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 system and method of providing access to content of an interrupted digital broadcast is disclosed. A digital broadcast connection is established between a digital broadcast provider and at least one receiver. The digital broadcast connection is monitored and upon detecting an interruption in the digital broadcast connection, content of the interrupted digital broadcast signal is stored. A message is sent to the at least one receiver to indicate that the content of the interrupted digital broadcast signal is available.

Abstract: A fast channel change (FFC) system including a tuner arrangement to receive at least one transport stream including an aggregated video service (AVS) and TV channels, each video frame of the AVS including some video data of each channel, a demultiplexer arrangement to demultiplex a first channel and the AVS, a FCC buffer to buffer the video frames of the AVS, a decoder arrangement to decode the first channel, a controller to instruct the decoder arrangement to switch from decoding the first channel to decoding the AVS from the FCC buffer, and a graphic engine to extract the video data of a second channel from the AVS yielding a full-screen video, and output the full-screen video to a display device, wherein the controller is operative to instruct the decoder arrangement to switch from decoding the AVS to decoding the second channel. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for implementing distributed infrastructure are provided. In some techniques, a plurality of user devices, each at a customer premises, can provide video calling services over a network. In some embodiments, each of one or more user devices might be established as a distributed infrastructure element for cloud computing, cloud-based application hosting, and/or cloud-based data storage. One or more software applications, customer data, and/or media content (collectively, “hosted content”) might be provided to the one or more user devices for hosting thereon. Resource usage information and/or network connectivity information might be collected for each user device, and suitability of a user device to host the hosted content might be determined based at least in part on the collected resource usage information and/or network connectivity information. One or more courses of action may be determined, and invoked, based on performance metrics of the user devices.

Abstract: A broadcast programming receiver is provided which includes a broadcast programming interface, a memory, a communication network interface, and output circuitry. The broadcast programming interface is configured to receive broadcast programming, while the output circuitry is configured to transfer the broadcast programming to an output device. The memory is configured to store data related to the broadcast programming. In one embodiment, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data related to the broadcast programming over a communication network from a second broadcast programming receiver and transfer the data to the memory. In another implementation, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data from the memory and send the data over the communication network to a second broadcast programming receiver.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that involve copying recorded content from a host device (e.g., a PVR) to a portable device. A storage medium within the portable device may include a portion that is assigned to store desired content received from the host device. Allocation of this portion may be based on a user selection. In embodiments, content may be automatically copied (“synchronized”) from the host device to the portable device. This copying may be based on various factors, such as previous synchronization and/or outputting activities.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiving apparatus includes a receiver having a plurality of tuners, a storage configured to store an image received by the receiver and a controller configured to control at least one of the tuners that does not tune to a currently viewed image out of the plurality of tuners, to alternately tune a plurality of channels for preset time, and controls the storage to store a channel information image corresponding to respective channels based on an image tuned to by the at least one tuner.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for associating remote controls and televisions. More specifically, the present invention permits delivery of television programming to multiple televisions from a television converter device. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

Abstract: A video transmitter apparatus for transmitting video information to a video receiver apparatus, comprises: a compressor portion for compressing the video signal; and a transmitter portion for transmitting the video information compressed in the compressor portion, wherein the compressor portion and the transmitter portion are controlled, upon basis of a condition of displaying the video information on the video receiver apparatus. And, a video receiver apparatus for receiving video information, which is transmitted from a video transmitter apparatus, comprises: a receiver portion for receiving the video signal; a processor portion for processing the video information, which is received by the receiver portion; and a display portion for displaying the video information, which is processed in the processor portion, wherein a display condition of the video information on the display portion is transmitted to the video transmitter apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: A method and system includes a central location 100 registering a portable device 36 with a central location 100 and generating a conditional access signal corresponding to the portable device 36 in response to registering and transmitting the conditional access signal to a storage device controller. A set top box or storage device controller 28 receives the conditional access signal and enables a transfer of a file. The portable device 36 receives the file when coupled to the set top box in response to the conditional access signal.

Abstract: A method and a system for video collection management are provided. The method and the system can gather related videos in a network, classify the videos into multiple channels and recommend the channels to be viewed by the user. The method and the system can check the videos of the channels periodically to determine whether the videos are valid or invalid and search for other videos to replace the invalid videos. The method and the system also provide continuous, cross-apparatus and cross-channel video replay.

Abstract: Video data signals are encoded such that the encoded video data signal includes at least a primary and at least a secondary video data signal. The primary and secondary video data signals are jointly compressed. The primary video data signal is compressed in a self-contained manner, and the secondary video data signal is compressed using data from the primary video data signal. The jointly compressed video data signal is split into separate bitstreams, at least a primary bitstream including data for the primary video data signal and at least a secondary bitstream including data for the secondary video data signal. The primary and secondary bitstreams are multiplexed into a multiplexed signal, and the primary and secondary signals are provided with separate codes.

Abstract: A set top box is provided that has a low profile modular configuration that enables the control unit and storage unit to function independently from each other or as a combined unit. The set top box includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a connector positioned there between. The storage unit includes a housing and a plurality of storage bays for receiving storage modules having two parallel broad sides. The connector is positioned between the control unit and the storage unit and secures the control and storage units together. The connector has a vertical peripheral cross section substantially the same as a vertical peripheral cross section of the control unit and the storage unit.

Abstract: An electronic system includes: a communication unit configured to provide a transport stream; a storage unit, coupled to the communication unit, configured to provide a stream from the transport stream; and a control unit, coupled to the storage unit, configured to restore details to the stream by a compression adaptive module for a high resolution output.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for assembling and extracting command and control data. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the command and control data is segmented and inserted into multiple packet headers. The header packets are identified by flags such as “First portion,” “Middle portion,” “Last portion,” or “Null Byte.” When a receiver extracts the command and control data from the headers, it tracks the flags associated with the headers. The command and control data is saved to buffer in association with its associated flag. The receiver uses the flags to determine when all command and control data headers have been received. The command and control data is then reconstructed and used to decrypt audio visual content.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver includes receiving a signaling information table including additional information on contents configuring a non-real time service and a content identifier for each content, acquiring the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content from the signaling information table, storing contents being downloaded through a FLUTE or an internet in a storage medium, based upon the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content, and displaying a list of recordings including the contents stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: Storage management technology, in which a system determines a first amount of storage space on a downloader device of a user that is available for download of new content made available on channels subscribed to by the user. The system also determines a second amount of storage space needed to download new content that has been made available on channels subscribed to by the user. The system further compares the second amount of storage space to the first amount of storage space and determines whether the second amount of storage space exceeds the first amount of storage space. Based on a determination that the second amount of storage space exceeds the first amount of storage space, the system controls downloading of the new content to the downloader device and deletion of previously-stored content on the downloader device based on a content allocation policy.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording application state information over time while simultaneous recording application streaming interactive video output. A playback means in which the recorded application video may be played back or the application may be re-executed with the application state information.

Abstract: A broadcasting method and a broadcast signal receiving apparatus is provided wherein auxiliary information, such as video and audio data for supplementing broadcast information presented through a broadcasting network in an interlocked manner can be watched and listened to by the viewer. Broadcast information received from a broadcasting network is temporarily stored in a storage means of a broadcast signal receiving apparatus and a recording medium for storing auxiliary information used as a supplement to the broadcast information is mounted on the broadcast signal receiving apparatus. The broadcast information and the auxiliary information are then played back in an interlocked manner with a predetermined timing. As a result, a function to present information which cannot be accommodated in a broadcast frame and a parental function can be implemented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system, and a computer program product for delivering content to a communication device, in response to an image sent by the communication device. The received image is matched with a plurality of images, and, when a match is found for the received image, content corresponding to the image is delivered to the communication device. The plurality of images is stored in an image database, and the corresponding content is stored in a content repository. The present invention enables a content provider to automatically update the image database and the content repository without any human intervention.

Abstract: The METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR A PEER-TO-PEER CACHE CONTENT REPLACER (“P2PCCR”) rates the value of storing specified existing content and replaces the lowest rated existing content with the requested new content. In one embodiment, a method for content replacement that may be used in a peer to peer video on demand system is described. The method includes receiving a request for new content, obtaining usage and availability data, determining a value rating based on the usage and availability data, and replacing lowest value rated content with said new content.

Abstract: An information receiving apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores data; a data acquisition unit that acquires distribution data that are received via the communication unit and stores the distribution data in a prescribed storage area of the storage unit that is determined in advance; and a control unit that, prior to the communication unit receiving the distribution data, performs a storage area securing process that secures a storage area by deleting data that are stored in the prescribed storage area of the storage unit or by transferring the data to another storage area of the storage unit.

Abstract: Of the types of content included in a broadcast signal, a type of content different from broadcast content is selectively stored. A broadcast signal reception block receives a broadcast signal of a selected channel. A display control block controls such that broadcast content included in the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal reception block is displayed on a display block. If storage content that is content identified to be stored is included in the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal reception block, then a storage content output block outputs this storage content to a storage block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and system for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) set-top box network having a head-end unit and a set-top box having diagnostics software. The diagnostics software stored in the set-top box enables the head-end unit to remotely query the set-top box about the current condition of the set-top box and, as a result, reduces the necessity of service calls and/or shipping charges that would otherwise be required. The diagnostics software generates data is response to a set-top box identification request, a software version request, a check television connections request, a check I/O ports request, a check HPNA networking request, a check USB request, a check system ICs request, a check DSL connection request, a check error codes request, a read warranty clock request, a read hours of operation request, and a perform default test request received from the head-end.

Abstract: A method is provided for a reception apparatus to store non-real-time (NRT) content. The method includes receiving, by the reception apparatus, the NRT content included in a digital television broadcast signal broadcast from a content source. The received NRT content, included in the digital television broadcast signal broadcast from the content source, is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus. The reception apparatus outputs the NRT content stored in the memory for presentation to a user. The reception apparatus receives a request to store the NRT content in an external device and, in response, sends an instruction via a communication network to store the NRT content in the external device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to store a policy specifying at least one rule relating to recording, storage or delivery of broadcast programming to a consumer of such programming, and to record, store or deliver broadcast programming in response to at least one of the rules in the policy. According to another example embodiment, a method and system provide for a subscriber requesting that at least one broadcast television program be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and further that the at least one program offered to the subscriber for saving is determined based on a policy established for the at least program.

Abstract: Reproduction of digital data using a fallback mechanism is disclosed. The digital data can be reproduced in a first mode and in an at least second mode, the operability of a selected mode is monitored and in a situation of failure, a switching between the mode in which a failure is detected to a mode which is operable can be made, so that least some functionality is ensured. An apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus being operable in a first mode where the digital data is accessed in a first format, and the apparatus being operable in an at least second mode where the digital data is accessed in at least a second format. Also a system, a method, a computer readable code and a data stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A system measures a frequency with which a user views a television program and identifies the television program as one of the user's favorite programs based on the measured frequency. The system automatically records, without intervention of the user, the one of the user's favorite programs.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: A multi-platform television comprises at least one television signal interface to receive premium television services from at least two different television service providers. The television further comprises a programmable conditional access system to enable conditional access to the premium television services received by the at least one television signal interface from the at least two different service providers.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver includes receiving a signaling information table including additional information on contents configuring a non-real time service and a content identifier for each content, acquiring the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content from the signaling information table, storing contents being downloaded through a FLUTE or an internet in a storage medium, based upon the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content, and displaying a list of recordings including the contents stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: A television menu system generates a television menu that is context sensitive based upon a service currently being provided to a user. In one implementation, a type of television service currently being viewed by a user determines whether particular menu items are presented to the user. In another implementations, determining which channel is being provided dictates whether particular menu options are included.

Abstract: Three contiguous segments of video data are kept in video cache memory for streaming video data to a host application from a video file in data storage. For example, three buffers are allocated in the cache memory for each video stream, and at any given time during sequential access, a particular one of the three buffers is a middle buffer from which pre-fetched data is streamed to the host application. For forward or backward streaming, the buffers also include a backward buffer as well as a forward buffer on opposite sides of the middle buffer. In order to simplify the assembling of the buffers, a shift or rotation of the roles of the buffers and an asynchronous pre-fetch for continuance of a stream or for a switched direction of a stream is triggered by the cache state of the offset requested by the video application.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to eliminate a scheduled recording of a targeted media program, where the scheduled recording is a redundant recording of the targeted media program that is determined based upon monitoring of recordings of media programs by a group of set top boxes in communication with each other over a network, where another set top box of the group of set top boxes is designated as a host set top box to record the targeted media program, and where the controller is provided access to the targeted media program by the host set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A client terminal to provide a video program on demand to a client is connected to a video distribution system and a display device. The video distribution system (VDS) broadcasts a video program to the client terminal including an initial program segment (IPS) and a remaining program segment (RPS). The IPS is broadcast during a first broadcast time interval (FBTI) and the RPS is repetetively broadcast during a second broadcast time interval (SBTI). A terminal controller of the client terminal is responsive to a video control program. During the FBTI, the terminal controller records the IPS in a local memory. During the SBTI, the terminal controller selects the video program in response to a user input and displays the recorded IPS. Further, the terminal controller receives the RPS from the VDS and records it in the local memory. After displaying the recorded IPS, the terminal controller displays the recorded RPS.

Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods to decrease a size of a memory in a low-latency video communication system are described. A control unit is configured to monitor a condition associated with at the communication link. The control unit is configured to receive the video content over a link based on monitoring. A memory comprising a full-frame buffer is coupled to the control unit. The full-frame buffer is configured as a history buffer to store a full frame of the video in a coding format that matches the coding format of the video content received over the link. A display unit is coupled to the history buffer. A portion of the full-frame buffer is configured as a network streaming buffer.

Abstract: A method of receiving and process a broadcast signal including a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing a broadcast signal including a Non-Real Time (NRT) service, the method comprises receiving and processing a signaling information table including access information of the NRT service, receiving and storing data of the NRT service based on the signaling information table in non-real time, extracting access information of additional information relating to the NRT service from the signaling information table, and downloading the additional information relating to the NRT service based on the extracted access information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: Wireless and internet broadcasts can carry in-band digital information though use of watermark technology. This digital information can be used to direct a user to a particular internet site or resident application for supplemental or complimentary information, entertainment, merchandising, and commerce opportunities.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: Auditing systems and methods detect access authorization of a media device for a service during an audit. An exemplary embodiment receives an audit trigger at a media device communicating the service to a media presentation device, determines whether the media device is authorized to communicate the service to the media presentation device, and communicates a security watermark from the media device to the media presentation device. The security watermark is displayed on a display of the media presentation device and indicates authorization to access the service to an auditor performing the audit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time.

Abstract: A distributed stream processing system including a plurality of storage devices, at least one of which is configured to process at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and provide output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and a server configured to accept the output of the storage devices and combine the output into a transport stream. A method for combining a plurality of data streams including using one or more storage devices for processing at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and providing output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and combining the output of the storage devices into a combined data stream. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated set-top box. In one embodiment, the up-stream path and the down-stream path are integrated on a common semiconductor substrate. The down-stream path can include a TV tuner and a digital receiver portion that is integrated on the common semiconductor substrate with a power amplifier of the up-stream path. In another embodiment, the TV tuner is implemented on a first semiconductor substrate and the digital receiver portion and the power amplifier are configured on a second semiconductor substrate. However, the two substrates are mounted on a common carrier so that the set-top box appears to be a single chip configuration to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping, filtering and/or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the audio/video stream. The text data is processed using location information that references a segment of the text data of the first audio/video stream to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location within the first audio/video stream is utilized to identify portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped during presentation. The portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the audio/video stream, and some of the skipped portions of the audio/video stream are replaced with substitute content. The filtered video stream, including the substitute content, is outputted for presentation to a user.

Abstract: Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system.