Abstract: A system or method selects among multiple tuners to tune a particular channel. A request is received to tune a first channel. In response to this request, a first tuner is assigned to tune the first channel. A request is received to tune a second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is not being recorded, the first tuner is assigned to tune the second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is being recorded, the second tuner is assigned to tune the second channel.

Abstract: A method of installing a network device is disclosed that includes downloading installation data at a portable computing device from a communications provider server via an Internet Protocol (IP) network connection. The installation data includes a script that is adapted to establish IP connectivity between a first network device and at least a second network device. The method also includes determining, at the portable computing device, when the first network device is configured according to a communications provider specification while the portable computing device is disconnected from communicating with the communications provider server. The communications provider specification relates to providing at least one communications service to one or more customer premises.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for maintaining smooth video transition between distinct applications. Preferably, the apparatus implementing the present invention includes a processor, a secondary memory and a system memory. In providing a smooth transition between two applications, the apparatus and method provides synchronization of the video and graphics components while transitioning from a first application to a second application. If there is no video component in either application, no action is needed to provide a smooth transition between applications, and when only the first application includes a video component, the video component need only be turned off for smooth transition between the applications to occur.

Abstract: An image display delay time shortening apparatus during channel change, a method thereof and a broadcasting receiving apparatus thereof are disclosed. The broadcasting receiving apparatus extracts a sequence header from a video stream of the received broadcasting signal if a broadcasting signal of each channel is received. Henceforth, the broadcasting receiving apparatus extracts a sequence header corresponding to a changed channel from a relevant region of a channel information table in a memory to establish an initial value of a decoder, so that an image can be displayed with any time delay even if the sequence header is not received at the start of channel change.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a set-top box are described. In some embodiments, a set-top box for controlling a display device includes first circuitry configured to control the display of information on the display device, a housing sized to contain the first circuitry, and one or more adjustable grips attached to the housing. The adjustable grips may be adapted to removably attach the set-top box to the display device. In some cases, a set-top box may be adapted to sit atop a display device having a thickness (in a viewing direction) of less than six, three, two, one, or even 0.5 inches. Some embodiments may be shaped to “hang” on a top surface or edge of a display device. Some embodiments include a set-top box having a feature shaped to hook, latch, or otherwise engage with a display device.

Abstract: A channel updater. The channel updater maintains an accurate channel line-up by automatically testing accessible channels to determine if those channels are available for viewing. Available channels are added to the channel line-up, and unavailable channels are subtracted from the channel line-up. The updater persistently retests the channels so that changes in channel availability are reflected in the channel line-up.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data in a cable modem system includes the steps of encoding the data using forward error correction. The data is then encoded with Turbo encoding. The data is then sent to a modulation scheme. The data is then transmitted over a cable channel. The data is then demodulated. The data is then decoded using a Turbo decoder. An inverse of the forward error correction is then applied to the data.

Abstract: A method of providing video content includes receiving a channel change data packet from a set-top box device at a subscriber premise via a packet-based video distribution network. The channel change data packet includes data indicating a requested channel and a channel change index value. The method also includes reading the channel change data packet to identify the channel change index value. The channel change index value indicates an available bandwidth at the subscriber premise to receive video content of the requested channel via the packet-based video distribution network. The method also includes allocating an overhead bandwidth to the set-top box device based on the channel change index value.

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: 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 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 electronic card connector is used to connect an electronic card to an electronic device, such as a level-shifting device. The electronic card connector includes an insert slot unit and a switch unit. The insert slot unit is adapted for insertion of the electronic card and is provided with a power signal terminal for providing electric power to the electronic card that is inserted into the insert slot unit. The 10 switch unit is disposed in the insert slot unit, is operable to establish electrical connection between the power signal terminal and a first power source when the electronic card inserted into the insert slot unit does not actuate the switch unit, and is further operable to establish electrical connection between the power signal terminal and a second power source when the electronic card inserted into the insert slot unit actuates the switch unit.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of an apparatus for providing separate user classifications and interfaces to multiple users of a set-top box of the television system. Each user classification may be configurable to provide different interfaces, menus and available features to the users of the set-top box. Further, each user classification may include several sub-classifications to further personalize the set-top box to the various users of the system. Also, each user classification may also monitor the habits and usage of each class and store such information for use by the set-top box to suggest settings of the set-top box that the user may be interested in, such as a favorite channel list.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for receiving broadcast signal. More specifically, one of the devices includes at least two tuners (102, 103) configured to synchronize at least two transmit stream independently, at least two transmit stream processors (104, 105) each configured to convert the at least one transmit stream into a plurality of audio signals, a plurality of displayable video signals, and a plurality of displayable data signals, a controller (100) configured to provide switching control signal and display control signal based on channel selected by a user, a switching unit (135) configured to output a data broadcast associated with a first broadcast channel and the video and the audio associated with a second broadcast channel, a display module (138) configured to display a video of the first broadcast channel in a first display area and a data of the second broadcast channel in a second display area, and at least one speaker configured to audio output of at least two different broadcast channels.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile communication device having a controller to receive a broadcast of media content from a first media source using a first communication protocol, display the media content on the mobile communication device, determine whether the media content satisfies one or more parameter thresholds when the media content is available to a display device from a second media source that is not the mobile communication device where the one or more parameter thresholds are based at least in part on the media content available from the second media source and where the display device is remote from the mobile communication device, and commence streaming of the media content from the mobile communication device to the display device when the media content exceeds the one or more parameter thresholds. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to minimizing the dependency of source code on the characteristics of a set-top box's in-band (streaming video or audio) hardware. The set-top box software consists of a device driver layer, which is intimately aware of hardware characteristics, an application layer, which is relatively unaware of any hardware details, a middleware layer which is also relatively unaware of any hardware details, and a device translation layer (DTL). In the DTL, all of the translation between device abstractions to device driver calls that were formerly made in middleware are moved down to an engine manager. Middleware thus becomes device-independent with respect to in-band devices, and porting Middleware to new hardware becomes trivial.

Abstract: In a network system having connected thereto a plurality of television receivers each having a function for specifying television program reservations, and a recording device, a list of the program reservations configured by all of the television receivers can be viewed on one television receiver. The recording device produces a predefined common reservation code, and sequentially receives and records the program reservation instructions with the common reservation codes in memory. When a list of the reservations is requested by one television receiver, a program reservation instruction is sent from memory with the common reservation code, and a list of reservations is compiled based on the common reservation codes.

Abstract: Provided are a method of and an apparatus for automatically setting a channel to achieve channel synchronization between a transmitter and a receiver in a wireless transceiver system. The transmitter stores information about a channel tuned according to an initial channel number, transmits a message indicating a completion of the channel information storage to a receiver, and transmits a next channel number in response to a message confirming the completion of a channel information storage performed in the receiver. The receiver receives a tuned channel number and the message indicating the completion of the channel information storage in sequence from the transmitter, stores channel information corresponding to the received tuned channel number, transmits the message confirming the completion of the channel information storage to the transmitter, and waits for the next channel number to be received from the transmitter.

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: Integrated circuits (290, 252, 254) and methods (500) for processing transport stream signals (2401, 2402, 2403, . . . , 240N) including broadcast program data packets (2261, 2262, 2263, . . . , 226N) containing broadcast program data and non-broadcast program data packets (318) containing non-broadcast program data. The methods involve (518) multiplexing a portion of the non-broadcast program data packets together to form a first signal (224). The methods also involve (522) processing the first signal to generate a second signal (228). This processing includes re-encrypting a portion of the non-broadcast program data to form re-encrypted non-broadcast program data. The methods further involve (524) demultiplexing the second signal to obtain at least one data packet (4221, 4222, 4223, . . . , 422N) therefrom including the re-encrypted non-broadcast program data. Thereafter, (528) the data packet and the broadcast program data packet(s) are multiplexed together to form multiplexed packet(s).

Abstract: A method for abstracting a TV hardware component to a service class to facilitate providing services through a TV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the demultiplexing of a digital data stream in a receiver so as to retain only those parts of the digital data stream required by the receiver. Such demultiplexing is particularly useful when applied to a receiver circuit in a television system having a digital set-top-box. A memory in the receiver stores packet identifiers of data packets required by the receiver, which are stored in the memory under the control of a first control circuit. A second control circuit extracts packet identifiers from incoming data packets in an input digital data stream. A third control circuit receives the extracted packet identifier and determines whether this matches one of the packet identifiers stored in the memory. A match signal is set by the third control circuit to the second control circuit responsive to a match. The second control circuit demultiplexes the input data packet responsive to the match signal.

Abstract: The present, invention relates to a communication system, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable for providing high-speed bidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility. When an HDMI (R) source 71 performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink 72 using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 so that, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit 131 and, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver 82. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line 84, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source 71 or the receiver 82 is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).

Abstract: A method of managing bandwidth usage at a customer premises includes receiving a content stream at a set-top box device coupled to a display device. The method also includes receiving a signal at the set-top box device from an external power interface. The signal indicates that a low power state has been detected at a power outlet of the external power interface, the power outlet associated with the display device. Further, the method includes sending a signal to a source of the content stream in response to receiving the signal indicating the low power state. The signal indicates that the source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customization in asymmetric communication are disclosed. An excess of information is broadcast from a transmitter to multiple receivers in what is optionally a one-way transmission. The excess of information includes metadata used to select which subset of the excess of information is presented to a user and which subset of the excess of information is discarded. The metadata includes criteria that are compared with various, possibly different, customization factors stored on each of the multiple receivers. This comparison is used to determine which subsets of the excess information are presented and which are discarded. Because the customization factors can be different on different receivers, customization of the presented information is achieved. The customization factors optionally include geographic information resulting in customization based on a receiver location. The excess information optionally includes radio or television signals.

Abstract: A multimedia apparatus, such as a set top box for use with a television set, comprises a receiver for receiving program data from a communication channel and a processor which stores said program data with a file containing associated secondary program data, such as a promotional trailer. The processor compiles a menu of secondary program data files allowing a viewer to watch a trailer and decide whether to retrieve the full program or film. The secondary data may be broadcast in parallel with the program data. Alternatively, the processor may run an application for producing the secondary program data, e.g. using earmarked portions of the full program data.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital television (DTV) signal in a DTV receiver, the method includes receiving a digital television signal including video streams and an event information table carrying information for events on predefined virtual channels; parsing the event information table, the parsed event information table comprising bit rate information defining one or more bit rates associated with video streams in the digital television signal; and processing the video streams according to the parsed bit rate information.

Abstract: A system for distributing television signals comprises a first terminal which receives a coaxial cable, at least one second terminal which receives a twisted pair of conductors, and an amplifier system comprising a unit for selecting either a first slope or a second slope of increasing gain as a function of frequency between a signal present at the first terminal and a signal present at the second terminal. A method of distributing television signals includes a step of obtaining a system of the above kind, a step of determining a threshold for the length of the pair, and a step of selecting the first slope when the twisted pair has a length less than the threshold and the second slope when the twisted pair has a length greater than the threshold.

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: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method of receiving content over a content delivery system is provided. The method includes receiving a user request to initiate a rewind operation on content locally available in a live-off-disk (LOD) buffer. The content is associated with an event received over a content delivery system. If all of the event is not available in the LOD buffer, a message is communicated over the content delivery system to a headend requesting remaining content associated with an unreceived portion of the event. In response to the message, the remaining content is received from the headend over the content delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for swapping output high-speed multimedia signals. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a plurality of inputs coupled to a multimedia transmitter; a plurality of outputs coupled to a plurality of pins of a multimedia interface connector; and a controller for generating a control signal for configuring an order in which the plurality of inputs are routed to the plurality of outputs, wherein the order in which the plurality of inputs are routed to the plurality of outputs is set to enable un-crossing of one or more conducting wires coupling the plurality of inputs to the multimedia transmitter and to enable un-crossing of one or more conducting wires coupling the plurality of outputs and the plurality of pins of the multimedia interface connector.

Abstract: A dual mode tuner/receiver is disclosed in which both analog and digital signals can be received and processed. A low pass filter allows all channels below a selected frequency enter the circuit. A precisely controlled dual conversion circuit creates an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. An automatic carrier detection circuit monitors the IF signal and determines whether the signal is of analog or digital format and intermediate frequency filters are adjusted based upon the type of signal detected. A coherent oscillator circuit generates in-phase and quadrature reference signals that are used by video and audio detectors for further processing of the IF signal. In-phase and quadrature outputs are provided for digital signals and composite video and audio outputs are provided for analog signals.

Abstract: Provides methods and apparatus to reduce effects on playback of moving picture data caused by variations in data transmission rate that occur on a communication line, a receiving and playing back apparatus includes a receiver for receiving moving picture data transmitted over a communication line; playback modules for playing back the received moving picture data; buffer B for temporarily storing the moving picture data received by the receiver and outputting the stored moving picture data at a desired speed; and buffer A for providing the playback modules with moving picture data required for playback processing.

Abstract: Television system targeted advertising is described. In an embodiment, a content provider monitors a real-time state of television-based systems for a power on/off state and a tuning configuration. The content provider delivers advertising content to one or more of the television-based systems when they are powered-on and configured to receive the advertising content. The one or more television-based systems then receive the advertising content to display a targeted advertisement for viewing. The content provider records how many of the television-based systems receive the advertising content, and records how many of the television-based systems that receive the advertising content then display the targeted advertisement for viewing.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to deliver broadcast channels by way of interactive TV (iTV) edge routers using multicast virtual private networks, share a same multicast state for the broadcast channels and share a same multicast delivery tree for the broadcast channels. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: System and method for synchronizing one or more secondary decoded media streams to a primary decoded media stream. The system includes a media stream processor and a mixer. The media stream processor receives a primary decoded media stream and secondary decoded media streams. The media stream processor synchronizes the secondary decoded media streams with the primary decoded media stream. The output of the media stream processor is coupled to the mixer. The mixer receives its second input from the primary decoded media stream. The mixer mixes the received streams and generates a PTS value for its output media stream by extrapolating the PTS of the primary decoded media stream.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: A communication terminal comprising a video reproduction device configured to carry out a video reproduction, a communication device configured to carry out a communication; and a reproduction-end-time acquisition device configured to acquire an end time of the video reproduction carried out by said video reproduction device. When an incoming communication arrives from a communication partner terminal in the course of the video reproduction carried out by said video reproduction device, the communication partner terminal is informed of the end time of said video reproduction. The communication partner terminal is external to the communication terminal.

Abstract: A user may purchase in a retail outlet a host device for receiving cable services. The cable operator needs to provide a point-of-deployment (POD) module for insertion into the host device to realize out-of-band communications, and provide conditional access to premium subscription channels. Security measures are implemented to detect removal of the host device from its connection to a broadband communications system. If its removal is unauthorized, the service area in which the host device is located may be identified when it is reconnected to the system. In addition, a transmission device in the host device may be activated to transmit detectable signals to help recover the host device.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) detects activation of the STB, and performs, in response to the activation of the STB, a health check of the STB. The STB also detects connection of the STB with a network, and performs, in response to the connection of the STB, the following: a pre-provisioning of the STB, a provisioning of the STB, and a service check of the STB.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of audio encoding. In particular, it relates to the transcoding of audio metadata between different audio coding schemes. It describes a method and a system for transcoding audio gain metadata related to dynamic range control from first gain metadata of a first audio coding scheme to second gain metadata of a second audio coding scheme, wherein the first and second audio coding schemes use coding blocks and wherein each coding block has at least one associated gain value. The method and the system select a gain value of the second gain metadata based on the gain values of the first gain metadata such that within a time interval around the time instance associated with the gain value of the second gain metadata, the minimum gain value of the first gain metadata is selected.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile, cause a set-top box (STB) to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, detect from the one or more responses a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a graphics/video processor includes a memory controller. The memory controller includes a first arbiter that receives memory client requests to access a memory device, and a first memory buffer coupled to the first arbiter. The first arbiter stores client requests that are selected by the first arbiter. The memory controller also includes a second arbiter coupled to the first memory buffer and a second memory buffer coupled to the second arbiter. The second arbiter receives requests from the memory client requests stored in the first memory buffer. The second memory buffer stores the client requests selected by the second arbiter. Further, the memory controller includes a third arbiter coupled to the second memory buffer. The third arbiter provides access of the memory device to the client requests stored in the second memory buffer.

Abstract: An apparatus for initializing a digital broadcasting receiver and method thereof are disclosed, by which the digital broadcasting receiver provided with virtual machine to process additionally provided services can be quickly initialized. The present invention includes generating a first task required for initializing the digital broadcasting receiver in order to perform an A/V broadcasting service, generating a second task required for initializing a virtual machine installed in the digital broadcasting receiver to perform a data broadcasting service, initializing the digital broadcasting receiver included in the digital broadcasting receiver by executing the first task and initializing the virtual machine by executing the second task after the digital broadcasting receiver is initialized.

Abstract: A television signal receiving system is operative to optimally tune to one or a plurality of television channels and provide one or plurality of optimum television channel signals to one or a plurality of television signal receivers. The television signal receivers are operative to request a particular channel of a television signal processor. The television signal processor is coupled to an antenna array. Television signals from the antenna array are processed in accordance with the principles of the subject invention to provide optimum television channel signals. The optimum television channel signals are demodulated then remodulated before being distributed to the various television signal receivers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reproducing apparatus for updating a channel map, and a method thereof. The image reproducing apparatus includes an identification (ID) detector for detecting the ID of a broadcast information card when a broadcast information card is mounted, a comparing unit for comparing the ID of the broadcast information card detected by the detector with the ID of a existing broadcast information card, the ID being received from a broadcast station and stored in a storage unit, a deleting unit for deleting an existing first channel map when the ID of the detected broadcast information card is different from the ID of the existing broadcast information card, and a receiving unit for receiving data including a new second channel map from the broadcast station in place of the first channel map deleted by the deleting unit. Accordingly, accurate update conditions are proposed, thereby enhancing user convenience and increasing accuracy.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications interface includes a source multiplexer for connecting to a video source. The source multiplexer includes a source multiplexer input port for receiving an analog video signal from the video source, a source multiplexer output port for driving the video source with an upstream data signal, and a source multiplexer bi-directional port for coupling the analog video signal from the source multiplexer input port to the video cable and for coupling the upstream data signal from the video cable to the source multiplexer output port.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) includes a memory, a first tuner, a second tuner, and a decoder. The first tuner is configured for playing a current program on a current channel when in play mode, and for locking one or more subsequent channels after the current channel, and storing the intra frames from the programs on the subsequent channels in the memory when in browse mode. The second tuner is configured for storing the intra frames from the favorite programs in the memory when in play mode, and for storing the intra frame from the current program on the current channel in the memory when in browse mode. The decoder is configured for decoding the current program on the current channel into video and audio when in play mode, and for decoding the intra frames from the favorite programs in memory into images when in browse mode. A digital information system and a program browsing method are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a control circuit that provides a combined power signal and control signal to an LNB of a satellite system. The control circuit output may be transmitted to an LNB by a set-top box (STB) such that the STB may control the LNB. The control circuit may accept an enable signal from the STB to alter the circuit from a transmitting circuit to a receiving circuit. The control circuit may also integrate the functionality of a low pass filter into the communication signal circuit, thereby removing the need for a low pass filter at a power supply output. The control circuit may also provide a low overall power consumption of the circuit by isolating the communication signal from the power supply signal before the signals are combined.