Abstract: A host is configured to communicate with a video data recording device. The host includes a host controller configured to receive a video data recording device diagnostic information request originated external to the host. The host controller further configured to collect the video data recording device diagnostic information from the video data recording device in response to the external request.

Abstract: A low noise amplifier (LNA) for use in a receiver circuit includes an adjustable impedance network including an input for receiving a radio frequency signal, a plurality of control inputs, and an output. The LNA further includes a controller coupled to the plurality of control inputs and configured to control an impedance of the adjustable impedance network. The controller controls the adjustable impedance network to provide a relatively low impedance in a terrestrial mode and to provide a relatively high impedance in a cable mode.

Abstract: A first device communicates with subscriber devices in an access network. A communication is sent from a subscriber device to the first device requesting that the subscriber device be permitted to join a multicast group associated with data for a desired content. After determining that the subscriber device is authorized to receive that content, the first device sends one or more multicast signaling communications to a second device. The multicast signaling communications instruct the second device to join the requested multicast group and provide an identifier associated with that multicast group. After joining the multicast group and receiving content data packets of that group, the second device encapsulates those received packets in frames according to an access network media access control (MAC) protocol and forwards the MAC frames to the subscriber device. The MAC frames include the identifier provided to the second device by the first device.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing mobile device interoperability with other devices may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least receiving a frame buffer update request from a remote environment, determining a scan interval defining a first portion of the frame buffer over which scanning to determine data changes is to occur and a second portion over which scanning to determine data changes is not to occur, identifying whether a data change occurs in the first portion of the frame buffer by comparing relatively newer data to relatively older data, and updating a selected portion of the frame buffer to the remote environment based on the identifying. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A preference extracting apparatus includes a text information obtaining section that obtains text information having correspondence with a scene being currently played when video contents having text information having correspondence with each scene is played, a keyword extracting section that extracts a keyword for measuring user's preference based on the text information, a presenting section that presents the user a fact that the keyword has been extracted, a preference value defining section that defines a preference value of the user regarding the extracted keyword in accordance with the response by the user to the presentation, a storage section that establishes correspondence between the keyword and the preference value and stores them as the user's preference information in predetermined storage means.

Abstract: Time slice transmission methods transmit data in bursts, thus creating a delay until playback of a service can begin when changing the service and therefore preventing smooth zapping. To solve this problem, a first stream used for burst transmission of packet sets and a second stream for continuously transmitting packets at a speed determined according to the transmission rate required for a particular service are multiplexed and transmitted. The content is reproduced using the continuously transmitted second stream during zapping, and the first stream transmitted in bursts is reproduced after zapping ends.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment of the invention, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. In another embodiment, the caller is a hotel guest and the called party is a hotel concierge and vice versa. The concierge provides information to the hotel guest such that the hotel guest can tune in to a channel on their hotel television set and access the information.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system and method of synchronizing broadcast signals from multiple broadcast networks on televisions or other media devices. One embodiment includes a method comprising receiving signatures or other data indicative of each of a plurality of video frames from each of a plurality of video devices, each of the video devices having received the frame from a video broadcast. At least one of the video frames is identified as being received by each of the video devices based on the received data. A request or other data indicative of a time to display the one of the video frames is communicated to each of the plurality of video devices. Other embodiments include media devices configured to send such frame data and to display video frames at the indicated time.

Abstract: A highly integrated set-top box is implemented on a single semiconductor substrate. For instance, an analog RF tuner is implemented on the same substrate with a digital receiver, and audio-video back-end circuits. The single chip set-top box can be used for satellite, cable, internet, or terrestrial TV applications, or other applications. As a result, the substrate area, assembly time, and associated costs per chip are reduced.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect is advanced multimedia communications via OCAP using customer specific profiles resident in the STB for service application management. Additional aspects relate to service application management including filtering, controlling the display of content associated with one or more service applications, performing an action based on the service application, scheduling a communication based on the service application and initiating a request for service based on, for example, a detected problem. Still further aspects relate to managing information associated with a service application received at a STB including initiating a communication to a support representative.

Abstract: A video and audio data synchronization method for a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) having a plurality of channels for outputting video and audio data includes determining a boundary between a control period and a data/video period in each of the plurality of channels, adjusting timing sequences of the plurality of channels respectively according to the boundaries, and simultaneously outputting video and audio data of the plurality of channels according to the timing sequences of the plurality of channels. This method can prevent loss of synchronization between channels due to layout and process variation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a channel for providing an IPTV is disclosed, which is capable of improving use efficiency of network resource and reducing a channel zapping time by controlling a channel type of each channel and a bit rate of video data to be transmitted through each channel, the method comprising (a) determining an optimal channel status vector among channel status vectors to indicate channel types of respective channels, wherein the optimal channel status vector enables a minimum cost corresponding to the sum of an average channel zapping time of respective channels and an average distortion value of video data transmitted through the respective channels; and determining an optimal bit rate at the determined optimal channel status vector; and (b) transmitting the video data at the optimal bit rate through the respective channels.

Abstract: An information server apparatus 116 includes a communication portion 118 receiving a request for getting information including a set of information source specifying information and time specifying information from a client, a user request information analyzing portion 122 and a table reference portion 129 analyzing the request for getting information and selecting information to be transmitted to the client terminal apparatus based on the result of analysis. Further, communication portion 118 returns the selected information to the client.

Abstract: Disclosed in one embodiment is the use of a terrestrial media access control (MAC) chip or circuit in a satellite modem. The satellite modem comprises a satellite receiver, a satellite transmitter, an adaptor, and a terrestrial MAC chip. The adapter translates between the satellite physical layer and the physical layer of the terrestrial MAC chip. Protocols, messaging and signaling is spoofed for the terrestrial MAC chip such that it can be integrated into a satellite system. The received satellite signal is filtered so select one or more sub-channels that are fed to the terrestrial MAC chip. The terrestrial MAC chip could use a variety of physical layers, for example, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) or World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX).

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The digital broadcast receiving system includes a baseband processor, a management processor, and a presentation processor. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data configure a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame, and the RS frame includes mobile service data and at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data. The management processor acquires simple guide information on at least one of a current program and a next program of a corresponding channel from the channel configuration information and stores the acquired simple guide information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcast receiver including a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) module for receiving digital broadcastings of multiple channels; an output unit for outputting voice and image signals of the digital broadcastings; and a controller for controlling the DMB module to receive the digital broadcastings while successively and automatically switching the channels at a predetermined time interval, and controlling the digital broadcasting data received in the DMB module to be transmitted to the output unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver receives at least one of a transmission of media content and a broadcast of media content, wherein the media content includes at least one of broadcast media content and entertainment media content, and further wherein the receiver receives information regarding the media content, a processor for processing at least one of the received media content and the received information regarding the media content, a display device for visually displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the media content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating a bi-directional control channel into an entertainment display device to deliver content and exchange control information. The system collects request and response information from the entertainment display device. The system also provides format translation of received and collected content to and from a plurality of formats such as N-PCS technology formats and video display formats in such a manner that the integrated system is independent of broadcasters, satellite, IPTV and cable operators. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit for the processing of conditional access television signals that includes an input interface for receiving encrypted television signals and an output interface for output of decrypted television signals. The semiconductor integrated circuit is provided with some functionality restricted in some way by preventing one or more hardware circuit elements from operating, such as an MPEG decoder, display engine, IO ports or main CPU. To enable the functionality, a subscriber must pay for a service and then receives an encrypted message broadcast to the semiconductor integrated circuit that is decrypted and instructs functionality to be turned on or off.

Abstract: A method, device and system for broadcast service grouping are provided. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal, at least one virtual channel table delivered by a network side, where the virtual channel table includes a first checksum and a data object that are generated by the network side, and the data object includes channel information; using a preset broadcast service group identifier and the data object of the virtual channel table to acquire a second checksum of the preset broadcast service group identifier and the data object of the virtual channel table; and acquiring a virtual channel table that passes check from the at least one virtual channel table delivered by the network side, when the first checksum matches the second checksum.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and method of processing data therein are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor unit receiving a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data, the mobile service data configuring an RS frame, the RS frame including the mobile service data and at least one signaling information data describing rating information of the mobile service data, a management processor unit obtaining the rating information of the mobile service data by parsing the signaling information data from the RS frame, the management processor unit determining a presence or non-presence of a viewing restriction by comparing the obtained rating information of the mobile service data to viewing restriction rating information set by a user, and a presentation processor unit blocking the mobile service data if the viewing restriction of the mobile service data is determined.

Abstract: A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are disclosed for enabling a user of data services over a network to automatically register for such services by plugging in a set-top box, such as an advanced set-top box, or other IP clients such as a Web pad, and entering certain information through a member services screen. The invention also allows a user to have several accounts distributed over several set-top boxes or IP clients and have all accounts map to a single network identity. That is, it allows a user to have multiple viewer identities for different purposes yet have all of them map back to a single network identity for that user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and method for demultiplexing in a digital broadcasting receiver for processing packet data configured by a packet header and a payload. A buffer buffers input packet data. Processors are parallel connected to the buffer. A packet header processor checks a packet header, identifies the presence of adaptation information, and generates a control signal according to the presence of the adaptation information. An adaptation information processor processes the adaptation information of buffered payload data under control of the packet header processor. A Packetized Elementary Stream (PES) header processor processes a PES header of the buffered payload data under the control of the packet header processor. A data processor generates an audio or video Elementary Stream (ES) from audio or video data of the buffered payload data under control of the PES header processor, and outputs the generated audio or video ES to an associated decoder.

Abstract: A computer-aided image acquisition and diagnosis system, which generates and files images for facilitating the reading and diagnosis based on the acquired images. The X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining diagnosis image from the projection data of imaging of a subject, includes a selector means for selecting the detection object to be anticipated, a scanner means for scanning the subject placed in position, an image processing means for reconstructing the subject image from the projection data obtained from the scanner means, an extractor means for extracting the detection object selected in the selector means from within the reconstructed image, and a display means for displaying the detection object extracted by the extractor means.

Abstract: A set-top box device includes a processor and memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) at a television coupled to the set-top box device. The GUI includes a bread crumb trail having a selectable category. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processor to receive a signal from a remote control device associated with the set-top box device, the television, or a combination thereof, the signal indicating a selection of the selectable category of the bread crumb trail. Further, the memory includes instructions executable by the processor to cause the GUI to display, in response to the signal, a menu including the selectable category and a peer category related to the selectable category. The menu automatically becomes navigable via directional keys at the remote control device when the menu is displayed.

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 first type of data over a first type of communication channel, determining that the first type of data is subsequently not available over the first type of communication channel, and responsive to determining that the first type of data is subsequently not available over the first type of communication channel, receiving the first type of data over a second type of communication channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing multiple session-based services at a terminal, an exemplary apparatus includes a memory configured to support a plurality of software layers including a service layer communicating with terminal resources via a root layer disposed therebetween; and a processor, for executing instructions associated with a plurality of service layer applications, a root layer application and a control mechanism; each of the service layer applications communicating with terminal resources to provide thereby a respective user interface; wherein the control mechanism selectively causing at least one of the service layer applications to enter an active state, the user interface associated with a service layer application being adapted in response to the service layer application entering the active state.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for blocking scenes with objectionable content comprises receiving incoming content, namely a scene of a program. Thereafter, using closed captioning information, a determination is made if the scene of the program includes objectionable content, and if so, blocking the scene from being displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a signal reception section configured to receive a video signal transmitted via a transmission path; an image display section configured to process the video signal to display an image; a timing information acquisition section configured to acquire timing information in connection with reception of the video signal, the timing information concerning timing that affects the image displayed by the image display section; a reference time length adjustment section configured to adjust a reference time length based on the timing information, the reference time length being used as a reference for a length of a time period from the reception of the video signal to start of image display; and a display control section configured to control timing at which the image display is started, based on the reference time length adjusted by the reference time length adjustment section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic display of next or future television program information when tuned to a television channel. Acquired or received program information for a television program to be shown next or later on the currently tuned television channel is automatically displayed on the currently tuned channel. In this manner, a viewer is provided with information regarding a next or future television program on the television channel currently being watched without active intervention by the viewer. According to an aspect of the invention, if a new or next television program guide or program information (update) is received before the end of a current television program, the television apparatus automatically updates the display of program information according to the information included in the newly received program guide.

Abstract: This receiver includes a receiver body having an antenna connection portion connected with an antenna, a control portion controlling the receiver body, a first internal power source provided on the receiver body for supplying power to the control portion and a second internal power source provided on the receiver body to be electrically insulated from the first internal power source for supplying power to the antenna.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a system and method for decoding multiple independent encoded audio streams using a single decoder. The system includes one or more parsers, a preprocessor, an audio decoder, and a renderer. The parser extracts individual audio frames from each input audio stream. The preprocessor combines the outputs of all parsers into a single audio frame stream and enables sharing of the audio decoder among multiple independent encoded audio streams. The audio decoder decodes the single audio frame stream and provides a single decoded audio stream. And the renderer renders the individual reconstructed audio streams from the single decoded audio stream.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for optimizing home networking interface selection in home networking applications. One embodiment of a method for selecting, at a set top box in a network, an active home networking interface from among a plurality of home networking interfaces includes activating the best performing home networking interface and deactivating the remainder of the home networking interfaces.

Abstract: A method includes, providing a television, a reading device, an input device, and a printer. The reading device is connected to receive a digital signal transmitted by a television signal provider. The reading device is connected to provide a first output signal to the television and a second output signal to the printer under control of the input device. The method includes receiving a digital signal with the reading device wherein the digital signal is transmitted by the television signal provider. It also includes sending the first output signal from the reading device to the television for display to a viewer. If the viewer uses the input device to choose to print, it also includes printing information provided in the second output signal.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller operable to receive signaling information from a local resource manager (LRM) identifying a recipient media processor (RMP) and describing at least one media characteristic of media content selected by an initiating media processor (IMP) to be presented at the RMP, determine a location of the RMP and a media capability of the RMP, compare the media capability of the RMP to the at least one media characteristic of the media content, determine a media configuration of at least one network element in an interactive television network based on the comparison, configure at least one network element of a virtual private network (VPN) based on the media configuration, and transmit signaling information to the LRM to enable the IMP to present the media content at the RMP over the VPN. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-standard integrated television receiver is disclosed. According to the invention, a RF tracking filter is provided to receive a RF signal and then filter out a fifth order and above harmonics and a band-pass filter is provided to further eliminate harmonics. Moreover, a double quadrature mixer is provided to remove third order harmonics. Accordingly, the quality factor requirement of the RF tracking filter and the linearity requirement of the band-pass filter are relaxed. Thus, the RF tracking filter and the band-pass filter can be fully integrated without any external components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of providing a TV program sharing service that enables sharing of a TV program among EPG-based TV sets and/or set top boxes, and thus enables recording of the already broadcast program whenever a user desires to do so. The system includes a TV client for directly uploading a program stored in its own storage device to another TV client, or for directly downloading a program stored in a storage device of another TV client to itself, and a shared program management center for storing record information of the programs stored in the TV clients in its own database, and enabling a mutual transfer of the programs among the TV clients using its database.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping, filtering and/or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the audio/video stream. The text data is processed using location information that references a segment of the text data of the first audio/video stream to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location within the first audio/video stream is utilized to identify portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped during presentation. The portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the audio/video stream, and some of the skipped portions of the audio/video stream are replaced with substitute content. The filtered video stream, including the substitute content, is outputted for presentation to a user.

Abstract: A content on demand system includes logic to compose set top box configuration information into an audio and/or video stream format, and to communicate the configuration information to a plurality of set top boxes.

Abstract: A computer program product includes computer executable instructions, stored on a computer readable medium, for allocating bandwidth among various network provided communication services. The executable instructions include instructions to process a subscriber request to specify a bandwidth allocation, determine a multimedia bandwidth allocation indicative of bandwidth allocated to multimedia content, and generate a multimedia content request. The multimedia content request is influenced by the multimedia bandwidth allocation. In some embodiments, for example, the multimedia content request includes multimedia bandwidth information determined at least in part by the multimedia bandwidth allocation. The multimedia bandwidth information may indicate the bandwidth available for multimedia content, which may be determined from the multimedia bandwidth allocation less any bandwidth allocated to or otherwise consumed by other multimedia layers.

Abstract: A personal computer media center is connected to a media center extension and a personal video recorder (PVR) through a home network. The personal computer media center instructs the PVR through the home network to record a television broadcast. Subsequently, the personal computer media center instructs the PVR through the home network to output a media signal of the recorded television broadcast to the media center extension, which displays the media signal on a television.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus, which is capable of simultaneously processing a plurality of transport streams in an appropriate manner, is comprised of: a pre-processing unit 1202 that determines and extracts a piece of viewing-related data from each of a plurality of transport streams; a multiplexing unit 1203 that multiplexes the extracted pieces of viewing-related data, and outputs the resulting multiplexed data to an adapter 1204; and a demultiplexing unit 1205 that obtains, from the adapter 1204, the multiplexed data processed by the adapter 1204, and demultiplexes the received data.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a terminal includes a receiving unit in communication with the plurality of terminals receiving a command signal and converting the command signal to a serial port control signal. The receiving unit formats the serial port control signal to form a formatted signal. A terminal device receives the formatted signal, recovers the serial port control signal from the formatted signal and controls a terminal device in response to the serial port control signal.

Abstract: Automatically recovering from broken network connections in streaming media scenarios. Server software executing on the server communicates with client software executing on the client during the streaming media session. If the streaming media session is interrupted, the server software and the client software exchange messages to associate the client with a client state stored by the server and to re-synchronize playback of the content.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shared tuner video recorder system architecture. In one embodiment, multiple set-top boxes are networked and configured to share tuners with each other. If a specific set-top box has no tuners available to schedule a show, it attempts to schedule the show on the tuner of another set-top box in the network.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and device for handling of audio/video signals originating from a mix of analog and digital sources of audio/video signals. In particular, the present invention relates to optimization of hardware resources and of wiring needed for the interconnection of various analog and digital sources of audio/video signals.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus has two systems as a receiving system: a first receiving demodulation section including a first tuner 2 and the like; and a second receiving demodulation section including a second tuner 5 and the like. A controller 19 establishes either a first receiving mode or second receiving mode. In the first receiving mode, both the receiving systems receive the broadcasting waves of the same station to be viewed according to the signals from a vehicle speed detecting section 15 and receiving level detecting sections 16 and 17. In the second receiving mode, one of the two receiving systems receives the broadcasting wave of the station to be viewed, and the other of them receives the broadcasting wave of another station.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a television converter device, such as a set-top-box (STB), that includes two or more channel selectors and the necessary control electronics to allow each of the multiple channel selectors to operate independently. STB embodiments of the present invention may be connected to and support one or more TVs. The STB embodiments allow each connected TV to receive television programming independent of what any other connected TVs may be receiving, at a significant cost savings over providing separate STBs for each TV.