Abstract: A system and method for effectively implementing a charging base for a remote control includes a television device that is controlled by the remote control over a wireless RC-TV communications link. The charging base recharges a battery of the remote control when the remote control is docked to the charging base. In addition, the remote control may be docked to the charging base for bi-directionally communicating with the television and other external entities over a wireless base-TV communications link. Furthermore, various compatible peripheral devices may also recharge their batteries and bi-directionally communicate with the television and the external entities over the base-TV communications link while the peripheral devices are docked to the charging base.

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 system and method for commanding a controlled device. An intelligent navigation server detects a transition from a current state of a remote control device. A context for transition is also determined. The current state, the new current state and the context are evaluated to select a set of commands appropriate to the context and the new current state. The selected commands determine behavior options for the controlled device. The set of selected commands are sent to the remote control device. Text and/or graphical data appropriate to the new current state may also be sent to the remote control device. The remote control device may generate display data based on the selected commands to provide one or more soft buttons linked to one or more of the selected commands. The remote control device may also display the text and/or graphical data.

Abstract: A method of providing set up services to customer premise equipment (CPE), the CPE coupled to an interne protocol television (IPTV) network. The method includes operating a network element as a set up terminal server, the network element being part of a communications network. A request to initiate a set up process is received from the CPE. A set up server coupled to the communications network is accessed to initiate a set up application. The set up server communicates with the CPE through the network element to perform installation of the CPE and provisioning of the CPE.

Abstract: A method for provisioning technology which ensures an IPTV terminal's easy switch to IPTV enterprisers, and suggests terminal configuration procedures independent of IPTV enterprisers includes a terminal initial setting in which the terminal is booted and is physically connected to a network and software stacks for terminal provisioning are initialized, network connection performed after an IP address is assigned by transmitting a discovery message to a DHCP server, enterpriser search and selection, enterpriser access, installation of extended packages for each enterpriser, IPTV service initiation, and service unsubscribing.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes detecting a request to launch an application on a device, accessing metadata associated with the application over a network, using the metadata to determine whether sufficient resources are available to launch the application on the device, and performing at least one action based on said determination. The at least one action may include launching the application on the device when sufficient resources are available or blocking a launch of the application on the device when sufficient resources are not available. In certain embodiments, the method is performed by the device. In certain embodiments, the device includes a set-top box configured to access a media service over the network. Corresponding methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for resource sharing are provided. The method includes storing an electronic programming guide (EPG) application and an EPG, determining when local memory of a local video device lacks capacity to download additional time of the EPG, and communicating with another device to transmit a resource request to the other device to download the additional time of the EPG to storage in the other device. The method also includes processing for display monitoring data that indicates remaining storage space in the storage of the other device, querying the other device to determine what programming is being viewed, and processing controls included in the EPG application that enable access to the storage of the other device to interact with the EPG stored on the other device through the local video device to schedule a programming event at the local video device.

Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs) coupled to a radio frequency (RF) coax network. Each STB has an identifier for identifying the STB. A content source broadcasts media content to the STBs utilizing the RF coax network and an update server distributes software data to the STBs. The software data causes a particular STB to perform a media function customized for the particular STB according to the identifier of the particular STB.

Abstract: A system for monitoring, troubleshooting, controlling, calibrating and/or configuring a digital television is provided. The system includes a functionality module configured to perform one or more functions of a digital television. The system includes a testing module associated with the digital television, communicatively coupled to the functionality module and being configured to receive from the functionality module, data indicative of the one or more functions of the digital television. The testing module is configured to perform processing using the received data to determine whether to alter one or more parameters associated with the one or more functions of the digital television.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device (1) provided for smart card readers (SCR), a smart card reading activation device (2) and associated products including a set-top box and a daisy chain. The control device comprises means for communicating (11) with at least two smart card reading devices (SCR3, SCR4, SCR5), means for processing (12) information received from those reading devices and means for activating (13) at least one of those reading devices for a current communication. The activating means are intended to send selection data (SD) towards all those reading devices, those selection data enabling each of the reading devices to determine if it is selected or not for the current communication.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a mobile device having an ordering interactive interface having available content including linear content and on-demand content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and communicates the selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the on-demand content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: A system and method for downloading a code image at a set-top gateway host that includes an embedded set-top box and an embedded cable modem. The embedded set-top box and the embedded cable modem interact so that each leverages the resources of the other, thereby minimizing the functionality that must be built into each.

Abstract: A method including receiving a request from another device to provide television content; sending a response that includes the television content; storing state information associated with the television content, wherein the state information includes an identifier of the other device and an identifier of the television content provided; detecting when an error occurs between the device and the other device; and resending a last television content that was successfully received by the other device before the error occurred.

Abstract: A method of providing a digital TV application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a transmission time and a loading time of the digital TV application and a limitation on a number and a size of the digital TV application are minimized, providing a personalized digital TV application based on a receiver information or a user information is possible.

Abstract: Update data is 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 a current campaign or stops the campaign as a function of the number of terminals updated. When only a minimum number of terminals need to be updated, the campaign is stopped and the last terminals that were not updated through the campaign transmitted through broadcast network will be updated via the bidirectional link.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide favorite channel designation portability from a variety of locations, devices and/or programming service providers.

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: Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus, including: an application data transmission section adapted to transmit data of an application for HbbTV; and an table transmission section adapted to transmit an table including an application profile which represents one or more additional functions to the application and is configured from a first bit region of high-order n bits and a second bit region of lower-order (16-n) bits which represent presence or absence of functions allocated to bit positions thereof with a bitmap structure and wherein, in the first bit region, values for changing over the functions to be allocated to the bit positions in the second bit region are set.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form of a method for generating a profile of a build program for one or more set-top box platforms supported by a satellite distribution system. The one or more build profiles may maintain information about the one or more the modules and sub-modules of the build program, including but not limited to a memory address indicating the location of each module of the build program in the memory components of the set-top box. In another embodiment, the build profile may also maintain the relative offset address of each module of the build program from the beginning of the build program, an indicator of each module and sub-module and the amount of memory that each module comprises when stored in memory.

Abstract: A method and system of supporting operation of customer equipment in systems having at least a portion of their signals being transported according to standards which are not supported by the customer equipment.

Abstract: A set top terminal is provided that includes a receiver having at least one tuner for receiving programming content over a content delivery system and a processor operatively associated with the receiver. The set top terminal also includes a switched digital video (SDV) application module operatively associated with the processor. The SDV application module is configured to perform an autodiscovery process by tuning to prescribed autodiscovery frequencies received by the tuner while the SDV application module is being initialized.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for managing an incoming transport stream. The system can include controls configured for modifying program content as well as for remapping the packet identifiers. These controls thus can be employed for adapting incoming stream information to facilitate the specified actions on the incoming content that is to be managed.

Abstract: A broadcasting reception apparatus and method of controlling a cable card are provided. The broadcasting reception apparatus includes an interface unit configured to mount a cable card, a cable card configured to be mounted in the interface unit and to process broadcasting service information, and a control unit configured to periodically receive a protocol message according to a preset specification from the cable card when the cable card is mounted in the interface unit. The control unit may transmit to the cable card a request signal requesting transmission of the protocol message if the protocol message is not received at a preset first critical time, and initialize the cable card if the protocol message is not received at a second critical time after the request signal is transmitted to the cable card. Therefore, recovery from a failure of the cable card is rapidly performed.

Abstract: A system on a chip including a bus, a bootup module coupled to the bus and configured to cause the system on a chip to bootup in accordance with a selected security mode, an input module coupled to the bus and configured to receive an input signal and to provide the input signal to the bus, a processor coupled to the bus and configured to process the input signal to provide an intermediate signal, in accordance with a type of content protection associated with the input signal, an encryption module coupled to the bus and configured to cause at least a portion of the intermediate signal to be encrypted to produce an encrypted signal, in accordance with the type of the content protection, and an output module coupled to the bus and configured to output the encrypted signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may establish a set top box client based apparatus. The set top box client based apparatus may actively monitor content playback by the set top box. The set top box client based apparatus may subsequently report client playback state for non-managed sources to a service provider's policy or operation support systems (OSS). Embodiments of the invention may recognize that some service providers may use a policy system and OSS, while others will only utilize an OSS for resource management.

Abstract: A system and method for commanding a controlled device. An intelligent navigation server detects a transition from a current state of a remote control device. A context for transition is also determined. The current state, the new current state and the context are evaluated to select a set of commands appropriate to the context and the new current state. The selected commands determine behavior options for the controlled device. The set of selected commands are sent to the remote control device. Text and/or graphical data appropriate to the new current state may also be sent to the remote control device. The remote control device may generate display data based on the selected commands to provide one or more soft buttons linked to one or more of the selected commands. The remote control device may also display the text and/or graphical data.

Abstract: A program replacing method and apparatus replaces a program in a broadcast receiving terminal apparatus. A first program is registered so that message transmission is enabled between the first program and a POD (Point of Deployment), the first program having an identifier identifying a program type of the first program. If a second program exists in a broadcast receiving terminal apparatus, the second program is notified that message transmission between the second program and the POD is to be terminated. The method receives approval for terminating the message transmission between the second program and the POD, from the second program, terminates the message transmission between the second program and the POD, and notifies the first program that message transmission between the first program and the POD has been enabled.

Abstract: A method is provided for downloading software to first and second devices. A request is received for a service that is to be implemented on the first and second devices and which is to be interoperable between the first and second devices. An identification of the first and second devices is received. Based in part on the identifications that are received, a first software image is identified for implementing the service on the first device and at least a second software image is identified for implementing the service on the second device such that the first and second images implement the services on their respective devices in a manner that is interoperable with one another. The first software image is provided to a first download server configured to download software images to the first device over a first communications network.

Abstract: This broadcasting receiver includes a power supply portion supplying power, a power receptacle portion capable of being connected with a power plug of a peripheral device, a switch portion for making a connection and disconnection between the power supply portion and the power receptacle portion and a control portion. The control portion controls the switch portion to make a disconnection between the power supply portion and the power receptacle portion when having determined that it is not necessary to supply power to the peripheral device.

Abstract: A program replacing method capable of updating a program by executing a temporarily downloaded program without deleting an existing program, as well as being capable of easily restoring such existing program. When a function not equipped to the existing program is required to be added, the program replacing method downloads a program so that it can be executed concurrently with the existing program.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus connectable to a TV receiver via a digital image interface, including: a display device; a plurality of image output terminals including a digital image output terminal associated with the digital image interface; an image output selection section configured to select an image output terminal for output to the TV receiver from the plurality of image output terminals; and an image output section configured to output image data of an image being displayed on the display device and control data for control of the TV receiver to the TV receiver through the selected digital image output terminal, the image output section configured to generate the control data based on an operation state of the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Method, system and computer-readable medium to distribute VOD content are disclosed. A method of displaying video content includes accessing an association table for video-on-demand (VOD) content. The association table includes a first segment entry associated with a first video segment of a first length and a second segment entry associated with a second video segment of a second length that is longer than the first length. The first segment entry includes a first multicast group ID and the second segment entry includes a second multicast group ID. The method further includes receiving the first video segment via the first multicast group ID, displaying the received first video segment, and receiving the second video segment via the second multicast group ID within a period of time of displaying the first video segment.

Abstract: Disclosed are augmenting content generating apparatus and method, augmented broadcasting transmission apparatus and method, and augmented broadcasting reception apparatus: An augmented broadcasting transmission apparatus includes: a broadcasting content generation unit that generates broadcasting content; a metadata generation unit that generates metadata acquiring at least one sensing information using at least one sensor and outputting sensor related augmenting content based on the acquired sensing information; and a control unit that controls transmission by performing multiplexing based on the broadcasting content and the metadata.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a method of processing signals in a digital broadcast receiving apparatus. The method of processing signals in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus further includes: extracting information about at least one widget, associated with a current broadcast program, from streaming data received through a broadcast network; installing the at least one widget in the digital broadcast receiving device on the basis of the extracted information; and executing the installed widget using input data installed in the streaming data of the current broadcast program.

Abstract: It is possible for the content distribution side to control the conditions of target viewers for distributions without depending on the functions specific to a receiver. Content which is broadcast, a content profile, and a program are received. In an initial step of the program, prestored viewer profile information is read. All the content profiles and the contents are downloaded temporarily. Next, the profile information is read, and then a process of matching the profile information with the viewer profile information is performed. When it is determined that they do not match, a matching process for the next content profile is performed. If, on the other hand, they match, at the next step, the content is stored. The viewer reproduces the stored content at an appropriate time.

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: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.

Abstract: A system for presenting media programs is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a multimedia system having a controller element to receive a request from a set-top box (STB) for an emulator that emulates a user interface of a media player, wherein the request identifies the media player, retrieve the emulator according to the identification of the media player, and transmit to the STB the emulator for emulating the user interface of the media player by way of the STB. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A set top box 22 includes a communication module 102 receiving a remote control configuration database having a remote control associated therewith. The set top box 22 further includes a display control module 116 forming a screen display in response to the remote control configuration database. An interface 110 forms selections in response to the screen display and a display control module displays programming instructions for the remote control.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus with improved start-up speed and a start-up method for the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus are provided. The start-up method for the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus includes performing a booting operation related to a central processing unit (CPU) when the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus is powered on, performing a channel decoding operation related to a channel to be displayed while the CPU booting is being performed, and displaying the channel decoded by the channel decoding operation when the CPU booting and the channel decoding are finished. Accordingly, the start-up time of the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A media stream processing method, a communication system, and a relevant device are disclosed, so as to improve the user experience. The method includes the following steps: a first media receiving device receives media streams, where the media streams include a first media stream and a second media stream; and the first media receiving device processes the first media stream quickly and plays the second media stream normally so that media play progress of the first media receiving device is synchronous with media play progress of the second media receiving device, where the second media receiving device is configured to receive multicast media streams, and the first media receiving device and the second media receiving device are in the same multicast group. A communication system and a relevant device are also disclosed herein. In this way, the user experience is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interactive service and a method and apparatus for performing communication are provided. An Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) application may be directly executed in at least one broadcasting receiving apparatus by determining whether an application for providing the interactive service is independently executable using middleware installed in the broadcasting receiving apparatus and selectively requesting a set-top box to provide data needed for executing the application based on the determination result.

Abstract: A media content receiver receives a message including an address. The receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the media content receiver. Additionally, if a removable circuit device is installed in the receiver, the receiver processes the address to determine whether the address is associated with the installed removable circuit device. If the address is associated with the media content receiver, the receiver processes the message. If the address is associated with the removable circuit device, the receiver transfers the message to the removable circuit device, which then processes the message.

Abstract: A set-top box may include a storage unit, input/output (I/O) unit configured to communicate with a network node of a service provider over a communications network, memory unit, and a processing unit in communication with the storage unit, I/O unit, and memory unit. A user control panel module may be executed by the processing unit and configured to cause the processing unit to present a graphical user interface to a user to control access to one or more content stores of a content mall operating on the network node. A service provider control panel module may be executed by the processing unit and be configured to cause the processing unit to enable the communications service provider to control operation of the processing unit. A codec module may be executed by the processing unit and configured to enable the processing unit to display content downloaded from a content store of the content mall.

Abstract: A method of transmission of application data (97) in a digital transport stream characterized in providing an application data table (110) containing information regarding the applications (97) carried in each service (91, 92) within the transport stream. The application data table (110) may conveniently be designated by a fixed PID value and a TID extension value varying in dependence on the bouquet of services chosen. The use of a single application data table to provide information across all services within a bouquet provides a number of advantages, in particular when deciding whether or not to maintain certain applications when switching between services.

Abstract: Presented here is a method of operating video services receivers in a network that includes a controller device and at least one member device. Also presented is a controller device that facilitates the method. The method obtains network configuration data at a first video services receiver, where the network configuration data is utilized by the first video services receiver to support data communication with the controller device and the at least one member device. The method continues by establishing a data communication link between the first video services receiver and the controller device, and uploading the network configuration data from the first video services receiver to the controller device via the data communication link. The controller device can thereafter be used to download the network configuration data to a second video services receiver.

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: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with a modem. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The modem may be integral to the terminal or may be provided as a hardware upgrade unit or expansion card connected to the terminal to modularly enhance the functionality of the terminal. The modem enables the terminal to communicate with interactive services and on-line databases, including services and databases outside of the television program delivery system. The services and databases may provide home shopping, airline reservations, news, financial information, classified advertisements, home banking, and/or interactive teletext.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating set top box software from a resident software version stored in a memory of the set-top box to a current software version is disclosed. The method comprises the step of automatically checking to determine if the resident software version is the current software version, and downloading data comprising at least a portion of the current software version if the resident software version is not the current software version.

Abstract: A distributed computer system, as for transmitting and receiving executable multimedia applications, includes a source of a continuous data stream repetitively transfering data representing a distributed computing application and a client computer, receiving the data stream, for extracting the distributed computing application representative data from the data stream, and executing the extracted distributed computing application.