Abstract: A shell is provided within a video receiver for running at least one script controlling the channel(s) to which the video receiver is tuned during associated periods for display, recording, or both of selected broadcast programming. The scripts are structured to select content based on user-specified descriptive criteria such as title or description keyword, together with associated user-defined priorities, applied in cases of multiple concurrent matches, and user-defined conditions regarding existing viewing of other content, viewer identity, or the like. Scripts may be generated by the viewer or transmitted to the video receiver from an external source for selective execution by the user. Control extension and customization over the video receiver is thus provided without replacement of the firmware or portions thereof.

Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.

Abstract: A television receiver apparatus has large versatility to adapt itself to newly offered services or new modes of use. An external memory element loaded with a flash memory is connected to the receiver apparatus through an external memory interface having a connector and an interface circuit. The external memory element stores information such as a program for implementing an additional function or data such as video and audio data. The information stored in the external memory element is taken up by the receiver apparatus through the external memory interface. The information from the external memory element is processed by a controlling portion of the receiver apparatus so as to be subjected to use.

Abstract: A digital video broadcasting network allows a group of end user terminals to dynamically select and receive broadcast content by transmitting program identifiers for a plurality of broadcasting content providers through program specific information (PSI/SI) layer signalling over multiple transport streams.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing broadcast media advertising including methods and apparatus for communicating the timing of ad broadcasts to advertising clients prior to broadcast, including using the output of a traffic and billing program; for catching errors in a scheduling program and for assessing the effectiveness of execution for scheduling purposes.

Abstract: A self provisioning television Set-Top Box. The STB has an interface that couples the STB to a service provider and incorporates a cable modem. A programmed processor boots from a boot ROM and carries out a process for self provisioning in the event the STB is new and not set up to use the current service provider. The process includes initiating communication with the service provider using the cable modem and sending equipment identifying information including a Set-Top Box serial number and a smart card identifier to the service provider. The service provider replies with system specific information including an application server identifier from the service provider. The STB then sends a user profile to the service provider, and the service provider replies by sending account information including an account identifier.

Abstract: A guide of a broadcasting program with a computer software product, in which a transmission start time, a name of the broadcasting program, a name of the computer software product, a version number of the computer software product and a terminal type required of a terminal are listed, is transmitted from a center station to each terminal. Also, files of the computer software product are transmitted from the center station to each terminal with video-audio data of the broadcasting program at the transmission start time. In each terminal, a particular terminal type of the terminal and a particular version number of the computer software product downloaded in the terminal are managed.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously and synchronously encoding a data signal in multiple formats and at multiple bit rates. According to one aspect of the invention, plural encoding stations are controlled by one central controller, which controls the encoding format carried out by each encoding station, and also controls the commencement of the encoding process to ensure that each encoding station simultaneously commences the encoding process, thereby synchronizing the encoded streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transmitting and a process for receiving update data. According to the invention, the update data are dispatched by a communication center to terminals with the aid of a broadcasting network. Next, the terminals report their update to the center through a bidirectional network. The center renews the campaign or stops the current campaign as a function of the number of terminals updated. When only a minimum number of terminals to be updated remains, the campaign is stopped, the last terminals not updated will be so via the bidirectional link.

Abstract: A television receiver which is coupled to a digital VCR to receive an ATSC-encoded multi-program stream containing video, audio and data programs. The receiver recognizes one of the data programs as containing computer software for the digital television receiver, extracts the data program from the multi-program stream into a memory area which is separate from the memory areas used to decode the audio and video programs and then uses data in the extracted data program to update information which controls the operation of the television receiver. The television receiver includes a microprocessor which is coupled to a video processor via an IC bus. The video processor includes registers which are coupled to the IC bus. The microprocessor updates these values from the information in the extracted data program. The extracted data program may include a program image for the operational software for the microprocessor and may replace the operational software to update the operation of the television receiver.

Abstract: A software appliance and method of operation are disclosed that enable distribution of software applications through consumer-electronic appliances, such as set-top boxes. The appliance and method enable the tracking of the software usage for billing purposes. The usage information is sent to the provider of the software so proper accounting may be accomplished. The software applications may be embedded within the software appliance, such as in a datastore or be accessed via a disk reader or other memory devices, such as a memory stick. Each software application is packaged in a signal format that is compatible with the Advanced Television System Committee (“ATSC”) standard 17, also known as the Digital Television Application Software Environment (“DASE”) format. The electronic appliance, or the software appliance, receives a broadcast stream of content information and unpacks the software application carried within the broadcast stream.

Abstract: A system for downloading different versions of software or data modules into a plurality of terminals having different compatibility interfaces includes an authoring component for generating the different module versions, a downloading source including a descriptor table which associates each module version with a list of compatibility requirements needed to download the module, and a plurality of terminals coupled to the downloading source. The downloading source transmits the descriptor table to each terminal and also continuously transmits the modules over the network. Each terminal extracts the descriptor table and, based on a match between an entry in the descriptor table and an internally stored table, determines which version of a particular module should be downloaded. The system avoids the need for two-way communication between each terminal and the downloading source.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a processor (15) which has specialized high-speed link terminals intended for the network communication with another processor linked to a rewritable application program memory (26) and includes means for updating this memory. The apparatus includes a connector (30) linked to said high-speed terminals and enabling the communication to the exterior.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for managing resources in a receiving device. A privileged application-level resource advisor may be included in individual receivers which are manufactured by different hardware manufacturers, each possibly having different resources, and each possibly running operating systems and/or middleware written by different vendors. The advisor is configured to communicate with the middleware and/or operating system of a receiving device in order to affect resource usage. Subsequent to detecting a resource contention problem, the resource advisor may determine how to resolve the contention problem. Subsequent to being authenticated by the middleware and/or operating system, the resource advisor may then affect the resolution by itself, or it may affect the resolution by providing input to the operating system, middleware, or other resource managing component of the IRD.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely programming a set top box and for remotely scheduling an event on a set top box. A set top box includes a server that allows an access device to access the set top box over an always on connection between the set top box and a network such as the Internet. The access device retrieves program guide data that is locally stored on the set top box and, using the program guide data, selects and schedules events. The events are sent back to the set top box over the connection where they are implemented by the set top box.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a plurality of devices at a physical drop to receive access to video and/or data services from a plurality of video/data service providers in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager, in communication with the video/data service providers, for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop, a type of the device being provisioned a the physical drop, and a maximum number of devices for the device type allowed to receive corresponding service at the physical drop. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, is programmed to receive the electronic message and store the corresponding information.

Abstract: A video reproduction apparatus according to the present invention reproduces externally supplied package media. The package media contains video content storing video data and playback control data controlling reproduction of the video data in a specified data format, and extensible application software using the video content. The video reproduction apparatus includes as software pre-stored and executed in internal memory an operating system chosen from operating systems of plural types, middleware for absorbing differences in function according to the type of operating system, and a player application that runs on the middleware level for reproducing the video content. The middleware has a class library including tools used by the player application to play back the package media or to run the extensible application software. The player application consistently reproduces the video content of the package media according to the specified format by way of the tools included in the middleware class libraries.

Abstract: A method and system for provisioning a specific device to receive video and/or data services from a plurality of service providers at a physical drop in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop associated with the specific device. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical-port, receives the electronic message, stores the information, and upon receiving a sign-on request from a requesting device that is requesting access to one of the video and/or data services, determines whether the requesting device is authorized to access the requested video and/or data service based on the stored information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving a user's experience with a set-top box. A system for allowing a user to subscribe to a subscription service when the user selects to view the content of the subscription service is provided. A system for replication of configuration information for set-top boxes is provided. A system for monitoring and blocking content being viewed by another is provided. A system that allows nontelevision programming content to be represented as a channel of an electronic program guide is provided.

Abstract: A system for downloading different versions of software or data modules into a plurality of terminals having different compatibility interfaces includes an authoring component for generating the different module versions, a downloading source including a descriptor table which associates each module version with a list of compatibility requirements needed to download the module, and a plurality of terminals coupled to the downloading source. The downloading source transmits the descriptor table to each terminal and also continuously transmits the modules over the network. Each terminal extracts the descriptor table and, based on a match between an entry in the descriptor table and an internally stored table, determines which version of a particular module should be downloaded. The system avoids the need for two-way communication between each terminal and the downloading source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing time-shifted television within a video-on-demand system.

Abstract: An upgradable television, in accordance with the present invention, includes a plurality of modules for providing operating functions for the upgradable television, each module capable of identifying itself to a processor. The processor is coupled to each of the modules. The processor is for recognizing changes in the modules in accordance with the identification of the modules. A receiver is operatively connected to the processor for receiving information for upgrading the upgradable television in accordance with new modules introduced into the upgradable television. A method for upgrading is also described.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for managing modules of interactive television applications. The system transmits modules from a broadcast station to a plurality of receiving stations through various paths, such as broadcast channels and modem channels. The receiving stations have module managers which store module requests and which monitor the various channels for modules corresponding to the requests. When modules are transmitted on the monitored channels, they are matched with the corresponding stored requests. If a module matches one of the requests, or if is an auto-loading module, it is stored in the receiving station. If a module has not been requested and is not an auto-loading module, it is ignored. The stored modules are added to a list of modules available for execution or for use by an executing application, and the corresponding requests are deleted.

Abstract: A method for loading a user interface in a television system comprising a decoder and a removable smart card cooperating with the decoder, the decoder comprising a main user interface, the method comprising the steps of loading and storing by the decoder of the totality of a user interface module stored-on the smart card, the user interface module comprising data structures making reference to information destined to a user, the information being stored on the smart card, establishing by the decoder a relation between the main user interface and the stored user interface module in order to enable access by a user to the user interface module, and subsequently exchanging between the decoder and the smart card parts of the information upon commands issued by the user through the user interface module.

Abstract: A device for generating audiovisual display signals, including a first input terminal receiving content signals representative of an audiovisual event, the signals including insertion points indicating the output of an advertisement, a second input terminal receiving ad signals representative of an advertisement, a first buffer storing the ad signals, and a processor converting the content signals into display signals of the event and converting ad signals stored in the first buffer into display signals of an advertisement upon detection of an insertion point.

Abstract: A decoder and partaker union device has a decoder, a first partaker, and a coaxial cable connected to the decoder and the first partaker. The decoder has a first radio frequency output terminal, a first frequency mixer, a first breaker, a second radio frequency output terminal, a first remote-control receiving detector, and an integrated circuit control board. The first partaker has a second radio frequency output terminal, a second breaker, a second frequency mixer, a first radio frequency input terminal, a third remote-control receiving detector, and a first power supply device.

Abstract: A cable communication system makes use of a download control message to indicate whether a code object should be downloaded to a set top box via an in-band channel or via an out-of-band channel. In one version, the system includes means for adaptively determining whether to use an in-band channel or an out-of-band channel. The related method includes the steps of receiving a message designating whether to tune to an in-band or an out-of-band channel in order to receive the code object, tuning to the designated channel, and receiving the code object from the designated channel.

Abstract: An extended functionality remote control (EFRC) provides a hardware/software implementation of an integrated interface for remote control emulation. A PDA or other portable computing device is used as a platform for the EFRC application software and peripheral hardware. The EFRC also merges information services into remote controls. Implementation of these information services takes the form of, e.g., electronic program guides (EPGs) merged with the functioning of remote controls. In addition to the portable computing device, the hardware portion of the invention according to a preferred embodiment includes a keypad and an infrared transmitter subsystem which are managed by a microcontroller. The microcontroller also exchanges data with application software of the computing device via a serial communications link.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for managing modules of interactive television applications. The system transmits modules from a broadcast station to a plurality of receiving stations through various paths, such as broadcast channels and modem channels. The receiving stations have module managers which store module requests and which monitor the various channels for modules corresponding to the requests. When modules are transmitted on the monitored channels, they are matched with the corresponding stored requests. If a module matches one of the requests, or if is an auto-loading module, it is stored in the receiving station. If a module has not been requested and is not an auto-loading module, it is ignored. The stored modules are added to a list of modules available for execution or for use by an executing application, and the corresponding requests are deleted.

Abstract: A converter terminal is configured, for example, to receive and descramble premium cable television channels or to receive data services over the cable network. The converter terminal is configured by transmitting an abbreviated set of configuration data on an out-of-band control channel. This abbreviated set of configuration information includes an instruction to tune the terminal to a higher-bandwidth in-band data channel, which is used to transmit the remainder of the configuration data. With a substantial amount of the configuration information transmitted using a faster connection, configuration can be achieved in less time. In addition, the larger bandwidth facilitates the transmission of multiple sets of configuration information corresponding to different models of cable television converter terminals.

Abstract: In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user's receiver to receive the desired program.

Abstract: A novel reprogrammable set top terminal for a television program delivery system which suggests programs for viewing is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for reprogramming set top terminals, and selecting and displaying programs to suggest to subscribers for viewing. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems with hundreds of channels of programming, a menu driven program selection system, and a program control information signal which carries data and identifies the available program choices. Specifically, the invention relates to remote reprogramming of terminal memory and the gathering and analysis of data for selecting programs to suggest to a subscriber. The invention is a terminal which includes a means for receiving incoming signals, a processor, memory, and a means to generate menu screens for display on a TV or monitor. Various data gathering and analysis techniques are used to customize selection of programs for display on a menu.

Abstract: An electronic mail on which a control command is interpolated is transmitted through a public line, received by a modem section of a gateway, converted to digital data, and supplied to a control section. A CPU of the control section stores the received electronic mail in a RAM, and extracts the control command contained in the electronic mail. The CPU supplies a control signal corresponding to the control command to an interface section. The interface section controls an IR transmission section to transmit a signal corresponding to the control signal supplied from the CPU or outputs a signal through a connection line, and controls a video deck.

Abstract: A receiver, such as that used in broadcasting, is provided with a simplified structure for storing and updating the receiver's control program and for preventing a loss of the control program because of a power outage during such updating. The structure includes a first storage means comprising an erasable, non-volatile memory and a second storage means comprising a volatile memory. The control program is stored in the first storage means and is executed to download and store a second program in the second storage means. The second program then is executed to download and store an updated version of the control program in the first storage means.

Abstract: A worldwide television tuning system is configurable to the television standards and channel frequencies of multiple different countries based on a country's ITU long-distance country code. The television tuning system is architected in parallel hardware and software components. The hardware components include tuner circuitry to tune to various television frequencies carrying television video signals and video decoder circuitry coupled to receive a television video signal from the tuner circuitry and to convert the television video signal to digital video data. The software components include a tuner module coupled to adjust the tuner circuitry to a particular television frequency and a video decoder module to decode the digital video data according to a particular video standard. A driver interface layer interfaces the software layer and the hardware circuitry.

Abstract: A method of broadcasting controlling data streams and remote receiving apparatus for using the same are disclosed. A viewer-channel-to-broadcast channel (VCBC) map is employed to map one or more controlling data streams to one or more channels. The VCBC map is stored in memory. When a user tunes to a channel, the VCBC map is checked to determine if a controlling data stream is associated with the tuned channel. The VCBC map is periodically updated and broadcasted.

Abstract: An ON-timer channel setting apparatus of a digital broadcast receiver in which a user sets an ON-timer channel and a TV receiver is turned on at a pre-set time, includes: a tuner for tuning a received signal through an antenna; a TP demux unit for separating the signal tuned by the tuner into an audio, a video and a data signals and outputting the same; an A/V decoding unit for converting the signal received from the TP demux unit into an audio and a video signals; a display unit for displaying the audio and the video signals outputted from the A/V decoding unit on a screen; and a controlling unit for parsing the data signal received from the TP demux comparing and controlling the detected data information and the channel information set by a user, and outputting data information of an active channel in a form suitable to be displayed to the display unit.

Abstract: A data transmitting method comprising the steps of generating parameter setting data for various items of hardware, embedding the parameter setting data into a control code and transmitting that control code. The parameter setting data sets parameters for a plurality of hardware versions and includes parameter setting data common to at least first and second hardware versions, parameter setting data limited to a first hardware version, and parameter setting data limited to a second hardware version. Thus, the first version of hardware utilizes parameter setting data intended for it while the second version of hardware utilizes parameter setting data intended for it.

Abstract: A reprogrammable subscriber terminal of a subscription television service which can have the control program code of its control processor modified by downloading new program code from the headend. The control processor stores a boot program in an internal read only memory. Upon start up and resets, the boot program determines whether the control program should be changed from a command sent from the headend. The command, termed a parameters transactions, includes the number of expected download program code transactions required to complete the control code modification, the memory space areas where the code is to be loaded, and the channel over which the download program code transactions are to be transmitted. The channel is tuned and when the boot program receives all the download program code transactions accurately and stores them, the boot program will cause the control program to be restarted at a selected address of the new or modified control program code which has been downloaded.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a cable system allows bidirectional digital communication between a plurality of subscriber Digital Video Home Terminals each located at a different subscriber location and a cable headend via a RF Trunk. The cable headend has a processor for calculating and storing a randomized back-off array for each of the plurality of subscriber Digital Video Home Terminals. Each subscriber Digital Video Home Terminal receives the randomized back-off array for controlling through an algorithm when a Digital Video Home Terminal attempts to send a message to a cable headend. If a collision between the two messages is imminent, the last Digital Video Home Terminal to send the message backs-off and then reattempts to send the message a plurality of times after a random back-off interval of time has passed after each reattempt until no collision would occur with another message generated from a different Digital Video Home Terminal.