Abstract: In a cable broadcasting system of the invention capable of setting output or stop of broadcasting-signals from tap output terminals of a tap device in response to a command signal transmitted by a center equipment, when demand for output setting for many tap devices occurs, output setting of the corresponding tap devices can be surely carried out without increasing the load on each power supply device for supplying the tap devices in each district with electricity. When demand for setting tap output of plural tap device occurs, a head-end controller reads output setting data for all the tap devices which are the objects of tap output setting and transmits command signals in order to tap devices at a rate of one tap device per each district covered by a power supply device.

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: The invention relates to a multi-standard digital receiver, in a digital video transmission system. It comprises a channel decoder for protecting a transmitted signal against channel transmission errors, the channel decoder comprising: a set of co-processors including at least 3 clusters of programmable co-processors for executing the functions of a digital front-end block (DFE), a channel correction block (CHN) and a forward error correction block (FEC), respectively, a general purpose processor (DSP) for managing control, synchronization and configuration of the channel decoder, and a memory (SM) shared between the clusters and the general purpose processor.

Abstract: A live broadcasting method and its system for SNG webcasting studio is an easy tool for producing teaching material and online live broadcasting. The system comprises SNG audio/video special effect equipment, a webeasting encoder, a synchronization control program for streaming audio/video, presentation files and digital whiteboard and a streaming server. Through the SNG webcasting studio, multimedia content is easily integrated. Teaching material is produced immediately and output for online broadcasting. Further, the system allows the integration of the broadcasted content from camcorder or VCR and PowerPoint files. Through Intranet or Internet, the teaching or training program is broadcasted online. The viewer only needs to logon Internet to watch the teaching or training program.

Abstract: A part of transmission signal is branched by a directional coupler, and split by a splitting circuit, so that the transmission signal can be outputted to the subscribers' terminal devices via branched output terminals. Latching relays disposed in signal paths to the branched output terminals from the splitting circuit can set the output/stop of the transmission signal to the terminal devices. A control circuit switches the connected/disconnected state of the relays in response to the command signal from the center apparatus. When an operation switch is turned on, all the relays are placed into the connected state. As a result, after the installation of the tap device, by operating the operation switch, the broadcasting signal can be distributed to the terminal devices before the command signal is received.

Abstract: A public telephone device includes a high speed data connection controller for communicating with an attached peripheral such as a digital camera. The high speed data connection controller is electrically connected to the telephone controller. A high speed data connection hub also provides connectivity to the attached peripheral via a high speed data connection, the high speed data connection hub being electrically connected to the high speed data connection controller. The high speed data connection is accessible through an outer housing of the telephone device such that data is capable of being transferred from the attached peripheral via the high speed data connection hub and the high speed data connection controller over the telephone network.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for transmitting and receiving video signals in a digital visual interface (DVI) format over and an RF cable. The transmission and reception includes optionally scaling the video signals to plasma native resolution. Also, the transmission of the signals may be performed by varying rates of lossless or visually lossless compression and digitally modulated the signal to be transmitted over an RF cable.

Abstract: A digital television translator includes a digital television receiver for receiving a first digital television signal at a first frequency and generating a digital transport stream from the first digital television signal. The digital transport stream can include original Program and System Information (PSIP) data having RX channel data that is indicative of the first frequency, the first major channel number, and/or the first minor channel number. The digital television translator also includes a PSIP update module for updating the original PSIP data in the digital transport stream by replacing the RX channel data with TX channel data. The TX data is indicative of a second frequency, a second major channel number, and/or a second minor channel number.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for terrestrial digital broadcasting service using a single frequency network without additional equipment. The system and method synchronizes input signals into transmitting stations by inserting a transmission synchronization signal into a header of TS periodically, and solves the problematic ambiguity of the trellis encoder by including a trellis encoder switching unit separately and initializing a memory of the trellis encoder.

Abstract: A method for assigning content delivery modes includes the steps of: receiving information identifying at least a first user preference selected by a first user for a first video program that is to be provided to the first user at a future time, receiving information identifying at least a second user preference selected by a second user for a second video program that is to be provided to the second user at a future time, and assigning a content delivery mode for the second video program responsive to at least the first user preference and the second user preference, the second video program being provided to at least the second user at a future time.

Abstract: In an implementation, a first MPEG video stream is selected from a broadcast channel and the MPEG video stream is decoded to generate a first image for display. A second MPEG video stream is selected from the broadcast channel and decoded to generate a second image for display such that the second image is combined for display with at least a section of the first image.

Abstract: An apparatus that supports a communication link (such as DSL) in the local loop has hardware to distribute a copy of one or more data flows to any of a number of devices (e.g. “set-top boxes”) that are each connected to the apparatus by the link. In some embodiments, the apparatus receives only one copy of a number of video feeds for distribution from a video head end that is coupled thereto e.g. via an ATM network. In such embodiments, the apparatus selectively transfers a copy of one of the video feeds being received, to each set-top box. Distribution of data flows in the apparatus can be implemented by a point to multipoint virtual circuit, although a change in a video feed being supplied to a subscriber requires tearing down the subscriber's old virtual circuit leaf and setting up a new virtual circuit leaf to the subscriber. The time delay and overhead associated with such virtual circuit changes are eliminated in certain embodiments by changing only an internal mapping.

Abstract: A leaf-initiated point-to-multi-point connection, particularly within an ATM network via ATM signaling, is established. An IGMP to UNI translation and a UNI call sequence are used to indicate when and where a point-to-multi-point connection should be provided. Per IGMP join stimulus, a Setup message is sent from the leaf to an end point, or Root, to request to join a known multi-point connection. Routing information is inserted into the Setup message for routing to the leaf. The Root end point originates a point to multi-point call to the leaf using the routing information inserted into the Setup message. The Setup message is rejected by the endpoint.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents to a user, includes (a) a content server which provides a content a user selected, to the user, (b) a user's terminal which transmits an indication of a user's desired content among contents provided by the content server, to the content server, and (c) a network system which assigns a band necessary for transmission of the content to a channel through which the content is transmitted from the content server to the user's terminal, only during the content is being transmitted, receives a content fee from the user, pays the content fee to the content server, and receives a fee for assuring the band and transmitting the content to the user on behalf of the content server, from the content server.

Abstract: Systems and end-to-end methods for delivering digital aggregated broadcast television programming from a centralized aggregation headend to subscribers in multiple markets using an interconnected terrestrial fiber optic network. A centralized aggregation headend receives multiple multi-market broadcast television signals from multiple content providers. The multiple broadcast television signals are aggregated into a digital aggregated content bundle. The digital aggregated content bundle is prepared for transport over an interconnected long-haul fiber optic network, comprising multiple fiber optic networks interconnected by a plurality of interconnection points of presence. The digital aggregated content bundle is transported over the interconnected long-haul fiber optic network to local/metro PoPs in multiple markets. The local/metro PoPs are interconnected with central offices and/or other local facilities for last-mile delivery of the digital aggregated content bundle to subscriber premises.

Abstract: A method and system for automated provisioning of hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network elements operable for communicating telephony, data, and video signals with customer-premises equipment of a subscriber includes a database and an online provisioning application link (OPAL). The database is operable for storing data indicative of the configuration of the network elements and the customer-premises equipment, and for storing data indicative of assigned capacity of the network elements. The OPAL is operable with the database for provisioning network elements with the customer-premises equipment of the subscriber based on the assigned capacity of the network elements in order to enable communication of telephony, data, and video signals between the HFC network and the customer-premises equipment of the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system of providing control by a client of a Web-cast from a telephone, the method comprising: receiving from the client Web-cast configuration data at a web server, updating Web-cast parameters in accordance with the Web-cast configuration data and storing the Web-cast parameters in a database; receiving initiation instructions at the telephony server for the Web-cast from the client via the telephone and initiating the Web-cast in accordance with the Web-cast parameters stored in the database; receiving content data at the telephony server from the telephone, formatting the content data at the telephony server, storing the content data at a file storage server and providing content pull instructions to an encoder server; receiving the content pull instructions at the encoder server, pulling the content from the file storage server based upon the content pull instructions and encoding the content into streaming content at the encoder server; and receiving the streaming content at a media server

Abstract: A method of transmitting multimedia content from a network content element to a network data distribution element further distributes content within a mobile telecommunications network, The method includes providing the multimedia content to the network content element, then sending the multimedia content from the content element, and receiving it in the data distribution element. The data distribution element then determines one or more control parameters based on the multimedia content. One or more content channels are established based upon the control parameters.

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 method of serving out video over a network of video servers includes evaluating a capacity of the network as a whole to serve out specific video items by establishing, for each video server in the network, an established ability of each server to serve out the specific items that are potentially servable from each video server. The method further includes using the established abilities of each video server to evaluate an overall capability of the network as whole to serve out each of the specific video items. The method also includes varying the overall capability to serve out at least a selected one of the specific video items in accordance with the overall capability of the network.

Abstract: A communication system including a plurality of communication apparatuses connected via a data transmission line to execute data exchange between any of the communication apparatuses. The communication apparatuses include a transmitter/receiver configured to access said data transmission line at timing periods peculiar to respective communication apparatuses in synchronism with a common system clock among respective communication apparatuses. Further, the timing periods peculiar to respective communication apparatuses are set to be mutually shifted such that accesses to said data transmission line are not simultaneously generated from said plurality of communication apparatuses, and at least two communication apparatuses have communication speeds different from each other.

Abstract: The system integrates a CCTV system including one or more video source units into the structured cabling system (“SCS”) of a building or the like by combining video signals, control signals and power for each video source unit over a single multipair cable made up of plural unshielded twisted pairs (“UTP”) of insulated copper conductors, so that one twisted pair of the cable carries the video signals, one pair carries the control signals and one or two pairs carry the power. The system includes combiners and distributors which can interface with the SCS cable through standard modular, multi-pin plug and jack connectors.

Abstract: A system for receiving network video includes a remote control with a power control input. A video receiver, controlled by the remote control, powers up or powers down based on a control signal indicating activation of the power control input. The video receiver receives video signals from a gateway or gateway source connected to the video network. The gateway decodes signals received from the network into a format acceptable by the receiver. If the gateway receives a control signal from the remote control indicating activation of the power control input and the gateway is currently in the “on” state, the gateway toggles to the “off” state and outputs a predefined channel to the receiver.

Abstract: A device and method for handling and transferring data associated with a main broadcast program (e.g. music names, singer names and advertisement) from a broadcast station (radio, television, etc.) or a cable television set top box. Data received can be captured and stored in a main memory by receiving a command from a user by pressing input/output user interface unit. The stored data can be transmitted to another local area transceiver or a personal hand held memory device (PHHM) by means of wireless data transmission or transmitted between PHHM. The data can be displayed by a data display unit installed on a local area transceiver that receives data shared with for instance, a television or radio signal receiver or on a PHHM.

Abstract: A method and system for managing electronic distribution of digital movies to commercial exhibitors at warp speed is made ultra secure by utilizing synchronized and concurrent digitally bifurcated data transmissions via both satellite up-links/downlinks and compressed digital data sent and retrieved from secure restrictive sites on the world wide web. All transmitted data received is interlocking and co-dependent upon each other for functional deciphered translation thereby considerably reducing the odds of piracy over present methods.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for increasing the data rate on an existing repeatered telecommunication channel structure. In illustrative embodiments, replacement transceivers and replacement repeaters provide for transferring data streams via the existing channel structure at a rate substantially greater than the data transfer rate of the existing channel structure. The replacement transceivers and replacement repeaters are spectrally compatible with existing services and provide data transfer performance equal to or better than the performance of the existing channel structure.

Abstract: The system performs complicated processing at high speed on image data which is obtained by a camera-equipped mobile phone, thereby reducing the time required for image data processing. The system includes first equipment and second equipment, communicably interconnected each other with a first communication path. The first equipment includes: an image inputting unit for obtaining image information in the form of image data; and an image data transmitting unit for transmitting the image data, which has been obtained by the image inputting unit, to the second equipment over the first communication path. The second equipment includes: an image data receiving unit for receiving the image data, which has been transmitted over the first communication path, from the first equipment; and an image data processing unit for processing the image data, which has been obtained by the image data receiving unit.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitting method wherein a transport stream is created and transmitted in a digital broadcasting system in which the transport stream in which plural packets comprising video data packets of digitized video and service information packets of information about broadcasting using the video have been multiplexed, is transmitted over a network, comprises: creating and transmitting the transport stream in which the service information includes scanning method information as information about a scanning method of digitizing the video.

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 method and apparatus for generating an encoded data stream representing a number of pictures or frames and having a number of layers including a picture layer in which time code information attached to the original data is described or inserted therein for each picture. Such time code information may be inserted into a user data area of the picture layer of the encoded data stream.

Abstract: In a communication system for carrying out satellite communication through a satellite among users, a satellite communication center is located in a terrestrial network, such as an internet, and has a program table accessible through the terrestrial network and representative of a time schedule of each program to be broadcast through the satellite. The program table can be reserved to broadcast contents by a sender through the internet when an empty time zone is left on the program table. When the reservation is accepted, the contents are sent from the sender through the internet to the satellite communication center and are broadcast at a reserved time through the satellite to other users in accordance with the program table. The contents may be stored in advance in an information storage of the satellite communication center once before they are broadcast or be directly broadcast to the satellite at the reserved time.

Abstract: A system for self-contained, low-power re-broadcast and reception of content signals at least contains a content signal transmitter adapted to transmit/re-broadcast a content signal which it has Frequency Modulated (FM), at least includes one receiver adapted to receive the FM content signal, a cable infrastructure with cables adapted for transmitting in-building content signals, and an antenna connected to a cable and placed in the effective range of the receiver, given predefined maximum antenna power limits (such as those defined by the Federal Communications Commission). Consequently, receivers which do not have (or have available) coaxial cable jacks, or those which do have coaxial cable jacks but are not physically reachable by coaxial can still receive re-broadcast content signals. In the preferred embodiment, an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit is connected between the cable and the antenna to maintain the signal transmitted power level close to the allowable maximum, while not exceeding it.

Abstract: A cable television system (100) includes forward and reverse paths. Reverse path circuitry within an optical node (400) of the system (100) receives reverse analog electrical signals from subscriber equipment (140) and generates therefrom a multiplexed reverse digital optical signal. The reverse digital optical signal is transmitted over a fiber optic cable 420 to a cable television hub (430), the reverse path portion of which includes no active circuitry. The hub (430) multiplexes the reverse digital optical signal with other reverse digital optical signals from other nodes to generate one or more forwarded digital optical signals at a hub output, wherein generation of the one or more forwarded digital optical signals requires only passive devices in the reverse path of the hub (430).

Abstract: Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) video data is separated into first data and second data. A first signal is formed based on the first data. A second signal is formed based on the second data. The first signal is transported via a first Optical Carrier 3 (OC-3) channel. The second signal is transported via a second OC-3 channel.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and processing data for display on a display device are described. Encoded data is received through a first digital connection. The encoded data is then processed in response to a request from a user to obtain multiple signals. Finally, the signals are transmitted to the display device through a second connection.

Abstract: Method for addressing at least one service in a data communication system comprises at least one data transmission network (6, 12a, 12b, 15a, 15b, 16, 17) for transmitting information in at least one preferably MPEG data transmission stream (TS). In the method one or several service_providers transmits services to one or several data transmission networks (6, 12a, 12b, 15a, 15b, 16, 17). The service is assigned an identification (original_network_id, transport_stream_id, service_id), wherein on basis of the identification (original_network_id, transport_stream_id, service_id), it is possible to retrieve the data transmission stream (TS) to be used and the location in the data transmission stream (TS). The service is assigned an identifying name (service_provider_name, service_name) and a relation between the name information and the identification data, wherein on the basis of the name information (service_provider_name, service_name) and the relation, it is possible to retrieve the service identification.

Abstract: In a dynamic video communication evaluation equipment for analyzing codes by multiple methods for evaluating a dynamic video image, an analysis including estimation is performed to fix a reliability of the analysis result, enabling a processing termination in response to the analysis result in view of effective utilization of time or cost.

Abstract: A system for displaying receiver and channel diagnostic data includes a channel response generator, a channel response pass/fail limit storage, and a display generator for generating a display of the generated response and a limit stored within the pass/fail limit storage. The channel response generator generates one of a magnitude and phase angle response from response data for a QAM receiver and may be any device that computes at least a magnitude channel response or a phase angle response for a QAM or QPSK receiver. For each type of channel response, magnitude and phase angle, a user may specify a variation limit and/or the system may store default variation limits. These variation limits define the limit of gain variation from unity gain for the magnitude response and the maximum group delay variation. Preferably, the group delay is measured with respect to the group delay at the center frequency of the channel to which the receiver is tuned.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) distribution system, and a method of forming and using the CATV distribution system. In a first embodiment, a narrowcast optical signal is generated by an uncooled laser and converted by a receiver into a narrowcast electrical signal. In a second embodiment, a narrowcast optical signal generated by an uncooled laser is combined with a broadcast optical signal by an optical coupler at a hub of the CATV distribution system to generate a composite optical signal, which at a CATV node is: split into the broadcast and narrowcast optical components, respectively converted into broadcast and narrowcast electrical components, and combined into a composite electrical signal. In a third embodiment, a narrowcast optical signal is generated by an uncooled laser and then combined with the broadcast optical signal by a single receiver.

Abstract: A test meter for digital CATV systems is operative to analyze digital CATV signals or channels utilizing selectable signal conditioning circuits, depending on the format of the CATV signal under test. The test meter is thus operative to analyze digital CATV signals transmitted according to various international digital standards. In one form, the signal conditioning circuits include SAW filters for particular bandwidths according to the digital signal standard of the particular CATV system. The SAW filters correspond to the bandwidths associated with a particular digital signal standard. Once the signal conditioning circuit has been selected, an output of a corresponding filter is input to a digital decoder circuit such as a QAM decoder. The QAM decoder is operative to decode all three (3) international QAM standards in accordance with ITU-T J.83 for digital signals.

Abstract: A system for connecting a controlling station (10) to a viewing station (13) in accordance with CAT 5/6 protocol comprises a single conductor (30) which carries audio and video signals.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus transmit and receive information in a cable TV network including at least one base station connected to a branching cable network, branching from the base station to at least two subscribers, provided with transmitters. A unique carrier frequency is assigned to each of the subscriber's transmitters, the carrier frequencies being orthogonal. Signals from the subscriber's transmitters are transmitted simultaneously, received in the base station as a broadband signal, and separated using a common algorithm.

Abstract: In hybrid fiber coaxial cable networks such as used in cable television where two-way digital communications are desired, a distributed termination system is provided. In such a system the home terminals are digital terminals, such as digital set-top boxes or cable modems using bi-directional transmission standards. The functionality of the head end controller in a conventional system is in this system distributed between the head end and the fiber nodes which link the coaxial cable and optical fiber portions of the system. Thereby the upstream detection takes place in the fiber nodes rather than in the head end by placing upstream burst receivers in the fiber nodes. Further there is a distributed method to enable this by providing synchronization and calibration control between the head end and the fiber nodes. Also, the return path is a digital return path supported by having the burst receivers located in the fiber nodes.

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 (CPE). The network elements include a host digital terminal (HDT) for communicating the telephony signals, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) for communicating the data signals, and video equipment for communicating the video signals; a fiber optics network connecting the HDT, CMTS, and video equipment to a fiber optics node; and a coax cable network connecting the fiber optics node to the CPE.

Abstract: A transmitter (305) for transmitting reverse optical signals in a broadband communications system (300) that includes a converter (320) for digitizing the analog RF signals and a carrier-detect circuit (330) coupled to the converter (320) for detecting when digital RF signals are present at the output of the converter (320). When the carrier-detect circuit (330) detects digital RF signals, the carrier-detect circuit (330) allows the digital RF signals to be transmitted upstream through the broadband communications system (300). A digital network (310) then combines the received digital RF signals with other digital RF signals from additional transmitters (305). The combined digital signals are then provided to a receiver (315) that includes a converter (335) for returning the digital RF signals to analog RF signals and then providing the analog signals to a headend for further processing.

Abstract: A user model for interactive television systems organizes access devices into households, with each access device in a household being logical extensions of each other. Each household can have multiple user objects, with each user object having its own independent configuration of attributes and data. Other access devices (if any) in the household automatically receive the configuration information of a new or reconfigured user object without any further action by the user. When a user adds a new access device to the household, the new access device automatically receives the configuration information of user objects already existing in the household, without any further action by the user.

Abstract: A one-way broadcasting system comprises a headend system architecture adapted to receive data from the Internet and transmit the data through a digital TV network to receivers, a mapping function for mapping the Internet data to MPEG streams, a combining function for combining the Internet data streams with digital video streams, a broadcast function for broadcasting Web content to users throughout the one way network; a linking function for linking the Internet data with digital video channels; and a navigation function for navigating broadcast data in the one way network.

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 switch apparatus is used in the transmission of a redundant Cable TV (CTV) signal. The redundant CTV signal can be a symmetric split linked redundant CTV signal or an asymmetric split linked redundant CTV signal. The switch apparatus is capable of handling both the symmetric and asymmetric redundant CTV signal where primary channels are split into multiple parts. The asymmetrical splitting of the primary channels is where one part contains more channels than another part. The switch apparatus includes a plurality of switches and a monitor device to detect a failure in the split signal path before the split signals are combined to be transmitted to downstream end-users. Upon detecting a failure, the switches are switched from primary channels to secondary channels by a controller. After the signal is returned, the switches are switched back to the primary channels. A delay timer may be included in the switch apparatus to avoid incidental or temporary signal recovery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for selective modification of transport data for enhanced video content. Video transport data is received in a video signal or an external source and a configurable processor uses criteria to selectively modify units of the video transport data. Disclosed criteria included a rule based pattern matching/replacement as well as criteria for denial, acceptance, or modification of particular units of video transport data. The modified video transport data stream created by the processor can be re-encoded in the video signal and provided to an external monitor.