Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes man-machine interface, a semiconductor memory and an information processor. The semiconductor memory is configured by an application software contents portion, an application software engine, an operating system, an information processor hardware driver and a man-machine interface driver. Clear definition is given to interfaces between modules including software and hardware.

Abstract: A multimedia television system is disclosed. The multimedia television system comprises a receiver, a detector, an audio processing/controlling device, and a mixing device. The receiver receives an audio/video signal comprising an audio signal and a video signal and outputs the audio signal and the video signal respectively. When an external upgrading/transmitting device is connected to the detector, the detector will generate an upgrading signal. When the audio processing/controlling device receives the upgrading signal, the audio processing/controlling device will process the audio signal into a multi-channel audio signal comprising front sub-audio signals and rear sub-audio signals according to the upgrading signal. Then, the mixing device processes the rear sub-audio signals into at least one mixed audio signal. The detector receives the at least one mixed audio signal and transmits the at least one mixed audio signal via the external upgrading/transmitting device.

Abstract: A system and method of implementing a distributed recording capability may be employed to allocate tuner resources among connected recorder devices, including digital video recorder (DVR) devices. In accordance with one aspect, a server may receive a request to record a multimedia broadcast from a user. The server may search a network for a recorder device having an available tuner from among a plurality of recorder devices connected to the network using predetermined search criteria. The server may transmit a command over the network to the identified recorder device to record the requested multimedia broadcast. The identified recorder device may automatically transfer the recorded multimedia broadcast over the network to a user-associated recorder device.

Abstract: Internet-based printing to a home printer in which the print job is pre-rasterized at the cable head end and sent in rasterized format to the set top box. Because the print job is pre-rasterized at the cable head end, and not at the set top box, resources are not wasted at the set top box when they are more readily available at the cable head end. In addition, because of the high speed communication network already in existence between the cable head end and the set top box, even large pre-rasterized print jobs can be transmitted to the set top box in reasonable amounts of time, meaning more quickly than a situation in which it was the set top box that performed rasterization.

Abstract: A display device includes: a storage portion storing content addition information associated with one or two or more pieces of content data; a display screen generation portion generating a display screen, which includes image information related with one content addition information stored in the storage portion; and a display switch portion outputting a switch instruction of the image information included on the display screen, and the display screen generation portion switches the image information included on the display screen to other image information related with the one content addition information according to output of the switch instruction by the display switch portion.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for efficient storage of data for use by an application, including a set top box. The set top box including a physical memory, a bulk storage device, and a memory management unit (MMU) coupled between the application and the physical memory and the bulk storage device. The physical memory and the bulk storage device are configured to store the data. The MMU is configured to translate a virtual address provided by the application to a physical address used by one of the physical memory and the bulk storage device.

Abstract: An optical transmission network is disclosed that classifies digital broadcast channel data according to virtual channel connection (VCC) before transmission. In the optical transmission network, an optical signal receiver converts an optical signal from an optical line terminal (OLT) into an ATM cell that is classified according to the VCC. A VCC-based ATM cell classifier detects header information and a payload part from the classified ATM cell of each VCC. PID analyzers receive a payload part of an ATM cell corresponding to one VCC from the VCC-based ATM cell classifier, extract PID of each broadcast channel from digital broadcast channel data included in the payload part, and output specific broadcast channel data in the broadcast channel data included in the payload part. A switch receives broadcast channel data output from the PID analyzers and switches the received broadcast channel data to a broadcast channel desired by each subscriber.

Abstract: Multi-DVR (digital video recorder) media content arbitration is described. In an embodiment, client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. An arbitration algorithm can arbitrate media content rendered by the client devices so as not to exceed a media content usage capacity of the multi-DVR system. Each of the client devices of the multi-DVR system can communicate status messages to each of the other client devices to indicate rendered media content, and can receive the status messages from each of the other client devices. Each of the client devices can also implement the arbitration algorithm to independently determine which of the client devices has lowest priority media content that can be terminated to provide capacity for higher priority media content at one of the client devices of the multi-DVR system.

Abstract: A TV has a TV processor and a display presenting a map showing the topology of the home network of which the TV is a part. A user can manipulate the user input device to navigate around the map and cause content to be transmitted from a source component shown in the map to a sink component shown on the map. The map can change the appearance of component icons and/or paths between icons to provide visible indication of advantageous component and/or path selection for executing a user-desired task. Also, map information can be uploaded to an Internet server that can respond by sending back information pertaining to components represented on the map.

Abstract: A method for distributing dynamic event notification data in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system including receiving at an IPTV server the dynamic event notification data indicating an occurrence of a dynamic event; identifying at the IPTV server a current IPTV viewer associated with an IPTV end user client device; retrieving at the IPTV server an event filter for the current IPTV viewer; filtering at the IPTV server the dynamic event notification data through the event filter for the current IPTV viewer; and sending from the IPTV server to an end user client device associated with the current IPTV viewer, the dynamic event notification data when the dynamic event notification data passes through the event filter.

Abstract: A method for using a video content recording apparatus with electronic program guide functionality is disclosed. In one embodiment, a video content recording apparatus receives a removable memory device storing electronic program guide data, displays an electronic program guide that uses the electronic program guide data, and records, onto a removable memory device, video content selected using the electronic program guide. In another embodiment, a video content recording apparatus receives a removable memory device storing a scheduled recording file and records, onto a removable memory device, video content specified by the scheduled recording file. In yet another embodiment, a video content recording apparatus receives electronic program guide data, displays an electronic program guide that uses the electronic program guide data, and records, onto a removable memory device, video content selected using the electronic program guide.

Abstract: A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus, besides the controlling system for controlling electronics devices such as a television, further includes a timing and alarm system, a display screen, and a recording system with which important data such as important TV programs or favorite channels can be recorded, and each record can be attached with an alarm time. Furthermore, when an alarm time is reached, not only can an alarm be sounded, or an audible announcement be heard, the apparatus can further transmit a control signal to switch the controlled device to the preset important or favorite channel. In addition, a microphone for detecting a response feed back signal from the controlled device, and a processor for processing by the remote control apparatus for responding to the feed back signal are also provided.

Abstract: A video display capable of receiving, decoding and displaying video content received via a data network while also having the capability to play video content from a built-in optical disk drive.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcorder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: Hacking of a class of Set-Top Boxes known as Integrated Receiver-Decoders (IRDs) used to receive satellite broadcasts for display on television sets is prevented by use of connections to the reprogramming enable pin of a flash memory. If a user attempts to reprogram the boot sector of the flash memory in order to obtain free service via privacy, the set-top box is destroyed. The invention relates to the design and manufacture of IRDs that are resistant to hacking via unauthorized reprogramming.

Abstract: A method for providing enhanced content for play across multiple play platforms employs steps of delivering media content to a client device; delivering HTML content to a client device, the HTML content being accessible and usable by a plurality of client device platforms; activating a browser to access the HTML content, the browser being located on and compatible for use with the client device; activating firmware on the client device to access the media content; and incorporating the accessed HTML content with the accessed media content.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitting unit multiplexes a content exclusively used for remote controller in addition to contents of programs A and B and transmits the multiplexed contents. A digital broadcasting receiving unit separates the multiplexed contents and transmits the content exclusively used for remote controller to a bidirectional remote controller. The bidirectional remote controller displays the received content exclusively used for remote controller on a display thereof.

Abstract: Heterogeneous video may be independently encoded in a processor-based system and transmitted for display on a display device. In the display device, the independent video streams may be de-packetized for display on the same display at different frame rates. Thus, each of the video sources may be displayed in a separate portion of the display at its native frame rate. For example, an electronic programming guide may be transmitted for display at one frame rate and displayed in a distinct region on the display screen while video corresponding to an ongoing television program may be displayed in another portion of the display screen at its native frame rate.

Abstract: A channel changing method and an image display apparatus using the same. The channel changing method is used in an image display apparatus for displaying an image included in a received transport stream, and includes blocking the received transport stream when a channel changing command is inputted, and removing the block of the received transport stream when a channel change is determined as completed. The method changes a channel controlling the image signal transport stream received for an interval difference that a tuner selects a changed channel, thereby ensuring a mapping of a virtual channel table (VCT) not to go crisscross in the channel change.

Abstract: A portable computer system such as a laptop computer, for example, includes a processor and a wireless module. The wireless module may establish a wireless connection to a wireless network and may receive video data such as an MBMS video stream, for example, via one or more wireless channels. The portable computer system also includes a first display and a second display. The second display having a lower resolution than the first display, may display first video images associated with the video data. Upon request by a user of the portable computer system, the wireless module may further receive enhancement video data via one or more additional wireless channels (e.g., side channels) of the wireless connection. The first display may display second video images associated with a combination of the video data and the enhancement video data. The second video images have a higher resolution than the first video images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming of data from a remote computer to a recordable media production system is described that utilizes a client computer based application that reduces or eliminates the need for caching of data at the production system, as well as increases security and reliability. This is accomplished in the various embodiments with a client computer application that is run at the user level reducing system complexity and the need for system administrator involvement and oversight. The application pushes data to a production system “on the fly” without requiring a cache or extra disk space.

Abstract: A method for near real time data communication is disclosed. The method includes discovering a first device associated with a first location, determining available data from the first discovered device, and inserting a listing for the first discovered device into an electronic program guide (EPG). A data structure in memory is disclosed that includes a device identifier field for containing data indicating an identifier for a discovered device, a name field for containing data indicating a name associated with the discovered device, a receiver available field for containing data indicating a data receiver is available for the discovered device location, an electronic program guide (EPG) field for containing data indicating an EPG and an EPG2 field for inserting listings for discovered device data into the EPG for display to a user at an STB. A system is disclosed for near real time data communication is also disclosed.

Abstract: A residential gateway (RG) for distributing video, data and telephony services to multiple devices within a residence is disclosed. The RG receives signals from a telecommunications network, converts the signals to formats compatible with the multiple devices, and transmits the appropriate signals to the appropriate devices. Optical Remote Control devices (RCs) associated with remotely located televisions (TVs) transmit channel select commands to the RG as optical signals. The optical signals are received by an optical receiver located in close proximity to the remotely located TVs. The optical signal is then converted to an RF signal by an RF transmitter which transmits the RF signal over coaxial cable. A Remote Antennae Module (RAM) extracts the channel select command from the RF signal and provides it to the RG.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing sub-divided video. At least one embodiment of a method includes dividing a video stream into sub-regions, each of the sub-regions being configured to provide motion video for display, determining positions of the sub-regions, rearranging at least one of the sub-regions from the determined positions, and facilitating display of the rearranged sub-regions of the video stream.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supporting and enabling the selection and mixing of multiple input data streams from multiple sources within a receiving device allowing external control includes a receiving device, a control device and one or more source devices. The receiving device receives input data streams from the source devices. The input data streams are provided as inputs to selectors within the receiving device. The selectors output selective ones of the input data streams to a mixer, based on control information received from a control device. The mixer then combines the selected input data streams into an output stream, based on control information received from the control device. The interfaces and functions of the selectors and the mixer are provided to the control device in response to a request from the control device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing targeted programming to a user outside of the user's home. The method of receiving at least one of a user identification and a user profile, selecting a program based at least in part on the at least one of the user identification and the user profile, and providing a program for presentation to a user outside of the user's home is disclosed. A system including presentation device connected to a controller is also disclosed. The controller receives at least one of a user identification and a user profile, obtains a program based at least in part on the at least one of the user identification and the user profile and provides a program to a presentation device for presentation to a user outside of the user's home.

Abstract: System and method for automatically controlling a media receiver by instructing the media receiver to use a particular receiver connection and to play a selected media unit using one of a plurality of play modes according to characteristics of the media unit. Media units may be encoded using any of a variety of encoding formats. The media management system may interface with a media receiver to select media receiver connections in accordance with the media type of the media unit. The media management system may also interface with the media receiver to set media receiver settings for playing the selected media unit according to the media receiver settings selected for a play mode corresponding to the characteristics of the selected media unit.

Abstract: A wireless receiving device of the present invention is so arranged that (i) a high-frequency circuit section is provided on a front surface of a printed board and (ii) a digital video signal processing section and a wireless LAN digital signal processing section are provided on a back surface of the printed board. Further, an earth pattern is provided in a middle position between the front and back surfaces of the printed board, so that (i) the high-frequency circuit section and (ii) the digital video signal processing section and the wireless LAN digital signal processing section are shielded from one another using electromagnetic shielding by the earth pattern. Thus, when members that are commonly used for the wireless LAN and for wireless video reception are formed on a single printed board in order to reduce the size of the printed board, it is possible to effectively reduce the lowering of signal quality caused by the noise.

Abstract: An intake interface receives a package with files of content from a submitter and places a job with the package in a jobs database. An automated dispatcher retrieves the job, identifies each file of the content of the package of the job, and groups the identified files into one or more tasks. Each task has a particular type and represents a particular propagation event that can be submitted to one or more particular tools. The automated dispatcher, for each task, calls to a propagation system with the files of the task and the particular type of the task. The propagation system calls to one or more particular tools thereof to in fact perform one or more respective propagating events based on the files and type of such task to propagate the content of the job to the network.

Abstract: A multimedia display apparatus with add-on personal computer functions capable of entering keyboard keys with a remote control, including a display and a remote control. Display is built-in a PC unit operable in a TV mode and a PC mode. The display outputs video in the TV mode and displays computational data processed by the PC unit in the PC mode. When the display operates in the PC mode and the PC unit requires input, the keyboard function key is pressed to display a keyboard window as an OSD at a predetermined position of the display. The set of arrow keys are used to select symbols displayed on the keyboard window to be entered to the PC unit.

Abstract: A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device. A readable media storage device having data and target indicators. Electrical contacts provide releasable connection with the remote control.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: a reading device which reads in at least additional information from a print medium on which the additional information including identification information for a print content and reprinting permission condition information indicating permission conditions for reprinting of the print content has been printed along with the print content; an invalidation device which carries out prescribed invalidation processing with respect to the print medium from which the additional information has been read in; a reprinting control device which specifies the print content that is to be reprinted and judges whether to permit reprinting of the print content in accordance with the additional information that has been read in from the print medium; and a printing device which prints the print content onto a new print medium, when the reprinting of the print content is permitted.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, and cause the associated data to be rendered on a separate hand held device. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a wireless communication unit which receives first encoded video data encoded by a first video encoding system from the first apparatus through a wireless network; a decoding unit which decodes the first encoded video data to provide decoded video data; an encoding unit which encodes the decoded video data into second encoded video data using a second video encoding system; and a wired communication unit which transmits the second encoded video data to the second apparatus through a wired network. The first video encoding system is suitable for a first communication protocol used between the first apparatus and the communication apparatus. The second video encoding system is suitable for a second communication protocol used between the second apparatus and the communication apparatus. The first video encoding system uses a video encoding different from MPEG encoding. The second video encoding system uses MPEG encoding.

Abstract: Broadcasting waves transmitted from a broadcasting device include operation control information for operating peripheral devices on a receiver side in accordance with the contents of a broadcast program in addition to broadcast data about said broadcast program. The receiver outputs the broadcast data to a display device, and transmits an operation command signal dependent on the operation control information to the peripheral devices to operate the peripheral devices in accordance with the contents of the broadcast program. As a result, an air conditioner raises or lowers room temperature and an illumination device blinks according to the progress of the program.

Abstract: In an information system, caller identification information for incoming telephone calls can be selectively displayed on displays at any of the set top box, television, remote or keyboard. Further, microphones and speakers on each of the remote control and keyboard can be used for communication on a telephone call, at the user's option, in place of a microphone on the main unit and a television speaker.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus comprises a processing unit, for performing processes related to multiple functions, an allocation unit, for allocating, to the multiple processes, different codes for performing the multiple processes, and a control unit, for controlling the processing unit to perform the processes in accordance with codes allocated by the allocation unit, wherein the allocation unit allocates a predetermined code for a specific process of the multiple processes, and allocates a code, other than the predetermined code, for processes other than the specific process.

Abstract: For providing a receiving contract service being convenient or friendly to both the broadcast service providers and the viewers, and in particular, for providing a digital broadcast receiver set, an information apparatus and a digital broadcasting receiving system, there is provided a system in which a digital broadcast receiver set 100, an output apparatus 110 and recording apparatuses 120 and 130 are connected with a control bus 10, wherein there are provided a designated program devising portion 203 for extracting a plurality of programs at the same time, a receiving contract managing portion 212 for managing information relating to receiving contacts, and a output destination supervising portion 213 for managing distributing destination of the broadcast programs at the present, thereby distributing the broadcast programs to the output apparatus 110 and/or the recording apparatuses 120 and 130, on a basis of the contents of the receiving contracts.

Abstract: A device that detects and displays similar programs within a video system includes a memory, a display and a receiver that receives an input stream of television program content and electronic program guide data, wherein the program guide data includes a plurality of attributes characterizing television programs within the television program content. The receiver separates electronic program guide data from the input stream while the memory stores the electronic program guide data separated from the input stream. Upon receiving a first user request, a controller compares a first set of attributes relating to at least one television program within the television content with second sets of attributes relating to further television programs within the television program content to determine a correlation between the first television program and each of the further television programs.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment a system and method for processing a tag carried by a video stream are disclosed. The method includes accessing the tag in the video stream, reading a time stamp associated with the tag and processing the tag based on a time indicated by the time stamp. The system accesses a tag in a video stream, reads a time stamp associated with the tag, and runs a script associated with the tag.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprised of plural game playing machines interconnected over a communication channel in which the pictures generated and displayed in the game playing machines are synchronized with external synchronization signals. In performing real-time information processing, such as a combat game, as the status change information is exchanged over a communication cable 82, game playing machines A and B enter synchronization signals transmitted from the game playing machine B via communication cable 92 to an external synchronization information input terminal 50a of a CRTC 34a of the game playing machine A. Picture signals are generated in the game playing machines A and B and pictures synchronized between the game playing machines A and B are displayed in the game playing machines 10a, 10b.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically set-up an electronic device having multiple user-controllable functionalities is provided by an arrangement that provides an interactive menu to a user. The user interacts with the menu to select and set a functionality to a desired setting. The automatic set-up arrangement receives a set-up command corresponding to the menu choice and transmits the set-up command to the electronic device in the form of an IR beam. The IR beam containing the set-up command is used to set the user-controllable functionality of the electronic device to the selected setting.

Abstract: Broadcasting is received in a desk peripheral, to store coded video data in a memory card. A portable viewing apparatus decodes the coded video data stored in the memory card, to display video on a liquid crystal display panel. Channel selection information for receiving the broadcasting in the desk peripheral is fed from the memory card. The portable viewing apparatus stores the channel selection information in the memory card by user entry. The portable viewing apparatus is supplied with charging power from the desk peripheral.

Abstract: A printing system including printing equipment in which, even if the equipment are interconnected through an interface pursuant to the IEEE 1394 standard, the printing image may be set to effect printing. There is provided a CPU 23 for generating the printing control information containing the text printing image information indicating the picture processing contents for the text at the time of printing and the picture printing image information indicating the processing contents for a picture at the time of printing. There is also provided a data conversion unit 13 which manages control so that picture data and the printing control information will be contained in a packet consistent with the IEEE 1394 standard and sent as output to a printer device 5, and so that the picture data contained in the packet sent as output to the printer device 5 will be printed in accordance with the printing control information.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus has a search unit for searching input program information in accordance with a predetermined search condition, an assignment unit for assigning a code to a program corresponding to the program information searched by the search unit, and a processing unit for executing a process for the program in accordance with the code assigned by the assignment unit.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) hardware card is disclosed. The card is insertable into a television tuning device having EPG capability. A non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, is situated within a case of the hardware card, and has data stored thereon representing one or more loader programs for the device. Each program corresponds to an EPG provider, and gives the device the capability to receive EPG information from this provider. The case of the hardware card may have a form factor such as a Smart Card, a Compact Flash, a Smart Media, or another form factor. Alternatively, the data stored on the card represents non-executable information corresponding to an EPG provider. A business model and a server-based embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.