Abstract: An access point for a home network is provided. The access point includes a processor circuit. When executing software, the processor circuit is configured to receive media stream data from a media source external to the access point. Further, the processor circuit is configured to generate output data for a display device based on the received media stream data. The access point also includes an output interface for connecting to the display device. The output interface is configured to output the output data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A user of an initiating device is identified. Profile information for the identified user is located. The initiating device includes a display for presenting content to the user. An indication is received from an application running on the initiating device of an intent by the user to receive a first content item on a separate but co-located presentation device having enhanced presentation characteristics for presenting content. Additional content items are selected for delivery along with the first content item. The selection includes identifying a second different content item based on the profile information for the identified user and the enhanced presentation characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for automatic generation and convergence of keywords and/or keyphrases from a media. A method disclosed herein includes analyzing at least one source of the media to obtain at least one text, wherein the at least one source includes at least one audio portion and at least one visual portion. The method further includes extracting at least one keyword of a plurality of keywords from the extracted at least one text. The method further includes generating at least one keyphrase of a plurality of keyphrases for the extracted at least one keyword. The method further includes merging at least one of the at least one keyword and the at least one keyphrase to generate a plurality of elements from the media, wherein the plurality of elements includes context dependent set of at least one of the plurality of keywords and the plurality of keyphrases.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a channel device includes a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory stores a watch list. The watch list includes n predetermined number of channels, wherein n is an integer and the predetermined number of channels are ranked from one to n. The interface is configured to receive program information for a first channel, wherein the first channel is a channel of a watch list. The processor is further configured to determine a change from a previous channel to a current channel. The processor dynamically updates the watch list to include the previous channel, wherein the previous channel is ranked as one. The processor removes the channel ranked as n from the watch list.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are provided to facilitate content receiver control for particularized output of content items based on intra-content metrics. Observation data, corresponding to indications of detected content receiver operations associated with a content receiver and mapped to a first set of content items, may be processed. A first set of intra-content metrics may be detected. An audiovisual pattern of intra-content metrics may be mapped based on correlating the set of observation data with the first set of intra-content metrics. A second set of content items may be processed to detect a second set of intra-content metrics. A subset of the second set of content items may be selected based on a visual category and/or an audio category of the audiovisual pattern of intra-content metrics. The subset may be specified to cause a content receiver to modify operations to record and/or output content corresponding to the subset.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving device for receiving AV contents, the receiving device including: an obtaining section configured to obtain a description document described in a program language for displaying contents from a server present on a network connected with the receiving device; a determining section configured to determine whether the obtained the description document is obtained from a first server managed on a broadcaster side broadcasting the AV contents; and a controlling section configured to control execution of the obtained the description document according to a result of determination by the determining section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and associated apparatus for reducing the time required to scan an incoming satellite transmission power spectrum for available signals and to determine the characteristics of those signals. The frequency range of interest is scanned in narrow slices to determine approximate input power within each slice. Center frequencies and symbol rates of individual transponders are then estimated based upon these input power approximations.

Abstract: Methods of reporting Audience Measurement System (AMS) viewership events on a client device and systems implementing the method are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving at least one event message on a client device, wherein each event message is a data signal indicating an occurrence of an event, processing the at least one event message on the client device to create an AMS viewership report, and transmitting the AMS viewership report.

Abstract: A system and process is provided in which original video or dialog content is securely received from the content owner. Subtitle language data is derived, translated, stored and served on a separate database for synchronous playback with the content in video streaming, downloading or online TV following the activation of an option by the end user through a media player.

Abstract: A display device and a method of upgrading the same are disclosed. The display device, such as a Smart TV, may include a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the received broadcast signal, a decoder for decoding the demultiplexed broadcast signal, and a display for displaying the decoded broadcast signal. The display device may also include an external device interface for receiving upgrade data from an upgrade device. A controller may be configured to process the received broadcast signal for display on the display and to upgrade the display device using the received upgrade data. The upgrade data may include at least one function. A control module may be configured to assign the at least one function to at least one of the upgrade device or the controller to execute the function on the display device.

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: A method may include receiving an enhanced television (ETV) application in a video client over a first data path and executing the ETV application in the video client. In one embodiment, the ETV application may include an enhanced television binary interchange format (EBIF) resource. The method may also include extracting, from the EBIF resource, an identifier of an extension application and requesting the identified extension application. The method may include receiving the extension application, over a second data path different than the first data path and executing the extension application.

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: 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: 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 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 Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) system and method of providing content therein are provided. A legacy media player displays a content list for content stored in the legacy media player or in an add-in server, and when a content item is selected from the list, the legacy media player determines whether the content item is reproducible by a registered digital media renderer. If the selected content item is reproducible by the registered digital media renderer, the legacy media player transmits a reproducing request for the selected content item, and the corresponding digital media renderer receives and reproduces the selected content.

Abstract: A display system comprising: a display apparatus which comprises a first data processor to perform a first data processing, an output unit to output the processed data, at least one first signal connector to transmit and receive data and a first controller to control the first data processor; and an upgrading apparatus which comprises at least one second signal connector connected to the first signal connector to connect the display apparatus from the outside, a second data processor to perform a second data processing, and a second controller to control the second data processor. The first data processor and the second data processor perform the data processing independently.

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: 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 TV control device, for an external TV device includes a storage unit storing a user identification code and user setting data corresponding to the user identification code, and a wireless communication unit transmitting a control signal to the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data, wherein the external TV device determines a TV setting of the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data when the external TV device receives the control signal.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media content processor (MCP) having a controller to detect a communication device roaming into a personal area network, receive a communication identifier from the communication device, authenticate the communication device responsive to validating the communication identifier, and enable the communication device to manage operations of the MCP according to a profile of a subscriber of the communication device responsive to a successful authentication of the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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 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 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: An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface having available content. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the available content from the ordering interactive interface and communicates the content selection to a content processing system. The content processing system generates an unencrypted control word comprising instructions for locating the available content from a user device and communicates the unencrypted control word to the user device. The user device receives the unencrypted control word to enable storing the available content corresponding to the content selection in response to the instructions contained in the unencrypted control word and stores the available content in a storage device of the user device.

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 screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of upgrading software in a digital broadcasting receiver are provided. The apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives upgrade information including information on versions of a plurality of modules included in the software and information on an upgrading method, and an upgrading unit which performs the upgrading of the software according to the upgrade information by using upgrade data. Accordingly, only the modules which need upgrading can be selectively upgraded, so that it is possible to increase the efficiency of the upgrading.

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

Abstract: An analog television signal data delivery system provides a television program, called a data show, that is transmitted across standard television broadcast methods to data needy client systems, such as settop boxes, at certain times of the day. When the data show is recorded and specially demodulated it provides the client system with raw digital data to perform required or enhanced functions. Binary digital data is modulated into each frame of the data show. Each of the 480 scan lines in a frame have data modulated into it. Each scan line in the frame contains two bytes which yields 28800 bytes/sec. This high transfer rate results in an efficient data transfer method that is cost effective and easily broadcast. Another preferred embodiment of the invention designates some regions of the active video picture to contain visible images and other regions of the active picture to contain data. The non-data portions can be placed anywhere on the viewable frame.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to indicate the availability of an update for an MHP application, which is modified only periodically, to the user of a set top box, while helping him or her to decide whether the modified update is actually required and optionally still maintaining the availability of the older update without restrictions. To achieve this, information concerning the scope and/or type of modification in relation to the older version is provided in the transmitted version number for the modified MHP application. The set top box starts the saved older version if special information exists (“launchable with older version” flag) and permits a comparison of the version number with the received version number of the modified MHP application as to whether the modifications of the modified MHP application are of such significance that the modified version must be received and saved in the cache memory.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.

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: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for communication between a mobile phone and a TV set. The method comprises the following steps of: generating standard RGB signals by an LCD controller in a central processing unit (CPU) of the mobile phone; transmitting the RGB signals to an LCD of the mobile phone and a TV-OUT chip simultaneously; enabling the TV-OUT chip to receive and recognize the RGB signals through configuration of commands; carrying out video conversion on the RGB signals by the TV-OUT chip to output standard AV signals; and transmitting the AV signals to a display of the TV set via a dock. With this disclosure, information on the LCD screen of the mobile phone can be transmitted to the display of the TV set.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver and a communication interface. The receiver is adapted to tune to an audio/video portion over a transport medium. The communication interface is adapted to receive announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video content directed to a first addressable location and to receive a special announcement directed to the first addressable location. The special announcement indicates availability of the announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video program, and the announcement data is associated with the tuned audio/video content and indicates enhancement data is being transmitted. The controller is adapted to redirect the announcement data to a second addressable location other than the first addressable location in response to the special announcement.

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 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 client-server based enterprise network system providing network services and applications to administer, manage, control access to, and use a plurality of programmable electronic display devices and systems is disclosed. The enterprise network system may include client-server network system configurations and methods to enable a plurality of enterprise users to expeditiously, efficiently and securely access and use enterprise network resources and capabilities, including provisioning of graphical display content on a plurality of programmable electronic display systems sited locally, regionally, globally or in combination thereof. The enterprise network system and the network services and capabilities here disclosed, may be accessed through Web-enabled applications with Internet/Web browsers, which enable users to access network services and capabilities from any Internet/Web-enabled computer or workstation from any location.

Abstract: A virtual set-top box (vSTB) for executing a middleware component, designed originally for use with the physical STB, including emulating hardware capabilities of the physical STB to process IPTV content received over a connection for presenting the IPTV content on a display of the electronic device.