Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver may include a host controller, a memory and an application manager. The host controller generates and transmits an EAS signal on the basis of information included in an emergency alert message which is received and parsed. The memory stores an operating system (OS) program and an execution management application. The application manager includes an application platform for executing the executing management application. The executing management application registers an EAS handler, receives the EAS signal transmitted from the host controller via the registered EAS handler, and controls the host in the EAS state according to the received EAS signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of communicating emergency alerts. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a multicast emergency alert message at a set-top box device via a multicast-enabled network, where the multicast emergency alert message includes data related to a location code and data related to a set-top box action. The method also includes executing the set-top box action when the location code matches location information stored at the set-top box device.

Abstract: An emergency alert message data structure, an emergency alert message processing method and a broadcast receiver are disclosed. When a state of emergency where a channel change to an emergency broadcast channel is required occurs, a transmitting stage includes information regarding the emergency broadcast channel and emergency alert contents in text form in an emergency alert message and transmits the resulting emergency alert message. A receiving stage receives the emergency alert message and determines whether the channel change to the emergency broadcast channel included in the emergency alert message is required. If the channel change to the emergency broadcast channel is determined to be required, the receiving stage changes the current channel to the emergency broadcast channel, and displays the emergency alert contents in text form included in the emergency alert message on a portion of a screen of the emergency broadcast channel in a scrolling manner.

Abstract: The present invention comprises customizable, multimedia messaging over a subscriber television system, such as a cable or satellite system, utilizing a service independent framework. The present invention comprises a multimedia messaging (MMM) server generally located at a headend of a cable or satellite system, and an MMM client at a communications terminal located remotely with respect to the MMM server. A service provider or operator defines a message configuration that is utilized to present the message content to one or more subscribers. The message configuration includes parameters that control the presentation of the message content. The MMM server receives an MMM request from a service application, and in response thereto, generates an MMM request which is sent to the communications terminal, and more particularly, to the MMM client. The MMM client processes the MMM request, including the retrieval of any message content or the message configuration.

Abstract: A digital communication system is disclosed, that allows a display of override content to interrupt a display of ongoing content on one or more display units. Ongoing content, such as advertisements, news, entertainment, or other relevant information, is provided on the display units until an urgent or security-related alert is required, and display of override content becomes necessary. Override content can include information relevant to the security of a passenger or passer-by viewing the display. Override content can relate to security threats such as accidents, major delays, fire, missing children, terrorist activity, or other content deemed adequately pertinent to warrant interrupting the display of ongoing content.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus is equipped with a plurality of tuners that can respectively receive a control signal including region information identifying a region and channel designation information designating a program broadcast channel. A channel selection action of each tuner, display processing for a display unit, and recording processing for a storage unit are controlled based on a channel selection state of each tuner and the control signal. Furthermore, a tuner to select a channel designated by the channel designation information is determined based on a state of use of each tuner.

Abstract: A receive part demodulates and decodes a digital modulated signal obtained by receiving a digital broadcast to generate a transport stream, and extracts data-broadcast data transmitted over a data channel. An electronic program list generator generates, from program sequence information included in the transport stream, display data for a program list. Based thereon, a video display part displays the program list. When the user looks at this and selects a program desired for preset recording through an input operation part, a system control part determines whether or not the weather during the broadcast time period of the program will be bad based on weather forecast information obtained from the data-broadcast data. As a result, if the weather is determined as bad, the system control part causes the video display part to provide a display indicating a possibility of degradation in image quality, etc., during the broadcast time period.

Abstract: A system for inputting conventional emergency alert messages into a digital subscriber television system. The method allows existing emergency alert equipment to interface with the digital system equipment in the headend of a digital subscriber television system. A unique identifier and the format of the digital emergency alert message allow the input of an emergency alert message and allow for a wide variety of optional data formats, system control options, and data storage options.

Abstract: A geographically specific signal communication receiver in a television receiver that selects one or more messages or warnings that are of interest for display by the television screen from a group that includes other messages or warnings that are not of interest. Each message or warning has an associated code that is compared with one or more codes stored in the receiver and when there is a match between the received code and the stored code, the received message or warning associated with the matched received code is passed to a video display for presentation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the use and availability of storage space in a video data recording system. An intelligent disk recording and management system selectively assigns tags to determine the manner and/or priority of recording programs onto a storage device and the priority of maintaining the programs on the storage device once the programs are recorded. The tags are automatically assigned based on known user preferences or are assigned by the viewer, and can be modified once a program is replayed. The tags allow the system to automatically determine whether or not to record over a previously recorded program and which previously recorded program to record over so as to allow the storage device to be more efficiently and optimally used. The system further includes an interface that provides improved assistance and explanations that relate to the recording of programs and the maintaining of the recorded programs on the storage device.

Abstract: A wireless network that broadcasts a message from a telecommunication system to mobile stations associated with the wireless network is provided. The wireless network includes one or more mobile switching centers, one or more base stations, and one or more mobile stations. In various embodiments, the telecommunication system may include an emergency alert system and/or a public switched telephone network along with the wireless network. The message may include a presidential message, a local area message, a state message, a national information center message, a weather news report, a headline news report, a traffic news reports, or a promotional advertisement. Several methods for broadcasting the message in a wireless network are provided.

Abstract: A media center operates in two modes where each mode is used for rendering a media object. When a first mode is enabled, a media object is rendered in conformance with parameters within a time duration defined for the operation of the first mode. A second mode is later enabled for rendering a media object, the rendering of the media object is in conformance with parameters within time duration defined for the second mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission and reception system for security and information exchange. The system allows audio, video, and other types of monitoring of a location and the presentation of various services and forms of information to people at the location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting receiving apparatus for generating a display signal from a received digital broadcasting signal. The apparatus comprises a detection section, a storage section, and a recording section. The detection section detects occurrence of an interrupt event overlapped with the digital broadcasting signal when displayed. The storage section starts storing digital broadcasting signals based on a detection result of this detection section. The recording section records information corresponding to a reproduction start position of the digital broadcasting signal stored by this storage section.

Abstract: A reception display apparatus for receiving data blocks repeatedly transmitted from a broadcasting station at regular intervals and displaying a screen image based on the received data blocks. Each of the data blocks including a data section. Data to be displayed as the screen image is divided into a plurality of data sections.

Abstract: A data broadcast apparatus repeatedly broadcasts data using a carousel method, to a reception apparatus which stores the data into a memory and reproduces the data stored in the memory. A storing unit stores first data and second data. A detecting unit detects an event which prohibits the reception apparatus from reproducing the first data. A broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the first and second data stored in the storing unit, and stops broadcasting the first data when the detecting unit detects the event. An instructing unit has the broadcasting unit broadcast a switch instruction, which instructs the reception apparatus to stop reproducing the first data and start reproducing the second data when the broadcast of the first data is stopped.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a full service cable television system. The cable system incorporates a digital and analog transmission architecture capable of delivering a high number of high quality television programs, advanced cable services, and online services to a subscriber's home. The cable system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal incorporates a central processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management unit, communications circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio and video output circuitry.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the operation of a media center in two different modes of operation, each mode is used for rendering a media object. A first mode is enabled, where a media object is rendered in conformance with parameters within a time duration defined for the operation of the first mode. A second mode is later enabled for rendering a media object, where the rendering of the media object is in conformance with parameters within time duration defined for the second mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for emergency planning and management of a facility is provided. A plurality of hyperlinks are integrated with an electronic plan of the facility. The hyperlinks are associated with respective electronic capture-and-display media, which provide visual representations of respective locations at the facility. One of the electronic capture-and display media is retrieved and played in a viewer, after a hyperlink associated with the retrieved media is selected. The retrieved media includes a focused view of a point of particular interest, from an expert point of view.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: An Alert/Warning Interface resides in a set top box, which is coupled to a user's television, and an Information Server located in the cable plant origination center or head-end. The end user of the set top box is able to configure a profile that includes weather areas to be monitored, roads traveled, and schools their children attend. This profile is stored on the Information Server, along with the profiles of all other users. The Information Server monitors for alert conditions, such as bad weather, traffic jams, and school closings. If any of these events occurs, a message is sent to the set top box associated with a profile indicating the current error condition. Upon receipt of an Alert message, the set top box places an icon (or other graphic) in a predetermined portion of the screen (e.g., a top/bottom corner) indicating an alert has occurred. The user can then switch to the Alert screen view, at which time the Alert icon turns off.

Abstract: A broadcast transmitting apparatus stores and manages the material for composing a broadcast program as AV data, creates storing control information showing a process control method when storing this AV data in a broadcast receiving apparatus, and storing management information showing management information during storing, and registers them as reference information and stores and manages, and transmits according to schedule information managing the schedule of the broadcast program. On the other hand, the broadcast receiving apparatus executes an storing control command according to the storing control information, and stores and manages the AV data according to the storing management information. Further, the broadcast transmitting apparatus creates application information from the reference information being stored and managed, and transmits it together with service application for executing broadcast program service.

Abstract: A technique for protecting a screen surface from being damaged due to a fixed display operation of an image display apparatus such as a projection TV. The method includes a first step for displaying an alarm message for informing no external signal input in the mode in which an external signal is inputted, a second step for checking whether an external signal is inputted in the state that the first step is being performed and the mode is changed, and a third step for checking whether the alarm message display time of the first step becomes identical with a set display time and displaying an alarm message when the time exceeds the set time and dynamically displaying a random format graphic or character.

Abstract: A system for inputting conventional emergency alert messages into a digital subscriber television system. The method allows existing emergency alert equipment to interface with the digital system equipment in the headend of a digital subscriber television system. A unique identifier and the format of the digital emergency alert message allow the input of an emergency alert message and allow for a wide variety of optional data formats, system control options, and data storage options.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing personalized supplemental programming is provided. In a first embodiment, an apparatus comprising a first component for supplying supplemental programming, a second component operative to receive primary programming from an external source, and a processor agent coupled to the first and the second components. The processor agent being operative to evaluate the received primary programming for predetermined content criteria, and to provide appropriate ones of the supplemental programming based on the results of the evaluation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to use of standard video scan lines of commercial television programming in a cable television system for transmitting alerting and other messaging information, to an alert receiver unit at an end user's address. The alert receiver unit operates completely independently of any television set at the end user's address, other than to send the CATV signal from the alert receiver unit to the television set. The subscriber or other user can send certain pre-selected signals to the operator of the cable TV system, to another subscriber/user, or to another recipient designated by the operator of the cable TV system. The invention relates especially to emergency notification systems and to systems for communicating emergency messages to subscribers to cable television distribution networks, as well as to non-subscribers.

Abstract: An automatic emergency message display television receiver is provided that is capable of receiving an emergency message for presentation to a viewer, irrespectively of the type of a selected audiovisual signal source. An automatic emergency message display television receiver (EBa) automatically displays an emergency message (Sm) carried on a received broadcast wave on a screen that is displaying video reproduced from audiovisual signals supplied by different audiovisual signal sources. In the television receiver (EBa), an emergency message reproducing section (EMa) receives a broadcast wave (SW) to reproduce an emergency message (Sm, Svem).

Abstract: A system for inputting conventional emergency alert messages into a digital subscriber television system. The method allows existing emergency alert equipment to interface with the digital system equipment in the headend of a digital subscriber television system. A unique identifier and the format of the digital emergency alert message allow the input of an emergency alert message and allow for a wide variety of optional data formats, system control options, and data storage options.

Abstract: A brevity signaling module for a digital television (DTV) receiver enables the reception of emergency broadcast messages. The overlay signal received at the receiver front end is squared in a squaring loop, producing spectral lines at DC and twice the overlay signal frequency, or 2&ohgr;, where &ohgr;=2&pgr;f and f is the center frequency of the overlay signal. The squared signal is passed through a narrow band filter having a bandwidth sufficient to pass a spectrum containing a plurality of tones 2&ohgr;, 2&ohgr;1, 2&ohgr;2, . . . , 2&ohgr;n, where 2&ohgr;1, 22, . . . , 2&ohgr;n are different frequency tones assigned to different auxiliary functions. The detected tone is used by a control module to determine whether normal multipath processing should be performed or whether this processing should be suppressed and auxiliary functions performed, including turning on the DTV receiver power in order that an emergency broadcast message might be conveyed to persons in the vicinity of the DTV receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information alerts via interactive video casting based on user configurable profile data is disclosed. While a user is watching a television program, such as professional football game, the viewer may be presented with an alert on a recent information event. The user may configure the user's profile so that alerts are only provided on certain information items, or during certain times, or only when the user is watching certain types of channels or programming. Alternatively or in addition, the information alert may be sent to a cellular telephone or pager. The cellular telephone or pager may be given the option to receive the broadcast on the cellular telephone or pager. In such a case, the interactive video casting system can broadcast the program to the cellular telephone or pager for viewing, listening, or reading.

Abstract: A system for enabling Internet or intranet broadcasting that offers audio automation and webcast automation is disclosed. Multiple webcast channels, or stations, can be created and managed, including Internet Radio, Internet Television, and Scheduled Website Publishing. The channels created can use a variety of media sources, including popular Internet streaming formats. The channels are run using a program schedule created by the webcaster, or by using the system to automatically determine a program schedule utilizing criteria provided by the webcaster or listener. The listener logs onto the Website using a Web browser having player software. Time barriers can be inserted in the program schedule to force a program to run at a specific time. A default script runs a default program in the event an off-air condition occurs. Statutory performance license compliance and reporting is automatically provided for along with automatic advertising insertion. Monitoring and alerting functionality is also provided.

Abstract: A television system (2) and method of using the same is provided. The television system (2) includes a display screen (6) and a broadcast data receiver (BDR) (4) for receiving data from a broadcaster and generating audio, visual and/or auxiliary data therefrom. At least part of the data relates to television programme and/or channel information. The television system (2) is provided with a search facility, typically in the BDR (4), to search and analyse the programme and/or channel information, relating to a programme and/or channel which is selected for viewing by a user, for pre-determined criteria. The system generates an indication, which in one form can be in the form of a warning, if the pre-determined criteria are detected in the programme and/or channel information.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of selectively delivering programming to a viewer station (e.g., a home) on an interactive television or televideo (IT) system. The method includes delivering a message to a selected viewer station having a selected video display set. The message may be delivered while the selected viewer station receives virtually any programming over the interactive televideo system, including selected programming that is chosen by a viewer at the selected viewer station and is carried on a selected programming channel. With reference to a preferred embodiment, the IT system transmits a message signal to the selected viewer station on a communication channel different from the channels carrying the programming, including the selected programming channel. The interactive station controller receives the message signal and generates from it a viewer message.