Abstract: Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally, a dummy display, and a dummy speaker. The dummy display may only have a display panel and a panel driver. The dummy speaker may only have a driving unit and no crossover logic. The main player may have a PC architecture and process all signals digitally for outputting signals tailored for the display device and the individual driving units of the dummy speaker. The integrated system may generate parameters for optimizing display of a video source. These parameters can be shared among users over a network connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring transmissions of media content (such as audio and audiovisual content) in order to obtain independent and objective data regarding the use of specific media content recordings or works within the transmissions. Processing and reporting of such data is provided in various ways to serve a variety of business needs. Methods for employing content identification technology to efficiently and automatically obtain reliable, accurate, and precise monitoring data are also disclosed. Various information products and services based on such monitoring systems are proposed.

Abstract: A process for secure distribution of video sequences coded in accordance with a nominal stream format including visual data and data for configuration of decoding of the stream that does not represent the visual data, wherein, prior to transmission to client equipment, an analysis is made of the stream for generating a modified main stream having a format of the nominal stream and having pictures/images modified by modification of the data for configuration of decoding, and complementary digital information of any format including digital information suitable to permit reconstruction of modified pictures, then, for separately transmitting the modified main stream and complementary digital information generated from a server to the client equipment, and wherein a synthesis of a stream in the nominal format is calculated on the client equipment as a function of the modified main stream and the complementary information.

Abstract: Multiple rating versions of content are provided and selectable by a viewer. A user can select one of the rating versions of the content for viewing. The user selection is dynamic such that the user can change the rating version selected while watching the content. Substitution instructions and substitution segments are downloaded and stored in a substitution cache. When a substitution descriptor is encountered in the content, a processor obtains at least one substitution instruction that corresponds to a substitution instruction identification code stored in the substitution descriptor. The processor executes the instruction to effect the rating change.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed detection of encryption utilizing error detection for received data. An embodiment of a method includes selecting a first port for foreground processing of a stream of data received at the first port, the stream of data including content data, and sampling a set of data received at a second port, the second port being not selected for foreground processing, the set of data including a data packet and error correction data. The method further includes performing background processing of the set of data, wherein the background processing includes decrypting data of the data packet and utilizing the error correction data to determine whether the data packet contains an error, and determining whether data received at the second port is encrypted based at least in part on the determination whether the data packet contains an error.

Abstract: A method for controlling viewing a broadcast in a terminal. A terminal having a broadcast control function includes a first replaceable identity device attached to a portion of the terminal and a controller for setting a broadcast viewing level when a second identity device replaces the first identity device, wherein the broadcast viewing level was previously set by the first identity device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating domain-compliant image data. Domain-specific usage rights may be evaluated. The domain-specific usage rights may be associated with the transfer of particular encoded image data to a particular computing system other than the computing system. The domain-specific usage rights may specify maximum allowable spatial frequency content of the particular encoded image data. Domain-compliant image data may be generated by removing particular disallowable spatial frequency content from the encoded image data prior to transfer to the particular computing system.

Abstract: A method for installing different security clients for channels in a terminal in a conditional access system includes: searching one or more channels searchable in the terminal; requesting, for respective searched channels, security clients necessary for receiving pay programs to be transmitted through the searched channels, to a broadcasting station which takes charge of the searched channels; and downloading and installing, for respective searched channels, the requested security clients from the broadcasting station.

Abstract: An approach is provided to facilitate network connectivity and consumption of broadband services. A data network connection is established by a set-top box. Sharing of the data network connection by a plurality of user devices is permitted by the set-top box. A credit count is maintained based on the sharing of the data network connection by the plurality of user devices.

Abstract: A multi-platform television comprises at least one television signal interface to receive premium television services from at least two different television service providers. The television further comprises a programmable conditional access system to enable conditional access to the premium television services received by the at least one television signal interface from the at least two different service providers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may relate to the distribution of digital audiovisual sequences. The distribution of such sequences may involve generating and transmitting modified sequences and complementary information. The complementary information may allow reconstruction of the original sequences from the modified sequences.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a content delivery network with one or more network-connected audiovisual players. A content delivery network provider can provide an access module residing within a network-connected audiovisual player wherein the access module can be configured to control the player. The access module can be configured to function within a gateway environment on the player such that the gateway environment passes commands from the access module to the firmware or secure module on the player operating in a secure environment. As a result, each player with the access module can become a part of the content delivery network as the content delivery network provider can control the network-connected audiovisual players. The content delivery network can implement multi-level access controls to licenses and encryption keys to secure audiovisual content.

Abstract: A media distribution system provides controlled distribution of media owned by various parties hosted on a local media access device. The media access device may store temporary media, such as rented or leased media, on a separate provider controlled storage partition. This gives the media provider control over rented or leased media even though it is locally hosted. The media access device can download media from providers at various predefined times so as to limit its use of bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods and systems to authorize devices and/or perform other actions based on identifying content distributors are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems access video content playing at a client device, calculate fingerprints of a portion of the video content, identify a distributor of the video content based on the fingerprints, and perform an action in response to the identification of the distributor of the video content, such as actions to authorize the client device or other associated devices (e.g., second screens) to receive content from the distributor, actions to present sponsored content to the client device or associated devices, and so on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value-added service applied to the broadcasting of video programs or content and more particularly to mobile television (Mobile TV). The invention promotes service continuity during the broadcasting of programs having an undefined duration and the broadcasting of which has been subject to a Pay-Per-View type purchase.

Abstract: A method for distributing a digital image content, including a modification stage of an original digital image content by modifying at least a part of digital image data, the modification producing a modified digital image content of the same nominal format as the original digital image content, transmitting the modified digital image content, and a reconstruction stage implemented within a decoder for obtaining a reconstituted digital image content, wherein the reconstruction is adaptive and progressive as a function of information coming from a digital profile of the recipient.

Abstract: A method of processing a boot sequence for a processor forming a part of a module apparatus involves interrogating a host television device to determine if the host television device requires use of an application execution engine residing on the module apparatus; receiving a reply to the interrogation; and responsive to the reply, establishing a mode of operation wherein the application execution engine is used to execute application code for the host television device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: To receive new services including audio or video content for presentation by a cable-compatible digital television or other digital audio/video receiver, a module may be connected to the HOST-POD interface of the digital television. The module has a receiver for receiving audio or video content in a first compression format, a transcoder for converting said audio or video content from the first compression format into a second, different compression format, and a controller for transmitting the audio or visual content in the second compression format to the digital television over a HOST-POD interface. By using such a module, front-end components of the digital television may be bypassed while back-end components may be utilized to decompress and present the content. The module may be a PC card or smart card for example.

Abstract: When the set-top box (STB) has been switched on, registration and authentication with the provider (IDP) are carried out (1, 2, 3). Following successful authentication, a piece of authentication information is then sent (4) to the set-top box (STB), which the set-top box (STB) sends (5) to a service provider (SP1) for registration. The service provider (SP1) then sets up (6) a connection to the provider (IDP) of the registration and authentication function in order to verify the authentication information and to request guidelines for charging, and the provider (IDP) of the registration and authentication function sends (7) confirmation to the service provider.

Abstract: A mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the plurality of video feeds and mosaic video channel, wherein a blackout criteria is dynamically programmed into the receiver such that when at least one of the video cells is selected by the cursor, the receiver tunes to a channel other than the individual video feed associated with that video cell.

Abstract: A method for redirecting video content includes receiving a video signal at the set-top box and decoding the video signal to produce unrendered video data. The unrendered video data is encoded and provided to the remote device via a wide area network. By encoding unrendered, rather than rendered, video data for transmission to the remote device, the need for an encoding device external to the set-top box is obviated.

Abstract: Video content that is streamed to portable devices may be interrupted based on an emergency alert system (EAS) broadcast. In one implementation, first video content may be streamed over an Internet Protocol (IP) network to a portable device and an indication of a location of the portable device may be determined. Whether the location of the portable device is in a geographic region covered by an EAS broadcast may also be determined. When the portable device is determined to be in the geographic region covered by the EAS broadcast, a notification may be transmitted to the portable device, where the notification instructs the portable device to interrupt the first video content with video content corresponding to the EAS broadcast. The video content corresponding to the EAS broadcast may be streamed to the portable device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing digital rights to a user device is set forth. The user device forms a selection signal from guide data. The user device communicates a digital rights determination signal to a first authentication module in response to selecting. The first authentication module communicates a query signal to a second authentication module to determine whether the user device is authorized to receive content associated with the selection signal. The second authentication module communicates an address of a content delivery module to the user device through the first authentication module when the user device is authorized. A digital rights management server communicates a request for content to a content delivery module using the address of the content delivery module. The content delivery module communicates content to the user device corresponding to the selection signal. The user device displays content on the display associated with the user device.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus receives a plurality of transport streams and uses conditional access provided by an external adapter. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus includes a pre-processor operable to extract a part of information, by elementary stream unit, from each of the plurality of transport streams by receiving a filtering condition from the external adapter and performing filtering on the plurality of transport streams according to the filtering condition. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus also includes a multiplexer, an output interface, an input interface, and a demultiplexer. The external adapter is detachable from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and includes a conditional access descrambler that descrambles transport stream packets in the multiplexed data that are protected by conditional access with a packet identifier specified by the controller in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: Auditing systems and methods detect access authorization of a media device for a service during an audit. An exemplary embodiment receives an audit trigger at a media device communicating the service to a media presentation device, determines whether the media device is authorized to communicate the service to the media presentation device, and communicates a security watermark from the media device to the media presentation device. The security watermark is displayed on a display of the media presentation device and indicates authorization to access the service to an auditor performing the audit.

Abstract: A content transmission device for transmitting a digital content to other device connected via a network, including a receiving unit that receives the digital content accompanied with a piece of copy control information indicating a condition of restricting the digital content from being copied, a communication processing unit that transmits and receives the digital content or various data, or control commands to and from the other device, a connection determining unit that determines whether the other device is present on an intra-residential network connected by the content transmission device, and a control unit that controls the receiving unit, the communication processing unit, and the connection determining unit, in which the control unit does not output the digital content received by the receiving unit from the communication processing unit to the other device in a case where the other device is determined not to be installed at an inside of a residence by using the connection determining unit, thereb

Abstract: A placeshifting device handles content from a media source (e.g., a set-top box) that might incorporate a form of copy-protection such as HDCP. In one case, when a placeshifting mode is entered (as opposed to a pass-through mode), the copy-protection capability of the interface (e.g., an HDMI interface) is simply disabled. In another case in which the media source includes a copy protection “flag” or the like that can be interrogated by the placeshifting device, the placeshifting device determines whether the media source copy-protection is enabled, and only then disables the copy-protection capability of the interface. In another case in which selectable output control (SOC) is available in the media source, the placeshifting device determines whether alternate interfaces are available (e.g., component video, composite video, and the like), and if so, disables the interface having copy-protection capability.

Abstract: A number of encryption system types utilized by subscriber terminal devices currently requesting tuning to a particular switched digital video (SDV) content selection is determined in response to each change in a number of the subscriber terminals requesting tuning to the particular SDV content selection. SDV content associated with the particular SDV content selection is encrypted as either encrypted SDV content or multiply partially encrypted SDV content based upon the determined number of encryption system types beginning from a current play location indicated for the SDV content selection within an electronic program guide (EPG). Either the encrypted SDV content or the multiply partially encrypted SDV content is distributed as part of an outgoing SDV content stream to the subscriber terminals currently requesting tuning to the particular SDV content selection. This abstract is not to be considered limiting. Other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A premises based multimedia communication system includes a source device that produces multimedia content, a rendering device that presents the multimedia content, and a premises communication network coupling the source device to the rendering device. The source device receives data packets carrying the multimedia content from the remote content source via at least one remote delivery communication network and transmits at least two copies of the data packets carrying video frames of the multimedia content to the rendering device via the at least one premises communication network. The rendering device decodes video frames carried by first copies of the data packets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of receiving and securely recording digital data comprising a step for recording said digital data on a secured disk by a recorder/receiver belonging to a determined secured domain comprising several equipment items and defined by an identifier, a step for recording on the secured disk the identifier of the domain of the recorder/receiver to define this domain as the only domain in which the reproduction/copying of the multimedia content is authorized, wherein it comprises a prior step for recovering a disk key from the secured disk, and in that the domain identifier is encrypted by said disk key and the digital data is scrambled by title keys, said title keys being encrypted by said disk key. The invention also relates to a method of securely distributing digital data, an access device and a recorder/receiver.

Abstract: A method that includes receiving a first request for video content from a user of a user device; retrieving an identifier for the user device using an application programming interface; sending a second request to receive the video content that includes the identifier; receiving an instruction to provide payment to rent or purchase the video content; sending the payment in response to the instruction; receiving the video content and a token, where the video content is encrypted based on a key and where the token indicates that the payment was processed; sending a third request to obtain a license associated with the video content that includes the token and the identifier; receiving the license, which includes the key and terms under which the video content is to be processed; decrypting the video content, using the key, when the decrypting is performed in a manner permitted by the terms; and playing the decrypted video content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating domain-compliant image data. Domain-specific usage rights may be evaluated. The domain-specific usage rights may be associated with the transfer of particular encoded image data to a particular computing system other than the computing system. The domain-specific usage rights may specify maximum allowable spatial frequency content of the particular encoded image data. Domain-compliant image data may be generated by removing particular disallowable spatial frequency content from the encoded image data prior to transfer to the particular computing system.

Abstract: A method of processing a boot sequence for a processor forming a part of a module apparatus involves interrogating a host television device to determine if the host television device requires use of an application execution engine residing on the module apparatus; receiving a reply to the interrogation; and responsive to the reply, establishing a mode of operation wherein the application execution engine is used to execute application code for the host television device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A system includes a video-on-demand server and an authentication server. The video-on-demand server is configured to provide video-on-demand content through a broadband connection to a set-top box device. The authentication server is in communication with the video-on-demand server. The authentication server is configured to receive a request to allow access to a video-on-demand package that includes the video-on-demand content, to determine if a user is currently authorized to constantly receive a broadcast package that includes a plurality of broadcast channels related to the video-on-demand content, and to authorize a broadcast channel in the broadcast package when not currently authorized to receive the broadcast package.

Abstract: A telecommunications system utilizes switched video technologies to deploy video programming over a second conditional access system (CAS) in parallel with video programming broadcast over an incumbent CAS. The programming content is switched onto the second CAS only when requested by a subscriber, thus the content deployed over the second CAS occupies a fraction of the transport channels the first CAS occupies. A full channel lineup can be simulcast using a fraction of the traditional CAS bandwidth. This arrangement permits subscriber set top boxes to be configured for either the traditional CAS protocol or the second CAS protocol. In one embodiment, the second CAS programming content is simulcast in parallel with the traditional programming content using spare transport channels in the existing RF spectrum. Thus, the cable television operator can incorporate the SDV technology and second CAS without replacement of or disruption to the traditional CAS equipment.

Abstract: A system for securely providing streaming media content on-demand may include a plurality of receiving devices in which each receiving device may request the same or different streaming media content (e.g., stored at a content storage system of a content delivery network) on-demand using VOD or other available on-demand services and/or applications associated with, in communication with or running on the respective receiving devices. In response, the content storage system of the content delivery network will encrypt the requested content uniquely for each received request (e.g., according to an encryption key that is unique for each or virtually each request) and deliver the encrypted requested content to the appropriate respective receiving device of the receiving devices.

Abstract: A system for securely authenticating software Application Program Interfaces (APIs) includes a handshake protocol provided between a Conditional Access System (CAS) and Middleware running on a Set-Top-Box. The handshake is a Challenge-Response protocol that includes several steps. The CAS or the Middleware can either act as a Claimant or Verifier in Challenge-Response process. First, a Claimant sends a request to a Verifier requesting access to a function F through the API. The Verifier reacts to the request by outputting a Challenge that is sent to the Claimant The Challenge is also retained by the Verifier for use in its internal calculation to verify the Claimant's response. The Claimant next processes the Challenge using components under a patent License Agreement, known as Hook IP, and issues a Response to the Verifier. The Verifier can then verify the Response to allow the Claimant access to the API.

Abstract: A broadcasting signal receiving apparatus and a control method thereof, the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus including: a signal receiver which receives a broadcasting signal; a signal processor which processes the received broadcasting signal; an interface to which a conditional access module (CAM) that descrambles a scrambled broadcasting signal is connected; and a controller which, if the connection of the CAM through the interface is detected, monitors the broadcasting signal transmitted by the CAM, and if a noise occurs from the broadcasting signal transmitted by the CAM, controls the signal processor to adjust a timing of at least one of a clock signal and a data signal included in the broadcasting signal. Thus, the noise due to the CAM may automatically be compensated and prevent performance of unnecessary compensation process.

Abstract: In certain implementations, closed captioning data can be packaged in IP packets and transmitted over an HDMI interface to permit closed captioning data to be rendered at a television set or other HDMI sink closer to the TV set rather than at a source so as to more closely match the capabilities of the display device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A mobile IPTV system enables authenticating and off-loading of IPTV operations from a mobile device to an external fixed viewing device. The mobile device performs authentication to an IPTV network to receive decryption key(s) for use in decrypting IPTV content and provides the decryption key to the viewing device. The viewing device uses the decryption key to decrypt and render IPTV content thereon.

Abstract: A method may include automatically remotely identifying at least one characteristic of an individual via facial recognition; and providing a display for the individual, the display having a content at least partially based on the identified at least one characteristic of the individual. A system may include a facial recognition module configured for automatically remotely identifying at least one characteristic of an individual via facial recognition; and a display module coupled with the facial recognition module, the display module configured for providing a display for the individual, the display having a content at least partially based on the identified at least one characteristic of the individual.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer readable media, and apparatuses for providing enhanced content are presented. Data including a first program, a first caption stream associated with the first program, and a second caption stream associated with the first program may be received. The second caption stream may be extracted from the data, and a second program may be encoded with the second caption stream. The first program may be transmitted with the first caption stream including first captions and may include first content configured to be played back at a first speed. In response to receiving an instruction to change play back speed, the second program may be transmitted with the second caption stream. The second program may include the first content configured to be played back at a second speed different from the first speed, and the second caption stream may include second captions different from the first captions.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering video on demand (VOD) content via peer-to-peer (P2P) techniques are provided. A VOD distribution service maintains associations of viewers that have specific VOD content. As new viewers, which lack the specific VOD content, make requests for the specific VOD content from the VOD distribution service, the VOD distribution service identifies a P2P viewer from which the specific VOD content may be acquired via a P2P transaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing control over targeted secondary content based on a zone associated with a user. In one exemplary embodiment, a user request for primary content from a non-legacy device results in the delivery of the same secondary content which would have been provided had the request been generated at a legacy device (so-called “zone preservation”). To accomplish this, the devices are associated with a user's zone at a zone preservation server in communication with the server providing content to the devices. The zone preservation server associates each user with an advertisement zone identifier, and utilizes the identifier to direct the delivery of primary and secondary content. In another embodiment, a prescribed rule set for one or more zones is employed, such as where certain types of advertisements or secondary content are inserted given a particular device or user context.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a mobile device having an ordering interactive interface having available content including linear content and on-demand content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and communicates the selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the on-demand content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: A method of distributing digital video sequences in the form of a stream including sequences of data containing digital images, including a modification stage of an original stream by modifying at least a part of the sequences, the modification producing a modified stream of the same nominal format as the original stream, transmitting the modified stream, and a reconstruction stage implemented with a decoder, wherein the reconstruction is adaptive and progressive in function of information coming from a digital profile of the recipient.

Abstract: An integrated broadcasting communications receiver, comprises: an application activation information extracting unit; an application obtaining unit; an application execution unit; an application controlling unit; an revocation list extracting unit and a verification key extracting unit for extracting an revocation list and a verification key from broadcast data; an revocation list verifying unit for verifying if a provider ID of an application is written in an revocation list; and a resource managing unit for obtaining a resource.

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.