Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described.

Abstract: The interface device between a semiconductor storage medium (18) for multimedia contents and a television standard video port comprises a PCMCIA slot (14) and a card reader (16) in a PCMCIA card format which is connectable therewith. A video graphics control unit (42) is connected to a video overlay interface (40) arranged between the PCMCIA slot (14) and the graphics control unit. A RAM memory (44) is allocated to the video graphics control unit (42). A digital-to-analog encoder (50) is arranged between an output of the video graphics control unit (42) and the SCART format television standard video port. The card reader is configured for the particular data format of the semiconductor storage medium (18) and transfers the data read out of the semiconductor storage medium (18) to the video overlay interface (40) in a data format suitable for the latter.

Abstract: A method and system for content management, for example for managing content-rich services such as video on demand or news-feeds, includes a content-definition schema (10) comprising a plurality of content definitions (12). The stored definitions automatically configure a user interface (26,28) for the receipt of content, as well as automatically controlling content validation which may be carried out both locally and remotely of a content provider (22). The definitions (12) may also automatically configure a content database (20) which stores the content. The content definitions (12) may be modified by means of an administrative tool (40) which allows a relatively unskilled operator (42) to select options from a list.

Abstract: The invention relates to control of signal decoding in a set of subscriber receivers belonging to subscribers of mass distributed coded signals, such as digital satellite channels, which are conveyed via different distribution resources. By means of a central transmission of control signals to the subscriber receivers the decoding therein of the signals can be controlled, such that during certain periods a signal including a content being directed to each subscriber can be decoded in the respective subscriber receiver. Thereby commercial messages and other kinds of controlled or interest defined information can be focused to a relevant target group at the same time as the distribution resources are utilized efficiently.

Abstract: A content receiving apparatus includes a television broadcast receiving circuit. The television broadcast receiving circuit turns on a power of a tuner before a start of a broadcast of a desired television program, and fetches a standard time from a broadcast signal of a television broadcast. As a result, in a case that a local time is delayed than the standard time, information on the delay is stored in a memory. Next, when the standard time is rendered a television program starting time, a switch of the tuner is turned on so as to start recording the television program. Furthermore, an after-recording reproduction is performed from a time that the local time is rendered the television program starting time. This allows a user to watch/listen to the television program while the recording is being continued. In addition, when the user has no time to watch/listen to the television program by the after-recording reproduction, the recording is continued until a television program ending time.

Abstract: A system and method of providing for displaying a full service cable television system. The cable television system is adapted to provide a plurality of different user services. Accordingly, the system and method are designed to allow a user to access services in an efficient memory conserving fashion. Using a plurality of data tables, a cable television system is able to access a plurality of different services including cable channels, interactive program guides, pay per view activation, video on demand and interactive online services such as world wide web browsing and E-mail via their home television set.

Abstract: A television broadcaster (which could be a satellite, cable or terrestrial, digital broadcaster) broadcasts from their broadcast head end via radio waves or a cable, as appropriate, linear digital television content to users' remote terminal digital television receivers or set top boxes. As well as broadcasting the linear television content, the broadcast head end also broadcasts as a continuous loop or carousel, software such as operating system software, application program interface software and television interactivity enabling software, that can be used by the set top boxes. This software is transmitted alongside and/or within the linear television signal, and uses the redundant space that is present in the digital television signal.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention for displaying alerts in a communication network may comprise receiving an alert from a first device coupled to the communication network. A message corresponding to the received alert may be generated within a home and displayed on a television screen within the home. The generated message may be displayed along with a media broadcast on the television screen and an acknowledgment of the displayed message may be received via a user selection. The acknowledgement may be received from a remote control that controls various functions of the television screen. Displaying of the generated message may be terminated upon receiving the acknowledgement or the generated message may be displayed for a predetermined or specified period of time. The alert, which may be received via a wireless and/or a wired connection, may indicate a status of the first and/or a second device.

Abstract: To provide a device capable of determining a delivery destination of an event automatically without requiring choosing operation of an operator. An event entered through an event input means 4 is given to a delivery destination determining means 6 which in turn determines to which of applications AP1, AP2, . . . , APn the given event is to be delivered according to the contents of the event and according to delivery destination determining information stored in a delivery destination determining information storing section, and delivers accordingly. Therefore, the event is delivered to an appropriate application even if the operator does not choose an addressed application.

Abstract: An Internet video broadcasting system providing to broadcasters the ability to simultaneously deliver broadcast-quality, multi-media content to large numbers of viewers using the existing Internet infrastructure while retaining control over the exact timing of display of the content to viewers.

Abstract: Systems and methods of distributing multimedia marketing content and collecting marketing data by generating a plurality of autoloading storage devices, providing a multimedia content serving system, sending the storage devices to remote users, causing automatic linking through a network between remote users and the content serving system, updating the static content of a remote user's storage device such as a CD-ROM or DVD by passing variable data, text, pictures, audio and video through a Local-Area Network or Wide-Area Network such as the Internet and to join that data to the contents of the CD-ROM or DVD in a seamless manner to the CD-ROM or DVD user. Further systems and methods for embedding data collection on a storage device such as a CD-ROM or DVD that is used to pass information through a Local-Area Network or Wide-Area Network, such as the Internet. The data collection forms or variable data are stored on the CD-ROM or DVD in a computer software program.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data to a receiver comprises the steps of transmitting a pre-conditioning signal to the receiver, and beginning to transmit at least one data packet to the receiver within a given period after beginning transmission of the pre-conditioning signal. The preconditioning signal is separate from a leader of the data packet to be transmitted.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for authenticating the right of a user to descramble and view scrambled television channels are provided. The set top box can use newer and faster technology to tune and descramble television channels and the right of the user to descramble those channels is authenticated by periodically examining all the television channels output by a cable box. If the cable box descrambles a particular channel, the right of the user to descramble that channel has been authenticated or verified and the set top box is enabled to descramble the same channel. As an additional security feature, the time base of the television channel output by the cable box can be compared to the time base of the same channel tuned and descrambled with the set top box. If the time bases match, then the right of the user to descramble and view that particular channel is authenticated.

Abstract: The available amount of storage space of a fixed HDD on a CE device is adjustable via a data network. The consumer can upgrade the device via a third party service that remotely control's the HDD's settings.

Abstract: When program data is downloaded through a broadcast wave, the program is prevented from being kept incomplete due to degradation of a reception state. When new program information is detected, a C/N value is observed. It is determined whether the observed C/N value is a specified value or more. If the C/N value is the specified value or more, a program for download control is executed. It is determined whether the download process is ended. The download process is executed until the download process is ended. Since the download process is executed after it is confirmed that the C/N is preferable, a risk that the downloading is interrupted due to degradation of the reception state in the middle of the download process can be avoided.

Abstract: A terminal device, includes: a device driver section for controlling an interface section that is connected to a network; a protocol stack section that is connected to the network via the device driver section based on a communication protocol at higher than or equal to layer3 of OSI; and a middleware section that is interposed between the protocol stack section and the device driver section. If a send request for a frame to be sent is issued from the protocol stack section, the middleware section determines a priority of the send request based on header information at layer2 to layer4 of OSI within the send frame, and outputs the send request to the device driver section according to the priority determined.

Abstract: A method of collecting data in connection with the retrieval of a media file includes the steps of transmitting to a media device (110) an embedded media player page for playing the media file and transmitting a media file identification message to a log server (104). The media file identification message identifies the media file. The log server (104) records that the media file has been selected for play back by a user in a log associated with the media file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating a broadcast interoperable protocol (BIOP) message for effectively generating a broadcast interoperable protocol message in a data/object carousel of a data server. A BIOP message in the conventional art has a problem that the size of data transmitted from a server to a client is large and accordingly the BIOP is generated in a non-effective way. In order to solve the above problem, there is provided a method for generating a BIOP message in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of classifying the series of objects as a module, obtaining an interoperable object reference (IOR) to the objects, and forming the objects in a single broadcast interoperable protocol message. Thus, the BIOP message is easily generated for a large amount of object data, so that the large amount of data can be transmitted to a plurality of clients in real time with ease.

Abstract: an illustrative video apparatus comprises a decoder that decodes video information in a native format, an emulation controller coupled to the decoder, and a network controller coupled to the emulation controller and capable of coupling to an external network. The video apparatus also includes a storage holding an instruction sequence executable on the emulation controller. The instruction sequence comprises a code for receiving network information from the external network and converting the network information to the native format for transfer to the decoder.

Abstract: A program configuration management apparatus restores the configuration of programs in the receiving apparatus to an original state if programs downloaded for version-up contain bugs. The program configuration management apparatus includes a program download unit for downloading programs via communication channels, a program management unit for storing the downloaded programs as well as previous versions of the downloaded programs into an object storing unit, and a history information management unit for storing history information concerning the downloaded programs into a history information storing unit. On receiving a previous version reinstallation designation for a specific program from a broadcast center, the program management unit validates a previous version of the specific program stored in the object storing unit by referring to the history information storing unit via the history information management unit.

Abstract: An interactive television ticker is generated is based implicit or explicit user profiling. For tickers based on explicit profiling, a viewer creates a profile that includes information about that viewer (such as gender, income, occupation, address, interests, hobbies, and the like). Based on this explicitly created profile information, only ticker information that matches the profile information is selected and presented in the ticker. In another embodiment, the viewer creates a profile that explicitly selects from among a plurality of available pre-defined tickers. For tickers based on implicit profiling, various viewer behavior and service utilization data can be collected and analyzed to determine the information to scroll in the ticker, without the viewer having to explicitly provide such data. Examples of viewer behavior data can include, but not be limited to, channels watched, programs watched, products purchased, web sites accessed, television and Internet surfing habits, and so forth.

Abstract: A television converter system (16) comprises a receiver (94) for receiving a transmission signal from a transmission signal source. A processor (24) in the converter is capable of executing a plurality of independently executable application programs. A first one of the plurality of programs has a focused execution state. The remaining one or more application programs have a defocused execution state. The processor generates an application program output signal from the application program that currently has the focused execution state. An output provides either the transmission signal or the application program output signal for display on a television display. An input is received, requesting a transfer of focus from the first one of the plurality of programs to a second one of the plurality of application programs. The focus is transferred from the first application program to the second one of the plurality of programs for display on the television display.

Abstract: Method, system, and program product for providing a content distribution method that enables the capability of controlling a content reproduction. Specifically, by distributing active metadata for controlling content reproduction, a user receiver can reproduce the content with a plurality of contents combined using descriptors included in the active metadata, skip the content partially, or restrict viewing of the content. The active metadata is updatable and the updating of the active metadata can be individually generated for each user on the basis of user information retained in the service provider server, thereby providing a good command of controlling the content for each user.

Abstract: In delivering an entertainment program over a communications network, e.g., a cable TV network, interactive application data for realizing interactive features in the entertainment program are interjected into the program stream carrying the entertainment program on an as needed basis. Because the entire channel bandwidth is temporarily dedicated for transmission of the interactive application data, whose amount is relatively small compared with that of the video and audio data of the programming content, the interactive application data when transmitted appears as a short “burst,” causing a virtually unnoticeable interruption in the programming content delivery.

Abstract: A CATV system including a CATV network, a multiplicity of subscriber units, apparatus for transmitting over said CATV network encrypted information individually addressed to a subscriber unit and apparatus associated with each of said multiplicity of subscriber units for decoding the encrypted information addressed thereto.

Abstract: A method for providing data to a plurality of people in a captive audience during an event comprises providing a limited range wireless network, renting a plurality of PDA devices to a plurality of people attending the event, loading software into the plurality of PDA devices to permit the PDA devices to receive data from the wireless network, transmitting data to the plurality of rented PDA devices from the wireless network during the event, and collecting the plurality of PDA devices after the event.

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: A method for processing digital images and displaying them on a television receiver is provided. Initially, an image processing device receives digital image data from a digital camera or other digital device. Next, the digital image is stored on a storage device associated with the image processing device. This digital image on the storage device is converted into television signals and supplied to a television receiver where it can be displayed. Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing these images.

Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes receiving unit for receiving a television broadcast, instruction unit for instructing change of a receiving channel of the receiving unit, and control unit for, in response to the instruction of channel change by the instruction unit, comparing an ending time of a program being broadcasted on a first channel which is being received by the receiving unit and an ending time of a program being broadcasted on a second channel after the change, and controlling a channel change operation of the receiving unit based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the delivery of assets and/or content to set top terminals within a heterogeneous information distribution system based on graphics and/or processing capability of set top terminals receiving the assets and/or content.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, methods, and systems for effectuating an increase in the effective bandwidth of a cable television distribution plant in a manner compatible with most common cable television systems. By using methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting a standard analog television signal and a digital data signal in a manner that minimizes interference of each with the other, one or more data carriers may be embedded within one or more analog television channels in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. These combined signals can be transmitted transparently over the existing cable television distribution plant to a location at or near the subscribers so that, among other things, that the subscriber may “pause and resume” much in the way Personal Video Recorders work.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the provision of streaming media content in existing video delivery systems are provided. Streaming media content may be delivered over an existing video delivery system by (1) downloading a streaming media player to a consumer device and processing the streaming media content for delivery over the existing delivery network for decoding and display by the player; and/or (2) transcoding the streaming media content for display on a consumer device and delivering the transcoded streaming media content over the existing delivery network to the consumer device. Processing of the streaming media content may comprise encapsulating the streaming media content in an MPEG-2 transport stream for delivery over the existing network. Transcoding of the streaming media content may comprise converting the content from an original format to another format compatible with the consumer device and/or a player resident at the consumer device, such as an MPEG-2 program stream.

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

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

Abstract: A multimedia stream incorporating interactive support for multiple types of subscriber terminals. The multimedia stream is created by multiplexing several component streams. The component streams include a video stream, an audio stream, and an interactive data stream. The interactive data stream includes data specific to different types of subscriber terminals multiplexed together.

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

Abstract: A television signal receiver is operative to allow the assigning of a home channel and to tune to that home channel upon power-up of the television signal receiver. The home channel may be selected according to a channel label that identifies the broadcaster, broadcast affiliate or broadcast channel type regardless where the channel is assigned in the area or system of the receiver. The channel label is transmitted as auxiliary data. In one form, the manufacturer of the television signal receiver selects or sets the home channel, which may or may not be changeable by a user of the television signal receiver. In another form, the user of the television signal receiver selects or sets the home channel. The home channel feature may be disabled if desired.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for distributing software code to particular end user terminals in a broadband network. Code images are provided to the broadband terminals via a collection of objects structure. In an illustrated embodiment a network system controller, such as a CATV headend, transmits an image that includes a Code Section Lookup Table followed by a common code section. The common code section is followed by specific code sections for the broadband terminals coupled to the network. For example, specific code sections can be provided for (i) different hardware configurations in the broadband terminal operator's population, (ii) different device driver code necessary to support primary and second-sourced broadband terminals, (iii) a plurality of different broadband terminal models coupled to the network; (iv) different software features available to the broadband terminals, and/or (v) different protocols supported in the field.

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

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

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing RF signal strength at a set-top terminal includes a network characterization diagnostic tool, such as a diagnostic application routine, that is loaded into the flash memory of the set-top terminal. An installation technician or field service engineer invokes the diagnostic application routine by entering a pseudo secret key sequence into the set-top terminal. Then, the diagnostic application routine measures the RF signal strength for the entire bandwidth and produces a visual display of a plot of the signal strengths on a television set operatively coupled to the set-top terminal. The display allows the installation technician or field service engineer to easily diagnose whether a “hole” or “tilt” exists in the measurement of the RF signal strength.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A method of customising an animation. A broadcast station renders first animated objects in response to locked graphic data and unlocked metadata. The metadata facilitates customisation, by including parameter interface information as well as actual parameter values, so that the first animation objects can be customised without reference to the locked graphic data. A distribution station receives signals from the broadcaster, and cumulatively renders second animated objects in response to second locked graphic data and second unlocked metadata, the latter of which is modified in response to distributor data. A television receives signals from the distributor, and cumulatively renders third animated objects in response to third locked graphic data and third unlocked metadata, which is modified in response to viewer data.

Abstract: A media system including memory to store media information that characterizes the media and a processor configured by the memory to provide a user interface to enable a user to define a media presentation from the media information. The processor is configured by the memory to continually and automatically segue media stream changes among a plurality of the media streams containing the media to present the user defined media presentation.