hubs and a head end hub coupled to each other via a network of fiber optic cables. The return path transmitters are each coupled to a relatively large number of users via a local CATV-subtree. Signals from cable modems are transmitted via the local CATV-subtree to the return path transmitters for transmission to the head end. The return path transmitters include circuitry for digitally processing the RF data from the subtree prior to transmitting the RF data to the head end.

Abstract: A method for decreasing upward-joining-noise in an upward-signal-inputting position of a center device includes the steps of: measuring a noise level of each of a plurality of upward signals supplied from a plurality of transmission lines; determining whether the measured noise level of each upward signal is low enough or not; and based on a determination result, controlling and adjusting a level of each upward signal. Therefore, the level of an upward signal, for which the noise level of the upward signal is determined to be low enough, is adjusted higher but still kept at a level low enough not to interfere with upward signals from other transmission lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing delay distortion of upstream transmissions in a cable television (CATV) distribution plant. Upstream transmission in a CATV distribution plant, i.e., from the customer premises toward the head-end, is made difficult by delay distortion caused by diplexing filters used in bi-directional amplifiers and other components in the CATV distribution plant. A database storing information relating to each cable modem (CM) in the CATV distribution plant is maintained, and the delay distortion for each upstream transmission is calculated using information queried from the database. Delay distortion in the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth in a CATV distribution plant is preferably minimized by assigning CMs having a transmission path that causes relatively minimal delay distortion to the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: The installation for the remote monitoring of a park of heterogeneous industrial production apparatuses (18, 22, 26) comprises, for each apparatus (18, 22, 26), means (20A, 20B, 24A, 24B, 32A, 32B) for reading informations relating to the operation of the apparatus. These informations reading means are connected to means (48, 50, 52, 54) for the remote monitoring of the apparatus by communication means 40 associated with the apparatus (18, 22, 26) and adapted for the communication of the data from the apparatus to the remote monitoring means. All the communication means (40) comprise analog means for the structuration of the data in accordance with a unified structure independent of the type of the apparatus and of the read informations. The remote monitoring means comprise at least one monitoring station (48, 50, 52, 54) connected to the communication means (40) of all of the apparatuses. The or each station comprises means for exploiting the unified structure informations read from one or more apparatuses.

Abstract: In a multi-access communication system where a center station dynamically allocates the band of an uplink to subscriber stations, the band of an uplink is flexibly and efficiently allocated when the up-service quality is insured. When requesting a service quality assurance, the subscriber station 30 transmits the service quality request information 210 to the center station 10. The center station 10 transmits the identifier allocation information 310 to the subscriber station 30 to allocate an identifier. When the service priority is high, the center station 10 periodically transmits the reservation transmission permission information 410 and 411 to the subscriber station 3 at the reservation permission transmission intervals 910, thus checking for the presence or absence of reservation information. Waste consumption of the up-band can be suppressed by periodically transmitting the reservation transmission permission information even if subscriber stations issue up-data at irregular intervals.

Abstract: The method is used in a telecommunication network wherein a central station (CS) is coupled to a plurality of residences (R1,R2,R3). One of the residences (R3) includes a termination unit (TU) which is coupled to the central station (CS) via a first port (P1). The residence (R3) also includes subscriber terminals, e.g. a personal computer (PC), a telephone set (TEL), a television set (TV) and a set-top box (STB) which are coupled to the termination unit (TU) via a second port (P2). The method includes amplifying an upstream signal (US) applied to the second port (P2) with an upstream gain value (UG) by means of an upstream signal amplifier (U-AMP3) which is included in the termination unit (TU). Thereby, an amplified upstream signal (AUS) is generated and provided to the first port (P1).

Abstract: Detecting tampering of an incoming cable to which a network interface unit (NIU) is connected by testing for the reflected signal that is present when the signal being transmitted to the head end is not connected to a properly terminated coaxial cable. In particular, by comparing the phase of the transmitted signal from the NIU with that of the reflected signal, a distinction can be made between a signal that travels many feet before being reflected back and a signal that reflects back right or near the connector of the NIU. Only the latter is used as a stimulus to indicate tampering since the first is likely caused by cable personnel disconnecting the cable further into the network. The key difference between the two types of reflected signals is the time delay of the reflect signal with respect to the transmitted signal from the NIU.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enables a user to store or indicate event information while watching a television broadcast is disclosed. The event information is transmitted to a server, preferably via the Internet, either in batches or in real-time. Based on the event information, the server determines which program the user was watching when the event information was stored or indicated, and the time within that program. Based on the determined program and time, the server determines an assortment of goods and services that were displayed on the user's television when the event information was stored. This assortment is presented to the user, preferably via the Internet.

Abstract: In a cable data system, frequency division multiplexed upstream data traffic is first split for subsequent signal processing. In the course of performing an analog RF signal splitting operation, signal splitter output amplitude is decreased as an artifact of an RF signal splitter. A signal splitter indicator type that is used per signal splitter, provides an indication to the CMTS channel interface cards to control the amount of compensating gain required to restore the original signal to its original amplitude.

Abstract: A multiple-room communication system is adapted to provide digital television programming (e.g. DBS) to a plurality of rooms in a single family dwelling and may be further adapted to provide digital television programming to a plurality of dwelling units in a multiple dwelling unit such as an apartment. A central unit includes a plurality of integrated receiver decoder modules that receive e.g. satellite signals from a satellite antenna and filter and supply the signals to a distribution system that is coupled to a plurality of display devices that are located in various rooms throughout the single family home. A plurality of hand-held remote controllers, each being associated with one of the integrated receiver decoder modules, are used to communicate with and control the associated integrated receiver decoder module to cause it to supply a desired signal to a desired display device.

Abstract: A device for and method of combining asynchronous digital return signals from multiple nodes of a CATV return path is disclosed. The signals are digitally filtered, re-sampled at a common output rate and digitally combined (e.g., summed) without being converted to analog form. The combined signal can be provided to an optical data transmitter for transmission over an optical fiber to the head end. Because the device of the present embodiment does not require analog hardware (e.g., converters, D/A converters and analog summers), it is smaller, costs less and consumes less power than conventional CATV return signal combiners.

Abstract: An efficient means for transmitting digitized return path signals over a cable television return path is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cable television return path includes a node that receives an analog return signal from a subtree of the cable television system and generates a digital transport signal representative of the analog return path signal. The digital transport signal, however, is not a digitized form of the analog return signal. Rather, the digital transport signal is encoded such that fewer bits are used to represent the analog return signal without substantially impacting the accuracy and dynamic range of the signal. At the hub, the digital transport signal is decoded and converted to produce an analog signal that is a close approximation of the analog return signal.

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: An efficient means for transmitting digitized return path signals over a cable television return path is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cable television return path includes a node that receives an analog return signal from a subtree of the cable television system and generates a digital transport signal representative of the analog return path signal. The digital transport signal, however, is not a digitized form of the analog return signal. Rather, the digital transport signal is encoded such that fewer bits are used to represent the analog return signal without substantially impacting the accuracy and dynamic range of the signal. At the hub, the digital transport signal is decoded and converted to produce an analog signal that is a close approximation of the analog return signal.