Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for an XML-based personal media broadcaster, in which TV programs, which are multimedia, are provided to allow a viewer to view a program desired by him or her at a desired time and at a desired place by compositely implementing an open service architecture, a time-shift function and a place-shift function, thus enabling the platform for a personal media broadcaster to be implemented. The present invention includes an XML module (150) for allowing XML-based communication and control protocols to work in conjunction with middleware of the platform, thus enabling the broadcast reception module (120), the storage and playback module (130), and the IP streamer module (140) to work in conjunction with each other. The XML module (150) executes operation commands between the platform for PMB and the wireless terminal so that the operation commands are transmitted in a bidirectional transmission manner.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for generating and consuming sensory effect media. The method for generating sensory effect media includes receiving sensory effect information about sensory effects that are applied to media, and generating sensory effect metadata including the received sensory effect information.

Abstract: A digital data delivery system that delivers video data of a content and audio data of the same content respectively to a first receiver and a second receiver, which are independent of each other, to reproduce the video data and the audio data at the first and second receivers in such a manner as to secure synchronous reproductions between the two data.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mobile video system is provided that includes a first entertainment system mountable in a first headrest of a vehicle. The first entertainment system includes a first input having a structure and a first output having a structure. The mobile video system also includes a second entertainment system mountable in a second headrest of a vehicle. The second entertainment system includes a second input and a second output. The second input has a structure the same as the structure of the first input and the second output has a structure the same as the structure of the first output. The mobile video system also includes an adapter configured to couple the first input with the second output and the second input with the first output.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for enhanced multimedia distribution. The method can include displaying a multimedia selection at a display device coupled to a first receiver of a video distribution system, where the multimedia selection is determined by a user of a second receiver. A multimedia device can include a user interface module to receive a command from a first user to accept a channel selection of a second user. An indication of an attribute of multimedia content associated with a channel selected at a multimedia device can be received from a server having a channel content guide and stored to a database.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method, system and computer-readable medium for conveying audio/video information. The method detects a presence of at least one automobile and communicates such presence to an information system comprising a number of display devices (DN) and an information processing unit. The processing unit contains a library of audio/video portions, each audio/video portion having a total run time (VTL), where each audio/video portion is divisible into segments (VN) having a segment run time (VSL) such that VN?DN and VTL÷Dn=VSL. The processing unit estimates a total viewing time (TV) to provide the audio/video information; parses the audio/video information into DN separate segments; and selects one parsed audio/video portion such that VTL of the selected audio/video portion is substantially equal to TV. The selected audio/video segments are communicated to the display devices.

Abstract: A system for controlling display and operation of simultaneous transmissions of at least two media includes an entertainment unit capable of transmitting at least two media simultaneously. A wireless interface device is used to select a first and second media from the at least two media. A display device in electrical communication with the entertainment unit receives and displays a video portion associated with each of the first and second selected media. At least two wireless receivers are provided for receiving an audio portion associated with each of the first and second media. The wireless interface device is further provided for independently controlling operation of each of the first and second media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing personal media using a digital recorder allows a plurality of multimedia devices to view content stored on a DVR across a local network. The DVR records video content from broadcast signals and records video content downloaded via the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing personal media using a digital recorder allows multimedia devices to view content stored on a DVR across a network. The DVR records video content from broadcast signals and records video content downloaded via the Internet.

Abstract: A method for video sharing, which realizes video sharing between an originating UE and a terminating UE when the terminating UE is not IMS core network registered. The method includes the following steps: an originating UE sends a video sharing request containing a URI of callee to an application server; the application server determines that the terminating UE of the callee is not IMS core network registered and notifies the terminating UE to register; the terminating UE activates a GPRS connection and registers with the IMS core network; the originating UE and the registered terminating UE set up a sharing session via the application server; the originating UE and the terminating UE share video information. A system and apparatus for practicing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a communication signal to a subscriber without incurring right-of-way franchise fees associated with the signal. A central office on a first side of a right-of-way is in communication with a multiplexer on a second side of the right-of-way opposite the first side. The central office transmits a signal (e.g., a telephony signal) to the multiplexer such that the signal crosses the right-of-way. A wireless receiver on the second side receives another signal (e.g., a video signal) and transmits the other signal to the multiplexer. The multiplexer combines the signal and the other signal into a combined signal for routing to the subscriber (located on the second side). Because the communication of the other signal occurs entirely on the second side and does not access or cross into the right-of-way, the addition of the other signal avoids the imposition of a right-of-way franchise fee.

Abstract: A television entertainment system that combines the visual imagery of television entertainment and transmission with the audio of radio entertainment and transmission to create a new synthesis system for therapeutic benefit designated as Hybrid Radio Television. Each segment (video/audio) of the system can be viewed or heard/listened to on its own, however, it is designed to be viewed and heard/listened to as an integrated whole, as selected by a viewer.

Abstract: A venue-cast system and method for providing and receiving venue level transmissions and services, including discovery of a venue specific transmission by receiving an overhead signal from a non-venue network, extracting information for receiving the venue specific transmission from the overhead signal, and tuning to receive the venue specific transmission based on the extracted information. The venue level transmission may be provided and received in a manner that does not prevent an access terminal from receiving a local area or wide area transmission.

Abstract: A television signal receiving system is operative to optimally tune to one or a plurality of television channels and provide one or plurality of optimum television channel signals to one or a plurality of television signal receivers. The television signal receivers are operative to request a particular channel of a television signal processor. The television signal processor is coupled to an antenna array. Television signals from the antenna array are processed in accordance with the principles of the subject invention to provide optimum television channel signals. The optimum television channel signals are demodulated then remodulated before being distributed to the various television signal receivers.

Abstract: A wireless network system arranges a plurality of access points along the aisles in a vehicle having two or more aisles. The positions of the access points on the first aisle and the positions of the access points on the second aisle are arranged in a zigzag pattern. The distance between neighboring access points is thus great, and there is no signal interference between adjacent access points.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access to high definition (HD) content includes a master customer premises equipment (CPE) device enabled for prioritizing conflicting requests for HD content based on predefined priority settings associated with a plurality of client CPE devices. Access to HD content by the client CPE devices may be associated with a token and conflicting requests may be resolved in favor of the client CPE device that holds the token. Disclosed systems permit administrators to control the use of limited resources within a location by limiting access to the limited resources by secondary users.

Abstract: An interactive TV device is configured to receive and process multiple broadband input streams simultaneously. The device includes functionality to perform as a Web browser, HF, cable and satellite TV receiver, a digital PVR, an interactive TV set-top box, an advanced central processing unit and a videoconferencing device, thanks to an integrated videoconferencing camera. The present interactive TV device is configured to manage all multimedia sources identically, whether the input is a TV channel, a Web page, or a video stream played back from a data carrier such as a DVD, for example. The present interactive TV device is also configured to enable a user to watch and record a plurality of video streams simultaneously and to display them on four independently manageable quarter screen segments.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for configuring a receiver as a proxy to transcode data and provide for intercommunication among secondary devices. In one embodiment, a proxy receiver in a viewer's home is configured to perform transcoding and other processing to enable use of services by secondary devices which would otherwise not be able to utilize such services. In addition, the proxy receiver may be configured to provide communication between devices which would otherwise not be able to communicate with one another. In one embodiment, the proxy receiver includes a receiver configured to receive programming signals, an I/O interface configured to communicate with a secondary device, and a transcode subsystem. The transcode subsystem is configured to detect received data, determine a target secondary device of the received data, determine a target data format corresponding to the target secondary device, and initiate transcoding of the received data to the target data format.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to video communication networks and more specifically to a method for interworking between a number of video communication terminals, to a video communication system, and to a video interactive gateway unit. The solution according to the present invention makes it possible to interwork between different terminals e.g. between a low bit-rate multimedia terminal and a packet based multimedia terminal.

Abstract: A video controller broadcasts input video through a premises media, such as a coaxial cable to one or more premises televisions or television channels. When a PC provides the input video, a mode change may occur to direct the video to the PC monitor or to the broadcast output. The video resolution of the PC is set to provide a desired digital television resolution with broadcast video. An audio driver may be used to provide USB audio output from the PC. When the PC monitor or broadcast output is selected for video output, the non-selected output is disabled or provided with a video indication that another video output is active. An EDID can be captured from the PC or PC monitor to assist with mode changes and setting PC video resolution. The input video may be provided directly from a digital video source and broadcast to selected televisions or channels.

Abstract: Methods and devices for exporting and displaying video information are disclosed. For example, an exemplary set-top box specially configured to receive, manipulate and export video signals and television programming information is described. The set-top box includes a tuning device capable of receiving both television signals and programming signals relating to the received television signals, a data extraction device configured to extract programming information from the received programming signals, and a network interface capable of communicating with a network residing in a consumer residence, wherein the data extraction device is further configured to provide the programming information to one or more computer-based devices connected to the network via a data-transmission protocol.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A method and system for providing content includes a network having a plurality of receiving units generating a plurality of recording or tuning requests for content and communicating the recording or tuning requests through the network. The system includes a first receiving unit of the plurality of receiving units that is selected by the network to receive content corresponding to the request and stream the content to the network. A second receiving unit receives the content from the network.

Abstract: A local area network uses coaxial cable wiring for interconnection of terminal devices. A frequency selective network interface device is placed at the building point of entry or another point in the wiring to reflect network signals transmitted by terminal devices back into the building distribution to be received by other terminal devices. By reflecting network upstream signals back into the building as downstream signals, the network interface provides a path for terminal devices to transmit to and receive from other terminal devices.

Abstract: An electrical connection box for wall mounting provides a recessed external plug for receiving or transmitting power to electronic components. The connection box is configured to receive a variety of signal connection modules for interconnecting associated audio/visual electronics such as DVD players, displays and the like in adjacent apertures. The signal connection modules are inserted or extracted from the face of the connection box; replacing blanking plates, and is optionally recessed from the face of the box into the wall cut-out. The configuration and mating features of the box and modules also provides for a common and isolated ground reference for surge protection of the connected components. A signal connection module includes circuitry for surge protection of the connected A/V components receiving electrical power from an adjacent wall socket.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a drive server, a control server and one or more decoder devices. The drive server may be configured to present one or more DVD data streams in response to one or more input signals. The control server may be configured to present one or more compressed data streams in response to the one or more data streams and one or more request signals. The decoders may be configured to present a decoded video signal and a decoded audio signal in response to one of the compressed data streams and the request signals. The navigation software, which traditionally is processed local to the decoder, may be processed on the control server. The control server may be enabled to control the remote decoder.

Abstract: A support server receives via a communication network, facility condition information provided by a content providing terminal that provides a content, showing the condition of the facility where a content is used, and facility information provided by a content user terminal, which is set in the facility where the content is used. The support server stores the received facility condition information and the facility information in a database. The support server extracts facility information that meets the condition shown by the stored facility condition information, from the stored facility information. Then, the support server selects the content user terminal set in the facility specified by the extracted facility information, as the providing destination of the content.

Abstract: This disclosures describes a 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 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 LAN network 200. Finally, the system 20 includes a legacy converter and controller 600 that couples to the LAN network 200 and further couples a legacy source 500 to the LAN network 200.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing information to the public by way of publicly accessible devices. A network of video displays are deployed at publicly accessible locations such as inside public transportation vehicles or at public transportation stations. The video feed to these video displays are provided by a video distribution hub which receives the video feed from a network hub. Different audio feeds are accessible to end users or by telephone. End users can call a telephone interface which receives and routes audio feeds from an audio distribution hub. End users can access audio feeds which may be synchronized with a video feed to provide a complete audio visual experience to the end user. For more useful content, the video displayed at any location may be adjusted to be relevant to the area where the video display is deployed. Audio content synchronized to one of these disparate video feeds can be accessed by the end user by dialing different options through the telephone interface.

Abstract: An information and communication system arranged in a vehicle permitting vehicle passengers to access locally held information and/or to use external applications and services includes a server. At least one transmitting and receiving unit connected to the server is provided and has access to at least one radio network. A plurality of access points are distributed in the vehicle and connected to the server. The passengers access applications or information or communicate with external partners or services via the system. The data exchange between the devices of the users and the system takes place with high bandwidth via the access points.

Abstract: A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing encrypted downstream signals to a plurality of receiver devices 130, 135, 140, where the devices 130, 135, 140 may have different decryption devices. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) 125, a primary set-top terminal (STT) 130, and at least one remote device 135, 140. The remote devices 135, 140 communicate with the primary STT 130 via the SIM 125 over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the remote devices 135, 140 are capable of requesting and receiving stored programs via the networked multimedia overlay system. Depending upon the decryption device included in the requesting remote STT 135, 140, the primary STT 130 sends a stored program encrypted according to that decryption device.

Abstract: A portable hand-held media device includes a receiver configured to receive image data representing an image, a display unit configured to display the image, and an integrated modulator configured to convert the image data into a digital television (DTV) signal and transmit the DTV signal to a monitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation of television channels and which allows the generation of the same by the processing and selection of designated packets of data from multiple data transport streams, which each transport stream including numerous packets of data. In each transport stream the packet of data is identified by the allocations of a packet identification code (PID) and each is held in the transport packet which is transmitted as part of each transport stream. In accordance with the invention, and in order to prevent errors and inaccurate packet selection, a Transport Stream Identification Code (TSID) is allocated to each of the transport streams of data received. Typically the TSID is located in the transport packet for each transport stream of data. In the selection of a packet of data, the appropriate TSID is referred to identify the appropriate transport stream and the PID then referred to identify the packet of data from that transport stream.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are described which allows multimedia signals received from one or more content providers (e.g., cable television providers, Internet content providers, . . . etc) to be received, processed and retransmitted by an originating node to one or more receiving nodes over a local cable network (e.g., the coaxial cable network within a user's home). One impediment to communication between nodes within the local cable network is the fact that most cable splitters are designed to attenuate signals between the split legs of the splitter. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a reflector device coupled upstream of the root splitter in a local cable network (or in place of the root splitter) is configured to reflect signals transmitted from the originating node back up into the network to the receiving nodes. Signal attenuation is minimized because the signals propagate from the splitter inputs to the splitter legs (rather than between the splitter legs).

Abstract: A device registration system for registering a terminal device for obtaining and using contents in a server that stores contents. The server stores a contents list indicating contents stored and a registration list for registering specific information to the terminal device. The server receives the specific information and transmits the contents list to the terminal device. The terminal device receives a selection of a content from the contents list according to input by a user and requests the server to transmit the selected content. When the specific information to the terminal device of the request source is not registered in the registration list, the server performs a registration process and transmits the requested content to the terminal device.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling redistribution of broadcast content within a personal area network using TSID-DMA mapping to localize devices, wherein some location-aware devices have the capability to derive region identifiers whereas other location agnostic devices localize themselves by adopting the DMA of the first broadcast content received. Rules for redistribution of broadcast content between devices are also established.

Abstract: A transport stream with embedded projector configuration data 208 being carried along with the video for use in digital cinema projector setup. The embedded configuration data consists of sub-packets 304 of setup data information for such parameters as gamma tables, color management system information, relative luminance level, format and range of the sampled data, 3D/2D presentation information, frame rate, image size, aspect ratio, font tables, and language provision. This approach assures that the projector 404 is setup properly and also permits on-the-fly changes to the projector's parameters, which may be used for artistic effects in the movie.

Abstract: A method and system of collecting local television signals includes a local collection facility a plurality of primary receiver circuit modules comprising a first receiver circuit module. The first receiver circuit module receives and demodulates the first channel signal and forms an IP signal. A remote facility is spaced apart from the local collection facility and communicates with the local collection facility through an IP backhaul. A primary decoder within the remote facility is in communication with the IP backhaul and forms a decoded signal from the IP signal. A primary encoder within the remote facility in communication with the primary decoder forms a first encoded signal from the decoded signal. A multiplexer in the remote facility multiplexes the first encoded signal into a multiplexed signal. The multiplexed signal may provide an output signal used for uplinking or other type of distribution.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPhone® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system includes a wireless access point and supports a simple manner for seamlessly integrating the personal media device with the information system, immersing a user in a rich and intuitive media environment. When disposed within a predetermined range of the wireless access point, the portable media device and the vehicle information system can initiate, and maintain, communications, preferably without requiring authentication of the portable media device. The personal media device thereby can exchange control commands and viewing content with the information system. Thereby, a user can advantageously enjoy selected viewing content provided by the information system via the personal media device.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gateway providing an open software interface to control in-home communications and to enable in-home devices of various divergent technologies to selectively access external communication features. An in-home communication network utilizes any one or more of several available in-home digital networking media to connect the gateway to device interfaces. The gateway comprises interfaces to a plurality of external communication networks, and one or more in-home communication media, a router coupled to the various interfaces and a controller. Each device specific accessing the in-home network connects to media through a device interface. There will be different interfaces for enabling access by different types of customer premises devices. Each device interface provides physical access to the media as well as functional interfacing, to enable operation with the particular type of customer premises device.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for utilizing A/V bridging and A/V bridging extensions to replace Display Port and/or analog ports on a computing system may include a LAN subsystem that enables transmission of at least video data from a computing device, such as a computer workstation, to a multimedia monitor coupled to the computing device via an Ethernet interface connector. The transmission may enable rendering of the video data on the multimedia monitor. The computing device may be coupled to a docking station or to a port replicator. The docking station may be coupled to the Ethernet interface connector via an Ethernet connector. The port replicator may be coupled to the Ethernet interface connector via an Ethernet connector. The LAN subsystem may enable access to the Ethernet interface connector to enable transmission and generation of line encoded bits based on the video data via the Ethernet interface connector.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for connecting a multimedia portable electronic device capable of storing and playing and/or recording video in digital form, to at least one other electronic device. The apparatus further includes at least one wireless communications interface and means for implementing at least one function involving all or some of the hardware and/or programmable resources incorporated in or attached to the apparatus.

Abstract: To provide, in a multimedia content server which stores multimedia data and transmits the stored multimedia data to a terminal, a technique which allows the terminal to properly detect and process version up of section data even when random access for trick play, and the like, is performed. Upon receiving a data transmission request from a multimedia data receiving apparatus, a multimedia data transmitting apparatus transmits the requested multimedia data and notifies data necessary for obtaining an update-point of section data included in the multimedia data or a URI which enables the obtaining of the data, to the multimedia data receiving apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for providing data from one or more audio/visual (A/V) source devices to one or more A/V sink devices in a network is provided. The system implements a rendering method in a video rendering module configured to render display data related to digital videos from an A/V source device to one or more sink devices across the network. The video rendering module includes a presentation module configured to obtain selected display data from one or more of the A/V source devices across the network, and a navigation module configured to control the presentation module for obtaining the selected display data, and to allow one or more users to navigate through the display data to access the digital videos.

Abstract: A content distribution arbitration apparatus is built in a LAN connected to a plurality of content receivers receiving a content transmitted in multicast from a content distribution server through a network, and includes a first memory to store constraint information indicating the number of channels capable of receiving contents simultaneously in the LAN and a communication band, a second memory to store connection information indicating a distribution channel used by each of the content receivers which receives a content, a message receiver to receive a message for requesting distribution of content by a desired distribution channel, and a controller to determine whether the message is accepted based on request of the message, the constraint information and the connection information.

Abstract: A integrated phone-based home gateway system. The integrated phone-based home gateway system is a multi-function wireless networking, wireless telephony, broadband, gateway device. It provides automatic wireless broadband initialization, configuration and service provisioning, gateway, routing and bridging functionality, wireless data and telephony functionality and allows resource sharing among multiple wireless devices.

Abstract: An integrated phone-based home gateway system. The integrated phone-based home gateway system is a multi-function wireless and wired networking, wireless and wired telephony, broadband, gateway device. It provides gateway, routing and bridging functionality, automatic wireless and wired broadband initialization, configuration and service provisioning for allocating, configuring and maintaining multiple transmission channels and virtual communications paths used for wired and wireless broadband communications.