Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are described for transmitting a television program signal. A portion of a local frequency spectrum may be determined to be free, or relatively unused. A user selection of a television program or broadcast programming channel may be received from a program lineup in an electronic programming guide. The selected program may be selected from a gateway, translated, and transmitted over the portion of the frequency spectrum determined to be free. The translation may include converting a signal from the gateway into a National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) signal or a mobile TV signal.

Abstract: A place-shifting system for distributing video content from a content source (2) has apparatus including a set-top box (STB) (1) with a digital interface to a sender (6). The sender (6) receives video content from the STB (1) conditional upon access permissions that may be associated with a subscription. The permissions may also be determined using the identifier of a viewer device (9). The viewer (9) requests connection to a specific sender (6) by sending an association request to an association server (8) via a network connection (10). The association server (8) returns location information specific to the sender (6) being requested to the viewer (9). The viewer (9) and sender (6) then communicate directly (11) to establish communication and to start transfer of video and other information. The sender (6) can remove content protection from the video content before transcoding, re-applying content protection and sending it.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between two devices, such as a set-top box and a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The data may be transmitted via UMTS. Additionally, the user may be allowed to view data because the user has a subscription to access the data through the set-top box. Furthermore, the set-top box may send a notification to the user to query whether the set-top box should transmit the data to the mobile device. In the case that the user responds and requests the data to be transmitted to the mobile device, the set-top box may transmit the requested data to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to configure a wireless user device as a remote control device (RCD). The RCD may communicate via a wireless network and an MCDN server to execute remote control commands at the MCDN client. The RCD may implement a remote control interface, including control elements configured for touch operation. The control elements may provide specific interactive functionality for channel selection, volume selection, playback of multimedia content, and other remote control features. The RCD may also receive feedback and status information associated with remote control commands.

Abstract: An IPTV may be controlled in part by a second user consumer electronic (CE) device using a web page served from a third party server even though the third party server cannot function as a proxy to the IPTV.

Abstract: A controller of an entertainment device includes a network connection for coupling the controller to a user-profile server via a network. The controller configured for determining a user identifier corresponding to a user associated with the entertainment device; automatically retrieving a user profile corresponding to the user identifier from the user-profile server, the user profile including an electronic bookmark pertaining to content that was not finished by the user at a different entertainment device; and controlling the entertainment device to allow the user to initiate playing the content at the entertainment device, and to play the content automatically starting from a position in the content corresponding to a position indicated by the electronic bookmark.

Abstract: An optical network terminal (ONT) is powered via a remote power supply. The remote power supply is connected to a standard customer premises electrical power outlet, providing a power source for power at a first format (e.g., 110 VAC). The remote power supply performs a power transformation to convert the power in the first power format to a second format (e.g., 48 VDC). This allows the powering of the ONT from farther distances, and thus allows for the easier installation of ONTs at customer premises which may not have optimally placed power outlets. A battery backup may also be used (either in parallel or serially), in order to provide availability of communications signals during a public power outage. When the battery backup used serially with the remote power supply, additional distance between the power outlet and the ONT may be accommodated.

Abstract: A mobile video system includes a first video source, a second video source, a first video monitor, a second video monitor, an audio signal receiver, and a wireless transmitter. One of the first video source and the second video source generates a first audiovisual signal. One of the first video monitor and the second video monitor receives a video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The wireless transmitter transmits an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal to the audio signal receiver. A video portion of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal is displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second video monitor.

Abstract: A video modulator is presented. The modulator includes a video input interface, a video modulation circuit, a video output interface, a communication interface, and control circuitry. The video input interface is configured to receive a video signal to be modulated, the video modulation circuit is configured to modulate the video signal, and the video output interface is configured to transmit the modulated video signal. The communication interface is configured to receive a command via a communication link to control the video modulator. The control circuitry is configured to receive the command from the communication interface and to control at least one of the video input interface, the video modulation circuit, and the video output interface based on the command.

Abstract: A channel test unit of a digital video recorder (DVR) includes a command generation module generating a selection signal to a controller. The controller outputs control signals to a multiplexer to select an output terminal of the multiplexer to switch to a signal channel. A signal generation module obtains a format voice data and converts to an analog voice signal and sends to the multiplexer. The multiplexer sends the analog voice signal to the selected signal channel after the signal channel is selected. A voice detection module defines an identification (ID) number for each of the signal channels in sequence and detects whether the DVR receives an analog voice signal, and determines whether all of the signal channels have been tested. A display module displays an ID number of the selected signal channel on a display device when the DVR does not receive the analog voice signal.

Abstract: A Video Display Unit (VDU) docking system for a dedicated fiber optic in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system allows VDUs to be quickly replaced by personnel who do not need specialized training in fiber coupling without risk of damage to fiber optic components of the dedicated fiber optic IFE system. In some embodiments, a VDU docking station is configured to receive a VDU such that when a VDU is inserted therein, the VDU becomes automatically communicatively coupled with a fiber optic distribution network of the IFE system via a blind mate connection. In some arrangements, a blank LRU having no operative user interface elements but sufficient functionality to maintain communicative coupling is mounted in the VDU docking station in lieu of a VDU. In some configurations, the VDU docking station includes an embedded switch for maintaining communicative coupling across the VDU docking station in the absence of a VDU.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to identification and handling of data streams using coded preambles. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an interface with a communication channel, transmitter coupled with the interface to transmit one or more data streams via the interface, and a processing element, the processing element to receive one or more data streams for transmission. Upon receiving multiple data streams for transmission of a first type of data, including a first data stream and a second data stream for transmission of the first type of data, the processing element is to select a first preamble for the first data stream and a second preamble for the second data stream, where the first preamble is distinguishable from the second preamble.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for distributing media content between portable media devices with digital rights management protections. Offering several applications in the technical arts, embodiments of the present invention provide methods for managing distribution of media content between portable media devices. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide methods for easy and effective transmission of media content between portable media devices.

Abstract: Displaying video on a video display device is disclosed. A first video stream from a first video streaming source is displayed on the display device. A second video stream from a second video streaming source is processed on the display device without displaying the second video stream. Displaying the first video stream is ceased and instead the second video stream is displayed. Supporting operations on a video stream is also disclosed. At least one video chunk is received at a first granularity. A determination is made that an operation is to be performed at a different granularity. At least one video chunk is requested at the different granularity.

Abstract: Provided is apparatus and method for transforming cable channel. The apparatus includes a data mixing unit for receiving and mixing a band data and a first broadband data, to thereby generate a second broadband data of a broadband cable channel, and a channel adapting unit for dividing a band data from the second broadband data received through the broadband cable channel, bypassing the second broadband data to a first subscriber apparatus and transmitting the band data to a second subscriber apparatus.

Abstract: A disclosed digital media device at user premises receives a media signal from a media source for presentation via a television display. The exemplary device also supports bi-directional communications with an application service provider device via user premises data communications network. The provider device, which is independent from the media source, offers an application service from a wide area network via the digital media device and user premises network. The digital media device may form a composite signal from the media signal and application service information, for example, for a composite audio and or video signal for television type presentation to the user. The digital media device may receive a selection signal based on the presentation, for transmission to the application service provider device or to the media source. The media device also offers a GUI presenting a moveable arrangement of icons for selectively accessing application services.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, devices, methods and software to daisy chain multiple individual transmitters, optionally nodes, optionally extenders, and receivers to form any sized scalable system of digital video and audio signal switching and distribution. The video audio systems are for a simpler system design, wiring, control and expansion, to accomplish signal interfacing, switching, splitting for many varied input and output requirements with a scalable pair of transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharing television broadcasting are provided. The method includes, in a first portable terminal, connecting to a wireless network, and sending a TV broadcasting request to a TV module, for the first portable terminal to be granted a master function of switching a TV channel, receiving a password input request from the TV module, and transmitting a password to the TV module, in the first portable terminal, receiving the TV broadcasting from the TV module through the wireless network, and, in at least one or more additional portable terminals, receiving the TV broadcasting from the TV module through the wireless network, and sharing the TV broadcasting with the first portable terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method can test multiple signal channels of a digital video recorder (DVR). Image data are obtained from a storage device and converted the image data to a video signal. The DVR sends the video signal to an image distributor, and generates a selection command to a controller for controlling the image distributor to select a signal channel to be tested. After the video signal is received from the DVR, the image distributor sends the video signal to the selected signal channel. An ID number of the selected signal channel is displayed on a display device when the DVR does not receive the video signal from the selected video channel.

Abstract: A device is dedicated to the processing of audio and video data for multimedia communication, via an asynchronous network, between first LAN audio and video terminals and second LAN audio and video terminals. This device includes i) a connector which establishes communications with the first LAN audio and video terminals and with other connectors installed in another device, ii) a first dating module which attaches a transmit time mark and an identifier to the audio and video data emitted by the first LAN audio and video terminals, before their transmission to the other connector and iii) a processor which determines a time difference representing the transmission time difference between the received audio and video data and presenting the same identifier.

Abstract: Technology described in this application relates to responding to queries for aggregated video and/or audio content that is found embedded in web pages. In particular, this technology relates to ranking of search results and compiling an index against which to search.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of controlling a first information apparatus connectable to a second information apparatus having a display, the second information apparatus being capable of reproducing video image based on video information obtained from a remote source independently from the first information apparatus, the method has storing command code information of the second information apparatus in association with identification information of the second information apparatus, receiving a command indicating a power-on operation of the second information apparatus while the second information apparatus is connected to the first information apparatus, executing a software program upon confirmation of the command indicating the power-on operation of the second information apparatus in reference to the command code information and outputting image data produced by the software program to the second information apparatus so as to display an image corresponding to the image data on the d

Abstract: A viewer interface for a content delivery system is described. In one embodiment, a method for displaying programming content described. This method, occurring in a receiver controller, includes receiving a user identification from an user interface device; in response to the user identification, activating an interactive graphical display personalized for a viewer identified by the user identification; and displaying, in the interactive graphical display, a menu of programming content that can be personalized for the viewer according to the viewer's viewing preferences, wherein the programming content can be received from at least one of a broadcast transmission and unicast transmission. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A personal media broadcasting system enables video distribution over a computer network and allows a user to view and control media sources over a computer network from a remote location. A personal broadcaster receives an input from one or more types of media sources, digitizes and compresses the content, and streams the compressed media over a computer network to a media player running on any of a wide range of client devices for viewing the media. The system may allow the user to issue control commands (e.g., “channel up”) from the media player to the broadcaster, causing the source device to execute the commands. The broadcaster and the media player may employ several techniques for buffering, transmitting, and viewing the content to improve the user's experience.

Abstract: A method is provided for a system to display media contents from source devices on television channels of a television. The method includes receiving a channel change command from a remote control, where the channel change command causes the television to display a new television channel. The method further includes, in response to the channel change command, changing a frequency of a radio frequency (RF) carrier of a television RF signal to a frequency of the new television channel, determining one of the source devices assigned to the new television channel, and providing the television RF signal to the television, where the television RF signal includes a media content from the assigned source device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a first server, data from a set-top box device including login information for a user to establish a first session with a multimedia distribution system. The method includes determining at the first server that the user belongs to at least one presence group when the login information is verified. The method includes identifying one or more on-line members that are members of the at least one presence group and have established sessions with the multimedia distribution system. The method also includes sending information from the first server to the set-top box device, the information corresponding to session activity of each of the one or more on-line members. The information includes video content selected by a user of a particular set-top box corresponding to one of the one or more on-line members, where the video content is concurrently sent to the particular set-top box device.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing a content stream from a headend to a subscriber terminal is described. In one example, the content stream is processed at the headend to generate a sequence of instances having successively staggered reference frames. A request for the content streams is received from the subscriber terminal at an initial time. In response to the request, an instance from the sequence of instances having the first reference frame after the initial time is selected. The selected instance is transmitted towards the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: The optimising of video data files for downloading to a mobile device is disclosed, in which the total data volume of the file is limited. An input video clip of image frames is coded to produce a first coded video data file having a predetermined data volume. A measure of spatial data loss is obtained and the obtained measure of data loss is compared against a predetermined data loss value. If too much spatial loss has occurred, frames are removed from the input clip and a re-coding process is performed of the input video clip to produce an alternative output data file. Preferably, the data frame-rate is not allowed to drop below a predetermined minimum and if too much spatial loss still occurs, audio quality is reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus including: a device detecting unit detecting devices capable of establishing a wireless connection; a user input unit selecting, based on a user operation, a combination of sync devices to carry out a pairing process out of a plurality of sync devices detected by the device detecting unit; a message transmitting unit transmitting an autosetup request message to one sync device out of the selected sync devices; a message receiving unit receiving an autosetup response message from a transmission destination of the autosetup request message; a wireless connection unit establishing a wireless connection with each of the selected sync devices; and a reproduction starting unit wirelessly transmitting, as a source device, data to be reproduced to each of the sync devices after establishment of the wireless connections.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for deserializing non-packet-based video information received using a physical Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface and providing a high definition output signal to a video port (e.g., an HD video port, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) using the deserialized video information.

Abstract: A display device switches a broadcast channel which is being received by a tuner unit based on a broadcast channel switching instruction input from a user operating unit and transmits broadcast channel switching information to a recording and reproduction device. The recording and reproduction device sets a channel of a tuner unit to the same channel as the display device based on the broadcast channel switching information. A content is recorded and reproduced by a recording and reproduction unit based on a time shift viewing/listening instruction, a switch unit of the display device is switched from the tuner unit to the recording and reproduction device, and the reproduction output from the recording and reproduction device is displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: A channel tuning method and a broadcast receiving apparatus using the same are provided. The channel tuning method includes receiving a channel selection command from a user, tuning to a predetermined broadcast signal using channel index information corresponding to selected channel information, and displaying the tuned broadcast signal. The channel index information includes physical transmission channel (PTC) information, and program number information which is contained in a program map table (PMT). Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously manage a plurality of broadcast receiving apparatuses using separate channel index information corresponding to channel information input to the broadcast receiving apparatuses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for subscribing to a digital broadcasting service using mobile network subscription information in a system where a 3G (third generation) mobile communication network interacts with a DBS (digital broadcasting system) are provided. When a user requests subscription to the digital broadcasting service through a digital broadcasting-enabled mobile equipment, a DBS-CSCF (call session control function) in the 3G network transmits to an SAS (subscription agent server) of the DBS a service subscription request including the mobile subscription information or additional user personal information. The SAS processes the subscription and transmits information required for reception of the digital broadcasting to the mobile equipment. The mobile equipment changes its digital broadcasting reception setting.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and an open network. At least a subset of the media content provided over the closed media network is provided over the open network. The system further includes a user access subsystem communicatively connected to the closed media network and the open network. The user access subsystem is configured to access the media content over the closed media network and the open network and to process and provide at least a component of the accessed media content for presentation to a user. The user access subsystem includes a content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the closed media network and an expansion content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the open network.

Abstract: A video display system is a system in which a video transmission device 10 and a video display device 20 are connected via an HDMI 1. The video display device 20 includes an EDID memory 25 in which display side recognition data in plural formats are stored and one of them is set as an initial read data, a response unit 23 replying an HPD for a connection signal (power+5 V) inputted from the video transmission device 10 via the HDMI 1 and the initial read data of the EDID memory 25, and a control unit 24 resetting an output of the HPD after replacing the initial read data into the data of the EDID memory 25 in another format when a display recognition command from a remote controller 30 is accepted.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are bypassed around the CATV communication paths within the entry adapter to maintain adequate signal strength and to allow a passive port of the entry adapter to be used as part of the MoCA network. MoCA signals are suppressed from exiting the CATV entry adapter onto the CATV network.

Abstract: A switching module, system and method facilitate communications between one or more non-CEC enabled devices and a television of an audio/visual (A/V) system. The switching module is able to accommodate both Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) enabled and non-CEC enabled devices for communication with the television. In response to user control of a user interface of the switching module, when a non-CEC enabled device is coupled to the switching module, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) input port of the HDMI switching module is selected and a default HDMI device type and corresponding HDMI logic address is set for the non-CEC enabled device. This information is displayed for the user by the television.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video content between a computing device and display device. The method includes establishing a data connection between a receiver unit and the display device, where the receiver unit includes a first wireless transceiver and an output port, establishing a data connection between a transmitter unit and the computing device, where the transmitter unit includes a second wireless transceiver and a memory and is configured to perform two-way wireless communications with only the receiver unit and is configured to not perform two-way wireless communications with any other devices, and transmitting the video content from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit.

Abstract: A method of receiving over-the-air television content is disclosed and includes receiving input indicating a requested channel at a set-top box device. The set-top box device is coupled to a television via a first connection adapted to send television content to the television and via a second connection adapted to send data to, and receive data from, the television. The method also includes sending a control command from the set-top box device to the television via the second connection. The control command indicates that the television is to tune an over-the-air tuner at the television to the requested channel.

Abstract: A method is described that enables a user to remotely manage and/or monitor servers such as digital cinema screen servers and other equipment such as digital projectors within one or more digital multiplex theaters. In one embodiment, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a public, wide area network (e.g., the Internet) with or without VPN. In other embodiments, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a private, wide area network (WAN), or via a satellite communication link. In yet another embodiment, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a local area network (LAN).

Abstract: A wireless node device determines an origination port number, communicates with the wireless node device to exchange a destination port number determined by the wireless node device and the origination port number determined by the wireless node device, and associates the origination port number with the destination port number. Further, the wireless node device input formats supported by the wireless node device, reserves wireless resources for wirelessly transmitting the content data, determines one of the obtained input formats as an output format and notifies the wireless node device of the determined output format, and wirelessly transmits the content data to the wireless node device through a pair of ports indicated by the origination port number and the destination port number associated with each other.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for providing data in a multiple dwelling facility. The system may comprise a headend unit that receives a data stream that comprises a plurality of programs, and a multiple dwelling unit network that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the data stream from the headend unit and provide at least a subset of the plurality of programs to individual users in the multiple dwelling facility. The method may comprise the acts of receiving a data stream that comprises a plurality of programs, distributing at least a portion of the data stream to a multiple dwelling unit network, and providing access to a specific one of the plurality of programs to each of a plurality of individual users within the multiple dwelling facility via the multiple dwelling unit network depending on whether each of the plurality of individual users has met at least one predetermined condition.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a plurality of video systems, each video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm having a passage extending therethrough. The entertainment system also includes a central switching assembly linking the plurality of video systems. At least one of the video systems includes an output transmitting signals to the central switching assembly to transfer to the remaining video systems. Each video system also includes an input transmitting signals from the central switching assembly to the respective video systems.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The video system includes a cable extending therefrom and the one cable passes through the first extension arm, wherein the cable includes a cylindrical connector shroud at a distal end thereof. The connector shroud is shaped and dimensioned to pass through the first extension arm.

Abstract: An approach for providing lossless raw video data wirelessly to a soundbar from a headunit to eliminate the multitude of wires that traditionally connect to a television in a home theater.

Abstract: A selection method and system. The method comprises receiving by a tracking apparatus data comprising audio/video data segments with associated tracking data segments. The audio/video data segments and the associated tracking data segments are associated with a plurality of locations. The tracking apparatus is moved within a specified proximity of a first location of the locations. The tracking apparatus senses the first location. The tracking apparatus retrieves a first audio/video data segment of the audio/video data segments associated with the first location. The retrieving is based on a first tracking data segment of the associated tracking data segments associated with the first audio/video data segment. The tracking apparatus broadcasts a specified portion of the first audio/video data segment. The specified portion is dependent on a specified condition of the tracking apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to control playback of digital media on a playback device. The system may include a playback unit including at least one digital media storage communication interface to communicate with a media storage device, and a bi-directional remote control communication interface. Further, the system may include a separate remote control device to control the playback of the digital media on the playback device. The remote control device may include a complemental remote control communication interface for bi-directional communication with the remote control communication interface of the playback unit. The remote control device may also include a display screen, wherein the remote control device receives data from the playback unit for display on the display screen. The invention extends to a playback unit and to a remote control device.

Abstract: A plurality of video-recording devices are connected via a network. A video-recording reservation processing unit registers video-recording reservation information in a video-recording reservation management table of a storage unit and notifies the other devices of the video-recording reservation registration via the network when a video-recording reservation is made with respect to the video-recording function thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectively performing optimal connection configuration by recognizing the connection status between a video device and external peripheral devices. The method for identifying predetermined peripheral devices connected to a video device over serial communication control lines, includes, transmitting a command to establish connection of a current peripheral device having no given device ID to its upper peripheral device among the predetermined peripheral devices, and transmitting a command to disconnect a connection to its lower peripheral device; requesting unique device identification information to the predetermined peripheral devices; receiving a response to the request from the current peripheral device; and giving a device ID to the current peripheral device.