Abstract: A method and system for controlling a terminal includes a receiving unit in communication with the plurality of terminals receiving a command signal and converting the command signal to a serial port control signal. The receiving unit formats the serial port control signal to form a formatted signal. A terminal device receives the formatted signal, recovers the serial port control signal from the formatted signal and controls a terminal device in response to the serial port control signal.

Abstract: This invention disclosure relates to a conditioning device for improving the frequency response of signals conducted within an in-home cable infrastructure that includes both CATV bandwidth and in-home entertainment bandwidth. Disclosed is a CATV network device which includes a CATV signal transmission path and an in-home entertainment signal transmission path. Also disclosed is a signal conditioning circuit that is placed along the in-home entertainment signal transmission path. The signal conditioning circuit includes at least one LC resonant shunt circuit and at least one LC resonant tank circuit. In a particular embodiment two signal conditioning circuits are used. The CATV network device attenuates and equalizes the in-home entertainment signals transmitted along the in-home entertainment signal path so that the in-home entertainment signals don't interfere with the CATV signals.

Abstract: A datacast system, and associated apparatus and method for automatically managing a data object or objects within a hierarchical carousel structure by enabling, among other functions, the dynamic allocation of bandwidth to each carousel within the structure. The dynamic bandwidth allocation enables a server platform to redistribute the bandwidth allocated to a carousel or set of data objects to adjust to desired changes in object transmission policies or priorities of a datacast application.

Abstract: A high definition digital CCTV system is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a video signal combiner is connected to one or more video generating means and a video storage means in series or in parallel through a single cable to simplify a connection therebetween.

Abstract: One or more network devices receive, at a location outside a customer premises, a broadband signal from a base station of a wireless network and a satellite television signal from a satellite antenna. The one or more network devices combine, at the location outside the customer premises, the broadband signal with the satellite television signal in a single coaxial cable and send, via the single coaxial cable, the broadband signal and the satellite television signal to one or more devices inside the customer premises.

Abstract: A system for preventing quality of service policy abuse comprising a media connection and a local area network prioritizing quality of service in which quality of service to a to a video receiver or similar device may be maintained by prioritizing its signal relative to other signals competing for network bandwidth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus is provided for a system that delivers content to a first terminal comprising a set top box in home or the like from a delivery server apparatus over a first network. When a request for content is made from a second terminal over a second network, the conversion apparatus sends a request to the delivery server apparatus. The conversion apparatus performs conversion of the content sent from the delivery server apparatus with regard to at least one of the second terminal, the second network, and the first network. Then, the conversion apparatus sends converted content to the second terminal over the second network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing companion content on a device that downloads content associated with a media presentation playing on a media player and displays the downloaded content at times synchronized to time-offsets (from the start of the program) of the presentation by signals from the media player.

Abstract: In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet (100) includes a base module (100a) and interface module (100b). The base module connects to the wiring and is attached to the surface of a building. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet provides the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.

Abstract: A method for locally broadcasting audio/video content between a source device equipped with an HDMI interface and a target device, the method including: compressing the audio/video content in the source device; transmitting the compressed audio/video content over a wireless link, from a transmitter associated with the source device, the transmitter receiving the audio/video content from the HDMI interface of the source device, and receiving the compressed audio/video content using a receiver device.

Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs) coupled to a radio frequency (RF) coax network. Each STB has an identifier for identifying the STB. A content source broadcasts media content to the STBs utilizing the RF coax network and an update server distributes software data to the STBs. The software data causes a particular STB to perform a media function customized for the particular STB according to the identifier of the particular STB.

Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a media system controller and a plurality of media devices located in a plurality of rooms and coupled to the media system controller. Each room has one or more in-room media devices located therein for performing a media function. A connection port allows a user of a room to establish data communications between the media system controller and a guest device. The media system controller is coupled to the connection port and configured to catalogue guest content available on the guest device to thereby form a guest content list, associate the guest content with one or more associated rooms at least including the user's room, and perform the media function utilizing content selected from the guest content list only on the in-room media devices located within the one or more associated rooms.

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 broadcast receiving apparatus determines whether a broadcast signal that is being played back and that includes print information is a broadcast signal that is being broadcasted or a broadcast signal that is played back by a recording apparatus. The broadcast receiving apparatus also determines whether the print information included in the broadcast signal that is being played back includes acquisition instructing information instructing acquisition of a print content item transmitted from an external server. If it is determined that the print information included in the broadcast signal that is being played back includes the acquisition instructing information and the broadcast signal that is being played back is played back by the recording apparatus, the broadcast receiving apparatus notifies a user that a print content item which the print information included in the broadcast signal that is being played back intended to acquire during broadcasting cannot possibly be acquired.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for inserting sync bytes into a video transport stream. More specifically, there is provided a method comprising determining a parsing procedure supported by a first set top box, appending a first transport packet to comply with the parsing procedure of the first set top box, and transmitting the first transport packet to the first set top box.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and system for receiving in a set-top-box a signal including a conditionally accessible content and encoded based on a first audio/video encoding standard (AVES); conditionally accessing the content of the signal in set-top-box based on predetermined access criteria; transmitting the content to a device external to the set-top-box; transcoding the content by the device from the first audio/video encoding standard to a second AVES; and providing the transcoded content to the set-top-box. In another embodiment, an apparatus including a set-top-box including a conditional accessing logic to access the content of a signal; and a set-top-box housing including an opening to allow interfacing between set-top-box and a transcoder system, the transcoder system to receive the content from the set-top-box via the opening, to transcode the content from a first AVES to a second AVES, and to provide the transcoded content to set-top-box via the opening.

Abstract: In an information-processing system shown in FIG. 1, a server (106) for delivering remote-operation control information in accordance with an audio/video instrument (110) and an information-processing apparatus (103) with a remote-operation screen display function for remote-controlling the audio/video instrument (110) based on control information acquired from this server (106) are connected to each other through the Internet (105) etc. The information-processing apparatus (103) makes a request to the server (106) to deliver the remote-operation control information in accordance with this audio/video instrument (110) and, based on the control information delivered from the server (106) owing to this delivery request, performs display processing of a remote-operation screen and, based on remote-operation information input by operations on the remote-operation screen, remote-controls the audio/video instrument (110).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of receiver networks. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM), a primary set-top terminal (STT), and at least one point of deployment module. The point of deployment module communicates with the primary STT via the SIM over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the point of deployment module and connected television utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary STT via the networked multimedia system.

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 multimode physical (MMP) layer circuit for physical (PHY) layer handling of signals transported over a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable in a home multimedia network, wherein the signals are compliant with at least two different PHY layer modes. The MMP layer circuits comprises a plurality of PHY transceivers respectively coupled to a plurality of TP channels of the HDMI cable through a HDMI connector, wherein each PHY transceiver of the plurality of PHY transceivers handles signals transported over its respective TP channel according to a PHY layer mode of the transported signals; and a controller is coupled to the HDMI connector and to each of the plurality of PHY transceivers, the controller recognizes the PHY layer mode of signals transported over each of the plurality of TP channels and sets each of the plurality of PHY transceivers according to the recognized PHY layer mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating between two devices, wherein these devices receive a signal requesting a second device to play a first broadcast audio/video content being played by a first device. The method comprises a step of generating a fingerprint of the first broadcast audio/video content being played on said first device and a series of fingerprints of a series of broadcast audio/video contents received by the second device; and a step of identifying said first broadcast audio/video content from said series of broadcast audio/video contents in accordance with said fingerprint of the first broadcast audio/video content and said series of fingerprints.

Abstract: To provide a technology of properly specifying a process target frame in a dynamic image in accordance with a user's instruction. A frame specifying device plays a dynamic image, receives, when a user performs an operation of instructing execution of a process about a partial scene in the dynamic image, an instruction signal based on the user's operation, and specifies, as triggered by receiving the instruction signal, a frame under the play or a frame distanced by a predetermined length of time from the frame under the play as the process target frame when receiving the instruction signal in the frames constructing the dynamic image.

Abstract: A method for preventing disconnection of an audio/video stream in a home network includes: a step in which a renderer connected to a server requests A/V streams; a step in which the server judges whether A/V streams can be outputted in response to the request from the renderer; and a step in which the server provides the A/V streams to the renderer sequentially or simultaneously if the A/V stream can be outputted, or outputting a server unavailableness message to the renderer if the server judges that the A/V streams can not be outputted. Without a memory, even though plural renderers are simultaneously or sequentially connected to the server, an abnormal image is prevented from being outputted, so that a service user can be provided with an image without disconnection.

Abstract: An interactive communication system (400) includes a plurality of in-room video communications system (1250) each including an audio microphone (460), a video camera (440), an audio speaker (470), a patient operated control (420) and a television/video monitor (430). The message sender, e.g. a medical professional, enters a request to contact a selected patient at a terminal (190). A hierarchical access control (130, 135) arbitrates among persons trying to reach a patient based on an accesses hierarchy (200). The requester with the highest role in the hierarchy establishes a video communication link with the patient and appears on the television monitor (430) in place of previously viewed video entertainment.

Abstract: A method for controlling a video system wherein the nearest display apparatus is selected by detecting a distance to each of a plurality of display apparatuses and information regarding the nearest display apparatus is transmitted to another video apparatus allowing a user apparatus to select the nearest display apparatus without additional input.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products describe a video overlay processor connected to a system data bus and to a media bus. The video overlay processor superimposes a first audio-visual signal over a second audio-visual signal to produce a superimposed signal and sends the superimposed signal to the system data bus. A network bus connects to the system data bus and receives the superimposed signal. A data switch connects to the network bus, receives the superimposed signal, and sends the superimposed signal to one or more switch ports of the data switch.

Abstract: In an information-processing system shown in FIG. 1, a server (106) for delivering remote-operation control information in accordance with an audio/video instrument (110) and an information-processing apparatus (103) with a remote-operation screen display function for remote-controlling the audio/video instrument (110) based on control information acquired from this server (106) are connected to each other through the Internet (105) etc. The information-processing apparatus (103) makes a request to the server (106) to deliver the remote-operation control information in accordance with this audio/video instrument (110) and, based on the control information delivered from the server (106) owing to this delivery request, performs display processing of a remote-operation screen and, based on remote-operation information input by operations on the remote-operation screen, remote-controls the audio/video instrument (110).

Abstract: The present system provides a website for distributing a plurality of content data streams converted into a common format, wherein each content data stream is encrypted and transmission of the content data stream is a function of available transmission rates to a given remote device.

Abstract: System for remote management of at least one audiovisual information reproduction device comprising a host server (10) connected to each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), the host server (10) comprising a database (11) containing management information for each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), characterized in that the host server (10) also comprises an “Internet” site manager (12) communicating with the database (11), and comprising a number of screens (200 to 1010), at least one first screen (200) comprising a popup menu displaying the list of audiovisual information reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n), validating the choice of each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) causing the display of a first series of screens (900, 1010) that the operator can use to modify the operating parameters of at least one selected audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the distribution of both computer and home entertainment information. Computer and home entertainment audio-visual sources are distributed to displays throughout a house, and any of the sources can be viewed from any of the displays. Computers and televisions are integrated while allowing the computers and the televisions to be located in separate rooms of the house, thereby minimizing the need to co-locate items or to install additional wiring. The computer and home entertainment sources may be located in a single area and distributed to various receivers throughout the house. Multiple users may share any given information source. The entertainment and computer sources are connected to a single information hub that distributes the various source signals to remote receivers. Users may view any of the sources from any receiver in the house, and multiple different users may view different sources from any receivers in the house.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

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: A system for transmitting and receiving image and audio data that is information on any of image and audio has a transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus. The transmission apparatus transmits the image and audio data using a multi-channel communication system and includes a first protocol conversion device. The reception apparatus receives the image and audio data using the multi-channel communication system and includes a second protocol conversion device. The transmission apparatus performs data conversion processing on the image and audio data by the first protocol conversion device using a protocol to produce parallel image and audio data, and transmits it to the reception apparatus using the multi-channel communication system. The reception apparatus receives the parallel data to perform data conversion processing on the parallel data using the protocol by the second protocol conversion device to return to the image and audio data.

Abstract: A home multimedia network comprises a plurality of source nodes, wherein each of the source nodes includes an apparatus for concurrently transmitting and receiving high-speed data services; a plurality of sink nodes, wherein each of the sink nodes includes the apparatus for concurrently transmitting and receiving high-speed data services; a switch for connecting a first group of the plurality of source nodes located at one room to one or more sink nodes located at a different room than the first group of source nodes, the first group of source nodes and the one or more sink nodes are connected to the switch through a twisted-pair cable, the high-speed data services are concurrently transported over the twisted-pair cable, wherein the high-speed data services include at least uncompressed multimedia data, Ethernet data, and Universal Serial Bus data

Abstract: A video distribution system includes a local network interface operable to modulate video data to frequency blocks for communication via a local network. A first frequency block of the frequency blocks is associated with a first user. The video distribution system also includes a metrics engine operable to track at least one metric associated with the first user based on the video data modulated to the first frequency block.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing audiovisual content on a network, and methods of transferring the audiovisual content between devices attached to the network. The methods involve accepting user input, at a first output device that is outputting audiovisual content, to select a second output device from the output devices associated with the network and subsequently outputting the audiovisual content on the second output device that is selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing audiovisual content on a network, and methods of transferring the audiovisual content between devices attached to the network. The methods involve accepting user input, at a first output device that is outputting audiovisual content, to select a second output device from the output devices associated with the network and subsequently outputting the audiovisual content on the second output device that is selected.

Abstract: Embodiments of a secure module recorder system and method for securing recording and storing of information is provided. The system may include at least one secure module and a docking station having at least one receptacle for holding one of the secure modules. The secure module may include a tamper-resistant case, an input port for receiving an analog signal, a recording circuit for converting the analog signal into digitally formatted data, a memory device for storing the digitally formatted data, a playback circuit for reading the digitally formatted data from the memory device and converting the digitally formatted data into an analog playback signal, and an output port for transmitting the analog playback signal. The docking station may further include a first interface for receiving the analog signal from an external device and a second interface disposed within the receptacle for interfacing with the input port of the secure module.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a transmission unit, a command processing unit, an acquisition unit, a first determination unit, a second determination unit, and a control unit. The second determination unit determines whether a first physical address acquired from the external apparatus by the acquisition unit matches a second physical address included in a second command received by the command processing unit. The control unit controls the command processing unit to transmit the first command including the first physical address to the external apparatus if it is determined that the first physical address matches the second physical address.

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 central switch is linked to at least one field video station (FVS) and at least one remote specialist video station (SVS) via a communication network, typically the Internet. Each FVS station includes a medical device associated with a patient and operated by an operator. The medical device generates patient test data. A two-way audio system is installed in the station. A video camera provides an overview of the FVS. A local computer executes software for processing patient and camera data as streaming video for transmission to the network along with two-way audio. Each SVS includes a processor for receiving, converting and displaying the streaming video along with receiving and transmitting two-way audio. The FVS and the SVS interact via the network after the specialist registers with a management system in the central switch, and is selected by the technician.

Abstract: A method of controlling a media processing apparatus connected to a plurality of terminal devices involves a first terminal device controlling the media processing apparatus and providing an error message to a second terminal that attempts to control the media processing apparatus while the first terminal is already controlling the media processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure transfer and playback of multimedia content enables the secure transfer of multimedia content from a digital video recorder (DVR) to a personal computer (PC) and further to a handheld device. A DVR determines which devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) are authorized to share and/or retrieve content from the DVR. The DVR receives a connection request from a PC on the LAN, authorizes the connection request and establishes a secure connection between the DVR and the PC. Once the secure connection is established, the DVR receives a request for multimedia content from the PC, prepares the multimedia content for transfer and transfers the multimedia content to the PC.

Abstract: A receiver that can receive several initial signals modulated in a same initial frequency band and/or distinct initial frequency bands and generate a signal modulated in a transmission band to be transmitted on a coaxial cable, comprising a selector that can select several signals from among the received signals; for each selected signal, a mixer capable of transforming the selected signal into a signal at least partly in the transmission band, and a filter capable of extracting from the transformed signal a signal associated with a portion of the transmission band from among several at least partly distinct portions of the transmission band; and means for forming the signal modulated in the transmission band from signals associated with the transmission band portions.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

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

Abstract: A 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.