Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a transcoder module having a controller to manage power distribution in the transcoder module from power supplied to an HDMI port of the transcoder module, transcode audio-visual information into a digital compatible format used on an external device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A media client for a subscription multimedia network presents, on a display device, program content received from a backend server. The media client also receives, from a mobile device, a signal requesting access to an interactive television application, where the interactive television application is related to the program content. The media client receives, from the backend server, data for the interactive television application, and forwards, to the mobile device, the data for the interactive television application for presentation on the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a switched digital video (SDV) client to intelligently generate and transmit reverse request in a SDV system. In this manner, reverse channel traffic is reduced. During rapid channel changes using the up and down keys on a remote control, the SDV client waits a predetermined amount of time before generating a reverse request that is subsequently transmitted upstream to a headend server. By way of example, changing broadcasted channels quickly will not generate a reverse request until the predetermined amount of time is over. In the event that a changed channel is an SDV session, a program select request is immediately generated in order to begin receiving the SDV session.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing advertisement insertion to a user device are disclosed. A method includes providing a multimedia applications gateway (MAG) that is connected to an access gateway for a domain or a multimedia applications gateway that includes an integrated access gateway function, the access gateway in communication with user devices. The method also includes configuring the MAG to convert multimedia program content from a program source received at the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to a user device into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by each of the user devices, the first communication representing programming content. The method further includes configuring the MAG to convert multimedia advertising content into a second communication having the open standards protocol, the second communication representing advertising content.

Abstract: A dual television tuner having a television tuner module and a wireless local area network module both operatively connected to an antenna for receiving a television signal from the antenna, and for passing the television signal for playing on a host to which the dual television tuner is able to be operatively connected.

Abstract: A wireless video device comprises: a user interface, optical receiver, processing system, and wireless transceiver. The optical receiver processes optical signals to generate corresponding video data. The user interface receives a user request to establish a wireless video uplink. The processing system processes the user request to generate a system request for the wireless video uplink. The wireless transceiver wirelessly transfers the system request to a wireless access system and wirelessly receives at least one system condition for a grant of the request. The processing system processes the condition to direct the user interface to display the condition. The user interface displays the condition and receives a user acceptance of the condition. The processing system processes the user acceptance to direct the wireless transceiver to wirelessly transfer the video data to the wireless access system. The wireless transceiver wirelessly transfers the video data to the wireless access system.

Abstract: A processor for a cable television set-top box has an interface for coupling the processor to a second processor. The processor also has a port that is coupleable to control a tuner, a demodulator and a DOCSIS module with or without DSG support. The tuner has an output coupled to the demodulator input, and the demodulator has an output to the DOCSIS module input. The demodulator's output is also coupled to a conditional access module controlled by the second processor. The processor issues commands via the port to control at least one of the tuner and the demodulator based on instructions received via the interface from the second processor.

Abstract: An exemplary channel entry device comprises a SUBCHANNEL button. The exemplary channel entry device further comprises an OK button, and wherein the channel entry device is adapted to receive a subchannel selection after the SUBCHANNEL button is pressed and to thereafter transmit the subchannel selection to an associated electronic device when either the OK button or the SUBCHANNEL button is pressed.

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 image apparatus and a method for receiving a video signal are provided. The image apparatus includes dedicated input terminals for receiving only particular video signals, and a common input terminal for receiving diverse video signals, and determines the format of video signals input through a corresponding input terminal and then displays the determined format on a screen.

Abstract: A communication system for accessing media items via a display device. A receiver is coupled to the display device and a transmitter is coupled to a computer system. Media items stored locally on the computer system and/or remotely on a remote server may be wirelessly transferred from the transmitter to the receiver for display on the display device. In addition, the transmitter and the receiver may be pre-paired prior to delivery to the user, allowing for the network to be configured without any user input. Advantageously, embodiments provide a user with the ability to conveniently view content stored on a computer or a web server without the user having to perform any wireless network setup procedures.

Abstract: A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network sends a polling message to a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend; 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; determining that one of the operational parameters is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set top boxes.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with a modem. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The modem may be integral to the terminal or may be provided as a hardware upgrade unit or expansion card connected to the terminal to modularly enhance the functionality of the terminal. The modem enables the terminal to communicate with interactive services and on-line databases, including services and databases outside of the television program delivery system. The services and databases may provide home shopping, airline reservations, news, financial information, classified advertisements, home banking, and/or interactive teletext.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a group of user devices, a first device separate from the group of user devices, a first satellite, a peer-to-peer network 130 in communication with the user devices and the satellite 106 and a content delivery network 120 in communication with the user devices. The content delivery network encrypts the content in response to a first encryption-decryption information and communicates the content to the plurality of user devices through a satellite. At each of the plurality of the group of user devices the content is encrypted in response to a second encryption-decryption information. A first user device communicates a content request to the group of user devices. At least one of the group of user devices communicates the content to the first user device through the peer-to-peer network. The first user device requests the encryption-decryption information from a content delivery network through a terrestrial network.

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 an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.

Abstract: A method is provided for a system to display media contents from source devices on television channels of a television. The method includes receiving a channel change command from a remote control, where the channel change command causes the television to display a new television channel. The method further includes, in response to the channel change command, changing a frequency of a radio frequency (RF) carrier of a television RF signal to a frequency of the new television channel, determining one of the source devices assigned to the new television channel, and providing the television RF signal to the television, where the television RF signal includes a media content from the assigned source device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device that can easily configure an entertainment system automatically or semi-automatically. The reconfiguration of the entertainment system can be achieved by cycling through the possible configurations of the entertainment system (i.e. different combinations of operational states of the components that make up the entertainment system) by changing various operational states of certain components until an operable configuration is found. The invention may be implemented in any component of the entertainment system including a set-top-box, satellite receiver or a remote control.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide automatic compensation for frequency attenuation of a video signal transmitted over a cable are provided. Frequency compensation is applied to a received video signal that was transmitted over the cable to thereby produce a compensated video signal. A shape of a horizontal sync portion of the compensated video signal is analyzed. The frequency compensation is automatically adjusted based on the shape of the horizontal sync portion of the compensated video signal. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A television receiver device including first and second tuners for receiving first and second multiplexes of channels, each multiplex including at least one channel carrying a succession of programs, actual event information providing information relating to channels in the respective multiplex and other event information providing information relating to channels of other multiplexes. A program is scheduled to be broadcast at the same time in different first and second formats respectively in the first and second multiplexes. The device further includes a user interface configured to allow selection of a channel of said first multiplex; a controller configured to tune said first tuner to said first multiplex and to select said channel of said first multiplex; wherein the controller is configured to be responsive to the channel selected by the user interface carrying said program to tune said second tuner to said second multiplex.

Abstract: A broadcast signal processing apparatus and channel tuning method are provided. The method comprises a host including Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) middleware for communication with an application program provided from a broadcasting station, and a memory for storing programs and data.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method and a display apparatus are provided. A broadcast receiving apparatus connectable to a display apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives a broadcast stream, a processing unit which processes a signal so as to obtain a program usable in the broadest stream, a plurality of content items respectively corresponding to the program and content item information regarding each of the plurality of content items, a storage unit which stores the plurality of content items which are signal processed and the content item information, and the content item information includes a program identifier and at least one group identifier related to the content items.

Abstract: A virtual set-top box (vSTB) for executing a middleware component, designed originally for use with the physical STB, including emulating hardware capabilities of the physical STB to process IPTV content received over a connection for presenting the IPTV content on a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: Apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection between a video display equipment (such as a set-top box) having an analog modem and a remote computer. The translation apparatus receives a connection initiation request from the video display apparatus and responsive to the connection initiation request establishes a modem connection with the video display apparatus. The translation apparatus further receives communication data from the video display apparatus via the modem connection and transmits the communication data to the remote computing apparatus via a packet-based network. The translation apparatus can also receive communication data from the remote computer and relay the same to the video display apparatus. The connection can be established upon powering up of the video display apparatus, upon loading of an Interactive TV application or upon other pre-determined event. The connection can be maintained “always-on” or substantially “always-on”.

Abstract: An MPEG decoder decodes a video data packet for standard broadcasting to generate video data for standard broadcasting, and detects a decoding error thereof. A MPEG decodes a video data packet for broadcasting under rainfall to generate video data for broadcasting under rainfall. A synthesizing section generates a composite signal obtained by replacing a decoding error part of the video data for standard broadcasting with a corresponding part of the video data for broadcasting rainfall.

Abstract: A content display-playback system includes a content providing apparatus, a content display-playback apparatus, and an operation control apparatus for controlling the apparatuses. On the basis of operation control by the control apparatus, content is transmitted from the providing apparatus to the display-playback apparatus for display and playback through a network. The control apparatus includes an input operation receiving unit for receiving an operation input, a control signal generating unit for generating a control signal for transmitting and receiving the content among the providing, display-playback, and control apparatuses in response to the operation input, and a storage unit for storing selection-history information.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cable television system includes a media content source configured to transmit media content to a plurality of home communication terminals (HCTs) over a plurality of physical channels over a shared communication medium. Each physical channel carries the media content on a plurality of logical channels. The system further includes a media allocation server configured to receive requests from the plurality of HCTs, each of the requests from a respective HCT designating desired media content to be simultaneously received at the respective HCT and allocating at least a portion of the desired media content among a plurality of physical channels on respective logical channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to a method for processing multimedia content memorised in the form of digital data in at least one multimedia unit. This method includes the following steps: reception of a program map table containing at least one indication of a proprietary type of data associated to a packet identification data (PID) as well a flag; reception of a matching table between the flag value and the real type of data; search for the flag values appearing in the program map table PMT received by the multimedia unit; search for the corresponding flag values in the matching table between the flag value and the real type of data; and modification of the program map table by replacing the indication of the proprietary type of data of the program map table with the corresponding real type of data of the matching table. The invention furthermore concerns a method for sending multimedia content in the form of digital data, as well as a multimedia unit for implementing these methods.

Abstract: This video signal processing apparatus includes a first resolution conversion portion, a first analog video output portion, a digital video output portion and a control portion. The control portion is so formed as to make the first resolution conversion portion convert a video signal to a digital video signal of high definition and make the digital video output portion output the digital video signal of the high definition when recognizing that connection between the digital video output portion and a display is in an on-state, also in a case where a broadcast signal includes a signal for restricting output of the video signal of the high definition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a real time media stream provided as a plurality of media fragments from a plurality of remote nodes in a communications network. A first series of media fragments satisfying a first selection criterion is requested from a first remote node and a further series of media fragments satisfying a further different selection criterion is requested from at least one further remote node. When combined, the first series of fragments and the further series of fragments provide the complete media stream.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a content metadata obtaining unit configured to obtain content metadata; a determination unit configured to determine the category of the content metadata; an editing unit configured to edit the content metadata so that, when text data of the content metadata is to be reproduced on the basis of the category of the content metadata determined by the determination unit, information on a predetermined link destination is displayed in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the reproduced text data; a reproduction unit configured to reproduce the text data of the content metadata in synchronization with the reproduction of the content; and a display unit configured to display the information on the link destination on the basis of the content metadata edited by the editing unit when the predetermined operation is performed on the text data of the content metadata reproduced by the reproduction unit.

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: An apparatus and method are provided for receiving and displaying cellular television content. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wireless communication device for establishing a connection to a wireless telecommunications network and for receiving video content over the connection. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the cellular television content and the television signal. The processor generates a signal for display on a video display screen from the television signal and the video content. A video display screen is also provided in the apparatus for displaying the signal. The apparatus may also include a remote control interface and a remote control device that includes a keypad for establishing a wireless telephone call through the apparatus over the wireless telecommunications network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing bitrate or other data associated with statistically multiplexed video (e.g., programs) or other content within a network to ensure quality of service (QoS) at a subscriber premises or local network. In one embodiment, the present invention provides improved multiplexing apparatus and methods that allow a consumer premises device to obtain QoS data and employ that data to enforce and maintain one or more QoS policies. In another embodiment of the present invention, an improved consumer premises device is provided which is adapted to receive a multiplexed program stream and subsequently demultiplex and time stamp the resulting single program streams. The time stamps are then utilized to generate QoS data which is utilized to enforce and maintain a QoS policy. Business methods associated with the various features described above are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system comprising of a digital broadcasting station, a set of digital broadcast receivers, and a switched network, wherein the digital broadcasting station transmits a digital signal to the set of digital broadcast receivers, and the digital broadcast receivers exchange error correction information with each other using the network to compensate errors in local receptions of the digital signal at each digital broadcast receiver location.

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: [Object] To provide a digital broadcast receiver capable of performing a channel scan in a relatively short time. [Means for Solution] The digital broadcast receiver is designed for installation in an automobile for example, and identifies a current location using a GPS function. The receiver has a channel list per region containing physical channel information of broadcast stations which potentially exist in each region, and performs a channel scan based on broadcast data obtained from receiving means for physical channels listed on the channel list in a region identified.

Abstract: A television receiver including: a reception control unit which judges whether reception of the cable television broadcast signal has succeeded, by setting the channel data composed of the combination of the frequency table stored in the first storage unit and the modulation method stored in the second storage unit, the modulation method corresponding to the tuned channel. The reception control unit sequentially changes the channel data to be set in a previously determined order to make the reception unit receive the cable television broadcast signal corresponding to the tuned channel when the reception control unit judges that the reception of the cable television broadcast signal has not succeeded.

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 set top box (STB) constructs a relation table for storing a plurality of playback modes of the STB each corresponding to a certain frequency of the processor, and stores the relation table in a storage medium. The STB starts to time a predetermined time period after the STB is powered on. The STB determines if the STB receives any control signal during the predetermined time period. The STB detects a current playback mode of the STB, obtains a frequency corresponding to the current playback mode of the STB by looking up the relation table, and adjusts the operating frequency of the processor to the required frequency when the STB does not receive any control signal during the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for managing digital video recorder storage for one or more users. Each user in the multi-user environment is assigned an amount of program storage in the digital video recorder. Responsive to receiving a request to record a new program from a user in the multi-user environment, an associated amount of program storage assigned to the use is determined. Responsive to a determination that addition of the new program will not exceed the associated amount of program storage assigned to the user, the new program is recorded to the program storage.

Abstract: A system for initiating scheduled program processing functions such as program display, recording or playback, derives a time clock based on a current time reference indication produced by a particular broadcast source. The derived time clock is used in initiating scheduled processing functions for programs derived from the particular broadcast source and time clocks derived from sources other than the particular broadcast source are disregarded. The system displays a second time clock different to the derived time clock. In addition, the system forms a composite program guide from data from multiple broadcast sources to associate current time reference indications with their corresponding broadcast sources.

Abstract: On-demand asset distribution is described. In embodiment(s), a client device can maintain an on-demand asset received from a content distributor, such as with a recording media. The client device can allocate upstream bandwidth for distribution of segments of video data for the on-demand asset to other requesting client devices. When the client device that maintains the on-demand asset receives a request from another client device for the on-demand asset, the segments of the video data for the on-demand asset can be communicated to the requesting client device utilizing the allocated upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A control system includes a control apparatus and a controlled apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is remotely controlled by a remote controller. The controlled apparatus transmits a control panel to the control apparatus. The control panel includes icons used to control the controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes (a) a communication unit which receives, from the control apparatus, remote control information including information about operation keys included in the remote controller, the remote control information being received before the controlled apparatus transmits the control panel to the control apparatus, and (b) a modifying unit which modifies a position of the icons included in the control panel according to the remote control information. The communication unit transmits the control panel to the control apparatus after the modifying unit modifies the position of the icons included in the control panel according to the remote control information.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A data processing method of a digital broadcasting receiver comprises receiving a mobile/handheld (MH) broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data; generating a RS (Reed-Solomon) frame from the received MH broadcasting signal; extracting control data from the RS frame, the control data including charge adjustment information required to use a service provided by at least one service provider, the service being encrypted; determining whether the service is available, by comparing the extracted charge adjustment information with balance information written in the smart card; controlling the second RS frame using the control data so that an encrypted service of the second RS frame is decrypted, if the service is available; and mapping the extracted charge adjustment information with a corresponding service provider and storing the information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimedia device comprising a remote control system for wirelessly controlling a multimedia appliance. In order to establish a connection between a remote control system and a multimedia appliance, the remote control system must identify itself to the multimedia appliance, by means of a hardware device, especially a SIM card. The individual user must also identify him/herself to the multimedia appliance, by means of a hardware device for detecting biometric data. The respective identification data is encoded by means of asymmetrical cryptography. During the initialization process between said two appliances, data encoded for the identification of the remote control system and each person is transmitted to the multimedia appliance and stored therein in an encoded manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for transmitting a flow of digital data and of controlled messages associated with said flow addressed to mobile terminals. The flow comprises successive bursts of data of encrypted contents with control words included in the control messages transmitted in parallel with said flow. The method is characterized in that it consists in inserting a control message in each transmitted burst of contents, said message containing at least one control word designed to decrypt the contents of said burst.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a television apparatus includes: a specific receiver configured to receive, from a communication apparatus connected via a network, list information of a plurality of network services each of which provides data, destination information indicating a connection destination for each of the network services, and setting information corresponding to each of the network services and indicating a setting to a display to receive the data from each of the network services; a display controller configured to control displaying of the list information; a selection receiver configured to receive a selection of the network service included in the list information that is displayed; and a setting controller configured to set the display according to the setting information corresponding to the selected network service and configured to control the display to display the data received from the connection destination for the selected network service indicated by the destination information.

Abstract: A data transmission interface apparatus is provided for communicating with another data transmission interface apparatus through a digital transmission means specified for multimedia data transmission. The data transmission interface apparatus has at least a processor for processing multimedia data; and a data converting circuit, coupled to the processor, for converting a plurality of first multimedia data sets into a plurality of second multimedia data sets; and for converting a plurality of first auxiliary data sets into a plurality of second auxiliary data sets.

Abstract: A system and method for resource sharing are provided. The method includes storing an electronic programming guide (EPG) application and an EPG, determining when local memory of a local video device lacks capacity to download additional time of the EPG, and communicating with another device to transmit a resource request to the other device to download the additional time of the EPG to storage in the other device. The method also includes processing for display monitoring data that indicates remaining storage space in the storage of the other device, querying the other device to determine what programming is being viewed, and processing controls included in the EPG application that enable access to the storage of the other device to interact with the EPG stored on the other device through the local video device to schedule a programming event at the local video device.