Abstract: It is determined that a substantial portion of set-top terminals connected to a video content network require a software upgrade. In-band video bandwidth (e.g., video-on-demand or switched digital video) is allocated for the software upgrade. The software upgrade is broadcast to the set-top terminals from a carousel in a first remote node of the video content network, via the allocated in-band video bandwidth, until a predetermined number of the set-top terminals have received the software upgrade. Subsequent to the predetermined number of set-top terminals receiving the software upgrade, the in-band video bandwidth is de-allocated and the software upgrade is made available out-of-band to the remaining portion of the set-top terminals, via individual sessions with an application server in a second remote node of the video content network. An exemplary system, which can implement the method, includes a controller, a dynamic bandwidth allocation device, the carousel, and the application server.

Abstract: A method and device of transmitting and receiving a signal corresponding to a service from among a plurality of services, said signal being transmitted in the time slicing mode in the form of a plurality of bursts, the transmission method comprising the steps of storing a time table in each given burst to be transmitted among said plurality of bursts, said time table including a set of duration values from the start of said given burst to the start of its following successive bursts corresponding to said plurality of services and a set of packet identifiers (PID) linking said following successive bursts to said set of duration values, and the method of receiving said signal by a receiver, which receiver may be switched off during non-selected services being transmitted in the zapping mode by obtaining the start time of the selected service from the transmitted time table stored in each burst corresponding to each service. By this method, the power consumption of the receiver can be saved in the zapping mode.

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: A multi-channel KVM server system for supplying video data to a plurality of clients is disclosed. The KVM server includes a plurality of video processors and a video switch for connecting each video processor to one or more video sources. Each video processor processes video data using a multiresolution decomposition method to generate a plurality of decomposition components at different resolution levels. A main processor of the KVM server transmits the decomposition components generated by various video processors to various clients based on the clients' requirements. When some clients are in a multi-source (“TV wall”) mode and some clients are in a single-source mode, the main processor uses decomposition components generated by some video processors to supply both the clients in single-source mode and as a part of the TV wall data for the clients in multi-source mode.

Abstract: A method and system that reduces the impact of packet loss on video data quality. Packet selection is performed by the method and system to selectively drop low priority packets so that the overall quality of the received video data may be improved. In one exemplary embodiment, the probability of higher priority layers being delivered on time is computed and a packet is transmitted only if this probability is greater than a given threshold h. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method have the capability of backing up the process to transmit previously skipped packets, if time allows.

Abstract: A method and system that reduces the impact of packet loss on video data quality. Packet selection is performed by the method and system to selectively drop low priority packets so that the overall quality of the received video data may be improved. In one exemplary embodiment, the probability of higher priority layers being delivered on time is computed and a packet is transmitted only if this probability is greater than a given threshold h. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method have the capability of backing up the process to transmit previously skipped packets, if time allows.

Abstract: Control system with global control stream for controlling a plurality of decoders. The control system simultaneously controls a plurality of decoders at a remote location by using a global control data stream. A global control stream is a collection of data used for global applications. There are currently three global data streams—disaster recovery, live event control, and storage control. The streams may exist on a shared or independent PID. A control server forms a transport stream and the global control stream is injected into the transport stream by the control server.

Abstract: A storage control system for a decoder. A decoder with a hardware platform for receiving and decoding coded data and a storage system for temporarily holding the decoded data from the hardware platform. A transport stream containing a global control data stream is used to manage the storage system. The global control data stream has an acquisition table (ACT) for providing a schedule of contents to be recorded, a playout control table (PCT) for providing a schedule of content that is to be played out by the decoder, and a content control table (CCT) for listing content that exists on the decoders.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network management method and system for use in a broadband network having a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network provided with network elements operable for communicating telephony, data, and video signals with customer-premises equipment of a subscriber includes an HFC network manager for monitoring status and configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment. A service, design, and inventory (SDI) database is operable with the HFC network manager for storing data indicative of the configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment. A fault manager having an alarm visualization tool is operable with the HFC network manager and the SDI database for generating visual displays of the status and configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment.

Abstract: A method is presented for providing information associated with a geographical area to users of broadcast communication receivers. The information, as well as an indication of the geographical area associated with the information, are transmitted to, and received by, each of the broadcast communication receivers. In each of the receivers, the indication of the geographical area is compared with a geographic code associated with, and stored within, the receiver. Each of the receivers also relays the information to the user of the receiver if the geographic code indicates that the receiver is located within the geographical area.

Abstract: Techniques are described for detection of repeated video content to reduce an amount of high bandwidth traffic transmitted across a network from a video source device to remote subscriber devices. In particular, the invention relates to a first intermediate device capable of recognizing patterns of video content and sending a communication to a second intermediate device that transmits a cached version of the video content. In this way, the first intermediate device does not have to resend the high bandwidth video content over the network. The network may comprise any private or public network.

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: To determine whether digital content can be released to an element such as a computer application or module, a scaled value representative of the relative security of the element is associated therewith, and the digital content has a corresponding digital license setting forth a security requirement. The security requirement is obtained from the digital license and the scaled value is obtained from the element, and the scaled value of the element is compared to the security requirement of the digital license to determine whether the scaled value satisfies the security requirement. The digital content is not released to the element if the scaled value does not satisfy the security requirement.

Abstract: A distributed content analysis network uses the processing capabilities of customer-premises equipment as subordinate nodes for analyzing multimedia programs. A master node selects a program and identifies subordinate nodes that are available for analysis, which may include both nodes tuned to the program and idle nodes. The master node divides the program into segments for analysis and instructs each subordinate node to analyze a segment. The subordinate nodes then provide analysis results back to the master node, which may build a metadata profile for the program based on the analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for providing adaptive backoff including one or more transmitters configured to transmit a first data request to a media module at a scheduled time, poll the media module to determine accessibility of the media module, and transmit a second data request to the media module at a rescheduled time determined by the one or more processors. The system and method may also include one or more processors configured to determine that the media module is inaccessible and set the rescheduled time for the media box to transmit a second data request to the media module when the media module is accessible, wherein the rescheduled time is based at least in part on optimizing system capacity of the media module. The system and method may also include one or more receivers configured to receive one or more responses to the polling indicating accessibility of the media module and receive data from the media module based on the second data request.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding and processing back-to-back transactions for an addressable cable television tap. The addressable tap includes an input port for receiving an input signal and output ports for providing outgoing signals to receiving equipment and a controller for providing addressable per port (RF) switching. The controller is adapted to communicate with multiple addressable ports. The controller also includes storage for storing the remaining portions of partially processed commands. Further, the addressable tap includes a relay for enabling or disabling signals to the addressable output ports. Processing commands in the addressable tap includes receiving continuous commands having back-to-back transactions, from a headend and forwarding signals to receiving equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for merging of multiple encoded audio and video streams into a single program in the transport stream enables playback of any audio stream with any video stream. This is accomplished by first locking the frequency of audio and video input streams for a plurality of different programs to a source clock, independently encoding each program with its own PCR and PTS into a program stream, multiplexing the program streams into a transport stream, and then synchronizing the PCR and PTS of the program streams to a declared master PCR.

Abstract: A digital video system, method, and computer program product for correcting corrupted digital video transport streams is described. The digital video system may include a digital cable, digital broadcast satellite (DBS), high definition television (HDTV), or video-on demand (VOD) system. In a VOD system, a VOD client at each receiver is capable of subscribing to one or more VOD sessions. The headend includes a video server and a control server that is coupled to the video server. The video server transmits one or more VOD sessions to one or more receivers over a transport stream. The control server can also cause the video server to transmit one or more dummy sessions to maintain a predetermined minimum bandwidth of content over the transport stream. Alternatively, the headend can transmit one or more null packets having a randomized payload, as necessary, to maintain a constant bit rate over the transport stream.

Abstract: A verification system has an operational component registry 10 that includes an interface 20, a memory device 30, and a processor 40. Preferably, the interface 20 in the operational component registry 10 communicates the installed identification data 50 from the gaming units 60 to the operational component registry. The memory device 30 preferably stores registered identification data 70 for the gaming units 60. Preferably, the processor 40 in the operational component registry 10 then analyzes the registered identification data 70 and the installed identification data 50 from the gaming units 60, after which enablement of the gaming units is determined based upon the examination of the registered identification data and the installed identification data. An operational component registry 10 may also monitor changes, services, requirements, enablement, and productivity of the gaming units or components of the gaming units.

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 method and system provides interfaces, data structures and events for representing a “sink” of multimedia data to interact with objects in a multimedia system to control multimedia objects. The interfaces and data structures enable efficient management for media objects that must interface directly with each other. One embodiment is directed to providing a common interface and a single API to a plurality of media objects. In an embodiment, the API is a control layer that isolates the media objects from each other and provides a single point of control, allowing media objects to be added or removed without affecting any other media objects. The control layer allows users to become familiar with only one API instead of many thereby facilitating the tasks of programming and documentation.

Abstract: Uplink signaling for controlling a plurality of decoders at a remote site. An uplink has a control server for controlling a storage system of the decoders at the remote site. The control server of the uplink controls the storage system by injecting at least one global control stream multiplexed with a transport stream. The transport multiplexed with the global control stream is formed at the uplink for controlling the decoders simultaneously.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that includes receiving plural representations of a video signal, the video signal comprising plural sequenced pictures corresponding to at least a portion of a video program, wherein two or more of the plural representations of the video signal (PROTVS) includes a respective sequence of latticed pictures and one or more of the other PROTVS includes a respective sequence of non-latticed pictures; and providing in plural successive non-overlapping segments distribution interval (SDIs) compressed versions of the PROTVS in a single video stream, wherein each SDI consists of plural non-overlapping, consecutive segments, each of the plural non-overlapping consecutive segments originating from a respective one of the collective PROTVS.

Abstract: The application describes a method and system for controlling a processing of video data such that the video data may be transmitted over a connection in a communication network, where the connection employs a plurality of protocol layers. The processing of video data for transmission is performed at a first layer. A value or values of one or more transmission condition parameters indicative of transmission conditions in the network are acquired, where these transmission condition parameters are specific for a second layer provided lower than the first layer. Then one or more values of one or more video control parameters usable at the first layer are derived from the value of the least one transmission condition parameter and the processing of video data is performed in accordance with the derived one or more values.

Abstract: A transcoder 22 receives encoded streams of image contents and decoding information in pluralities of sorts, and it once decodes the respective image contents by using the encoded streams and the decoding information. The transcoder 22 subjects each of the decoded images to the reduction or enlargement of a screen size and synthesizes the resulting images into one image, it re-encodes the synthesized image, and it outputs the stream and the decoding information after the re-encoding, to a transmission unit 23. The transmission unit 23 receives the re-encoded decoding information and the re-encoded stream from the transcoder 22 and outputs them to a terminal 3 through a transmission line 102.

Abstract: Delivery of feedback information to a scheduling service to determine optimum broadcast times based upon client platform tuner contention is described. A usage pattern of an electronic media device is recorded. The usage pattern is communicated to a scheduling server. Media content is received during a time period selected by the scheduling server based upon the usage pattern.

Abstract: An automated playlist chaser (APC) improves the recovery time and robustness of playlists to component failures and/or human errors in a content sourcing and editing environment. Following detection and correction of an error in a content sourcing subsystem controlled by a playlist, the APC retrieves a last known good playlist from a playlist archive and automatically builds a new playlist for resynchronization of the subsystem. Building the new playlist involves iteratively solving for the first new program segment entry in the new playlist and the new “on-air time,” “start-of message,” and “duration” attributes for the entry as a function of a reference time (e.g., the present time of day), the original on-air time for the entry, the subsystem recovery time, the APC processing time, and the queuing delay of the audio-video source for the program segment.

Abstract: A “program information constituent element table” is in common use at data transmitting locations, data relaying locations and data converting locations and plural programs are combined through high multiplexing to one MPEG-2 transport stream, thereby suppressing use of resources for network transmission among broadcasting bases.

Abstract: Value-added information is created based on favorite information of a content user. The content is processed according to the generated value-added information. Favorite data indicating operations, such as fast-forward, pause, and rewind operations, performed while the content is being played back, and personal user information, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style, of the content user are transferred to a server via a network. The server performs statistical processing on the user favorite data to generate value-added information according to the attributes of the user, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style. Accordingly, the user is able to search for popular titles, play back only popular scenes, and skip uninteresting scenes by using a content playback apparatus.

Abstract: Outer code covered synchronous code division multiple access for cable modem (CM) channels. Outer pseudo-noise (PN) code is employed, along with orthogonal codes (OCs), to spread CM signals thereby mitigating inter-code-interference (ICI) effects caused by residual multi-path propagation within CM communication systems. The added and implemented PN sequences have relatively good autocorrelation properties (when compared to the autocorrelation properties of the OCs) that mask the possible bad autocorrelation and/or cross-correlation properties of the OCs. This outer-code covered PN coding, along with the OC coding, enables much better performance in the presence of residual multi-path. The PN code's added complexity is very minimal as the PN may use the same chip rate of the orthogonal code while providing for better performance in the presence of residual multi-path components.

Abstract: A channel merging method for a VOD system, said method comprises the steps of: in response to requests from a plurality of clients for a video program, establishing a root channel (S1) and at least one sub-channel (S11), said root channel (S1) being established according to a request from a client that makes the earliest request, each of said sub-channels (S11) being established in response to a request from a client that makes a later request; and monitoring variation of the number of the clients that are using each of said established channels, and maintaining the channel if the number of the clients using the monitored channel is not zero, and closing the channel if the number of the clients using the monitored channel becomes zero.

Abstract: By calculating a channel selection frequency on the basis of a channel selection time list in a memory, a control section automatically judges a zapping operation by a user, and performs display of a program list in which all programs being broadcasted are listed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide optimum packaging of programs for delivery over a television program delivery system. The apparatus includes a central processor unit (CPU) that is used to select program categories and identify external and internal programs. For packaging. The CPU includes advanced features to weight programs according to established criteria including previous buying history, programs watched data, and viewer demographics. The CPU formats a menu having a program lineup and assigns transponder space. Other advanced features include the use of multiple operations centers to support the packaging, delivery of the packaged programs to cable television headends, insertion of local avails, and direct transmission of program packages to individual television terminals.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Value-added information is created based on favorite information of a content user. The content is processed according to the generated value-added information. Favorite data indicating operations, such as fast-forward, pause, and rewind operations, performed while the content is being played back, and personal user information, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style, of the content user are transferred to a server via a network. The server performs statistical processing on the user favorite data to generate value-added information according to the attributes of the user, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style. Accordingly, the user is able to search for popular titles, play back only popular scenes, and skip uninteresting scenes by using a content playback apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for synchronizing the playlists of department channels or groups of department channels. In one embodiment of the present invention, the playlists of department channels or groups of department channels are synchronized to endpoints defined in a global playlist schedule. That is, channels not having a termination/end point consistent with the endpoints defined by said global playlist schedule are padded with respective filler content (media) to coordinate the termination points of the channels to be synchronized. The amount of filler content needed for each channel is determined respectively for a channel.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes an input unit, a receiving unit, a control unit, a main memory, a demultiplexer unit, and a decoding unit. A transport stream of digital packetized data includes various data types identified by various parameters within the packet header. A filtering table lists select identifying parameters representing the various data types which are to be stored and processed. Data packets which do not have a select parameter found within the filtering table are ignored by the broadcast receiver. The filtering table is scalable by a control unit to an optimum size, which is the minimum size necessary to store all necessary parameters. A control unit determines the number of parameters required in the filtering table, and scales the filtering table to accommodate that number of parameters.

Abstract: A digital satellite television system has a plurality of set-top-boxes associated with a plurality of end users' television receivers, a modem and a decoder housed in each STB, a Subscriber Authorization System (SAS) incorporating or having associated therewith a plurality of communication servers, means included in the SAS for generating Electronic Managements Messages (EMM), a back channel interconnecting each of the STBs individually with the SAS, means included in the SAS and each STB so that the necessary information required to inject a relevant EMM into the system is supplied directly to the relevant communication server included in or associated with the SAS to authorize the release of the said EMM and/or means to connect the modem to the back channel and means whereby an EMM is transmissible to the decoder directly from a relevant communication server included in or associated with the SAS. Further important features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An information distribution system and method capable of averaging a traffic load over time and effectively utilizing communication facilities, wherein a terminal station 30 transmits to a contents server 10 a distribution request for desired information including information of time limit of distribution, and the contents server 10 receives the distribution request, estimates a time band where the traffic load is small in the communications system in the period until the time limit of distribution, pages the terminal station again at that period of time, and, if the terminal station is in a state able to receive the information content, transmits the requested information content to the terminal station 30 through a network node.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: Interactive content preservation and customization technology is placed at the broadcast facility to ensure reliable transmission of the interactive content to a local subsystem. An interactive content code detector detects interactive content codes in the video stream at the broadcast facility. The interactive content code detector is placed in the transmission path before the video stream is transmitted to broadcast facility hardware that may strip out, destroy, corrupt or otherwise modify the interactive content and interactive content codes. Once an interactive content code detector detects a code, an interactive broadcast server determines what action to take, and instructs an data insertion unit accordingly. The interactive content codes or interactive content may be placed in a portion of the video that is guaranteed by the broadcast facility to be transmitted, for example, the closed caption region of the vertical blanking interval.

Abstract: A method of generating a program signal stream comprises creating a sequence of serial programs that include a first event and a second, later occurring event and inserting a plurality of messages in the sequence of serial programs, between the first event and the second event. The messages may be indicative of a time to the second event, as measured from each respective message of an elapsed time since the first event, to each respective message. Alternatively or in addition, the messages may be at equal time intervals between the first event and second events. The first and second events may be the start and end of a program or a program portion, such as a chapter, an advertisement, unscheduled content or an entire program, for example. At least one message indicative of the time to the second event may be inserted in the sequence of serial programs prior to the first event.

Abstract: A digital headend architecture and full service network are provided to selectively demodulate and decode a variety of digital and analog feeds into baseband signals or pass digital programming through the headend. In accordance with one embodiment, the head end is provided with digital-turn-around capability to allow precompressed signals to passed through the head end with out any decompress or decoding into baseband signals. The head end includes at least one receiver for receiving signals sent by satellite, at least one antenna for receiving over-the-air signals as baseband composite video and audio signals, and a decoder connected to the at least one receiver for converting received satellite signals into baseband video and audio signals. At least one MPEG encoder is provided for encoding the baseband video and audio composite signals into multiplexed Single Program Transport Streams (SPTS).

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting files from a sender to a receiver in a television distribution system, for example, a cable television distribution network, is provided. The files are transmitted without the need for transmitting a directory over an out of band communications link. In an exemplary embodiment, a filename corresponding to a file to be transmitted is provided to a transform. The transform calculates a PID based on the filename. The calculated PID is incorporated into the MPEG2 data stream carrying the corresponding file contents. When an application program running in the receiver requests a file, the filename of the requested file is provided to a transform operating in the receiver. The transmitter and receiver transforms are identical. The transform provides a corresponding PID at its output. The PID is used to tune a PID filter on the receiver end such that the requested file is selected from the incoming MPEG bit stream for processing by the processor.

Abstract: A method for blackout and retune distribution including receiving a first wide area multiplexed feed, the first wide area multiplexed feed comprising a blacked out feed; and generating a requantized local service feed from a local replacement plus retune service feed, the local replacement plus retune service feed having a retune feed corresponding to a retune programming for the blacked out feed, wherein the requantized local service feed is to be combined with the first wide area multiplexed feed for transmission as a part of an aggregate local outbound traffic. A computer-readable medium, a apparatus and a means for blackout and retune distribution is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a content providing system, a receiving apparatus and method, a storage medium, and a program, which enable to perform a variety of contents provisions. An operational terminal 21 can obtain, from a storage terminal 1, contents corresponding to utilization information sent from an operational terminal 11 that is receiving provision of predetermined contents from a storage terminal 1. That is, if a user 23 is interested in contents that a user 13 is watching and listening to on the operational terminal 11, and desires to watch and listen to it, the user 23 can watch and listen to on the operational terminal 21, the contents that the user 13 is watching and listening to, by holding the operational terminal 21 very close to the operational terminal 11, or holding the operational terminal 11 very close to the operational terminal 21.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing a channel in a digital broadcasting system are provided. The apparatus includes: a digital broadcast server for transmitting a multiplexed stream obtained by multiplexing at least one down broadcast data, and transmitting up broadcast data and at least one difference broadcast data; and a set-top box for accessing a channel over which the multiplexed stream is transmitted to perceive a down broadcasting PID (program identification) set for transmitting at least one down broadcast data contained in the multiplexed stream, upsizing and outputting down broadcast data having a down broadcasting PID corresponding to selected channel information from the multiplexed stream when a user selects a certain channel, summing difference broadcast data corresponding to a difference broadcasting PID and broadcast data obtained by upsizing the down broadcast data corresponding to the channel information, and outputting the result.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indexing programs are described. In accordance with one embodiment, program data associated with a program recorded on a first entertainment system is processed sufficient to create one or more signatures. The signatures define points of reference that can be utilized to synchronize timecodes associated with other recorded versions of the program from which the signatures were created. One or more indices are created and associated with the program from which the signatures were created. An index file can be created and can contain the created indices as well as the created signatures. A client system that receives the index file can use the signatures to synchronize the timecode on its recorded version of the program with a timecode of the program from which the signatures were created. Once the timecodes are synchronized, the client system can locate the same indices on its recorded version of the program.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting a plurality of informational video programs over a single digital transport stream to a plurality of receivers, wherein the receivers are operative to select from the transport stream data identified with any given program and to decode the identified data into a displayable video signal.

Abstract: A headend system includes an apparatus. The apparatus comprises receives a plurality of separate MPEG input streams; merges the plurality of separate input streams, and outputs a merged stream that is capable of being processed by a single PID processor in a television converter apparatus.