Abstract: A system for providing on-demand video on an aircraft is described. In various implementations, the system includes a first computer that receives broadcast video content, digital video players distributed within a passenger seating area of the aircraft, and a second computer. The second computer receives the video content from the first computer, and provides the video content, on-demand, to a subset of the digital video players. The system also includes a third computer that receives the video content from the first computer, and provides the video content, on-demand, to another subset of the plurality of digital video players. The first computer may provide the video content to the second and third computers using a multicast protocol. The video content may include a live television broadcast or a television channel that was requested by a user of one or more of the digital video players.

Abstract: To compensate a failure in downloading of music piece data. For example, when a viewer instructs purchase of a music pieceC to an IRD at a timing t0 during the sixth transmission of music piece data, the music piece data to be transmitted for the seventh time immediately after the instruction is usually downloaded. When the downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the seventh time fails for some reason, downloading is re-executed on music piece data to be transmitted for the eighth time. The music piece data for the final transmission time in each of musical pieces is used for re-execution. Timing at which downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the time immediately preceding the final time can be instructed is set as purchase limit time by using elapsed time since program start time.

Abstract: A service gateway provides a proxy between a client protocol and a plurality of standard communication protocols. The service gateway provides asymmetrical routing, data compression and encryption to optimize client processing power and communication link bandwidth. The service gateway enables content translation between clients and service providers. The service gateway keeps track of client available memory and sequence numbers in messages to generate error codes when applicable. A store and forward message capability is provided along with abstract session identifiers. The service gateway supports user datagram protocol.

Abstract: A control program for a co-processor in a video-on-demand system directs the co-processor to perform the steps of: a) obtain a transmission control list, from an external source, which identifies a group of several video data packets and a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group; b) partition into pieces, each video data packet and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers as identified by the transmission control list; and, c) send the partitioned pieces, along with an additional header for each piece, to an output port during a series of spaced apart time intervals.

Abstract: A head-end system for providing a two-way VOD service and a service method thereof are disclosed. The head-end system includes: a terminal which is based on a Java virtual machine and a Java TV/GEM standard middleware and has a VOD navigator application of a tool set form for replaying and controlling an audiovisual (AV) which is processed to be replayed in real time and an application related to the AV which is processed to be replayed in real time; and a two-way VOD head-end system server for providing a VOD content list and content information to the terminal through the Internet and providing information of an application related to an AV which is processed to be replayed and an application execution-related file together when a VOD content is selected and requested by a user.

Abstract: A process of propagates viewing assets on a system of video storages. The process includes copying a missing portion of a replica of a selected viewing asset onto a target video server. The act of copying is responsive to determining that a priority to propagate the selected asset to the target server is higher than a retention value of a replica of one or more viewing assets stored on the target server.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive, visual complement to one or more audio programs. In one aspect, the system comprises an audio subsystem for generating an audio signal corresponding to a sound recording. The system also comprises a video subsystem for generating a video image specification based, at least in part, on the sound recording. In one aspect, the audio signal and video image specification are transmitted to an audio/video signal transmission system. The transmission system receives the video image specification and generates a video signal that conforms to the video image specification. The video signal and the audio signal are transmitted to at least one consumer receiver. In this way, the system provides a visual complement to an audio program.

Abstract: In a television signal transmission system, CS broadcasting signals received via a master antenna are converted into intermediate frequency signals in an LNB (Low Noise Block Down Converter). The CS intermediate frequency signals then undergo conversion of the modulation format, for example, from QPSK into 64-QAM, so that CS broadcasting signals from each transponder, having a bandwidth of, for example, 27 MHz, are accommodated in a narrower bandwidth, for example, 6 MHz, which is equivalent to one channel of terrestrial broadcasting services. Then, the signals accommodated in the narrower bandwidth is frequency-shifted into a vacant frequency band in the VHF band or the UHF band. Accordingly, the CS signals accommodated in the narrower band and frequency-shifted into the vacant band are multiplexed with terrestrial broadcasting signals in the VHF and UHF bands and BS intermediate frequency signals so that all these signals are delivered to each household via a single cable.

Abstract: An interactive multimedia broadcasting system with an end-user terminal (TV), e.g. an enhanced television system or preferably an Internet Protocol TeleVision IPTV infrastructure, adapted to receive channels of multimedia data, a content server (CS) adapted to transmit these channels to the terminal, an interactivity database (ID) adapted to receive, from the content server, notices of available interactivity on the channel transmitted to the terminal, and an interactivity server (IS) controlled by the interactivity database and adapted to transmit interactive items (Interactivity 1, Interactivity 2, Interactivity 3) to the terminal and to receive feedback from this terminal. The feedback relates to the acceptance, by the user, of the interactive data proposed by said interactive items. This system is for instance. The content server is adapted, upon acceptance by the user, to transmit the interactive data to his/her terminal (TV) on an extra channel.

Abstract: Satellite broadcasting methods include providing a cellular satellite communications system configured to transmit information separately to a plurality of different geographic locations defined by a respective plurality of cellular satellite spotbeams, and concurrently transmitting a program signal on a plurality of different spotbeams. The plurality of different spotbeams may include less than a total number of spotbeams of the cellular satellite communications system. The plurality of different spotbeams may be selected adaptively from an available pool of spotbeams based on locations of users requesting the broadcast program signal. Corresponding satellite gateways, broadcast controllers and wireless user terminals are also provided.

Abstract: A broadcast apparatus broadcasts broadcast data. In the broadcast apparatus, an acquiring unit acquires broadcast data and a reproduction time period in which the broadcast data is to be reproduced by a reception apparatus, and a broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the broadcast data from a predetermined time period before a start of the reproduction time period to an end of the reproduction time period.

Abstract: Idle Video-On-Demand (VOD) channel capacity is used to deliver promotional content to selected set-top boxes (STBs) in a cable television network. Commercial segment cues are used to instruct a set-top box to switch away from a broadcast program to the VOD channel during a commercial segment, and then switch back again to the original broadcast program at the end of the segment. More particularly, a promotion server determines an asset to be distributed such as a targeted promotion item (e.g., a commercial), and a list of STBs that are to receive it. The promotion server causes the video promotion content to be stored in VOD servers located at the head ends. A scheduler process then delivers schedule messages to head end message servers which identify each promotion asset, and an STB which is to receive it. The head end message server notifies its associated VOD server which then cues the asset by loading the asset, starting the asset, but pausing it.

Abstract: In a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable system, data is communicated upstream from user terminals to a headend of the system to realize various interactive services. The user terminals generate analog modulated signals representing the user data, which populate different channels in a reverse passband of the system. In accordance with the invention, the analog modulated signals are transformed to the corresponding digital baseband signals containing the data. The resulting digital baseband signals are optically transmitted to the headend, thereby efficiently utilizing the limited capacity of the fiber optical portion of the HFC cable system.

Abstract: A broadcast system BS includes a broadcast apparatus 1 and a reception apparatus 2. The broadcast apparatus 1 first receives and stores therein a proxy request PR including at least an identifier assigned to the reception apparatus 2 and a command to be transmitted to the reception apparatus 2. Moreover, the broadcast apparatus 1 extracts the set of the identifier of the reception apparatus 2 and the command for the reception apparatus 2 from the proxy request PR stored therein, and assembles a command packet from the set of the identifier and the command. Then, the broadcast apparatus 1 generates a stream in which the assembled command packet is multiplexed, and sends it out to a broadcast channel. The reception apparatus 2 separates the command packet from the stream sent out to the broadcast channel, and restores the set of the identifier and the command of the reception apparatus 2.

Abstract: In a television programming management system, contributors access television programming functionality of legacy systems using a web-based interface provided by a network operations center. The network operations center is a best-of-breed J2EE-based implementation that provides a middleware interface to legacy systems. Using the interface provided by the network operations center, contributors can access any functionality required to create and distribute television programming. The present invention provides security features though a classifier. Use of playlists allows synchronization of created objects. Television programming can be performed by users and contributors.

Abstract: A tuning system is described that is capable of receiving a number of different broadcast types such as analog or digital satellite, cable, Internet, and terrestrial airwave broadcasts. The tuning system stores service records, each service recording containing information required to tune to a particular channel. These service records are categorized within service spaces by tuner type, content, or in any other desired manner. A viewer selects (actively or by default) the service space in which the viewer desires to channel surf. The viewer then selects the desired channel within that service space. In response to this selection, the tuning system uses the information within the selected service record to identify the correct tuner, and to cause that tuner to tune to the selected channel.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A system for providing, in a television system, the combination, transmission, and reception of multiple video presentations over a single channel of a television distribution system. Presentations may be concurrently broadcast for viewing by many users, as well as interactively requested for display by many (potentially one thousand or more) individual users. A presentation consists of a sequence of images which reproduce a full motion, reduced motion, or a still image video presentation for the user when displayed. The signal is transmitted in a standard television format, and consists of a sequence of video images from the various presentations being transmitted. A user terminal receiving the transmitted signal is selectably operable to display one of the multiple transmitted presentations with accompanying audio. The terminal identifies the video images on an associated television receiver. The number of concurrent presentations, and the degree of motion in the presentations are dynamically variable.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for reliably distributing file data from a single server to multiple client computers using a cyclical multicast approach. By “cyclical,” it is meant that data is distributed repeatedly onto the network at a certain period. The server transmits metadata asynchronously onto the network via a first communication channel, and file data via a second communication channel. Both data sets are received by one or more client devices operating a data catch module, which listens for metadata and file data from the network via a first and second communication channel. Once the metadata is received, the first channel is disconnected, and the one or more client devices operating the data catch module listen for file data for which the metadata is associated. Any file data not received during one cycle can be received by the client device in a subsequent cycle.

Abstract: Methods for slice-based encoding of program guides and user interfaces. The program guides include multiple video streams for picture-in-picture and other applications. A method for encoding the program guide includes encoding a first set of slices for each of a plurality of graphics pages; and encoding a second set of slices for each of a plurality of video streams. The user interfaces are multi-functional and may be used for electronic commerce and other applications. A method of generating the user interface includes encoding a set of slices for each of a plurality of objects, each object being characterized by an identity, at least one attribute, and at least one operation. In one embodiment of this method, the plurality of objects include an electronic commerce object, where the electronic commerce object is attributed with a first hyper text markup language (HTML) page.

Abstract: A program guide information producing apparatus outputs self-produced program guide information and other broadcaster's program guide information. In the program guide information producing apparatus, a common program guide information producing section generates self-produced common program guide information. Furthermore, a program guide information output section unites the self-produced common program guide information with other broadcaster's common program guide information received from a program guide information collecting/transmitting apparatus and outputs the united common program guide information. Thus, the self-produced common program guide information is surely output even when the program guide information collecting/transmitting apparatus or the like is in trouble.

Abstract: A technique is described which may be used to synchronize a plurality of different access controllers which control a plurality of distinct ports at the Head End of an access network. In the context of a cable network, the technique of the present invention may be used to synchronize desired upstream and/or downstream channels across different line cards within a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). The technique involves utilizing a master time reference device which maintains and updates a current time reference, and periodically distributes synchronization signals to desired line cards in the system in order to synchronize these line cards. In a specific embodiment, the synchronization signals include current timestamp data generated from the master time reference device and distributed to all (or selected) line cards in the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decreasing cable installation times and cable installation faults is disclosed. The back panel of the CTMS has a light source, for example an LED associated with each connector on the back plane. When a circuit card is plugged into the front plane of the CMTS the card activates the light source on the back plane to indicate whether an active channel is connected to the connector and what type of channel the active channel is.

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that permits a variable number of disparate streams of data to be packaged together as content into a single distinct program referred to as an omnimedia package. A framework definition may be specified and created for the omnimedia package to allow a client set top box to decode the information and provide access to streams comprising video, audio and metadata information. The framework definition may be employed by a broadcast system to create a broadcast stream. A mechanism is described that permits a content provider to define a framework for delivering a package of related content. The framework definition encapsulates information necessary to build, format, transmit and display the disparate content streams. Data may be downloaded to a receiver prior to the broadcast of an associated program. The present invention may be implemented on terrestrial, cable, satellite, VDSL and other transport systems, including those that support upstream communication.

Abstract: A system for providing video-on-demand (VOD) services and Internet services in a wireless network environment. A VOD terminal displays predetermined video information. A wireless telecommunications server provides a wireless telecommunications service menu for selection by the VOD terminal. A VOD server provides service information related to the VOD which was selected from the service menu provided by the wireless telecommunications server, by the VOD terminal. An encoder encodes predetermined content input from the outside into a predetermined format to be stored in the VOD server. A converter coverts predetermined content input through the Internet into a predetermined format to be stored in the VOD server. According to the system, a VOD terminal user can receive VOD services and Internet services through a WAP in a wireless telecommunications environment so that information usage and satisfaction can be maximized.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed comprising a videomark controller and videomark computer software for creating videomarks for a video program. When a user desires to mark an event in a video program the user sends a videomark creation command to the videomark controller. The videomark controller creates a videomark that corresponds to the time of receipt of the videomark creation command and enters a user annotation that references the content of the video program. The videomark controller is capable of creating a file that contains a plurality of videomarks for the video program. The videomarks may be displayed in a videomark menu or in a videomark timeline in which a videomark display icon represents each videomark. Each videomark may be selected to access its respective portion of the video program.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for the multicasting of streaming digital content to a plurality of Internet users. Streaming digital audio, video or other digital data content that is to be multicast to Internet users is formatted into IP protocol at a head-end content source transmission site. The streaming IP digital data is transmitted from the head-end transmission site to at least one distant/remote routing station of an Internet service provider (i.e., a provider-edge router or Internet point of presence) via a bandwidth portion of a digital communications data transport service or transmission medium that is substantially unaffected by conventional Internet communications traffic. The Internet service provider (ISP) maintains at least one access router for providing Internet access via its Internet domain for its customers accessing the Internet via conventional two-way IP connection.

Abstract: Methods for reducing interference from initializing network devices in a data-over-cable system. The method includes aligning Initial Maintenance intervals for multiple upstream channels of the data-over-cable system. A cable modem termination system determines if usage intervals for the upstream channels may accommodate Initial Maintenance intervals that start at a common time. If so, the cable modem termination system constructs Bandwidth Allocation MAP messages for the usage intervals that contain Initial Maintenance intervals timed to start at the common time. In response to the MAP messages, initializing network devices range when there are no scheduled data transmissions on any upstream channel. The method may shorten a cable modem's time for ranging and may decrease collisions with data transmissions on the upstream paths when cable modems try to initialize.

Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted by a transmission apparatus, the transmission apparatus transmits control sub-information to a receiving apparatus separately from video data which is actually distributed, and eliminates redundant distribution of video data. The receiving apparatus stores the received video data and creates content in accordance with the control sub-information.

Abstract: In a CATV system, a digital head end transmits both an area code and such data containing a management number and a channel contrastive table to a terminal of each of areas; each terminal stores thereinto both the area code and the channel contrastive table; and the digital head end retrieves the corresponding management number by comparing a channel display number of an analog program set every area with the channel contrastive table based on this area code, and then, displays the analog program of this retrieved management number.

Abstract: A system for providing video-on-demand service, broadband internet access and other broadband services over T-carrier systems including a pull multiplexer cherrypicker at the head end is disclosed. The pull multiplexer receives upstream requests and cull out MPEG or other compressed video packets, IP packets and other data packet types to satisfy the requests or to send pushed programming downstream. The downstream can be DSL or HFC. Each customer has a cable modem, DSL modem or a gateway which interfaces multiple signal sources to a LAN to which settop decoders, digital phones, personal computers, digital FAX machines, video cameras, digital VCRs etc. can be attached. Each gateway can coupled the LAN to a DSL line or HFC through a cable modem or a satellite dish through a satellite transceiver. A PSTN and conventional TV antenna interface is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for slice-based encoding of program guides and user interfaces. The program guides include multiple video streams for picture-in-picture and other applications. A method for encoding the program guide includes encoding a first set of slices for each of a plurality of graphics pages; and encoding a second set of slices for each of a plurality of video streams. The user interfaces are multi-functional and may be used for electronic commerce and other applications. A method of generating the user interface includes encoding a set of slices for each of a plurality of objects, each object being characterized by an identity, at least one attribute, and at least one operation. In one embodiment of this method, the plurality of objects include an electronic commerce object, where the electronic commerce object is attributed with a first hyper text markup language (HTML) page.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system enables presentation of supplemental interactive content along side traditional broadcast video programs, such as television shows and movies. The programs are broadcast in a conventional manner. The supplemental content is supplied as part of the same program signal over the broadcast network, or separately over another distribution network. A viewer computing unit is located at the viewer's home to present the program and supplemental content to a viewer. When the viewer tunes to a particular channel, the viewer computing unit consults an electronic programming guide (EPG) to determine if the present program carried on the channel is interactive. If it is, the viewer computing unit launches a browser. The browser uses a target specification stored in the EPG to activate a target resource containing the supplemental content for enhancing the broadcast program.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display.

Abstract: A multichannel, mixed mode cable modem termination system receiver capable of receiving multiple channels of digital data transmitted on one or more hybrid fiber coaxial cable systems, each the channels being either single mode or mixed-mode. Mixed mode channels are time division multiplexed and have overlapping bandwidth and each sub-channel of a mixed mode channel can have a different center frequency, symbol rate and/or multiplexing type. The receiver is comprised of a plurality of analog front end circuits coupled to the various HFC systems, each selective coupled to any one of a plurality of digital front end receivers. Control circuitry controls these circuits to receive multiple mixed-mode or single mode channels, simultaneously if necessary. An arbiter decides which bursts get processed first in a back end shared demodulator which recovers the data from each burst.

Abstract: A program information transport apparatus comprises a update unit for accepting a request for a change in either one of program information and transmission control information stored in a memory, and for updating the contents of the memory according to the change at predetermined update times to update the program information. An information management unit can acquire the program information from the memory and then furnish the acquired program information at predetermined transport times to transport the program information. A transport unit then transports the program information from the information management unit to receivers.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for providing telecommunication services to a plurality of users connected to a loop-through cable distribution architecture. The system includes a signal collection and transmission circuit or headend circuit for collecting and transmitting telecommunication signals to the user. In addition, the system comprises a signal distribution system or circuit operatively connected to the signal collection and transmission circuit for receiving and transmitting telecommunication signals therefrom and thereto. The system includes a user or customer interface device operatively connected to an associated signal distribution circuit for both receiving telecommunication signals from the associated signal distribution circuit and transmitting telecommunication signals to the associated signal distribution circuit. The signal distribution circuit is formed by a node having a plurality of output lines and a service module operatively connected to one of the node output lines.

Abstract: Transmission synchronization and bandwidth adjustment in a broadcast system are described. At least one service tool in the broadcast system supplies service information useful for selecting, from a series of broadcast events, broadcast events to be viewed by subscribers of the broadcast system. A conditional access (CA) unit in the broadcast system applies conditional access attributes to the series of broadcast events. Transmission synchronizing apparatus in the broadcast system synchronizes the CA unit and the at least one service tool by instructing the CA unit to blackout a particular event from the series of broadcast events to subscribers that are refused access to the particular event and instructing the at least one service tool to provide a replacement service to the subscribers that are refused access to the particular event.

Abstract: An apparatus which reproduces AV data using a markup document in an interactive mode includes a buffer which buffers the markup document, and a buffer manager which manages preloading of the markup document and provides buffering state information of the buffer in response to a report signal. The markup document may be provided via a network or form a data storage medium which includes information to control a buffering state of the markup document.

Abstract: An apparatus provides multimedia content by receiving first content from a client device, the first content encoded in a digital stream, decoding the digital stream to produce decoded first content, and presenting the decoded first content in addition to the presentation of second content presented at a display device.

Abstract: An audio-video multiplexed data generation apparatus of the present invention multiplexes spare video data encoded at a lower frame rate than that of video data together with audio and video data through a spare-video encoder and a spare-video-data storage. An audio-video multiplexed data reproducing apparatus of the present invention decodes spare video data if video decoding is not completed within a predetermined time and, when it becomes possible to complete video decoding within the predetermined time, ordinarily decodes the video data. Multiplexing the low-frame-rate spare video data together with the ordinary video data allows irregularities in reproduced video to be minimized and synchronization between audio and video data to be restored if real-time reproduction becomes difficult to accomplish.

Abstract: A method for decoding video data blocks using variable length codes, comprising transforming information about the spatial frequency distribution of a video data block into pixel values. Prior to said transformation, a first reference value (Xref) representing the abruptness of variations in information about spatial frequency distribution within the block is generated, after said transformation, a second reference value (&Dgr;) representing the abruptness of variation in certain information between the block and at least one previously transformed video data block is generated. The first reference value (Xref) is compared to a first threshold value (TH1) and the second reference value (&Dgr;) to a second threshold value (TH2); and as a response to either of the first (Xref) and second reference values (&Dgr;) being greater than the first (TH1) and respectively the second threshold value (TH2), an error in the block is detected.

Abstract: A support server receives via a communication network, facility condition information provided by a content providing terminal that provides a content, showing the condition of the facility where a content is used, and facility information provided by a content user terminal, which is set in the facility where the content is used. The support server stores the received facility condition information and the facility information in a database. The support server extracts facility information that meets the condition shown by the stored facility condition information, from the stored facility information. Then, the support server selects the content user terminal set in the facility specified by the extracted facility information, as the providing destination of the content.

Abstract: A headend controller selects a multiplicity of sub-communications channels for transmission through a communications channel to a remote-subscriber unit. The headend controller sends channel information indicating which channels from the plurality of sub-communications channels are the first multiplicity of sub-communications channels The remote-subscriber unit receives the first channel information and sets receiver means for receiving the first multiplicity of sub-communications channels from the headend. The headend demultiplexes the particular VOD or Internet content signal into data streams, and sends the data streams over the multiplicity of sub-communications channels, respectively, to the remote-subscriber unit. The remote-subscriber unit receives the data streams from the first multiplicity of sub-communications channels, and multiplexes the data streams for reassembling the particular VOD or Internet content signal.

Abstract: A broadcast transmitting apparatus stores and manages the material for composing a broadcast program as AV data, creates storing control information showing a process control method when storing this AV data in a broadcast receiving apparatus, and storing management information showing management information during storing, and registers them as reference information and stores and manages, and transmits according to schedule information managing the schedule of the broadcast program. On the other hand, the broadcast receiving apparatus executes an storing control command according to the storing control information, and stores and manages the AV data according to the storing management information. Further, the broadcast transmitting apparatus creates application information from the reference information being stored and managed, and transmits it together with service application for executing broadcast program service.

Abstract: A CATV system is provided that includes a head-end with laser transmitters to provide data to a multitude of nodes through a forward optical network tree. The nodes convert the optical signals into electrical signals and retransmit the television and data signals through a coaxial network tree to customer interface units (CIUs). The nodes include respective controllers which identify status signals from the equipment of the nodes and transmit the status signals and a reference signal to the head-end controller for display on a display of the head-end controller. The reference signal allows monitoring that the return optical transmitter and network are operating correctly and allows the return signals from the nodes to be aligned. The status signals from the nodes include laser operation, laser bias current and laser power output for the laser transmitters of the nodes.

Abstract: Metadata for a programming event may be generated through an interactive process. A system may receive data corresponding to a programming event. The data may include descriptive information and timing information. The system may then generate preliminary metadata for the programming event from the received data. The system may provide the preliminary metadata to a system user, and then receive user specified metadata responsive to the preliminary metadata. The preliminary metadata may include one or more of categories of a classification hierarchy, goodness of fit scores associated with the categories, keywords, goodness of fit scores associated with the keywords, and a title. Related embodiments may pertain to a system implementing such methods. Further related embodiments may pertain to methods and systems in which a system user is enabled to approve preliminary metadata provided by the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for sending and receiving information of digital cable broadcasting, which comprises: a headend unit for assigning a packet identifier (PID) from within a range of PIDs to tables carrying data according to inclusion of service information (SI), constructing a transport packet (TP), and sending it using an MPEG communication method; and a receiving unit for receiving the TP from the headend unit, checking the PID of the TP to determine whether the TP includes SI, and determining how to process the TP depending on inclusion states of SI in the TP. The PID discriminates a TP including SI from a TP including other messages in transmission of MPEG-2 TPs from the headend unit to the receiving unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses enabling a subscriber to access video corresponding to multiple channels within a very short period of time. A dedicated transmission channel transmits a data stream generated by a content provider, where the data stream includes data representing a plurality of video pictures associated with a plurality of television channels. Populating one data stream with data corresponding to multiple channels enables a Home Communication Terminal (HCT), in communication with a display device, to display multiple channels in a Composite Presentation to the subscriber. The Composite Presentation allows a subscriber to view a plurality of television channels on one channel, obviating the time consuming requirement that a subscriber re-tune to a separate television channel each time the subscriber wishes to view a video picture associated with a different television channel.