Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.

Abstract: A key protected data stream and an encryption key are received at a gateway device. The gateway devices unprotects the data stream based upon the encryption key. The unprotected received data is modified by the gateway to generate a modified data. The modified data is protected based upon the encryption key to generate a key protected modified data. The gateway then transmits the key protected modified data to one or more clients along with the encryption key.

Abstract: The system and method described herein is used to determine the type of multi-switch connected to a direct-to-home satellite integrated receiver/decoder. The system looks for a predetermined marker pattern on the first port of a multi-switch using a first type of control signal (e.g., DiSEqC control signals) not knowing if this type of control signal will work, because the type of multi-switch is undetermined. If the marker is found on the first port, the system changes the control signal to address the third port of the multi-switch. If the marker is also acquired from the third port, and the second marker is the same as the first marker, then the multi-switch is ignoring the control signals and the process is repeated using a different pair of multi-switch ports (e.g., ports two and four) and/or a different type of control signal (e.g., tone control signals). However, if a different marker (or no marker) is found on the third port, then the multi-switch is responding to the control signals (e.g.

Abstract: In a step S1, when the user executes a tuning operation (a service-number input operation) on an input section, the information is output to a control section. In a step S3, the control section determines whether the service number selected in the step S1 corresponds to a promotion channel. When it is determined that the service number corresponds to a promotion channel, the procedure proceeds to a step S11. In the step S11, the control section displays on the monitor a message indicating that the selected service number is not found.

Abstract: A system and method for providing signals from a plurality of satellites to a plurality of receiving units is disclosed. The system and method of the present invention make efficient use of multi-switches to enable multiple receiving units to seamlessly alternate between channels of various satellite signals, and optionally between satellite signals and terrestrial antenna signals. In basic form, first and second receptors, such as DISH satellite LNBs, are connected to input ports of primary Digital Broadcast System multi-switches having multiple input ports and output ports. The output ports of the first such primary multi-switch are conductively connected to first input ports of at least two secondary multi-switches, and the output ports of the second such primary multi-switch are conductively connected to second input ports of the same secondary multi-switches. The outputs of the secondary multi-switches are provided to receiving units.

Abstract: A system is provided that can easily capture the same broadcast stream from an arbitrary application. An interface between application and a reception route selection mechanism describes in a unified mode a broadcast resource capture specification method and a communication resource capture specification method. The interface employs a description scheme in which an application does not recognize whether or not a broadcast stream is captured through broadcast or communication. In the reception route selection, the reception route selection mechanism checks for a broadcast time contained in the identifier of a broadcast stream to be input so that a zone where a broadcast time is earlier than the current time by using a communication resource receiver while a zone where the broadcast time is later than the current time is selected by using a broadcast resource receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for performing ad hoc media delivery. Enhanced handheld devices are used in combination with the other components to route media and control its presentation. Enhanced media presentation stations detect the presence of one or more of the handheld devices. Information regarding the presence of a handheld device is then communicated from the media presentation stations to an enhanced server. The server uses this information to maintain a record of the location of each handheld device. The recorded location information is used to route the media to the media presentation station that is closest to the location of the handheld device. Control information, such as media selection and fidelity control (when appropriate), is forwarded from the handheld device to the server, so that the server can take appropriate action relative to transmission of the media to the media presentation station at issue.

Abstract: A switching portion of an IRD supplies a non-descrambled TS (transport stream) received from a front end portion or a descrambled TS received from a descrambler to a DVCR connected to an IEEE 1394 interface. In addition, data received from the DVCR is supplied to the descrambler.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes a receiving circuit for receiving data transmitted from a sender so as to be simultaneously receivable by a plurality of receivers, and a processing circuit for outputting, to a printer, print data in accordance with both of the data received by the receiving circuit and user information of a user of the signal processing apparatus.

Abstract: A broadband wireless distribution network for a passenger cabin area of a mobile platform. The broadband wireless distribution network includes a plurality of wireless access points (WAPs) connected to a server and switching system and a plurality of wireless network interface circuits (NICs) strategically located about the passenger cabin. Additionally the broadband wireless distribution network includes a plurality of antennas connected to the WAPs such that at least one antenna is connected to each WAP. The antennas are capable of providing RF coverage patterns to specific overlapping areas within the passenger cabin, thereby allowing communication between each WAP and at least one NIC.

Abstract: System comprising a first converter 1 linked to a first tuner 2 and optionally, to a second tuner 2′ via switching means 6, optionally a second converter 1′ linked to the second tuner 2′ means 11 for detecting whether the second converter 1′ is in service and means suitable for actuating the switching means 6 in such a way as to link the second tuner 2′ to the second converter 1′ when one detects that the latter is in service and, in the converse case, to link it to the first converter 1.

Abstract: An integrated receiver with dual channel transport stream decoding and delivery substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides multiple time-base clocks for two transport streams. Transport processor circuitry uses multiple PCRs to track transport streams through decoding, storage and or delivery of the decoded signals for display. Provision of a multiple time-base clock for decoding and delivering multiple transport streams allows display of the two de coded audio-video signals on independent monitors.

Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.

Abstract: A digital signal receiving apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast signal having a first information table and a second information table is disclosed, the first information table representing the relation between physical information of transmission paths and deliverable data, the second information table representing deliverable data, the apparatus comprising a means for successively searching services represented with the second information table, a means for generating a list that represents services represented with the first information table, and a means for performing a predetermined process corresponding to the generated list.

Abstract: The display section 35 connected to a control section 31 displays, at the same time, both the contents described in the network information table of the digital broadcast data demodulated by a demodulator 42 and complying with the first network, and also the contents described in the network information table of the digital broadcast data replaced by an NIT-replacing circuit 48 and complying with the second network. An NIT-detecting circuit 44 detects an NITa from an MPEG2 transport packet, i.e., digital broadcast data in the satellite broadcasting system (first network). The control section 31 complying with a CATV system (second network) generates the data representing at least the transmission frequency of the NITa detected by the NIT-detecting circuit 44. The NIT-replacing circuit 48 replaces the NITa contained in the MPEG2 transport packet, i.e.

Abstract: A multiple-room communication system is adapted to provide digital television programming (e.g. DBS) to a plurality of rooms in a single family dwelling and may be further adapted to provide digital television programming to a plurality of dwelling units in a multiple dwelling unit such as an apartment. A central unit includes a plurality of integrated receiver decoder modules that receive e.g. satellite signals from a satellite antenna and filter and supply the signals to a distribution system that is coupled to a plurality of display devices that are located in various rooms throughout the single family home. A plurality of hand-held remote controllers, each being associated with one of the integrated receiver decoder modules, are used to communicate with and control the associated integrated receiver decoder module to cause it to supply a desired signal to a desired display device.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmitting method wherein a transport stream is created and transmitted in a digital broadcasting system in which the transport stream in which plural packets comprising video data packets of digitized video and service information packets of information about broadcasting using the video have been multiplexed, is transmitted over a network, comprises: creating and transmitting the transport stream in which the service information includes scanning method information as information about a scanning method of digitizing the video.

Abstract: A satellite-broadcasting receiving converter includes a plurality of output terminals each of which is connected to an external receiver, to each of which a selection control voltage in which a high-frequency voltage is superposed on a DC voltage is sent from the external receiver, and from each of which one type of a receiving signal is selected according to the selection control voltage and output; and a regulator for generating a power-source voltage from the selection control voltage. Since a high-frequency attenuation unit is connected in series between each output terminal and the regulator in the satellite-broadcasting receiving converter, even if a plurality of selection control voltages are input in common to the regulator, the plurality of selection control voltages different from each other do not affect each other and thereby only one regulator is required.

Abstract: An information delivery system includes receiving platforms to receive data communicated from a transmitting source according to a unidirectional transfer protocol over a link. At least some receiving platforms process the received data to determine if a portion of expected data is missing. If so, a receiving platform is able to generate and send a request for the missing data according to a supplemental protocol that is separate from the unidirectional transfer protocol. The transmitting source is able to receive the request for missing data and to retransmit the missing data. The data may include ancillary information (e.g., enhancement data) associated with audio/video content (e.g., television content). By adding the supplemental protocol to enable requests for missing data, a unidirectional transfer protocol that is not reliable is made reliable as a mechanism is provided to ensure receipt of the transmitted data.

Abstract: A plurality of outlets has at least a first outlet coupled to an IR target for providing a first local comparatively low-frequency electrical IR signal in response to an IR signal received by the IR target. At least a second outlet is coupled to an IR emitter. A distribution module is coupled to each outlet by respective first and second cables, wherein each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both comparatively high-frequency signals and comparatively low-frequency electrical IR signals between a respective outlet and the distribution module. The distribution module combines all local electrical IR signals received from said outlets via said respective first cables into a combined electrical IR signal and transmits the combined electrical IR signal to the IR emitter via said second cable.

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 system for redistributing a broadband audio-visual-data signal to a multiplicity of receiver units within a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) includes a main receiving antenna that receives a broadband video/audio/data signal having a number of individual program multiplex signals therein and a transmodulator device that transmodulates a selected subset of the individual program multiplex signals associated with the broadband signal from a first modulation scheme to a second modulation scheme. The transmodulated signals are broadcast over a cable network, along with terrestrial signals, to individual receiver units at the MDU. The receiver units send requests for user-selected ones of the individual program multiplex signals to the transmodulator device, demodulate the transmodulated and/or terrestrial signals and provide user-specified channels to television sets for display.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved receiver capable of receiving either a satellite broadcast signal or a cable TV signal associated with a TV. The inventive receiver comprises a first BPF for filtering received broadcast signals, a first local oscillator for generating a first oscillation signal, a first mixer for generating a first IF signal, a SAW filter producing a waveformed band signal, a second local oscillator, for generating a second and a third oscillation signal, a second mixer for generating a second and a third IF signal, a switching block for switching the second and the third IF signal, a second BPF for producing a baseband channel signal selected from the cable TV signal, a first LPF for producing a baseband I signal of satellite broadcast channel, a shifter for shifting a phase of the third IF signal, a third mixer for generating a phase-shifted third oscillation signal, and a second LPF for producing a baseband Q signal of satellite broadcast channel.

Abstract: A digital broadcast program broadcast with a first network is transmitted to a second network. A tuner 41 selects digital broadcast signal having a predetermined transmission frequency and ECC decoder 43 obtains MPEG2 TS packet S3 as the digital broadcast data on the digital satellite broadcasting. An NIT detecting circuit 44 detects NIT from the MPEG2 TS packet S3 and a control unit 31 changes the NIT to obtain a table NITb applicable to CATV. A NIT substitution circuit 48 detects NIT from the MPEG2 TS packet S3 and substitutes table the NITb for the NIT to obtain MPEG2 TS packet S4 as the digital broadcast data on the CATV. Then, an error correct code is added to the MPEG2 TS packet S4 and the added packet S4 is modulated. Then, modulated one is frequency-converted to obtain digital broadcast signal BS-1 having a predetermined transmission frequency for the CATV.

Abstract: A satellite data receiver, a satellite data receiver controller, a method, an article of manufacture, and a propagated signal, which process polarization information from another satellite data receiver in order to permit multiple types of signals to be received by a conventional outdoor unit of a satellite reception system. The satellite data receiver, satellite data receiver controller, method, article of manufacture, and propagated signal also utilize decoding techniques to ensure no data is lost during a polarization switch. The satellite data receiver, satellite data receiver controller, method, article of manufacture, and propagated signal provide upgraded service without upgrading the outdoor unit and without requiring an installer to enter the consumer's home.

Abstract: Multipoint-to-multipoint hierarchical redistribution of multimedia content derived from one or more network operations centers that distributes multimedia content by way of a satellite is disclosed. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises one or more network operations bridges that communicate with and receive the multimedia content generated at the network operations center by way of the satellite. Each of the network operations bridges selectively communicate with one or more multimedia content delivery systems or user terminals that are relatively local to the respective network operations bridges. Using an exemplary method, multimedia content is uplinked from a network operations center 30 to the satellite. The multimedia content is then downlinked from the satellite to one or more network operations bridges. The multimedia content is redistributed from the one or more network operations bridges to one or more multimedia content delivery systems or user terminals.

Abstract: A system for distributing signals, in which a distribution module is coupled to each of a plurality of outlets by respective first and second cables. Each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both a first-type signal and a second-type signal between an outlet and the distribution module, the second-type signal comprising one of left-handed and right-handed polarized type signals. The first cable carries a combined first-type signal and one of a left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet. The second cable carries the other of the left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet and carries a local first-type signal from the outlet to the distribution module. The combined first-type signal is provided by the distribution module by combining the local first-type signal with a master first-type signal.

Abstract: Digital packets, defined by a sync byte and then 130 MPEG2 compressed QPSK signal bytes, from a satellite transponder are reformatted prior to transmission to television receivers in apartments in a building wired to distribute video signals. A side byte between such sync and signal bytes in each packet indicates (a) any QPSK packet uncorrectable error and (b) processing information which allows automatic reconfiguration at the settop box. Additional FEC bytes correct to 8 errors within a MPEG2QPSK packet. The system removes the FEC bytes and reframes the MPEG2QPSK packets into a superpacket by converting a first number of the MPEG2QPSK packets to a second number of MPEG2QAM packets. An added sync byte indicates the beginning of each such MPEG2QAM packet. The system adds side data bytes including any uncorrectable errors in each MPEG2QPSK packet and adds a new, less complicated FEC to each MPEG2QAM packet.

Abstract: A method for finding out address information of a data source in a data transmission system comprises at least one data transmission stream (TS) for transmitting information on at least one data source preferably in packet form, wherein the packets contain information on which data source they belong to. Further, the method comprises one or more data transmission channels, in which the data transmission streams are conveyed, as well as a name server system for storage of address information of data sources, the address information containing an identification of the data source, such as the title, and information on the data transmission channel to be used for transmission of the data source, and a data receiving device (19). A data transmission connection is formed from the data receiving device (19) to the name server system (22a, 22b, 22c), and the identification of the desired data source is sent in the first form to the name server system (22a, 22b, 22c).

Abstract: A digital video conversion system housing multiple converter chains of units in a single main box chassis. A preferred embodiment uses only a single conditional access unit to authorize decryption of premium channels in response to a smartcard. The conversion system allows a single converter box sharing consolidated decryption (access control) circuitry and a single remote control receiver to provide video output for multiple television sets on the subscriber's premises. In addition to reducing the subscriber's hardware costs per television set, a common access control allows the video service provider to grant a multiple-set discount on a single smartcard.