Abstract: The present invention relates to testing signals on a coaxial home network that carries a digital video signal. It has direct application to testing so-called Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standards-compliant networks and applies to similar networks. In one mode, a computerized device joins the MoCA network and relays signals intended for a set-top-box to the STB. In another mode, the computerized device joins the MoCA network instead of the STB and tests signal strength, attenuation and similar physical layer characteristics.

Abstract: A method is provided for maximizing utility of a media delivery network having a media source, a first media adaptor, a second media adaptor and a media renderer. The media source can provide data in a first format and a second format. The first media adaptor can receive the data in the first format from the media source. The second media adaptor can receive the data in the second format from the media source. The first media adaptor can further provide data in a third format based on the received data in the first format. The second media adaptor can further provide data in a fourth format based on the received data in the second format. The media renderer can render the data in the third format and can render the data in the fourth format.

Abstract: An access/edge network node (300) according to the invention includes a single proxy function (301) to terminate on the subscriber side a single requesting protocol for a plurality of streaming video services.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device capable of dynamically generating and presenting to the user a user interface for remotely controlling at least one other device connected via a network and performing conjunctive operations between the information processing device and the other device, the interface being generated in accordance with the type of the other device. Remote control commands are shared between the networked information processing devices, including commands for controlling devices controlled by different protocols, combinations of commands available for the conjunctive operations are extracted from the remote control commands, and when requested by a terminal device to present remote operations, the type of the terminal device is determined to present the remote operations.

Abstract: In a network including a source of video contents and a playback terminal to receive video contents distributed from the source of video contents and play back the video contents, information on viewing state of video contents is collected and the collected information is stored. Then access right of the playback terminal for the video contents is set based on the stored information on viewing state.

Abstract: A method includes receiving input information related to transmission of video and data by an access point in a wireless network, the input information including at least one of setup connections, modulating and coding scheme MCS; receiving, by the access point, channel state each information from each user in the wireless network, the channel state information including signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio SINR for each user under each beam pattern; and multicast beamform scheduling, responsive to the receiving, for multicast delivery of the video and data from the access point with beamforming antennas, the videos being at least one of a multi-resolution and a multi-layered video, the scheduling including a greedy procedure for selecting beams, assigning MCS and video layer or resolution to each of the beams.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method of preparing video and audio content for playback at a plurality of facilities. The method includes transferring the content from a central network computer to at least one remote playback system located in each of the facilities. The method also includes generating, using the central network computer, at least one playlist for each of the facilities, the playlist for determining an order of playback of the content and transferring each of the playlists from the central network computer to the playback system in each of the facilities.

Abstract: A system and a method for transmitting an animated figure between a transmitter and a receiver receives frameworks of animated figures over a communication network. The transmitter receives a selected framework, and an ID of an animated figure, extracts feature points from the selected framework, packages coordinate values of the feature points and the ID into a data package, and transmits the data package to the receiver. The receiver interprets the data packet, receives the coordinate values of the feature points and the ID, generates and displays an animated figure having the selected framework using the coordinate values of the feature points and an animated figure corresponding the ID stored in a memory of the receiver.

Abstract: Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a set-top box. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a cable network to produce a subscriber cable channel.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system with hand-out terminals is described. An embodiment of the invention comprises a server having digital content, which is communicatively linked to a communications network, a connector located proximate to each passenger seat of an aircraft, each connector being communicatively linked to the network, and hand-out terminals. Each hand-out terminal is configured to be coupled to one of the connectors to permit a passenger at the seat to which the connector is proximate to access the digital content.

Abstract: A system includes one or more transmitter devices constructed and adapted to transmit wireless streaming media, the transmitter device connected to at least one video source, wherein the transmitter device is further constructed and adapted to automatically detect a type of active source signal from the at least one video source and automatically to convert that signal, if necessary, to an appropriate output signal; and one or more receiver devices constructed and adapted to receive wireless signals, the receiver connected to at least one video output device, wherein the at least one receiver device is further constructed and adapted to produce, automatically, a appropriate signal for the at least one video output device connected thereto.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for managing multimedia traffic across a common wireless communication network. Embodiments may include content devices, end point devices, a network node, and a wireless dongle. The network node and the wireless dongle may have application functions transmitting and receiving application data streams including a video application. The video application may include a conversion engine to compress, expand, or convert video data. Further, both the network node and the wireless dongle may transmit downstream video streams and receive upstream video streams. In addition, the network node may have a master controller function and a node management function, and a dongle management function each managing video traffic streams and application data streams. In addition, the dongle management function controls admission of a video traffic stream originating from the wireless dongle to the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device for use at a venue hosting a live sporting event, having a receiver for receiving a wireless RF transmission conveying a plurality of video streams derived from video cameras filming the live sporting event, a display and a user interface for selecting a video stream among the plurality of video streams to be displayed on the display. The handheld electronic device is capable to acquire a locked mode of operation and an unlocked mode of operation, in the locked mode of operation the handheld electronic device being precluded from displaying the video streams to a spectator, in the unlocked mode of operation the handheld electronic device being enabled to display the video streams to the spectator, the handheld electronic device capable to acquire the unlocked mode of operation in response to reception of authentication data wirelessly transmitted to the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A portable media device for use in cooperation with passenger entertainment systems installed in vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more content sources, which provide viewing content and which may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can select content from any available content source and can download and present the selected content in any conventional manner. The selected content can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel is completed. As desired, the portable media device likewise can be configured to transmit appropriate upload content to the content sources.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a relay device includes an address management module which executes processing of acquiring a first physical address assigned to the relay device based on a sink device, processing of acquiring a second physical address assigned to the relay device based on another sink device, determination processing of determining, in the case where it is determined that the command needs to be transmitted to the other sink device, whether to perform conversion of the physical address included in a parameter in the other sink device, and conversion processing of converting, in the case where it is determined that the conversion of the physical address is not performed in the other sink device, the physical address included in the parameter into a physical address based on the other sink device using the first and second physical addresses.

Abstract: A recording apparatus receives, with respect to an identical program, high image quality digital broadcasting data and low image quality digital broadcasting data, records the high image quality program data and the low image quality program data in a recording medium. When a cellular phone device is connected to the recording apparatus, the recording apparatus transfers the recorded low image quality program data to the cellular phone device via a communication interface. The recording apparatus transmits, to the portable cellular phone device, management information of the end of playback and deletion of the first program data whose program is identical to that of the transferred second program data.

Abstract: There is provided video switching circuitry for use in a KVM switch and similar devices. Video signal switching circuitry can supply video signals from a one of a plurality of video sources connected to the circuit to a display device connected to the circuit. The high data signalling rate signals are converted into a greater number of lower data signalling rate signals for switching by a bus architecture. Also provided are video display systems in which analogue and digital video signals are switched synchronously to allow them to be displayed on common or separate display devices. Also described is a high-resolution monitor digital video data switching device.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for forming a network with various audio/video (AV) devices via a link established by using an AV interface supporting bidirectional data transmission and for transmitting and receiving various types of data via the AV interface.

Abstract: A media distribution server presenting interactive media on digital devices, such as mobile devices, PCs, TVs, ebook readers, electronic tablets, etc. and receiving user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using keys (such as softkeys) on the digital device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the digital device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the digital device to the user. Further the user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their digital device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.

Abstract: A high definition video transmitter and receiver are disclosed. The transmitter provides high definition video to a one-point receiver or to multipoint receivers. The transmission network is asynchronous and the receiver re-synchronizes the video. The transmission can be wired or wireless.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an audio video distribution system that uses a local area network to distribute a digital audio signal and that uses multiple network speaker nodes to broadcast the digital audio in a multi speaker session. The system includes a local area network that distributes the digital audio signal for the audio video distribution system. In addition, the system includes a first network speaker node participating in a multi speaker session and performing in a master mode, and where the first network speaker node calculates, originates, and controls a distributed multi session clock that is distributed over the network. The system further includes one or more additional network speaker nodes participating in the multi speaker session and perform in a slave mode, and where the additional network speaker nodes receive the distributed multi session clock from the first speaker node.

Abstract: A vehicle audio/video media system includes an adapter apparatus in electrical communication with an audio/video head unit. The adapter apparatus includes a digital input receiving digital audio/video content from an external source. A digital-to-analog converter is coupled to the digital input and converts the digital audio/video content into analog audio/video content. An output device is coupled to the digital-to-analog converter. The output device transmits the analog audio/video content to the audio/video head unit.

Abstract: Multimedia gateway for use in a networked home environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, in a method for delivering broadcast multimedia content in a networked home environment, a radio frequency (RF) signal is received. The RF signal is then converted into an IP stream. It is determined whether the IP stream is an IP data stream or an IP video stream and based on the outcome of the determination, the IP stream is sent to one or more televisions, one or more computing devices, and/or one or more telephones.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a video signal receiver, a video signal output module, a power control signal receiver, and a socket. The video signal receiver is configured to receive a video signal from a first external apparatus. The video signal output module is configured to output, to a second external apparatus, the video signal received from the first external apparatus. The power control signal receiver is configured to receive a power control from the first external apparatus. The power control signal receiver is lower in power consumption than the video signal receiver. A power cable configured to supply power to the second external apparatus is connected to the socket. When the power control signal receiver receives a power control signal for activation, power is supplied to the video signal receiver and the socket.

Abstract: A method includes storing, at a first network device configured to communicate with at least one set top box (STB) and at least one digital video recorder (DVR), information identifying parameters associated with bandwidth in a home network. The method may also include receiving, at a first network device in the home network, a request having a corresponding first bandwidth and identifying a class of traffic associated with the request. The method may further include determining whether the first bandwidth is less than an available bandwidth associated with the identified class of traffic, approving the request when the first bandwidth is less than the available bandwidth, and modifying the available bandwidth associated with the identified class of traffic in response to approving the request.

Abstract: An overhead video system for an aircraft is disclosed. The overhead video system comprises a wireless overhead video unit; and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the wireless overhead video unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the wireless overhead video unit. A system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the wireless overhead video unit. Video control and content streaming is accomplished over a wireless link. The power rail control may be accomplished remotely via a standard or solid state relay. Normal rail power for the rail mounted video system may come from the utility bus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for presenting a message on a display based on video frame types presented on the display are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a message having one of a plurality of priority levels for presentation on a display. Further, it is determined whether a type of a video frame for presentation on the display has a predetermined relationship to the priority level of the message. The received message is presented on the display based on the video frame type determination.

Abstract: A system and method for redirecting or duplicating a media flow to one or more alternative media presentation devices and providing updated quality of service parameters to the application server providing the media flow. The user of a mobile communication device can manually initiate the media flow change or the user can configure the media flow change to automatically transfer based on the proximity of the mobile communication device to the alternative media presentation device. If desired, the media flow can be reverted to the mobile communication device. A media flow can also be divided, such as by audio and video to different alternative media presentation devices.

Abstract: A portable media device for use in cooperation with passenger entertainment systems installed in vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more content sources, which provide viewing content and which may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can select content from any available content source and can download and present the selected content in any conventional manner. The selected content can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel is completed. As desired, the portable media device likewise can be configured to transmit appropriate upload content to the content sources.

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: A multimedia and multichannel information system includes a central unit and a plurality of remote units equipped with display and connected to the central unit by a transmission network. The system is provided with bi-directional data transmission device on the network, and the plurality of remote units are provided with at least an interface and with audio/video, data and graphs accelerators disposed on a microprocessor housed in each of the plurality of remote units.

Abstract: A distribution system and method. The distribution system comprises a computing apparatus and a plurality of projection systems connected to the computing apparatus. The computing apparatus comprises a scheduler software tool and a plurality of audio/video data files stored on a computer readable medium. Each projection system of the plurality of projection systems comprises a cache storage device connected to an associated projection apparatus. Each cache storage device is adapted to dynamically receive and store an associated audio/video data file from the plurality of audio/video data files for transmission to each associated projection apparatus according to a schedule generated by the scheduler software tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and to a method for providing data for entertaining presentations to at least one audience, such as data for video and audio presentations in cinemas, theater rooms or the like. In particular data for computer-based entertainment such as so-called theater gaming shall be provided. The system of the invention comprises: at least one content server providing content data, the data representing at least content information for a video presentation to be displayed to the audience; and at least one computing server computing output data from said content data, the output data representing at least a video signal for controlling a display device. The computing serves can be part of the Internet to form an “Online Gaming Server Cloud” or can be installed at the locations of each cinema to form “Local Gaming Server Clouds”.

Abstract: An avionics system for a plane includes a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. The system includes an optical network in communication with the nodes and through which the nodes communicate. The system includes at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter that interprets the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A method for operating a plane includes the steps of communicating information through an optical network between a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. There is the step of interpreting with at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A phostonic stack.

Abstract: The present invention is arranged to provide an improved way of remote access to locally transmitted multicast television channels. The invention relates to a communication unit for communication of IPTV channels to at least one user unit. It comprises a receiver arranged to receive a set of IPTV channels, and a distribution channel set up unit arranged to set up one separate distribution channel to each user unit so as to distribute one of the IPTV channels in said set of IPTV channels over each distribution channel. The present invention further relates to a method for providing remote access to a first IPTV network.

Abstract: A video distribution system is provided. The video distribution system includes a receiver to receive a plurality of video data streams. The video distribution system also includes a splitter to separate a first video data stream and a second video data stream from the plurality of video data streams. The video distribution system further includes a combiner to output a composite signal for communication via a first network. The composite signal includes the first video data stream modulated to a first radio frequency band associated with a first user and the second video data stream modulated to a second radio frequency band associated with a second user.

Abstract: A system for the unification of a plurality of entertainment devices such as televisions, gaming consoles, computers, or radios. The present invention introduces a system that involves a plurality of devices that can individually connect to the available entertainment devices in a home. Through the use of wireless networking, media and entertainment can be shared between each entertainment device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content recording apparatus is connected with a permission server that permits recording of content through a network. The content recording apparatus reads content encrypted based on a first encryption scheme and binding information from a disposed second recording medium, and uses the binding information to decode the read content encrypted based on the first encryption scheme. The content recording apparatus uses the permission server to authenticate permission of recording of the content, encrypts the decoded content based on a second encryption scheme when recording of the content is permitted, and records the content encrypted based on the second encryption scheme and the binding information in the first recording medium.

Abstract: Commercial advertisers, such as consumer product companies and the advertising agents that represent them, directly access a network of thousands of large, high resolution electronic displays located in high traffic areas and directly send their own advertisements electronically to the network to be displayed at locations and times selected by the advertisers. In another application, operators of digital movie theaters have ongoing, continuous access to tens of thousands of movies that can be ordered in digital form for display on selected screens at their theaters at selected times.

Abstract: In a system in which an IEEE 1394 interface is provided for an IRD, connected equipment can be easily selected and the operability is improved. Data can be transmitted among the equipment by providing the IEEE 1394 interface for the IRD. For example, five equipment units are selected from the equipment connected to the IEEE 1394 interface and node ID numbers are allocated to the five equipment units and registered. Thus, even if the equipment is removed from the interface and connected again, the IRD can recognize the equipment. The registration may easily be changed by user input. When the registration is changed, the change of the registration is inhibited among equipment units in which a program reservation has been set or the connected equipment. Thus, even if the registration is changed, an erroneous operation does not occur.

Abstract: In-theater interactive entertainment system. A game server generates video content in digital form and is displayed on a digital display in a theater. A telephony system is connected to the game server enabling a group of individual game participants in the theater to exchange data wirelessly with the game server so that the game participants can interact with video content on the display. It is preferred that at the display is a reflective screen illuminated by a digital projector.

Abstract: A first information processing apparatus executes an application, and generates control data in accordance with a state of an execution of the application. The control data is transmitted to a second information processing apparatus. Video data is stored in advance in the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus receives the control data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus, determines a video to be reproduced based on the control data, and reproduces the video based on the video data.

Abstract: An index imparting system is capable of avoiding reconditioning work, automatically generating accurate metadata, and automatically imparting information relevant to a program. The index imparting system is provided with: a control signal detecting section to identify a type of each control signal and an identifier for uniquely specifying each control signal following the detection of various kinds of control signals and obtain time of the detection. An index generating section to generate metadata following the acquisition of a type, an identifier, and time identified at the control signal detecting section and, in the meantime, imparts attribute information to the metadata.

Abstract: There is provided a content distribution system configured by a distribution apparatus for storing content data, a display apparatus for displaying content data distributed from the distribution apparatus in accordance with a predetermined display schedule, and a user terminal for acquiring the content data displayed on the display apparatus from the distribution apparatus. The user terminal receives data of a display schedule from the display apparatus, and requests the distribution apparatus to send data of content identified from the display schedule.

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for remote antenna subsystems that are physically isolated from receiver subsystems are disclosed. The communication between the two subsystems uses remote communication links. The remote communication links are either wireless, in which case they are designed for indoor low power communications, or are wired, using existing infrastructure in the household such as the power lines. Partitioning between the antenna and receiver subsystems is selectable.

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: This disclosures describes a wireless local area network (LAN) video and audio system 20. The disclosed system 20 includes a networked audio source node device 300 that couples to a plurality of network speaker nodes 100 via a wireless TCP/IP LAN network 200 where the networked audio source node device is a video device. Additionally, the system includes an internet interface 400 and a network control server 310 that couple to the network speaker nodes 100 via said wireless LAN network 200. Finally, the system 20 includes a legacy converter and controller that couples to the wireless LAN network 200 and further couples a legacy source 500 to the wireless LAN network 200.

Abstract: There are presented systems and methods for enabling an association of media information relating to a playback of a media content file with a medium containing the media content file. In one embodiment, such a method for use by a playback device comprises obtaining a unique identifier present on the medium, transmitting the unique identifier, obtaining the media information relating to a usage of the media content file, and transmitting the media information. In another embodiment, such a method for use by a server comprises receiving a unique identifier present on the medium, storing the unique identifier in a memory, receiving the media information of the media content file according to the playing of the media content file, storing the media information in the memory, and associating the media information with the unique identifier.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system is shown wherein digital content servers are interconnected with network servers such that the content servers can communicate with one another and with a portable data loader. The loader stores digital content files that are to be downloaded to the content servers. A script downloaded to each content server is executed by the server to download some of the files from the portable data loader and cross-load other files from other content servers. Alternatively, a content inventory list is downloaded to each content server that indicates which content server is to download each content file and which content servers are to receive the content file. Each content server parses the list to identify files for which it is the download server, request download of those files, identify other files that it should have and request cross-load of those files from other content servers.