Abstract: Video processing systems and methods are disclosed. One system embodiment, among others, includes a video compression engine configured to provide reconstructed pictures corresponding to a real-time presentation of a video program and a compressed version of the real-time presentation, a display buffer of the video compression engine, the display buffer configured to store the reconstructed pictures, and a persistent storage device, wherein the video compression engine is further configured to store the compressed version of the real-time presentation to the persistent storage device while simultaneously providing the real-time presentation of the video program.

Abstract: A media presentation device converts media signals based on stored output settings. The media presentation device includes a sink-interaction port to at least partially receive device-specific information of a sink device, a data storage and a processor. The processor determines whether one of the plurality of at least partially stored device-specific information matches the received device-specific information of the sink device, and selects output settings corresponding to the stored device-specific information that matches the received device-specific information of the sink device for use in converting the media signals to an output format supported by the sink device.

Abstract: There is provided a digital broadcasting receiver capable of making channel selection without making a user conscious of the difference between a physical channel number and a virtual channel number. A CPU uses an OSD display circuit, for example, to display a menu screen, and causes a user to select either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode for making channel selection by the physical channel number in which a frequency is assigned to a channel by the physical channel number in accordance with a rule, and a second mode is a mode for making channel selection by the virtual channel number in which a frequency corresponds to a channel on the side of the receiver. The CPU automatically makes, when no channel selection can be made by the entered channel number in the selected mode, an attempt to make channel selection corresponding to the other mode.

Abstract: The method of selecting a data item of the invention comprises the steps of receiving a first data item (35) of a first type, e.g. a short program description, and selecting the first data item (35), e.g. for display. The method further comprises selecting a second data item (37) of a second type, e.g. a long program description, instead of the first data item (35) of the first type upon receiving the second data item (37) and not selecting the first data item (35) again upon receiving the first data item (35) again. The electronic device of the invention comprises electronic circuitry configured to perform the method of the invention. The computer program product of the invention comprises software for enabling a programmable device to perform the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real-time service system and method using an interactive data communication for implementing a high quality real time interactive service of a DVD class for various contents with by means of smooth interactive communication between a service provider and a user.

Abstract: Sample rate reduction in data communication receivers. Digital sampling of analog data is performed using a reduced sample rate. The reduction factor may be any number of factors including a factor that divides the sample rate by a factor of two. The reduction of the sampling frequency is from a sampling frequency that is greater than twice the highest frequency component in an analog input signal. These analog input signals may be I and Q streams in certain embodiments. A digital interpolation filter may be employed to increase (up-convert) the sample rate of a digital signal before it is input to a VID filter that is used to recover the transmitted symbols from the over-sampled data stream. In this embodiment, this technique allows a front end of a communication receiver to be clocked at a lower sampling rate without affecting the performance of the VID filter.

Abstract: In multi-directional antennas connected to a digital TV broadcast signal receiver, when a receiving channel is selected, if an antenna is set to the same direction as a previously stored direction, and signals cannot be received, the previously stored direction data is deleted, and if the best receiving direction is searched by the auto-scan, and a receivable direction does not match the previously stored receiving direction, the stored direction information is all deleted, the entire area scan is performed over all directions for all channels, and a new receiving direction for each channel is determined by the obtained best receiving direction.

Abstract: A content reproduction control apparatus includes a storage unit storing a table representing in a correlated manner an identifier of at least one device and a radio frequency of a radio signal including a content and being transmitted from the device, a receiving unit receiving the radio signal, a radio intensity calculating unit calculating intensity of the radio signal, a display unit displaying the calculated intensity of the radio signal, and a transmitting unit transmitting to the device a signal instructing to change the intensity of the radio signal using the radio frequency stored in the table.

Abstract: A television receiver includes an LCD unit and an EEPROM in which broadcasting program selection information for controlling a tuner section and channel numbers are stored in a coordinated relationship and program-relating information for executing object processing programs and the channel numbers are stored in a coordinated relationship. A control section accepts a selective input of a channel number from a user through a key operation section and reads out information corresponding to the accepted channel number from the EEPROM. When the read out information is the broadcasting program selection information, the tuner section is controlled based on the information, but when the readout information is the program-relating information, a program corresponding to the program-relating information is executed.

Abstract: Techniques for fast indexing of live video broadcasts are provided which incorporate both efficient manual processing and automatic indexing steps to generate semantically meaningful and practically usable highlight hierarchy of broadcast television programs in real-time. In one technique, a list of predefined keywords is provided, describing the highlights, and the manual marking process can be implemented by just a few mouse clicks. A technique is provided for grouping highlights into a semantic hierarchy in real-time. A technique is provided for efficiently generating highlight metadata on live broadcast programs, using a coarse-to-fine indexing methodology in order for a operator to quickly generate highlight summaries of live broadcast programs.

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

Abstract: A 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: A Set-Top Box configured with a modem and a Main Circuit Board consistent with certain embodiments learns the modem's IP address by establishing a predetermined relationship between a hardware address of the modem and a hardware address of the Main Circuit Board; at the Main Circuit Board: ascertaining the hardware address of the modem from the predetermined relationship; sending a query from the Main Circuit Board to the hardware address of the modem requesting the modem's IP address; and receiving a reply from the modem providing the modem's IP address to the Main Circuit Board. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing encrypted downstream signals to a plurality of receiver devices 130, 135, 140, where the devices 130, 135, 140 may have different decryption devices. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) 125, a primary set-top terminal (STT) 130, and at least one remote device 135, 140. The remote devices 135, 140 communicate with the primary STT 130 via the SIM 125 over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the remote devices 135, 140 are capable of requesting and receiving stored programs via the networked multimedia overlay system. Depending upon the decryption device included in the requesting remote STT 135, 140, the primary STT 130 sends a stored program encrypted according to that decryption device.

Abstract: A channel selection device of the invention used in a digital/analog broadcasting receiver, upon reception of a channel changing instruction sent from input device, tries to select a desired channel by referencing its VCT if it can find channel information in a memory and, if it could not find the desired channel and failed in channel selection, obtains the latest VCT to thereby select such a channel in the VCT that has the smallest sub-channel number in the same main channel or select such a channel that has the smallest sub-channel number in the same physical channel. Thus, if a channel specified in the channel changing instruction sent from the user has no broadcast therethrough and failed to be selected, an appropriate channel is selected automatically, thus avoiding a state that nothing is displayed on the display.

Abstract: An image noise correction method is provided. For at least one target pixel having a determined pixel value, for each pixel in a window of pixels surrounding the target pixel, a weighting factor for the pixel is estimated based on the value of the target pixel and at least one pixel value in the window. An average of pixel values for the pixels in the window is calculated, with each pixel value being weighted by the weighting factor corresponding to the pixel. A new value is assigned to the target pixel based on the average of pixel values that is calculated. Also provided is an image noise correction device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a remote control for interacting with a video programming system are described. In some embodiments, a remote control unit for an intelligent video programming system having user-dedicated buttons, biometric identification systems, mechanical identification systems, electromechanical identification systems, or voice-activation identification systems on the remote control unit to allow a user to self-identify that user to the intelligent video programming system. Upon pressing this user-dedicated button or otherwise activating a self-identification system on the remote control unit, content personalized for that user is presented and the user's navigational behavior is tracked to further the presentation of personalized content for that user. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A context-based search system (3800) for control of a digital personal media stream manager (102), for example, to control the programming of a video recording device (114). Such a system may be maintained by a service provider and can identify a program and date and time without receiving complete details thereof; the DPVSM (102) can then control the recording of the program using IM or e-mail based-techniques. The context-based search system (3800) includes a message receiver (3902) for receiving the DPVSM message; one or more databases (3808, 3816) for storing keywords and program information; a confirmation message generator (3818) for informing the user of identified programming; and a DPVSM control (3820) for causing the DPVSM (102) to supervise the media recording once one of the identified results have been selected by the user.

Abstract: A method of processing an LNB power supply output signal comprising providing an LNB selection signal to select a first of the plurality of LNB signals as the input signal, superimposing a tone onto the LNB selection signal to select a second of the plurality of LNB signals as the input signal, providing a first transponder selection voltage to select a first set of transponders within the input signal, providing a second transponder selection voltage to select a second set of transponders within the input signal, and activating an adaptive load to preserve the tone if the second of the plurality of LNB signals is selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation of television channels and which allows the generation of the same by the processing and selection of designated packets of data from multiple data transport streams, which each transport stream including numerous packets of data. In each transport stream the packet of data is identified by the allocations of a packet identification code (PID) and each is held in the transport packet which is transmitted as part of each transport stream. In accordance with the invention, and in order to prevent errors and inaccurate packet selection, a Transport Stream Identification Code (TSID) is allocated to each of the transport streams of data received. Typically the TSID is located in the transport packet for each transport stream of data. In the selection of a packet of data, the appropriate TSID is referred to identify the appropriate transport stream and the PID then referred to identify the packet of data from that transport stream.

Abstract: The appliance comprises an audio port, which is usable as an interface for testing of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance comprises stereo output ports, one port for a reception of digital test signals from a control computer and the other port for a transmission of digital signals from the appliance to the control computer. For the separation of the test signals and the audio signals a test adapter is used which is coupled between the appliance, the control computer and an amplifier for the audio signals. The test signals are modulated onto a carrier signal having a frequency of above 20 kHz, for example a frequency within the frequency range of 1-10 MHz. This allows a serial connection, which is compatible with the widely used RS232 link for set-top boxes.

Abstract: Embodiments related to analog front-ends for wireless and wired are described and depicted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed, in an interactive broadband set-top box receiving broadband signals from a headend, to facilitate communications with an installed card within the set-top box using a single IC chip that processes the broadband signals. The single IC chip is configured to a PCMCIA PC-card mode such that PC card signals are multiplexed to certain I/O pins of the single IC chip. In the PCMCIA PC-card mode, the single IC chip attempts to detect the presence of and identify an installed card in the set-top box. If an installed card is present and is identified as a POD module, then the single IC chip is reconfigured from the PCMCIA PC-card mode to a POD mode such that POD-compatible signals are multiplexed to certain existing I/O pins of the single IC chip when operating in the POD mode.

Abstract: A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system, and a signal processing method thereof, includes a randomizer for randomizing a transport stream into a specified position of which stuff bytes are inserted, a stuff-byte exchanger for replacing the stuff bytes included in data output from the randomizer with specified known data, an RS encoder for performing an RS-encoding of data output from the stuff-byte exchanger, an interleaver for interleaving data output from the RS encoder, a trellis encoder for performing a trellis encoding of data output from the interleaver, an RS parity generator for generating a parity by performing an RS encoding of data output from the RS encoder, and outputting the generated parity to the trellis encoder, and a modulator/RF converter for modulating data output from the trellis encoder and performing an RF up-converting of the modulated data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the efficient and non-redundant transmission of a single video program in multiple frame rates, optionally employing a combination of video coding standards, in a way that is backwards-compatible with legacy receivers only supportive of some subsection of frame rates or of some subsection of video coding standards.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for managing data in a distributed computing system. A television system is configured to convey audio/video/interactive data to receiving devices. Data conveyed to the receiving devices are structured as modules, with a main directory module indicating those modules which make up, or are used by, a particular application. Changes to data being conveyed to receiving devices are initially indicated by conveying delta directory modules to the receiving devices which identify updates to a corresponding main directory module. Changes indicated by a delta directory module are applied to the corresponding main directory module, which in turn may effect changes in the data used by the application. Delta directories may generally only include sufficient information to identify the changes and may be smaller than the corresponding main directory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a communication mode for a communication terminal are provided. An embodiment of a method for implementing a communication mode includes receiving a plurality of messages from a remotely located network control system and implementing one of a plurality of communication modes responsive to the plurality of messages.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses can compensate gain ripple and/or group delay characteristics of at least one filter, a receiving circuit embodying a filter, or a communication system having a wireless terminal embodying the receiving circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus which is capable of performing a tuning process in a short period of time even in the case where a large number of tuning requests are issued. A tuning request reception section 204 receives an issue tuning request. A tuning request storage section 205 stores the tuning request received by the tuning request reception section 204. A tuning process section including a tuning request acquisition section 206 and a tuning execution section 207 performs a tuning process for the broadcast signal corresponding to the tuning request, and if a next tuning request is issued during a tuning process, performs a next tuning process in accordance with one of the tuning requests stored in the tuning request storage section 205. A tuning request which is stored in the tuning request storage section 205 during a tuning process is erased by a tuning request erasure section 208 after the tuning process.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other multimedia receiver suitable for use in a multimedia distribution network includes a remote control interface operable to receive a signal from a remote control device and extract a remote control command from the signal, a processor coupled to the remote control interface and operable to detect the remote control command, and a machine readable storage resource containing computer executable instructions operable to: invoke an aural indication application that returns an audio stream suitable for processing by an audio output device, wherein the audio stream, when processed by the audio output device, causes the audio output device to produce an audibly detectable signal indicative of a function corresponding to the remote control command. The application may generate the audio stream by invoking a speech synthesis module or by retrieving an audio file.

Abstract: A multichannel display data generating apparatus for generating data for displaying AV data on a multiscreen has a plurality of screens for displaying AV data of a plurality of channels, said apparatus comprising: input means for inputting AV data of a plurality of channels being transferred using a transport packet of a transport stream; a smaller number of PCR extracting means for extracting in a time-sharing mode the PCR of a plurality of channels displayed on said plurality of screens than the number of said plurality of screens; the same number of PLL means for establishing PLL synchronization by using said extracted PCR as the number of said plurality of screens; the same number of STC (system time clock) counter means for counting the times of the channels displayed on said plurality of screens by using the oscillation frequency of said PLL means as the number of said plurality of screens; AV decoding means for AV-decoding the AV data of the channels displayed on said multiscreen in AV synchronizati

Abstract: Activation systems and methods initiate High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) communication between an HDMI source and an HDMI sink through an HDMI receptacle of the source. These systems and methods are especially suited for use with mobile sources that generally operate from a battery that cannot provide the +5V signal which the HDMI protocol requires sources to place on the +5V pin of their HDMI receptacles. These systems and methods automatically detect the insertion of an HDMI cable into the source's HDMI receptacle and subsequently generate and apply the required +5V signal to the +5V pin of the source's HDMI receptacle to initiate HDMI communication. Because they are directed to use in mobile sources, the embodiments are configured to minimize current drain.

Abstract: A set-top box generates a multimedia signal that includes streaming video for a plurality of currently available multimedia channels. A user configures a plurality of favorite channels. Streaming video from the favorite channels is provided in a plurality of viewports on a display. A user presses a favorites button on a remote control to prompt an application server to signal a content server to provide a compound video signal including streaming video from each favorite channel. The set-top box produces a resultant video signal including the streaming video from each favorite channel in a corresponding viewport. The viewports correspond to a mosaic template that may be hosted by the application server and accessed by the content server.

Abstract: In a digital TV broadcast signal receiver connected to a multi-directional antenna called smart antenna and receivable not only digital TV broadcast signals but also analogue TV broadcast signals, an optimum signal receiving direction of an analogue TV broadcast signal of an optional channel can be decided with reducing affect of ghost due to reflection of the TV broadcast signal by such as a high-rise building, or the like. An NTSC decoder takes a still image data from an analogue TV broadcast signal in each signal receiving direction of the multi-directional antenna, and performs an A/D conversion processing and a JPEG compression processing to the image data. A controller decides a direction, in which a complexity, such as bit rate of the image data is the smallest, as an optimum signal receiving direction of the channel.

Abstract: A dissemination system for satellite broadcasting comprises a satellite receiving antenna for receiving satellite signals, receivers for demodulating the signals received by the antenna, and a line system for relaying the signals to a plurality of subscribers, in which the receivers are assigned to the satellite receiving antenna in close spatial proximity, and only demodulated or decoded signals are relayed to the subscribers by means of the line system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a plurality of digital video recorders to a plurality of video transmitters via first transmission lines and for connecting the plurality of digital video recorders to a playback receiver via second transmission lines. The playback receiver incorporates an external synchronizing generator for externally synchronizing the plurality of the digital video recorders and the video transmitters. The recorders receiving the video signals generate and inject into the output signals a signal corresponding to identification codes allotted to each video signals. The playback receiver has a selection control circuit receiving selectively and synchronously any individually coded playback or monitored signal, or multiple playback or monitored signals which are displayed individually or in a split screen, respectively.

Abstract: Provided are a method of automatically adjusting content rendering devices according to the genres of content, and a broadcasting system and a receiving system that perform the method. The broadcasting system broadcasts a composite data set that includes content and meta data, the meta data including set values of optimal images and sounds depending on the program genre of the content. The receiving system receives and parses the broadcasted composite data set into the original content and the meta data associated with the original content. The receiving system processes the set values of the optimal images and sounds of the corresponding broadcast genre from the meta data so as to automatically adjust a content rendering device such as a video display system or an audio system. Thus, an optimal visual and audio environment is established.

Abstract: A targeted advertising system based on subgroups. Different subgroups are formed based one or more subscriber characteristics, and different targeted advertisements transmitted to the different subgroups. In the Internet-environment, the subgroups are formed by utilizing multicast addresses. In cable-based and satellite-based systems, the subgroups are formed by node configurations. The targeted advertisements may be transmitted simultaneously with programming and inserted locally, or may be inserted at a centralized distribution point such as a router 303 or a cable television local head-end 306. An apparatus is presented which receives n program streams and m advertisements, and creates p presentation streams containing targeted advertisements, where p is greater than n.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus which is capable of performing a tuning process in a short period of time even in the case where a large number of tuning requests are issued. A tuning request reception section 204 receives an issue tuning request. A tuning request storage section 205 stores the tuning request received by the tuning request reception section 204. A tuning process section including a tuning request acquisition section 206 and a tuning execution section 207 performs a tuning process for the broadcast signal corresponding to the tuning request, and if a next tuning request is issued during a tuning process, performs a next tuning process in accordance with one of the tuning requests stored in the tuning request storage section 205. A tuning request which is stored in the tuning request storage section 205 during a tuning process is erased by a tuning request erasure section 208 after the tuning process.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) of a television system receives web-based content, such as a web page, from a wide area network such as the Internet. The web-based content is provided to the STB for display. In response to an instruction, the STB provides all or a portion of the web-based content to a printer for printing. The printer can be connected to the STB via a network or through a computer connected to the STB on the same network. By providing an option to print the web-based content, the usefulness of the content is enhanced.

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: There are provided a video processing apparatus and a control method thereof. The video processing apparatus includes: a receiver which receives a broadcast signal of a major channel; and a controller which controls the receiver to receive the major channel selected by a user among the plurality of major channels, and controls to automatically select one of a plurality of minor channels of the selected major channel if the selected major channel has the plurality of minor channels. The control method includes: determining whether one of a plurality of major channels is selected; receiving a broadcast signal of the selected major channel; determining whether the selected major channel has a plurality of minor channels; and automatically selecting one of the minor channels according to the selected major channel if the selected major channel has the plurality of minor channels.

Abstract: A system and method for preordering content includes a content processing system and a user device in communication with the content processing system. The content processing system receives program guide data for linear channels and receives future available content data at the user device. The future available content data comprises an availability window having an availability start time and an availability end time. The user device stores the program guide data in the user device storing the future available content data in a memory of the user device, forms a future content selection, and stores the future content selection in a queue until the availability window is reached. When within the availability window, the user device communicates a material identification to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the material identification to the user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems of handling channel changes in a digital home communication terminal are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a channel change request; determining whether the channel change request is user-initiated; setting at least one channel change parameter to a value based on the determination; and performing a channel change using the at least channel change parameter having the set value. An exemplary system comprises: a channel acquisition component, memory, and a processor. The processor is programmed by code, stored in memory, to: receive a channel change request; determine whether the channel change request is user-initiated; and instruct the channel acquisition component to perform a channel change using at least channel change parameter. The channel change parameter has a value that is based on the determination.

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

Abstract: In an interactive service system (70), a service provider has an AV content creating/transmitting device (72) for transmitting AV content and an AV content related service providing device (75) for receiving a message, and a service requester has an AV content reproducing device (74) for reproducing the AV content received from the AV content creating/transmitting device (72) and then creating the message in accordance with sub-content of the AV content to transmit the message. The AV content creating/transmitting device (72) broadcasts AV data of the AV content via a relay station (13), while transmitting sub-content of the AV content via a network (16).

Abstract: A CATV tuner includes a metallic housing having first through fourth partitioned chambers. In the first through fourth partitioned chambers, a data circuit, an input filter circuit, a first mixer circuit, a first local oscillation circuit, a first intermediate frequency circuit, and other elements are housed. In the fifth partitioned chamber, a second intermediate circuit and an IC including a second local oscillation circuit are housed. With this configuration, the CATV tuner defines an up/down tuner. The third partitioned chamber in which the first local oscillation circuit is housed and the fifth partitioned chamber in which the second local oscillation circuit is housed are located adjacent to each other. Lines and terminals are used both for a first PLL circuit and a second PLL circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a channel in a digital broadcasting receiver and for hiding a delay that occurs due to the change of the channel are provided. The method includes receiving broadcasting data of at least one channel except for a current channel by using a time division method, based on a pre-set schedule; storing the received broadcasting data; and when a control signal for changing a channel is input, outputting broadcasting contents of the changed channel, which corresponds to the control signal, to the display device by using the stored broadcasting data.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting lost packets are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving a first request to retransmit a first packet. The method also includes selectively retransmitting the first packet based on a first list that identifies packets to retransmit and based on a second list that identifies packets that have been retransmitted.

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.