Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus and method for reproducing information comprises an identification information provider for providing an identification information. A receiver receives broadcast information including broadcast identification information. The receiver includes a comparer for comparing the provided identification information with the broadcast identification information; and a sorter for sorting out received broadcast information in which the provided identification information matches the broadcast identification information. The sorted out information is then output from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method of providing for displaying a full service cable television system. The cable television system is adapted to provide a plurality of different user services. Accordingly, the system and method are designed to allow a user to access services in an efficient memory conserving fashion. Using a plurality of data tables, a cable television system is able to access a plurality of different services including cable channels, interactive program guides, pay per view activation, video on demand and interactive online services such as world wide web browsing and E-mail via their home television set.

Abstract: A digital television translator includes a digital television receiver for receiving a first digital television signal at a first frequency and generating a digital transport stream from the first digital television signal. The digital transport stream can include original Program and System Information (PSIP) data having RX channel data that is indicative of the first frequency, the first major channel number, and/or the first minor channel number. The digital television translator also includes a PSIP update module for updating the original PSIP data in the digital transport stream by replacing the RX channel data with TX channel data. The TX data is indicative of a second frequency, a second major channel number, and/or a second minor channel number.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of running properly, with automatically executing a backup OS program or a default OS program, from an automatic judgment in a case that a current OS program does not run properly, in which a state flag is disposed in a flash ROM in order to indicate whether or not the current OS program runs properly at the previous time, and a state of the state flag is checked when the current OS program is executed, the current OS program is executed in the case that the current OS program runs properly at the previous time, and the backup OS program is executed in the case that the current OS program does not run properly at the previous time.

Abstract: Feature activation has historically been performed exclusively at the system that will provide the features to subscribers and/or users. The features have been built in as a part of a system software package. Even though the features have been built in, they were only available for use by the system to the extent that licenses for those features had been purchased. When the proper licensing fee is paid, an ON/OFF bit was set to ON in a feature activation table. Features that have numerical use values instead of ON/OFF use multiple bit entries in the feature activation table. The feature activation table was encrypted by the software provider to discourage tampering with or misappropriation of telephone service features. With such an arrangement, feature changes could only be made by sending software provider personnel to the system to load a new feature activation table, which also can with the latest version of the system software.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates.

Abstract: A data structure stored on computer readable media is presented comprising one or more data tags, each data tag used to provide information regarding a broadcast advertisement. Also provided are one or more electronic program guide action tags, each electronic program guide action tag used to define a valid electronic program guide feature that may be accessed from within the broadcast advertisement. The data structure is operative to provide a link between the broadcast advertisement and an electronic program guide to provide access to electronic program guide features defined by the electronic program guide action tags from within the broadcast advertisement.

Abstract: A system and method enables a set-top box to share the processing, communications, and storage resources of another local device, such as a personal computer, other set-top box, or an electronic appliance. The set-top box is interconnected with the other local devices using a “transmission medium such as wire, concentric cable, or a wireless medium. The interconnected devices form a resource sharing group that includes a control member. The control member receives a request for a resource from a requesting member, and then determines whether the resource is available from a set-top box that is a member of the resource sharing group. If the resource is available, the set-top box shares the resource, and uses the shared resource to perform a task. The system and method also enables members of the resource sharing group to share video, audio, and related content.

Abstract: This invention relates to an information delivery system, an information delivery method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method used advantageously to deliver content stream data easily, reliably and inexpensively to the general users. A personal computer 12 prepares a content file and an order form file using software provided by a center system 4, and transmits the prepared files to the center system 4 over the Internet 1. Given the order form file from a customer device 2, the center system 4 encodes a content file accordingly to generate content stream data and causes a moving picture delivery server 25 to deliver the generated stream data to user terminals 3. This invention can be applied, among others, to systems for delivering content data over the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described.

Abstract: A method and system for content management, for example for managing content-rich services such as video on demand or news-feeds, includes a content-definition schema (10) comprising a plurality of content definitions (12). The stored definitions automatically configure a user interface (26,28) for the receipt of content, as well as automatically controlling content validation which may be carried out both locally and remotely of a content provider (22). The definitions (12) may also automatically configure a content database (20) which stores the content. The content definitions (12) may be modified by means of an administrative tool (40) which allows a relatively unskilled operator (42) to select options from a list.

Abstract: The invention relates to control of signal decoding in a set of subscriber receivers belonging to subscribers of mass distributed coded signals, such as digital satellite channels, which are conveyed via different distribution resources. By means of a central transmission of control signals to the subscriber receivers the decoding therein of the signals can be controlled, such that during certain periods a signal including a content being directed to each subscriber can be decoded in the respective subscriber receiver. Thereby commercial messages and other kinds of controlled or interest defined information can be focused to a relevant target group at the same time as the distribution resources are utilized efficiently.

Abstract: A content receiving apparatus includes a television broadcast receiving circuit. The television broadcast receiving circuit turns on a power of a tuner before a start of a broadcast of a desired television program, and fetches a standard time from a broadcast signal of a television broadcast. As a result, in a case that a local time is delayed than the standard time, information on the delay is stored in a memory. Next, when the standard time is rendered a television program starting time, a switch of the tuner is turned on so as to start recording the television program. Furthermore, an after-recording reproduction is performed from a time that the local time is rendered the television program starting time. This allows a user to watch/listen to the television program while the recording is being continued. In addition, when the user has no time to watch/listen to the television program by the after-recording reproduction, the recording is continued until a television program ending time.

Abstract: A system and method of providing for displaying a full service cable television system. The cable television system is adapted to provide a plurality of different user services. Accordingly, the system and method are designed to allow a user to access services in an efficient memory conserving fashion. Using a plurality of data tables, a cable television system is able to access a plurality of different services including cable channels, interactive program guides, pay per view activation, video on demand and interactive online services such as world wide web browsing and E-mail via their home television set.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which includes a broadcasting apparatus and a reception apparatus and which achieves interactiveness using a broadcast wave. The broadcasting apparatus includes a content storing unit for storing the plurality of contents, each content including a set of video data and a set of control information that indicates another content that is a link destination for a present content, and a transmitting unit for multiplexing a set of video data and a plurality of sets of the same control information included in a same content as the set of video data, and for transmitting the multiplexed sets of video data and control information.

Abstract: A method wherein a programmable remote control (PRC) is programmed from a configuration file over a network. A user configuration file comprises data associating the user configuration file with a unique user and information about devices that a user desires to control with a PRC. A service provider uses the device records to find the appropriate remote control instruction set for each device to be controlled by the PRC. Upon notification of a change in the devices that a user desires to control, the service provider would update the user configuration file. Optionally, the service provider would not only program the PRC, but using the PRC would assist the user in programming each device that is controlled by the PRC (to the extent such devices are programmable).

Abstract: A television broadcaster (which could be a satellite, cable or terrestrial, digital broadcaster) broadcasts from their broadcast head end via radio waves or a cable, as appropriate, linear digital television content to users' remote terminal digital television receivers or set top boxes. As well as broadcasting the linear television content, the broadcast head end also broadcasts as a continuous loop or carousel, software such as operating system software, application program interface software and television interactivity enabling software, that can be used by the set top boxes. This software is transmitted alongside and/or within the linear television signal, and uses the redundant space that is present in the digital television signal.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention for displaying alerts in a communication network may comprise receiving an alert from a first device coupled to the communication network. A message corresponding to the received alert may be generated within a home and displayed on a television screen within the home. The generated message may be displayed along with a media broadcast on the television screen and an acknowledgment of the displayed message may be received via a user selection. The acknowledgement may be received from a remote control that controls various functions of the television screen. Displaying of the generated message may be terminated upon receiving the acknowledgement or the generated message may be displayed for a predetermined or specified period of time. The alert, which may be received via a wireless and/or a wired connection, may indicate a status of the first and/or a second device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a data-recording/reproducing apparatus that is connected to the Internet. The apparatus has a memory. The apparatus downloads program-recording reservation data from an iEPG site connected to the Internet. In the apparatus, the memory stores the program-recording reservation data.

Abstract: To provide a device capable of determining a delivery destination of an event automatically without requiring choosing operation of an operator. An event entered through an event input means 4 is given to a delivery destination determining means 6 which in turn determines to which of applications AP1, AP2, . . . , APn the given event is to be delivered according to the contents of the event and according to delivery destination determining information stored in a delivery destination determining information storing section, and delivers accordingly. Therefore, the event is delivered to an appropriate application even if the operator does not choose an addressed application.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data to a receiver comprises the steps of transmitting a pre-conditioning signal to the receiver, and beginning to transmit at least one data packet to the receiver within a given period after beginning transmission of the pre-conditioning signal. The preconditioning signal is separate from a leader of the data packet to be transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods of distributing multimedia marketing content and collecting marketing data by generating a plurality of autoloading storage devices, providing a multimedia content serving system, sending the storage devices to remote users, causing automatic linking through a network between remote users and the content serving system, updating the static content of a remote user's storage device such as a CD-ROM or DVD by passing variable data, text, pictures, audio and video through a Local-Area Network or Wide-Area Network such as the Internet and to join that data to the contents of the CD-ROM or DVD in a seamless manner to the CD-ROM or DVD user. Further systems and methods for embedding data collection on a storage device such as a CD-ROM or DVD that is used to pass information through a Local-Area Network or Wide-Area Network, such as the Internet. The data collection forms or variable data are stored on the CD-ROM or DVD in a computer software program.

Abstract: An Internet video broadcasting system providing to broadcasters the ability to simultaneously deliver broadcast-quality, multi-media content to large numbers of viewers using the existing Internet infrastructure while retaining control over the exact timing of display of the content to viewers.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for authenticating the right of a user to descramble and view scrambled television channels are provided. The set top box can use newer and faster technology to tune and descramble television channels and the right of the user to descramble those channels is authenticated by periodically examining all the television channels output by a cable box. If the cable box descrambles a particular channel, the right of the user to descramble that channel has been authenticated or verified and the set top box is enabled to descramble the same channel. As an additional security feature, the time base of the television channel output by the cable box can be compared to the time base of the same channel tuned and descrambled with the set top box. If the time bases match, then the right of the user to descramble and view that particular channel is authenticated.

Abstract: The available amount of storage space of a fixed HDD on a CE device is adjustable via a data network. The consumer can upgrade the device via a third party service that remotely control's the HDD's settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for facilitating consistent calculation and attribution of cost savings within an organization. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and process for guiding a user through a series of determinations related to various cost savings for attributing the cost savings to specific classifications and calculating the cost savings.

Abstract: When program data is downloaded through a broadcast wave, the program is prevented from being kept incomplete due to degradation of a reception state. When new program information is detected, a C/N value is observed. It is determined whether the observed C/N value is a specified value or more. If the C/N value is the specified value or more, a program for download control is executed. It is determined whether the download process is ended. The download process is executed until the download process is ended. Since the download process is executed after it is confirmed that the C/N is preferable, a risk that the downloading is interrupted due to degradation of the reception state in the middle of the download process can be avoided.

Abstract: A terminal device, includes: a device driver section for controlling an interface section that is connected to a network; a protocol stack section that is connected to the network via the device driver section based on a communication protocol at higher than or equal to layer3 of OSI; and a middleware section that is interposed between the protocol stack section and the device driver section. If a send request for a frame to be sent is issued from the protocol stack section, the middleware section determines a priority of the send request based on header information at layer2 to layer4 of OSI within the send frame, and outputs the send request to the device driver section according to the priority determined.

Abstract: A method and system for automated provisioning of hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network elements operable for communicating telephony, data, and video signals with customer-premises equipment of a subscriber includes a database and an online provisioning application link (OPAL). The database is operable for storing data indicative of the configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment, and for storing data indicative of assigned capacity of the network elements. The OPAL is operable with the database for provisioning network elements with the customer-premises equipment of the subscriber based on the assigned capacity of the network elements in order to enable communication of telephony, data, and video signals between the HFC network and the customer-premises equipment of the subscriber.

Abstract: A method of collecting data in connection with the retrieval of a media file includes the steps of transmitting to a media device (110) an embedded media player page for playing the media file and transmitting a media file identification message to a log server (104). The media file identification message identifies the media file. The log server (104) records that the media file has been selected for play back by a user in a log associated with the media file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a variable compression factor to an incoming video stream in an STB. An increased amount of video may be stored within a PVR or disk on a STB by reducing the data storage requirements of incoming video based on available storage space and the type and size of the incoming video bit stream. Included are real time compression, or reduction in storage space requirements, by various data reduction methodologies including removing bits from the incoming video stream to reduce the amount of storage required to store the video stream. A background data reduction or compression technique is also provided wherein the incoming video stream is stored and data is reduced or further compressed at a later time to reduce data storage requirements.

Abstract: an illustrative video apparatus comprises a decoder that decodes video information in a native format, an emulation controller coupled to the decoder, and a network controller coupled to the emulation controller and capable of coupling to an external network. The video apparatus also includes a storage holding an instruction sequence executable on the emulation controller. The instruction sequence comprises a code for receiving network information from the external network and converting the network information to the native format for transfer to the decoder.

Abstract: A program configuration management apparatus restores the configuration of programs in the receiving apparatus to an original state if programs downloaded for version-up contain bugs. The program configuration management apparatus includes a program download unit for downloading programs via communication channels, a program management unit for storing the downloaded programs as well as previous versions of the downloaded programs into an object storing unit, and a history information management unit for storing history information concerning the downloaded programs into a history information storing unit. On receiving a previous version reinstallation designation for a specific program from a broadcast center, the program management unit validates a previous version of the specific program stored in the object storing unit by referring to the history information storing unit via the history information management unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and tracking viewing behavior of home entertainment systems. A viewer event such as tuning to a selected television channel, occurs at a home entertainment system. The event is coupled with information describing the programming viewed on the home entertainment system and is stored locally. The information describing the programming is obtained from an electronic program guide. Subsequent viewer events are also coupled with information describing the programming viewed and stored locally. The resulting viewing behavior that is stored locally is transmitted to a remote clearinghouse for storage. The remote site receives a great diversity specific information from a plurality of home entertainment systems, which represents and describes, in any desired degree of specificity, the programming that the public is viewing, the origin of the programming, and the way in which the programming is being viewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission reception multimedia apparatus (20) comprising a circuit for communication (9, 8, 10, 3, 7) with means for connection to an audiovisual communication network (21) characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: A method and apparatus to configure, provision and control a set-top terminal using a wireless web appliance is provided where a wireless communications path is established between the wireless web appliance and the set-top terminal. The set-top terminal is arranged to communicate with a headend controller over a bi-directional communication link having both upstream and downstream communication paths. A configuration change is implemented in response to an unsolicited message that is generated by the set-top terminal and received by the headend controller over the upstream communications path. The configuration change is implemented at the headend, or at the set-top terminal by downloading configuration data from the headend controller over the downstream communication path. The set-top terminal transmits the unsolicited message in response to a control signal generated by the wireless web appliance that is received over the wireless communications path.

Abstract: A program guide display system that utilizes a set of hierarchical templates broadcast from a broadcasting station. The set includes a plurality of frame templates and component templates to be embedded in the frame templates. If a user issues a program guide request while viewing a program of a channel, a form of program guide is determined. One of the frame templates which one is suitable to the form is selected. A text describing the program guide of the form is generated by embedding necessary one(s) of the component templates in the selected frame template while substituting variables of the selected and necessary templates with data which are determined by display conditions and obtained from program information broadcast from the broadcasting station. The generated text is passed to means for executing the text to display program guide.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A television converter system (16) comprises a receiver (94) for receiving a transmission signal from a transmission signal source. A processor (24) in the converter is capable of executing a plurality of independently executable application programs. A first one of the plurality of programs has a focused execution state. The remaining one or more application programs have a defocused execution state. The processor generates an application program output signal from the application program that currently has the focused execution state. An output provides either the transmission signal or the application program output signal for display on a television display. An input is received, requesting a transfer of focus from the first one of the plurality of programs to a second one of the plurality of application programs. The focus is transferred from the first application program to the second one of the plurality of programs for display on the television display.

Abstract: Method, system, and program product for providing a content distribution method that enables the capability of controlling a content reproduction. Specifically, by distributing active metadata for controlling content reproduction, a user receiver can reproduce the content with a plurality of contents combined using descriptors included in the active metadata, skip the content partially, or restrict viewing of the content. The active metadata is updatable and the updating of the active metadata can be individually generated for each user on the basis of user information retained in the service provider server, thereby providing a good command of controlling the content for each user.

Abstract: The available amount of storage space of a fixed HDD on a CE device is adjustable via a data network. The consumer can upgrade the device via a third party service that remotely control's the HDD's settings.

Abstract: A technique for transferring data between a first device and a second device using a shared line buffer connected to a system bus which couples the first device and the second device. The technique includes (i) transferring data between the line buffer and dedicated memory associated with the first device, wherein the first device includes a data controller coupled to the system bus through a bus interface. The transferring (i) includes using the data transfer controller to effectuate a multiword data transfer between the dedicated memory and the line buffer. The technique further includes multiword data (ii) transferring between the line buffer and the second device across the system bus. When the transferring (i) precedes the transferring (ii), data is read from the dedicated memory from output to the second device, and when the transferring (ii) precedes the transferring (i), data is written to dedicated memory from the second device.

Abstract: A protocol enables flexible formulation of application information data structures for television-based entertainment systems. The protocol may be a textual-based language such as markup language, including an extensible markup language. The application information data structure includes information that enables a client device to access and/or to activate one or more applications. The one or more applications may be software modules, files, images, text, executable programs, and so forth, including both bound and unbound applications. An application information data structure, or table, may be created at a headend of a television system and stored there in memory. The application information table may also be transmitted from the headend to a client device and stored in a memory of the client device. The client device is able to determine the existence of, and relevant parameters for utilizing, applications at the client device using the application information table.

Abstract: A method for providing data to a plurality of people in a captive audience during an event comprises providing a limited range wireless network, renting a plurality of PDA devices to a plurality of people attending the event, loading software into the plurality of PDA devices to permit the PDA devices to receive data from the wireless network, transmitting data to the plurality of rented PDA devices from the wireless network during the event, and collecting the plurality of PDA devices after the event.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are disclosed for enabling a user of data services over a network to automatically register for such services by plugging in a set-top box, such as an advanced set-top box, or other IP clients such as a Web pad, and entering certain information through a member services screen. The invention also allows a user to have several accounts distributed over several set-top boxes or IP clients and have all accounts map to a single network identity. That is, it allows a user to have multiple viewer identities for different purposes yet have all of them map back to a single network identity for that user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing downloadable features, and more particularly to providing these features to identified receiving locations (50) in a television system (10). Features may be desired by the manufacturer for correcting software defects, updating software, or meeting compatibility requirements. Features may also be ordered by consumers who respond to solicitation advertisements (130) for those features. The data related to the features is compiled and sent from a main location (20) to multiple receiving locations (46, 48 and 50). The data is then stored in a memory (58) in the identified receiving locations (50), and software is used to install or operate the stored feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the delivery of assets and/or content to set top terminals within a heterogeneous information distribution system based on graphics and/or processing capability of set top terminals receiving the assets and/or content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing personalized supplemental programming is provided. In a first embodiment, an apparatus comprising a first component for supplying supplemental programming, a second component operative to receive primary programming from an external source, and a processor agent coupled to the first and the second components. The processor agent being operative to evaluate the received primary programming for predetermined content criteria, and to provide appropriate ones of the supplemental programming based on the results of the evaluation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, methods, and systems for effectuating an increase in the effective bandwidth of a cable television distribution plant in a manner compatible with most common cable television systems. By using methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting a standard analog television signal and a digital data signal in a manner that minimizes interference of each with the other, one or more data carriers may be embedded within one or more analog television channels in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. These combined signals can be transmitted transparently over the existing cable television distribution plant to a location at or near the subscribers so that, among other things, that the subscriber may “pause and resume” much in the way Personal Video Recorders work.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the provision of streaming media content in existing video delivery systems are provided. Streaming media content may be delivered over an existing video delivery system by (1) downloading a streaming media player to a consumer device and processing the streaming media content for delivery over the existing delivery network for decoding and display by the player; and/or (2) transcoding the streaming media content for display on a consumer device and delivering the transcoded streaming media content over the existing delivery network to the consumer device. Processing of the streaming media content may comprise encapsulating the streaming media content in an MPEG-2 transport stream for delivery over the existing network. Transcoding of the streaming media content may comprise converting the content from an original format to another format compatible with the consumer device and/or a player resident at the consumer device, such as an MPEG-2 program stream.