Abstract: A digital television setting information storage apparatus and a method for accessing digital television information are provided. The apparatus includes a random access memory and a non-volatile memory. The method includes steps of: receiving a setting information change signal, storing setting information into the random access memory, clearing the non-volatile memory, and transferring the setting information from the random access memory to the non-volatile memory when the non-volatile memory is erased. The setting information includes channel information and on screen display setting information.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver includes an operation mode manager that switches an operation mode to a first mode in which a function is implemented by the downloaded application or a second mode in which a function is implemented by the pre-installed application, and a key delivery module that delivers the key code received from the remote control to the downloaded application or the pre-installed application. When the receiver is in the first mode, the key delivery module delivers the received key code to the downloaded application if the received key code is a key code for the first mode, and delivers the received key code to the pre-installed application if the received key code is a key code for the second mode. When the receiver is in the second mode, the key delivery module delivers the received key code to the pre-installed application.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video content between a computing device and display device. The method includes establishing a data connection between a receiver unit and the display device, where the receiver unit includes a first wireless transceiver and an output port, establishing a data connection between a transmitter unit and the computing device, where the transmitter unit includes a second wireless transceiver and a memory and is configured to perform two-way wireless communications with only the receiver unit and is configured to not perform two-way wireless communications with any other devices, and transmitting the video content from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit.

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 relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with data storage. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The data storage 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 data storage may be in the form of a disc, such as a compact disc storage device or a CD-ROM. The data stored on the storage device may relate to games, education, encyclopedias, reference, or economics. The television terminal may additionally include a microprocessor that is programmed to react to information within a television signal to access the data stored on the storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for providing an application. The method includes receiving a first-level application information table (AIT) including one or more application driving conditions and location information of one or more AITs; creating an AIT map table by using the first-level AIT; obtaining a second-level AIT corresponding to a predetermined application driving condition included in the AIT map table based on the location information of the second-level AIT; driving an application based on the second-level AIT.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method to upgrade software of a set-top box, when a malfunction renders it impossible to receive software upgrade data through System Information (SI), the data is received through Program Specific Information (PSI). Accordingly, it is not only possible to upgrade the software when a malfunction occurs, but also to recover from the malfunction.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for allowing a customer support agent to remotely analyze a television receiver. A television receiver is communicatively coupled to a customer support center through a communication network. A customer support agent remotely accesses the television receiver and the television receiver transmits video content to the customer support center through the communication network. The video output is outputted to the customer support agent at the customer support center for analysis of the television receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting digital content metadata received external to a network into digital content metadata peculiar to the network and a network system using the same. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for converting TV-Anytime metadata into UPnP CDS metadata and a network system using the same. The apparatus for converting digital content metadata according to the present invention includes a mapping module for converting the received external digital content metadata into the digital content metadata peculiar to the network, and a search module for locating a method of accessing a program in a predetermined manner using the unique identifier assigned to each program in the received external digital content metadata.

Abstract: A controlled device such as a TV is vended with a legacy remote commander (RC) and legacy user interfaces (UI), but is programmed with authentication information to accept downloaded UI updates from an authenticated after market RC with more capabilities than the legacy RC.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing subscribers with conditional access to data receivable across a communications medium in an MHP or OCAP broadcast system (100, 300). The invention can be implemented for use with standard MHP or OCAP receivers, without the need for a backchannel or specialized hardware.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of controlling a consumer product includes the step of connecting an input device to the consumer product. Also, an input event of the input device is translated into at least one key code, where the key code is recognized by a middleware of the consumer product. Furthermore, the at least one key code is transmitted to the consumer product. In addition, the at least one key code is executed by an application program of the middleware so as to control the consumer product.

Abstract: Methods for managing digital television (TV) signals are disclosed. An embodiment of a method for managing digital TV signals, performed by an electronic device, comprises the following steps. Multiple first digital TV signals and multiple second digital TV signals are selectively received, thereby enabling a display device thereof or an external display to present a series of frames corresponding to the selected digital TV signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated methodology is provided to select and run an image of an executable software, the method including the steps of: starting a self executable boot and load software stored in the apparatus configured to run an executable software image; reading a table stored internally in the apparatus by the self executable boot and load software, referencing an executable software images that are stored in the apparatus; selecting an uncorrupted executable software image from one of the executable software images that are referenced in the table; and starting the image chosen by said selecting.

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: TV settings such as brightness can be established by sending from a TV signals from an ambient light sensor to a network server, with the network server establishing settings such as brightness in response for a program being played on the TV.

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: 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: According to a first aspect there is provided systems and methods for receiving an encrypted signal from a portable communication device, the encrypted signal containing information associated with a command; and decrypting the encrypted signal to enable a set-top box to execute the command. According to a second aspect there is provided systems and methods for encrypting information to generate an encrypted signal, the information associated with a command entered via a control; and communicating the encrypted signal to the set-top box, the encrypted signal for decryption at the set-top box to enable execution of the command to operate the set-top box.

Abstract: A system for delivering content to users from a content provider, the system comprising a transmission system for transmitting content in a series of segments and a plurality of receivers for receiving the series of segments transmitted from the transmission system, each of the receivers comprising a memory, a processor, and an output driver.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to cause a media processor to invoke a software application in the mobile device server. The mobile device server can support voice communications over a cellular communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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: A program replacing method capable of updating a program by executing instead a temporarily downloaded program without deleting the existing program as well as capable of easily restoring such existing program. Moreover, when a function not equipped to the existing program is required to be added, said program replacing method downloads a program so that it can be executed concurrently with the existing program.

Abstract: The invention provides a smartcard, a head-end system and a conditional access system enabling incompatible receivers to be used in a vendor specific conditional access system. Hereto the smartcard stores an operation mode identifier, which is read upon insertion of the smartcard into the receiver and activation of the smartcard. The operation mode identifier is used to select a protocol for communication with the receiver. If the protocol is incompatible with the receiver, the operation mode identifier is changed and another protocol is selected upon reinsertion of the smartcard in the receiver. The head-end system uses data packet encapsulation to enable the receiver to forward EMMs and ECMs to the smartcard.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for storing and synchronizing data using Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or any other protocol that provides for authentication, presence and messaging. One such method is performed in a digital media device, such as a set top. Device and user-configured settings associated with a digital media device may be saved to a network. The settings may be synchronized with other devices of a user, or used to configure a newly provisioned replacement digital media device. The settings may include pointers to network resources where content is stored such that content need not be transferred from an old or failed digital media device to the newly provisioned digital media device.

Abstract: According to the invention a user interface of a consumer electronic apparatus is modified, which can be used for example to update a given basic UI functionality or to temporarily implement isolated, dedicated UI sub-domains. For this purpose side information is received comprising side information components for controlling the user interface and validity information defining the validity start and/or end time of the side information components. The side information components and validity information is stored and the user interface is modified by using said stored side information components. The start time and/or end time of the user interface modification is controlled by means of said stored validity information.

Abstract: Various embodiments for broadcasting and processing multiple data formats are described. In one embodiment, a method includes sending scheduling information that identifies an encoding format of a data broadcast and a video viewer application capable of processing the data broadcast. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention comprises an application for recording and the playback of MPEG-2 transport-streams transmitted via DVB-systems with optical discs. Apart from audio- and video-signals, additional information (which describe the content of the DVB-multiplex) will also be transmitted in DVB-SI descriptors. These descriptors correspond to the incoming transport-stream-packets and can be used for comfortable features, like event-triggered start of a recording or automatic generation of play-lists.

Abstract: A request to transfer a consumer electronics (CE) application from a consumer electronics device to a TV device is received at the TV device. The CE application is received from the consumer electronics device. Application state information associated with the CE application is received from the consumer electronics device. The CE application and the application state information are stored to a memory. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic channel management of a television based on media center set-top box tuner availability. The method includes determining a last channel a television was tuned to prior to being turned off. Then it is determined whether the last channel is a radio frequency remodulated (RF-remodulated) channel. If the last channel is a RF-remodulated channel, then sending a signal to indicate that the television is on line with the RF-remodulated channel. If a tuner is not available for the television, then receiving an indication of a cable channel that was last RF-remodulated to the RF-remodulated channel for the television. Finally, changing the television to the cable channel.

Abstract: A Download Control Message instructs a set-top terminal in a cable television system to located and immediately begin downloading a code or other data object available over the cable system. The Download Control Message specifies, for example, the size, name, version and location (URL or transport stream and PID) of the object to be acquired by the set-top terminal. The terminal accordingly can begin immediate acquisition of the object. An address or other characteristic associated with the Download Control Message allows the system operator to target the Message to a particular set-top terminal or group of terminals.

Abstract: A method of audio-visual communication using a television and a television using the same are provided, wherein the broadband network and television technologies are used to achieve services of audio-visual communication over a network, such that a user uses the television to conduct audio-visual communications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing security through sessions. In an implementation, a method includes initiating a session, by an operating system, in which operating system services are executable and initiating another session, by the operating system, in which a user-interactive application is executable.

Abstract: A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver implements volume control by first software (OCAP application) for volume control obtained from outside or second software (receiver application) for volume control pre-installed. The broadcasting receiver determines whether the first software is obtained or not. When it is determined that the first software is obtained, the broadcasting receiver sends a volume control command which is received by a command receiver to the first software, and otherwise, sends the volume control command to the second software.

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

Abstract: A handover of a wireless communication device is performed between a first wireless band and a second wireless band when a detected feature occurs within a content stream being communicated with the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to compress a DVB-ASI bit stream including accepting the stream containing packets of compressed media, sync words, and stuffing words, identifying starts of packets, identifying and discarding stuffing words; and adding information to form a compressed stream, added information sufficient to reconstruct a reconstructed stream from the compressed stream, with the relative locations of starts of packets in the reconstructed bit stream matching the relative locations of starts of corresponding packets in the accepted stream. Also a method recover the timing of MPEG packets including accepting a serial bit stream containing packets of compressed media streams, and ascertaining if the stream includes information indicating that the bit stream has a DVB-ASI form with stuffing words discarded and with indicating information added.

Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process. The CSR checks the CRS to verify that the “callback” function is operational and authorizes payment to the installer.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus and a method for upgrading software thereof are provided. The digital broadcasting receiving apparatus includes a memory interface unit which supports an interface with an external memory device; a platform unit which requests a headend whether an upgrade of software is acceptable, when the external memory device is connected to the memory interface unit; and a function execution unit which upgrades previously installed software using software in the external memory device, when notified from the headend that the upgrade of software is acceptable.

Abstract: An interactive television system is operable to receive television signals and data for implementing interactive television services. At least some of the interactive television data received is stored on a removable, non-volatile memory, such as a memory card or stick. To allow a user to access services, the system is operable to generate a user interface. Services that are available via information stored on a memory card are marked.

Abstract: Disclosed is a projector and data processing method and system for recommending digital media content to a user. The method and system gather statistics about the preferences of the user and/or compare the user to population data to create recommendations in accord with the preferences of the population. The population data may be qualified by demographics or other factors classifying the user. Sources of the digital media content include radio broadcast television broadcast, global computer network content, email, and personal organizing software/programs.

Abstract: An applications registry provides a repository of television-based applications. The registry stores information about television-based applications registered, and allows users to view information regarding the registered television-based applications through one or more portals. The information includes a general description of the television-based applications, a description of an entitlement model for the television-based applications, and downloading information to permit a user to download the application to the home media system. The user accesses the registry, to view information about the television-based application, through a home media system. The home media system, which includes a television, accesses the portal over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A broadcasting data receiving apparatus which can receive broadcasting data and update software by using software update data received as the broadcasting data includes a receiving portion operable to receive broadcasting data, a video/audio processing portion operable to process video data included in the received broadcasting data for video display and audio data included in the received broadcasting data for audio output based on stored software, an operation input portion operable to receive a user operation, and a control portion operable to (i) control the processing in the video/audio processing portion, (ii) perform software update processing on a necessary component by using received software update data if the received broadcasting data includes the software update data, and (iii) perform minimal display processing or minimal audio output processing in the video/audio processing portion if the operation input portion receives a user operation to start the apparatus during execution of the update pro

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

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

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

Abstract: An information processing system includes a receiving apparatus receiving a broadcast signal; and a data generating unit creating notice information relating to download for update data multiplexed with the broadcast signal for transmission and updating software in the receiving apparatus. The data generating unit includes a device operable to describe a prescribed model ID defined by a predetermined standard in the notice information and to describe an extended model ID used in combination with the prescribed model ID in the notice information; and a device operable to generate the notice information having the IDs described. The receiving apparatus includes a device operable to determine whether the prescribed model ID matches an owned prescribed model ID; a device operable to determine whether the extended model ID matches the owned extended model ID when the prescribed model ID is so determined; and a device operable to acquire update data when the extended model ID is so determined.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of an apparatus or method for generating and transmitting distribution system commands addressed by a general identification, such as a customer-specific identification. The general identification may take the form of a customer number or any other identifier unique to a customer account. The identifier may be stored in the computer-readable memory of several or all of the set-top boxes associated with a particular customer such that commands addressed with the unique identifier may be decrypted and executed by the set-top boxes. Thus, a single command addressed with the customer identification may be received and executed by several or all of the set-top boxes for a particular customer without the need for addressing the command to each set-top box individually.