Abstract: A central controller remotely controls and configures sets of receivers to receive programs in a broadcast signal and recast selected sets of programs to selected sets of media devices over a computer network. Each receiver has an input module that receives programs from the broadcast signal, a control module that receives a control stream from the central controller, and a recasting module that reformats and transmits selects programs over the computer network. The receivers use the control stream to configure the selected sets of programs and the selected sets of media devices. The recasting module is uncoupled from the control module so that the receiver's recasting of selected program content can be different for different sets of receivers, thereby allowing any combination of broadcast programs to be recast by any set of receivers to any set of media devices. The receiver also has a storage module and interrupts the live recasting of the broadcast signal to spool out a locally stored file.

Abstract: A satellite value added communication system includes an information distribution center which connects to a satellite ground station and controls transmission/receiving of information to/from a satellite communication terminal. The information distribution center connects to the Internet based on a request from the terminal, and distributes predetermined contents to the terminal. The information distribution center connects to a variety of networks, and based on requests of users through the networks, distributes a large amount of information (contents) directly to user's terminals through a communication satellite. In this system, the information distribution center can control a conference or a seminar among the terminals.

Abstract: The streams from a plurality of VBR coders or generic data sources (31) are multiplexed to a single stream by a multiplexer (32), while inserting null packets to make their bit-rates uniform. A null-packet eliminator (60) removes the null packets from the stream, while signaling their positions, and inputs the stream to an ACM modulator (62) which codes the stream with the maximum ruggedness allowed by the rate of the incoming useful packets, and transmits the stream over a satellite channel. In the receiving station, the stream is demodulated by an ACM demodulator (64), and the null packets are re-inserted into the stream by a re-inserter (66), based on the received signaling. A bit-rate control circuit (72) receives from the transmitting station, over a return channel, a signaling of the quality of the received signal (QoS) and modifies the bit-rate of the VBR coders or generic data sources (31) accordingly.

Abstract: A system is disclosed whereby a user can upload image data into a central image database on a central server, using the processing power of a remote terminal computer to re-sample and resize each image according to a set of predetermined image parameters for storage in the central database. More than one sized or sampled copy of each discrete image could be uploaded to said centralized image database, for use in various ways. The distribution of image standardization processing to the terminal CPUs lessens the processor load of the central server, as well as minimizing the upload bandwidth required between the terminal and the central server.

Abstract: Sample rate reduction in data communication receivers. Digital sampling of analog data is performed using a reduced sample rate. The reduction factor may be any number of factors including a factor that divides the sample rate by a factor of two. The reduction of the sampling frequency is from a sampling frequency that is greater than twice the highest frequency component in an analog input signal. These analog input signals may be I and Q streams in certain embodiments. A digital interpolation filter may be employed to increase (up-convert) the sample rate of a digital signal before it is input to a VID filter that is used to recover the transmitted symbols from the over-sampled data stream. In this embodiment, this technique allows a front end of a communication receiver to be clocked at a lower sampling rate without affecting the performance of the VID filter.

Abstract: Communications circuitry comprising integration circuitry coupled to interface circuitry. The integration circuitry is configured to convert at least a portion of a terrestrial signal into a satellite channel frequency and to combine the converted terrestrial signal and a satellite signal into an integrated digital signal. The converted terrestrial signal occupies at least one unoccupied channel in the satellite signal. The interface circuitry is configured to provide the terrestrial signal and the satellite signal to the integration circuitry and to transmit the integrated digital signal.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for alerting users of audio and/or video broadcasts. A user of a first media player may create a tune alert message and transmit the message to a second media player. The second media player may parse or decipher the message and reconfigure a tuner module to receive and process the identified content.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system capable of quickly acquiring long term program information. An SI generating part SG2 generates a long term program information S_EIT which is multiplexed in a transport stream TS2 only. The SI generating part SG2 gives information on whether the long term program information S_EIT is present or not for each service to other SI generating parts SG1 and SG3. The SI generating parts SG1 and SG3 multiplex the given presence information in transport streams TS1 and TS3. In this way, the presence information is multiplexed in all the transport streams. Therefore, the presence information may be acquired whichever transport stream is being received. If the presence information is retained beforehand, the information may be quickly used as required.

Abstract: A satellite-based digital broadcast system is used to provide real-time news, entertainment and informational programs to aircraft passengers in flight. Transmissions from the satellite occur on a time division multiplex (TDM) downlink with different broadcast programs being transmitted on different TDM channels. A broadcast receiver is carried on board the aircraft, and includes a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the TDM channels to reproduce the original broadcast programs. The broadcast receiver may be adapted to receive and reproduce both audio and video broadcasts, as well as to provide other types of information delivery services. Encryption of the broadcast programs may be used to restrict their use to a specific aircraft or airline company.

Abstract: In an aspect, a method and system is provided to receive and analyze tracked and reported broadcasted data errors, based on a path of the broadcasted data, regional factors including terrain, dynamic factors including weather and season, and retransmission factors. In an aspect, error correction is utilized, based on an analysis of the reported data errors. In an aspect, a method and system is provided to receive broadcast data, and track and report data errors based on a path of the received data, regional factors including terrain, dynamic factors including weather and season, and retransmission factors. In an aspect, data is received having error correction based on an analysis of the reported data errors.

Abstract: Multimedia distribution and broadcast systems and related processes are provided for transmitting multimedia contents and control information from a central uplink facility to a remote downlink via a satellite. The system is preferably implemented in order to generate sequences of multimedia that are broadcast from the remote downlink facility to viewers. The display arrangements of the multimedia sequences are varied and customized by each downlink facility using the control information in order to better inform and entertain viewers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of installing a bouquet of digital broadcast programs on the basis of transponders of different minimum symbol frequencies. The frequency band is traversed using a quantization interval corresponding to the minimum symbol frequency of a transponder of a first type (MCPC).

Abstract: Entertainment content is delivered in an encrypted digital format from a home base via satellite to individual lodging properties (sites) having an in-room entertainment system. Each digital file containing content (such as a movie) is accompanied by a sites file which identifies the name of the content file and the sites to which the content file is being transmitted. Each site includes a host computer, a digital content receiver, a digital content server guest terminals in the guest rooms, and a distribution network for distributing content from the digital content server to the guest terminals. The digital content receiver receives the transmitted digital content and sites files, and provides the files to the digital content server for storage and later use.

Abstract: A method for providing region-specific data content to a plurality of platforms traveling in a plurality of satellite coverage regions as the platforms leave one region and enter another region. Each platform includes a mobile communications system configured for bidirectional communication with a ground segment via satellite link. Within each of the coverage regions, data content selected for the region is multicast to platforms via an associated ground station and satellite. As a platform leaves one of the coverage regions and enters another of the coverage regions, the mobile communications system on the entering platform is configured, via the ground station associated with the coverage region being left, to receive the multicast in the coverage region being entered.

Abstract: In the device: at least one set of links sends packet formated digital information to the satellite, on at least two different frequencies; at least one satellite-borne module receives, multiplexes and re-formates the information on only one downlink; at least one of the links works in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mode.

Abstract: Motion information for an object and background information are broadcast-transmitted on a transmitting side. On a receiving side, the motion information and the background information are received, and one of a plurality of character models previously stored is selected. A character image is generated using the selected mode and the received motion information. The character image and the received background image are synthesized and displayed on one screen. The viewer can select a character of his or her own liking, and can view the broadcast-transmitted program as a program in which the particular character appears.

Abstract: An automated system and method for pre-processing software update parameters for transmission to IRDs via traditional broadcasts without the necessity for repeated manual intervention. Generally, the present invention is a system that automatically generates software download commands containing all the necessary parameters that an IRD in a satellite-communication network requires to complete a software download, such as time, frequency, the location of the software within the data stream, among other parameters. The invention provides software upgrade data to be transmitted in data packets that comprise a satellite broadcast. The transmitted information includes target broadcast receiver (IRD) identification information and software upgrade information to determine if the targeted IRD is indeed the correct recipient of the software upgrade data, and if the IRD requires a software upgrade.

Abstract: System to increase the capacity of the satellite intermediate frequency signal distribution networks, of the kind that are comprised of a header, which receives the channels (CH) with the original signals in QPSK format, it processes them and sends them to a converter, which sends its output signals to the user's receiver, characterised because in the header at least some of the channels (CHP) are processed at QAM format and because the converter converts the QAM modulation format into QPSK modulation format.

Abstract: System and method of common synchronisation for bursts transmitted over an uplink connection in an integrated multispot satellite communication system (S) in a multimedia broadcasting network for setting up bi-directional communication with a satellite with return channel.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the secure and copy-proof distribution of data are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a network of satellites in low Earth orbit are used to convey packets of data from ground stations to set-top boxes installed in residences. The data is conveyed from the ground stations and to the set-top boxes during times when the network capacity is not fully utilized. In one embodiment, the packets of data which are transmitted from the ground stations to the satellites, and then to the subscribers, are heavily encrypted. In one embodiment, this data is always confined to the secure network, and is never introduced to the Internet or other public networks. The data conveyed by the present invention may be video or audio programming, business data, or any other type of information.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time or non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB, conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s) provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors, as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for digitally representing reference and data signals transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of an analog television waveform such as NTSC or PAL. The system includes means for compressing the digital representation of the VBI signals. A broad range of reference and data signals is capable of being represented. The compressed representations of the VBI signals are particularly suitable for inclusion in an MPEG2 compliant signal carrying compressed digital video and audio.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying still video images related to video content in an interactive broadcast television system. The system and method of the present invention may also be used for simulating an Internet home page on an interactive television system. The present invention thus supports hyperlinked web-like navigational capabilities in an interactive television system. According to the method of the present invention, the video delivery system provides or broadcasts one or more audio/video channels each comprising video content and also provides or broadcasts at least one still image channel comprising a plurality of still video images, preferably MPEG-2 compressed still images. The user or viewer can select options displayed on the television screen to view desired information.

Abstract: A dynamic method for optimizing interference levels between multiple downlink beams transmitted from a satellite with a common frequency spectrum causes the power level of at least one of the interfering beams to be adjusted so as to produce desired interference levels within the beams' respective ground target areas. The beam power adjustments are preferably accomplished by varying the drive levels of the high power amplifiers on board the satellite, at least one of which is initially operated at less than its maximum rated power level. Single or multiple beam powers can be adjusted, either up, down or some up and some down. Power level adjustments are normally made in response to actual beam power profiles not matching design standards, to changing service priorities among the different beam target areas, and to changing signal power requirements for the different beams.

Abstract: The present invention which involves a digital broadcasting system provides a digital broadcasting method in which change information NETQ for indicating the broadcast content change is transmitted a certain period of time in advance by a primary transmission system when the primary transmission system broadcasts programs. As the result, a secondary transmission system, for example, a cable television system which reedits and rebroadcasts the programs received from a digital satellite broadcasting system, can easily and quickly rearrange the air time in response to the change such as program content change in the rebroadcasting in the secondary transmission system.

Abstract: A data transmitting method comprising the steps of generating parameter setting data for various items of hardware, embedding the parameter setting data into a control code and transmitting that control code. The parameter setting data sets parameters for a plurality of hardware versions and includes parameter setting data common to at least first and second hardware versions, parameter setting data limited to a first hardware version, and parameter setting data limited to a second hardware version. Thus, the first version of hardware utilizes parameter setting data intended for it while the second version of hardware utilizes parameter setting data intended for it.