Abstract: Methods, devices, and storage mediums provide for selecting a remote control mode of operation for a mobile device to allow the mobile device to remotely control a program receiving device. Additionally, methods, devices, and storage mediums provide for a proxy service to allow the mobile device to remotely control a program receiving device, an over-the-top service to allow the mobile device to remotely control a program receiving device, and a direct link service to allow the mobile device to remotely control a program receiving device. Methods, devices, and storage mediums also provide for a notification protocol.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver on a mobile body includes: a tuner that receives a broadcast signal of a physical channel; a signal intensity detector that detects a signal intensity of the broadcast signal; a current position detector that detects a current position of the mobile body; a movement direction detector that detects a movement direction of the mobile body; a reception judging unit that controls the tuner to judge whether the physical channel can be received; an area information storage unit that stores receivable area information indicating a receivable area of the physical channel; and an area information updating unit that determines, when it is judged that the physical channel can be received, a position apart from the current position in the movement direction according to the signal intensity as a receivable position, and updates the receivable area information to extend the receivable area to the receivable position.

Abstract: A digital service signal apparatus is disclosed. The digital service signal apparatus includes a receiving module receiving signaling information having channel information for an application from the digital service signal, a generating module generating a request using the channel information, a sending module sending the generated request, a downloading module downloading the application, an executing module configured to execute the API related to the application and a registering module configured to register the specific key set according to the mode number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation and rearrangement of ad hoc networks and more particularly to systems and methods for sharing bandwidth in ad hoc networks. The method comprises broadcasting a table to at least one potential lender requesting pertinent lender information and receiving the table from the at least one potential lender with the pertinent lender information. The method further includes selecting one or more lenders of the at least one potential lender which meet preset criteria and establishing an ad hoc network with the one or more lenders based on the selecting.

Abstract: A method for online enhancement of videos includes rendering, at one or more computers, a first video stream based on a first video; transmitting the first video stream to a client; receiving, at the one or more computers, a first user input from a client, the first user input selecting at least one enhancement operation; rendering, at the one or more computers, a second video stream based on the first video and the at least one enhancement operation; and transmitting the second video stream to the client.

Abstract: A method for generating a Set Top Box (STB) code download step sequence includes the steps of retrieving a code object from a Software Download Generator (SDG) memory in response to an instruction signal, generating at least one of a control message and a decoder conditional command using a SDG processor in response to the code object, accessing information in a channel map in the SDG memory, combining the at least one of a control message and a decoder conditional command with the code object to generate the STB code download step sequence for a target STB, transmitting the at least one STB code download step sequence from the SDG memory to a Digital Addressable Controller (DAC), re-transmitting the STB code download step sequence from the DAC to a Remote Addressable DANIS/DLS (RADD), and re-transmitting the STB code download step sequence from the RADD to the target STB.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) in a cable system are configured on a box-by-box basis to facilitate beta and trial testing of new or updated services. STBs are assigned to deployment groups identified by a deployment group identifier. Features configurations including hierarchies of features can be defined individually for different deployment groups. Configuration files for provisioning the STBs are provided by a cable system head end according to the deployment group the STB is assigned to. STBs can be configured at the time they boot and register with the system or in a “hot” manner to avoid rebooting.

Abstract: An association table associates each program stream of a plurality of program streams with a MAC domain, with a channel frequency and with a multicast address. If a subscriber device selects a content program different from a current program, a determination is made whether the new program is serviced by a different MAC domain than the one serving the current program. If the selected new program is not serviced by the same domain that is serving the current program stream(s), the current MAC domain is informed that the subscriber device is ending the session therewith, the new frequency is tuned by the subscriber device and new content is received immediately after the new frequency is tuned. The subscriber device registers with the new MAC domain after receipt of new content has begun.

Abstract: Allowing a user of a mobile computing device to link the mobile computing device and its associated network or system to a subject piece of hardware operating via a second network or system is provided. After the mobile computing device is linked to a given hardware device, functional operation of the hardware device and access to accounts associated with the hardware device may be provided to the linked mobile computing device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for processing iTV. A request to play a first interactive television signal at a first electronic device is received. A first virtual machine for processing the first interactive television signal is instantiated at the first electronic device. A first file that includes information associated with playing interactive TV on the first electronic device is accessed from non-volatile storage on the first electronic device. A request to play a second interactive television signal at a second electronic device that is communicatively coupled to the first electronic device is received. A second virtual machine for processing the second interactive television signal is instantiated at the first device. A second file that includes information associated with playing interactive TV on the second electronic device is stored in non-volatile storage on the first electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing content and content requests are described. A data store of profiles of potential content contributors is provided. A request from a first source for content comprising content criteria is received, the content criteria comprising content contributor characteristics and content subject matter. Based on the content contributor characteristics and the profiles, at least a first potential content contributor is identified. At least a portion of the content request content criteria is transmitted to the first potential content contributor. If recorded content is received from the first content contributor, the first source is provided with access to the received recorded content. At least partly in response to acceptance by the first source of the received recorded content, the first source is enabled to publish the accepted received recorded content.

Abstract: An electronic device including a peripheral device connection unit configured to connect to a display interface of a peripheral device and to receive identification data for the peripheral device, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine configuration information, wherein the configuration information is based at least on one of the identification data for the peripheral device or geographic location data for the electronic device, obtain a user interface selected from a plurality of user interfaces based at least partly on the configuration information, and automatically configure the electronic device based on the obtained user interface.

Abstract: A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g.

Abstract: An application management server includes: a terminal management table storage unit configured to store terminal device identification data for identifying a terminal device and information indicating whether or not transmission of notification data is necessary while correlating the terminal device identification data with the information; a registration request reception unit configured to receive from the terminal device, a registration request for registering transmission of notification data, and update the terminal management table storage unit based on the registration request; a release request reception unit configured to receive from the terminal device, a release request for releasing transmission of notification data, and update the terminal management table storage unit based on the release request; a via-broadcasting notification transmission unit configured to perform a process of including notification data in a broadcasting signal and transmitting the notification data; and a via-communicatio

Abstract: The present invention relates to home devices such as set-top boxes, and more particularly to methods providing autonomous file transfers to and from such home devices. There is provided a method for spreading notifications pertaining to the completion of file transfers in time. The method is based on the concept of imposing different delay times on different devices, which delay times must be observed prior to notifying the server of a file transfer completion.

Abstract: A light source package for selectively interrupting power to a light source is provided. An optical element is positioned to reflect a reflected portion of the light from the light source. The reflected portion impinges upon a base that includes a roof panel with a light source side and a sensor side that is opposite to the light source side. The light source side of the roof panel receives the reflected portion of the light and transmits a transmitted portion of the light through the roof panel. The sensor side of the roof panel includes a recess in which a sensing component is located. The sensing component receives the transmitted portion of the light and is configured to interrupt power to the light source when the transmitted portion of the light is below a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for smoothly and efficiently upgrading set top boxes, e.g., personal video recorders, which have customer selected content stored thereon are described. The described methods allow content stored on a set top box to be uploaded to a network storage device, e.g., automatically at a predetermined time prior to a scheduled upgrade, or in some cases, via manual control of the set top box to be upgraded. After stored content is uploaded to the network storage device, the set top box is replaced with a new set top box. The new set top box can be preloaded with the previously uploaded content or a content download can be triggered, e.g., by activating a hidden application and by supplying information identifying the set top box being replaced as part of the upgrade process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and selecting an application easily processed by a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications and executing the selected application are provided. The application processing method includes: analyzing information on each of a plurality of applications providing a common broadcasting service; selecting an application suitable for a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications based on the analysis; and executing the selected application. When a plurality of applications is transmitted to a broadcasting receiving apparatus, the broadcasting receiving apparatus can select an easily executable application.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may use, for example, a method for sending a set-top box an identification of the media player, receiving operational instructions from the set-top box according to the emulator executed by the set-top box that emulates a user interface of the media player by presenting a representation of the media player in a graphical user interface, and transmitting media content to the set-top box according to the operational instructions. The emulator can be supplied to the set-top box by way of a multimedia system communicatively coupled to the set-top box. The user interface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulator substantially mimics functions of the media player. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A set-top box with a technical configuration and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box executes an technical protocol to make the set-top box and an associated television ready for use. During the installation, maintenance, or repair, a human-readable visual label and a machine-readable optical label are generated that contain information about the status of the technical protocol. The labels are forwarded, via the television output, to the television. The set-top box dynamically updates the human-readable visual label and the machine-readable optical label as the status of the technical protocol changes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus including: an extracting part configured to extract signature data representing a feature of reproduced content from the content; a profile generating part configured to generate user profile data; a query generating part configured to generate a query containing the signature data and the user profile data, transmit the query thus generated to a transmitting apparatus, and receive a response that is sent back from the transmitting apparatus in accordance with the query and that has been caused to match with the user profile data in the transmitting apparatus; and an application executing part configured to acquire and execute an application in conjunction with reproduction of the content based on the response thus received.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying the operating state of an audio-video (AV) device are described. Example methods and apparatus include monitoring messages transmitted via a data bus in a first AV device, wherein the data bus is communicatively coupled to a processor and an AV network controller of the first AV device, and wherein the AV network controller is further communicatively coupled to a second AV device external to the first AV device. The example method also involves extracting messages associated with an operation of the second AV device from the monitored messages, analyzing the extracted messages for data associated with an operating state of the second AV device, and sending a command to the AV network controller to request data missing from the extracted messages and associated with the operating state of the second AV device.

Abstract: A function upgrade device, a display apparatus, and a method for controlling a display apparatus are provided. The function upgrade device may include a function unit configured to perform a function in conjunction with the display apparatus, a storage configured to store user information and an application related to the function unit, an interface configured to connect the function upgrade device to the display apparatus and enable the function upgrade device to communicate with the display apparatus, and a controller configured to, when the display apparatus is connected to the function upgrade device through the interface, control the function unit to operate in conjunction with the display apparatus based on the user information and the application stored in the storage.

Abstract: A network system in which a terminal apparatus, a recording apparatus, and a server apparatus are connectable via a network is disclosed. The server apparatus includes a service processing unit performing a service of reserving recording of a content to the recording apparatus by a request from the terminal apparatus, and an available service information provision unit managing information on the service available to the recording apparatus as available service information and transmitting the available service information to the terminal apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for managing digital files, such as, for example, applications developed for TV digital, in a digital TV receiver apparatus, as well as a manager of said digital files. Particularly, the manager has a visual interface that enables the user to identify which applications are present in the digital TV receiver apparatus, install and/or unin-stall applications, in addition to providing fast access to certain applications.

Abstract: A device and method for storage device emulation in a multimedia processing system are provided. The device includes a processing module to process multimedia data, a first mass storage device interface operably coupled to the processing module, the first mast storage interface operable to couple to a mass storage device interface of a multimedia processing device and a second mass storage device interface operably coupled to the first mass storage device and the processing module, wherein the second mass storage device is operable to couple to one or more mass storage devices. A method is also provided. The method comprises receiving a first multimedia data at first mass storage device interface of a first multimedia processing device, processing the first multimedia data at the first multimedia processing device to generate a first processed multimedia data and providing the first processed multimedia data to a second mass storage device interface of the first multimedia processing device for output.

Abstract: A distribution system and reception apparatus, and methods thereof, are provided for broadcasting and receiving a plurality of non-backwards-compatible services. The broadcasting method includes receiving, by a first service provider, a plurality of first services, which include a first service from each of the first and second service providers. The first service provider generates a first broadcast multiplex, including the plurality of first services, and broadcasts the first broadcast multiplex on a first broadcast channel allocated to the first service provider. A second service provider receives a plurality of second services, which include a second service from each of the first and second service providers. The second service provider generates a second broadcast multiplex, including the plurality of second services, and broadcasts the second broadcast multiplex on a second broadcast channel allocated to the second service provider.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing method performed by an information processing device that includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire, from a server connected via a network, information prepared for each service provided via a network, the information being setting information representing a setting relevant to a function of an application used in utilization of the service, and an application control unit configured to control activation of the application in accordance with the setting represented by the acquired setting information, the information processing method including acquiring, from the server connected via the network, information prepared for each service provided via the network, the information being setting information representing a setting relevant to a function of an application used in utilization of the service, and controlling activation of the application in accordance with the setting represented by the acquired setting information.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving device that without interrupting a program being viewed is capable of switching the channel to the program in a destination reception area. When reception is good, a plurality of receiving units select the same channel and receive a program; and when reception worsens, the plurality of receiving units is divided into units for program reception and units for channel searching. The receiving units for program reception continue receiving the program, and the receiving units for channel searching search for a relay station and switch to a relay station channel having better reception than the channel being viewed. In a case where a relay station channel with good reception cannot be found, series broadcast stations in the same network are searched and a switch is made to a channel of a series broadcast station in the same network that has better reception than the channel being viewed.

Abstract: A set-top box includes a baseline record with information regarding the expected environment of the set-top box. The baseline record may be encrypted, and may include locational information. The set-top box compares the expected environment to an actual environment of the set-top box and attempts auto-reconciliation if the comparison indicates a discrepancy. In some implementations, auto-reconciliation includes performing a check of the components of the set-top box to identify improper performance. In some implementations, auto-reconciliation includes the enabling of missing entitlements or the disabling of extra entitlements. A computing device of a media content provider includes a golden source record with information establishing the expected environment for the set-top box. The media content provider may send updates for the baseline record when information in the golden source record changes.

Abstract: A network device sends a first set of images associated with an electronic program guide (EPG) to a client device. The network device determines that an image of the first set of images has been modified, and receives one or more calls for displaying the first set of images at the client device. The network device sends the modified image, or one or portions of the image that have been modified, to the client device without sending a remainder of the images in the first set of images, or without sending the remaining portions of the image.

Abstract: Video messaging may be provided. First, a bootstrap message including a system address may be transmitted by a high level device. A user device may receive the bootstrap message from the high level device and obtain system data from the system address contained in the received bootstrap message. The user device may then determine a service group in which the user device is deployed. Next, the user device may determine, from the obtained system data, a sub-system address corresponding to the determined service group. The user device may then obtain sub-system data from the sub-system address.

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. The invention also relates to the center implementing a dispatch process and the receiver for receiving and processing the update data.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a functionality extending kit of a display apparatus, the kit including a receiver which enables content to be viewed using an inserted card; a tuner configured to tune to a channel; an extending connector including a standard pin area connected to a signal line of a standard card and an additional pin area connected to a predetermined signal line; and a controller configured to control the tuner to tune to a channel that may transmit firmware update data associated with the card when the display apparatus connected to the extending connector is at a picture off state; wherein the functionality extending kit receives standby power from the display apparatus through a power pin provided in the additional pin area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a reception portion configured to receive audio video content; a trigger extraction portion configured to extract trigger information for operating an application program transmitted along with the audio video content and executed in interlocked relation to the audio video content; a table acquisition portion configured to acquire a correspondence table for associating the trigger information with commands for controlling the operation of the application program; a command determination portion configured such that, based on the acquired correspondence table, the command determination portion determines the commands associated with the extracted trigger information; and a control portion configured to control the operation of the application program in response to the determined commands.

Abstract: There are many boxes (e.g., set-top boxes) in a system offering media services to users. Each of the boxes maintains a library with a significant number of titles. Techniques for updating the library in each of these boxes using a transmission infrastructure are described. According to one aspect of the techniques, a service provider is provided with a high bandwidth broadcasting or multicasting capability, a release fragmented into a header and several segments is transmitted to all boxes that are respectively configured to receive a proper release package to update the library. Alternatively, separate release packages may be transmitted via different channels to the boxes, wherein each of the boxes is tuned to a proper channel to receive a proper release package.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for communication between an Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) and a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) over an Internet-based network are provided. A CPE determines in a power standby state whether an inform request message transmission period is received. If the inform request message transmission period is received, the CPE transitions from the power standby state to an active state and transmits an inform request message to an ACS. The CPE receives an inform response message from the ACS in response to the inform request message, and upon receiving the inform response message, transitions from the active state to the power standby state.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of an apparatus or method for generating and transmitting distribution system commands addressed by a general identification, such as a customer-specific identification. The general identification may take the form of a customer number or any other identifier unique to a customer account. The identifier may be stored in the computer-readable memory of several or all of the set-top boxes associated with a particular customer such that commands addressed with the unique identifier may be decrypted and executed by the set-top boxes. Thus, a single command addressed with the customer identification may be received and executed by several or all of the set-top boxes for a particular customer without the need for addressing the command to each set-top box individually.

Abstract: A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a set-top box through a social network. Access is granted to control the set-top box to one or more contacts of a user. The one or more contacts being associated with one or more social networks. Access to control the set-top box is granted to one or more contacts of one or more social networks. A request to change media content is received from one of the one or more contacts. The one or more contacts are authenticated to ensure they are authorized to tune the set-top box to the media content. The media content is tuned in for communication to a display in response to authenticating the request from the one of the one or more contacts.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display unit; a signal processor which is configured to process an image signal to be displayed as an image on the display unit; a communicator which is configured to communicate with an external network; and a controller which is configured to perform an initial setup service provide a user with a plurality of setup stages for adjusting a plurality of functions of the display apparatus, deduce an installation region of the display apparatus based on network information when the network information for the communicator to communicate with the external network is setup in execution of the initial setup service, and automatically perform at least part of the setup stages based on information on the deduced installation region.

Abstract: A program replacing method includes registering a first program so that message transmission is enabled between the first program and a detachable point of deployment (POD). The first program has an identifier that identifies a program type of the first program. When a second program having the same identifier as the first program exists in the broadcast receiving terminal apparatus, the second program is notified that message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is to be terminated. Approval for terminating the message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is received from the second program. The message transmission between the second program and the point of deployment is then terminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for purchasing media features for programming transmissions. A selection is sent to a server system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The server system automatically coordinates purchasing the media feature from a programming transmission source and providing the media feature from the programming transmission source. In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a user interface from which a viewer selects an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission, wherein the programming transmission with the upgraded media feature is provided to the entertainment system.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and an upgrading method thereof that can achieve an upgrade stabilization. The digital broadcast receiver includes a tuner to receive broadcast data of a selected channel, a demultiplexer to separate new middleware data and information data corresponding to the new middleware data from the broadcast data, a memory to pre-store previous middleware data and to store the new middleware data and the information data, and a controller to determine whether to store the new middleware data in the memory based on the information data. If storage of the new middleware data is completed, the controller checks whether an upgrade is successful by executing the new middleware data, and if the upgrade fails, the controller executes the previous middleware data pre-stored in the memory. Thus, the receiver upgrades the received middleware program in a stable manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and selecting an application easily processed by a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications and executing the selected application are provided. The application processing method includes: analyzing information on each of a plurality of applications providing a common broadcasting service; selecting an application suitable for a broadcasting receiving apparatus among the plurality of applications based on the analysis; and executing the selected application. When a plurality of applications is transmitted to a broadcasting receiving apparatus, the broadcasting receiving apparatus can select an easily executable application.

Abstract: A transport stream (TS) includes a plurality of first download data blocks (DDBs), a plurality of second download data blocks, and a download information indication (DII). Each download data block includes a first processing method tag and a first content data. The first processing method tag is for indicating a first data processing method, and the first content data forms a part of a firmware after having been processed according to the first data processing method. Each second DDB includes a second processing method tag and a second content data. The second processing method tag is for indicating a second data processing method different from the first data processing method, and the second content data forms another part of the firmware after having been processed according to the second data processing method. The DII includes information for controlling the first DDBs and the second DDBs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting targeted advertising and/or other targeted applications in set top boxes which use data and/or applications, e.g., EBIF (Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format) applications, are described. Application level targeting is supported in which an application running on different STBs presents different application behavior and/or presents different visual sub-elements depending on the content of a subscriber profile on the particular individual STB. In the case of addressability at the Application Layer an EBIF application can target different viewers by checking private User Preference Items at runtime. Addressability at the signaling/platform level is also supported allowing targeting of a specific application or a sub-element within an application to a specific target group. In this scenario the particular applications/sub-elements are loaded on the set-tops that belong to a target group, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a user receiving device includes a first user device that receives first user settings and stores the first user settings therein. The first user device communicates first user settings to a second user receiving device. The second user receiving device operates with the first user settings.

Abstract: A method for optimizing memory usage in a device having a universal controlling application includes receiving into the device data for use in configuring the universal controlling application wherein the data is used to identify from within a library of command code sets stored in a memory of the device a command code set that is appropriate for use in commanding functional operations of the appliance and causing a non-identified one or more of the command code sets of the library of command code sets stored in the memory of the device to be discarded to thereby create freed space in the memory of the device.