Abstract: A method of auditing operation of a television appliance consistent with certain embodiments involves detecting an event that triggers an audit; generating a fingerprint value, wherein the fingerprint value is function of the television network characteristics at an authorized installation location; comparing the fingerprint value with a stored reference value; if the fingerprint value is within specified limits of the stored reference value, permitting the television appliance to carry out a normal operational function; and if the fingerprint value is outside of specified limits of the stored reference value, inhibiting the television appliance from carrying out a normal operational function. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that enable user interface virtualization for any of a wide variety of applications and computing environments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a receiver/decoder in a digital television environment, including logical devices (including logical demultiplexer devices) for representing physical and other devices in the receiver/decoder. The method includes the instantiation of devices by the receiver/decoder as required to support functionality thereof. The method further includes the use of multiple demultiplexers/remultiplexers, for example in the recording of more than one service simultaneously; and a control word device for the management of control word operations; the use of two or more tuners. Various elements of a digital television system (such as a receiver/decoder and a set top box) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for media content transfer are described. One exemplary embodiment of a method for transferring content from a first digital video recorder (DVR) set-top to a second DVR set-top includes recording instances of media content to a first storage medium located internal to a housing of the first DVR set-top and receiving an indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top. One exemplary method further includes, in response to receiving the indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top, providing the instances of media content to the second DVR set-top over a communication interface of the second DVR set-top, the communication interface accessible from an external port of the second DVR set-top.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiver is configured to receive a broadcast signal and output the broadcast signal to an external device. The broadcast receiver includes a program information obtaining module, a storage module, and a channel selection detector. The program information obtaining module obtains program information from the broadcast signal. The storage module stores the program information obtained by the program information obtaining module. The channel selection detector detects an operation of selecting a channel. When the channel selection detector detects that a channel is selected, the broadcast receiver controls the external device to mute audio output. The channel selection detector also reads program information corresponding to the selected channel from the storage module and output the program information.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes a signal receiver and at least one optical fiber cable. The signal receiver receives optical signals from a remote controller. The at least one optical fiber cable is electrically connected to the signal receiver. The at least one optical fiber cable includes an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal receives the optical signals and the output terminal outputs the optical signals to the signal receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing transfer of files to receivers in a digital broadcast system. The data files are partitioned into segments that are interspersed in a broadcast signal. Segment headers are provided to indicate the number of segments that constitute a corresponding data file and to uniquely identify each of segment in a data file. Receivers allocate memory to store segments for a selected data file based on data in the segment headers. The headers can be provided with data to address data files to selected receivers. Receivers are programmed to monitor the progress of storing segments of a selected data file during an initial broadcast and to use rebroadcasts to complete a file transfer.

Abstract: A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with extended content data on a first data stream and second content data on a second data stream. The device includes a processing portion, an acquisition portion and a buffer. The acquisition portion is in communication with the processing portion. The acquisition portion can acquire the first data stream, can transition to the second data stream to receive the second content data and can provide the second content data to the processing portion. The buffer can receive the extended content data. The processing portion can instruct the acquisition portion to transition from the first data stream to the second data stream to receive the second content data. The buffer can further provide the extended content data to the processing portion based on the acquisition portion transitioning from the first data stream to the second data stream. The processing portion can further process the extended content data portion as received from the buffer.

Abstract: A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular interface allows new functionalities to be added to a television receiver. A module can be added to the television receiver through the interface that will enable additional functionalities on the television. The interface allows copy protection of digital video and audio content by incorporating HDCP technology, thereby also allowing the manufacturer of the interface to control the access to the interface.

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 dual-conversion tuner firstly upconverts so as to place itself outside the receive band and then downconverts with zero intermediate frequency. A filter of the surface acoustic wave type is disposed between the two frequency transposition stages of the tuner. After baseband filtering, the signals are digitized then processed in a digital block comprising a channel decoding module. With the exception of the surface acoustic wave filter, the components are entirely embodied in integrated fashion.

Abstract: A downstream bandwidth output level tilt compensation device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes first and second filters to output first and second band signals, respectively. Detectors output a measurement representative of a characteristic (e.g., RF power) in the first and second band signals, respectively. A comparator uses the measurements from the detectors to determine a correction signal. A variable slope adjusting circuit is provided to adjust the gain slope of the downstream bandwidth responsive to the correction signal. The device includes a third filter after the variable slope adjusting circuit to pass a third band signals corresponding to the first and second signals. A second comparator uses measurements from the third signal to adjust the connection signal.

Abstract: A receiving device includes a first data receiving unit to receive image data from an external device, with multiple channels, by differential signals, via a transfer path; a second data receiving unit to receive predetermined data from the external device, via a bi-directional communication path made up using predetermined lines of the transfer path; a capability confirming unit to confirm the existence of capability to transmit the predetermined data to the external device, via the bi-directional communication path; and a transmission request unit to request transmission of the predetermined data to the external device when confirmation is made by the capability confirming unit that the external device has the capability.

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: A set-back box (SBB) includes a digital TV signal receiver. The SBB can be connected via a HDMI cable to a TV having only an analog TV signal receiver so that digital TV signals from the SBB can be displayed on the TV screen. The TV processor recognizes the SBB and in effect treats the digital receiver of the SBB as its own, such that a single remote control can be used to control both analog channel selection within the TV and digital channel selection within the SBB.

Abstract: A video image capture component includes a light source operable in a first spectrum, a first image detector operable in the first spectrum, a second light source operable in a second spectrum, and a second image detector operable in the second spectrum. A filtering component generates a combination image by filtering a first image obtained by the first image detector with a high-contrast filter, resulting in a high-contrast image, and masking a second image obtained by the second image detector using the high-contrast image. A compositing component creates a composite image from the combination image and a selected image. A display component displays the composite image. Alternative systems and methods for creating a combination image include techniques involving thermal imaging, laser detection, and narrow band frequency detection.

Abstract: An image deblocking filter comprises an instruction memory. A decision unit executes instructions stored in the instruction memory to decide a first path or a second path of instruction fetching from the instruction memory to an execution unit. The execution unit is operable to execute a first instruction in the decided path the in one clock cycle. The first instruction represents a complex of three arithmetic operations and two bitwise operations for three variable operands and two constant operands. The first and second paths respectively realize deblocking formulae of a first and a second image compression standard.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a channel change request from a set-top box (STB) coupled to a packet-based network, where the STB is located at a subscriber premises. The channel change request includes a value identifying one or more of a number of STBs and a number of display devices that are located at the subscriber premises. The method also includes allocating an overhead bandwidth to the STB based on the value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadcast receiver that can automatically enable input of a predetermined signal from external device, when there is no broadcast of program that is receivable at the broadcast receiver. The broadcast receiver 100 detects non-broadcasting time zone in which broadcast program is not broadcasted according to broadcast information (EPG data) included in broadcast signal received by antenna 10 or tuner 2. When it is determined that timing in which power was turned on to start the broadcast receiver 100 falls within the detected non-broadcasting time zone, the broadcast receiver 100 is capable to switch so as to enable broadcasting of video content that corresponds to video signal outputted by the external device connected to a group of external device connecting terminals 8 (connecting terminal 8a-8e), such as video replay device or the DVD player, at a display device 20.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for allowing a digital broadcast receiver smoothly to switch from one broadcast channel to another. In response to a reproduction output request, encoded data that are requested to be reproduced and output are selected and decoded accordingly. At substantially the same time, arrangements may be provided to select and decode other encoded data in accordance with a predetermined rule. Whenever the encoded data selected using the predetermined rule are to be reproduced and output on request, conventionally required demultiplexing and decoding processes are not needed.

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 system and method for purchasing broadcast audio and/or video (audio/video) works. According to one embodiment, the system includes a data stream processor that receives a broadcast audio/video data stream and produces from the broadcast audio/video data stream a first audio/video output data stream and a second audio/video output data stream, wherein the broadcast audio/video data stream contains information corresponding to an audio/video work and the first audio/video output stream is in a format that can be recognized and processed by conventional audio/video reproducing equipment; a storage device that stores data included in the second audio/video output data stream, wherein the data corresponds to the audio/video work; and a user interface that enables a user of the system to input to the system an indication that the user desires to purchase the audio/video work.

Abstract: A host includes a controller configured to collect High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) status information associated with at least one HDMI port in response to an externally generated request. The controller is further configures to forward the collected HDMI status information to a communication card and to cause the HDMI status information to be displayed.

Abstract: A multimedia system is provided, comprising a computer for receiving audio data and video data from a source and transmitting the data serially over a high speed serial link, a set-top box connected through the link to the computer for receiving the audio data and video data, the set-top box having a southbridge module with a link interface connected to the link and providing a local parallel data bus output and at least one audio playback channel receiving the audio data; and a graphics processor receiving from the southbridge module the video data over the bus, processing the video data and providing a video output in at least one display format. At least one display device is connected to the graphics processor for receiving and displaying the video output; and at least one speaker is connected to the audio playback channel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a record information storage module stores record information related to content recorded by an external apparatus in association with a keyword representing the content and user information. A search information storage module stores a search phrase used for searching in an external apparatus in association with user information. A search word handler extracts a predetermined number of words having high search frequency from search phrases stored in association with specific user information to generate a word list. A record information handler extracts keywords stored in association with the specific user information to generate a keyword list. A ranking processor generates ranking information indicating a word in the word list which matches a keyword in the keyword list. A communicator provides the ranking information to an external apparatus corresponding to the specific user information.

Abstract: A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication card includes a controller configured to forward a request to a device external to the communication card. The controller is further configured to receive HDMI status information associated with at least one HDMI port in response to the request.

Abstract: A host includes at least one High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port. A controller is configured to receive a request from a source external to the host. The controller is further configured to collect HDMI status information associated with the HDMI port in response to the request.

Abstract: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.

Abstract: A digital cable TV receiver includes a POD module and a host device. The host device includes a controller and a HDMI port linked to a first peripheral device. When the controller receives a diagnostic request for HDMI status from the POD module, it generates a HDMI status report and transmits the DVI status report to the POD module. The HDMI status report includes HDMI status information associated with the first peripheral device. If the host device further includes a DVI port linked to a second peripheral device and receives a diagnostic request for HDMI/DVI status from the PDO module, it generates a HDMI/DVI status report and transmits the HDMI/DVI status report to the POD module. The HDMI/DVI status report includes HDMI status information associated with the first peripheral device and DVI status information associated with the second peripheral device.

Abstract: A communication system includes at least one High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port. A content provider forwards a request to a receiver. The receiver includes a controller configured to receive the request and collects HDMI status information associated with the HDMI port in response to the request.

Abstract: A host includes a controller configured to receive a request self-diagnostic to the host, wherein the request is for diagnostic information associated with memory allocated for an application. The controller is further configured to collect the requested diagnostic information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of assembling an elementary stream from an encapsulated multimedia transport stream are disclosed. An exemplary method includes: receiving a command from a user mode video playback component; in response, processing layer-2 packets received through a network interface driver binding to assemble, into an MPEG elementary stream, multimedia transport packets encapsulated within; and supplying the stream to a decoder. The receiving and processing steps are performed in kernel mode. Also disclosed is an exemplary digital home communication terminal that includes a network interface, memory, and a processor. The processor executes code to: receive a command from a user mode video playback component; process layer-2 packets received through a network interface driver binding, in order to assemble into an MPEG elementary stream multimedia transport packets encapsulated within the received layer-2 packets; and supply the elementary stream to a decoder.

Abstract: A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network consistent with certain embodiments involves sending a polling message to a plurality of modems forming a part of a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend via a cable television cable connection to the set top boxes; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top boxes to obtain at least one operational parameter of each of the television set top boxes; receiving a plurality of response messages from the cable television set top boxes, each containing the at least one operational parameter of the television set top boxes; determining that one of the operational parameters from one of the television set top boxes is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes received in the response messages to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set

Abstract: Automated context-sensitive updating of content in an audiovisual (AV) storage system is disclosed. A media storage device for storing a multimedia signal includes a storage medium, such as a dedicated hard drive, a processor, and memory. The storage medium is coupled to the processor and the memory. The memory contains instructions that, when implemented, enable a method of off-site management of data stored on the storage medium. The method includes a step of receiving a media signal with content data and context data at the media storage device. The method also includes a step of receiving storage management instructions from a storage management provider, remotely located from the media storage device. Lastly, the media signal is stored on the media storage device in accordance with the storage management instructions.

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: An in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) records in a recording device a program which the user starts watching, and reads and reproduces the data when watching is permitted, such as, for example, when a vehicle is stopped. The in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) transmits recording information about recording, such as a program, a time, and the like, to an in-home recording/reproduction device (303). The in-home recording/reproduction device (303) records the same program as that recorded by the in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) based on the recording information. The in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) transmits to the in-home recording/reproduction device (303) reproduction information indicating which scene was last reproduced in the in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121). The in-home recording/reproduction device (303) performs reproduction based on the reproduction information.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus for, in a case that an application program is executed at a television receiving apparatus, permitting execution of the application program during a period in which a predetermined channel or a broadcast program is viewed.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

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: 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: 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: A common communication language that can address all the applications running in a multitude of set top boxes (STBs) or client devices and application servers. The present invention, DATP protocol encapsulates a Meta language that provides a generic portable communication application programmer interface that requires light processor utilization and is well suited for a typical STB possessing limited processing power. DATP requires relatively few processing cycles compared to typical Internet communication protocols. DATP reduces the overhead of the communication protocol handler at the STB and makes the communication protocol handler common for all STBs applications. The preferred DATP protocol is portable for all STBs since it is written in a native language that interfaces with the underlying operating system of the STB. A SGW (SGW) performs as a DATP server. The SGW translates between DATP messages and standard communication protocols.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate antenna peaking, such as by assisting a user in configuring the position and/or orientation of an antenna to improve the quality of a received signal. In one embodiment, an antenna peaking system (“APS”) is provided. The APS includes a receiving device, such as a set-top box, and an antenna peaking assistant. The receiving device determines strength of a signal received by an antenna, and transmits information about the determined signal strength to the antenna peaking assistant. The antenna peaking assistant wirelessly receives the transmitted information, and presents an indication of the signal strength. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a remote control accessory for a wireless communication system, including a radio frequency (RF) to infrared (IR) converter for receiving RF signals transmitted thereto and converting the RF signals to IR commands, a plurality of IR transmitters for transmitting the IR commands, and a housing assembly for carrying the RF to IR converter and the plurality of IR transmitters. The plurality of IR transmitters are integrated into the housing assembly with no exposed wires. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A host includes a plurality of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ports. A controller is configured to receive a source external to the host. The controller is further configured to collect HDMI information associated with more than one HDMI port in response to the request.

Abstract: An integrated type set-top box includes a first receiver receiving a signal transmittable under high speed download packet access. A second receiver receives a signal transmitted from a digital image transmission platform and outputs a demodulated signal. A decoder is coupled to the second receiver. The decoder receives the demodulated signal from the second receiver and decodes the demodulated signal into a decoded signal. A microprocessor is coupled to the first receiver, the decoder, and a display port. The microprocessor receives the signal from the first receiver and the decoded signal from the decoder and selectively outputs the signal from the first receiver or the decoded signal from the decoder to the display port.